SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS MORE THAN A MORAL OBLIGATION

Social responsibility is not only a moral and an economic obligation as most in the hospitality industry claim. It is a genuine commitment and one of our strongest values. We are convinced that our future guests will share these values.

With the trend towards better and more sustainable vacations, travelers will be more consciously choosing destinations, spend wisely and purposefully to make a positive impact on the world. Their preferences will go to hotels providing revenue for much-needed cultural and environmental preservation and with an inclination for unique experiences that give back to local communities in a meaningful way.

In addition, with the impact of Covid, vacationers will go where they can support the local communities, in the hope that their trips help them recover from the different waves of lock-down.

In developing our sustainability strategy, it became clear that fostering a culture of giving back to the communities was one of the main objectives.

"Our ethical and social responsibility approach is simple: educate our staff, care for our people, contribute to our communities and utmost respect for the environment."

EDUCATION: OUR STAFF IS THE AMBASSADOR OF OUR VISION

As Brazil’s Northeast region continues to develop its tourism potential, there is an urgent need to support the local community with ongoing employment and training opportunities. Many local workers only speak Portuguese and are unused to international levels of service. In their current jobs they may be subject to erratic employment terms or be hired on a seasonal basis.

Our targets are to create secure jobs that bring in an income all year round, guarantee diversity in recruitment, and ensure training to create a competitive workforce. Our aim is to promote fair labour practices and safe working conditions throughout our supply chain.

"We will offer attractive salaries, training to prepare the staff for an international clientele, and ensure men and women are given equal opportunity and pay."

The staff is the first link of the environmental sustainability chain, and without their daily support it is impossible to integrate a waste-control policy, as well as any power-saving measures and many other sustainable actions.

To ensure compliance to COVID-19 safety and hygiene requirements, a series of virtual COVID-19 tutorials have to be completed, followed-up by exams. And since well-being is critical, a dedicated space is envisioned to ensure staff relaxation in between the shifts.

CARE FOR OUR PEOPLE

The local population plays a very important role in the program as we address our efforts towards the protection of the local culture and traditions, and that they are deeply involved in the immersive and authentic experiences proposed to the guests.

The partnership built with the non-profit organisation ArteSol for the decoration and artwork throughout the resort and villas allows raising awareness about the local culture and craftsmanship. Arts and crafts are displayed throughout the rooms and communal spaces of the resort. Guests can support the artisans by purchasing any items they like the look of.

INCLUSION AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

This pillar includes actions aimed at giving back to and supporting our local communities. It is amazing to see how effective it is to work with the local community on various initiatives and supporting social programs. The impact on the social and economic progress of our surroundings is significant.

In partnership with two other hotels, Prime Suites is setting up a micro accounting company to assist local farmers who must currently issue a Nota Fiscal (Brazilian tax invoice) to legally sell their produce. Raising these invoices is prohibitively expensive for many. Our company will therefore provide them with free cloud-based accounting services, including a smartphone app, to overcome this hurdle. Furthermore, Prime Suites aims to buy as much products from neighbouring areas as possible so that producers may benefit from the revenue generated by our hotel operations.

"Our farm-to-plate dining concept has been designed to support local communities and farms, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of the property."

Sponsorship is another part of our ethos. We are currently financially supporting the Metanoia Project, a children’s organisation based in Ceará. Created in early 2020, the general idea is to welcome the most vulnerable children who have been abandoned or have left their homes, and train them to become athletes and fully responsible citizens. This association goes a long way to provide early childhood care which is so dearly needed in our community.

According to the founders, the kiteboarder Leandro Santos, known as Leco, and his wife Pri, professional lifestyle photographer, the project is maintained with donations and allows children to have numerous activities, such as cultural and arts education, sports and English classes.

RESPECT OUR ENVIRONMENT

To offer our future guests a luxury stay without reservations, we designed a carbon-neutral, 90% waste-free resort. In addition, the plastic usage is reduced to minimum, and guests will be given the chance to offset CO2 emissions of their flights by supporting our Prime Suite reforestation project in the Amazonia.

"Our mission is ongoing, our commitment unwavering"

For more information about Prime Suites in Brazil, check out our website and become part of our tribe

Jessica Sturzenegger

President of the Board

www.myprimesuites.com