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Work on the Implementation of the EU Eco-label Scheme in the Areas of Marketing

Support and Presentations

Community of VALENCIA, Spain 10.–12. April 2007

Info-Report

April, 2007

Rainer Stifter, Energon

Ana Moreno, pro sustainability

Annex 7

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Result

Type of activity:

Presentations and consulting of the EU Ecolabel for tourist accommodation services and

camp site services in the area of Valencia Community (Alicante, Valencia and Castellón), ES

at eight hotels in two and half days in co-operation with the Competent Body Joaquin Niclós

Ferragut.

Consulting of Hotel Ambassador Playa I y II, Cámping ARENA BLANCA, Hotel AGH Canet,

Hotel Residencial Vent de Mar, Hotel Residencia Jaume I, Gran Hotel Las Fuentes.

Final meeting with Competent Body.

Where:

- Hotel Ambassador Playa I y II (Meeting together Hotel Presidente), Benidorm

(Alicante)

- Cámping ARENA BLANCA, Benidorm (Alicante)

- Hotel AGH Canet, Canet D´En Berenguer (Valencia)

- Hotel Residencial Vent de Mar, Puerto de Sagunto (Valencia)

- Hotel Residencia Jaume I, Canet D´En Berenguer (Valencia)

- Gran Hotel Las Fuentes, (Meeting together Gran Hotel Peñíscola), Alcosseber

(Castellón)

- Final Meeting with Competent Body and team, Centro de Tecnologías Limpias,

Paterna (Valencia)

Date: 10, 11 and 12 April 2007

In August 2006 the EU marketing team contacted the Spanish Competent Body in Valencia

for a promotion event in the area of Valencia. The main focus was to spread for the first time

information about the EU Ecolabel for tourist accommodations services and camp site

services. In one presentation, organised by the Competent Body Joaquin Niclós Ferragut in

co-operation with Ana Moreno from the marketing team, hotels, camp site owners and

stakeholders were informed on the advantages of the EU Flower. After the meeting some

hotels and camp sites showed interest in eco-checks and more detailed information.

In February 2007 we contacted all the participants of the presentation again to organize eco-

checks on-site for promoting the interest in the application of the EU Ecolabel. There were 12

applications from new interested hotels and camp sites to take advantage of our program.

We organized six on-site visits from participating seven hotels and one camp site. As the

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local authorities had no experience and no capacities to do it themselves, we supported the

Competent Body with our know-how and try to guide the administration and implementation

of the EU Ecolabel through his Department, some European Countries implementation

based. We contacted also all the three regional agencies for the tourism enterprises. We

concluded the visits with a final meeting by the Competent Body and his team. We hoped

also the participation from the regional tourism department responsible, but he had an

unanticipated meeting in Brussels at the same time. We discussed about the bureaucracy for

the implementation process, verification of the documentation, benefits and aids of the EU

Ecolabel for the new applications and gave some examples from other regions.

The main goal of the presentations and Eco-checks were

− Presenting the EU Ecolabel in detail to relevant stakeholders on site and studied

concreted case

− Raise the level of recognition among tourism enterprises owner and staff

− Find interest tourist companies to apply for the EU Ecolabel

− Find co-operation partners in tourist and hotel associations to co-operate in the

future and to find applicants

We distributed following promotional material (in Spanish and English language):

− Where to stay guide for tourist accommodation services

− Eco-label brochures

− Fact sheets for tourist accommodation services

− Commission decision

− Give-aways

− Starter kits

Description of the Region Valencia The Valencia Region is one of the most developed in tourism in Spain. The tourist activity

constitutes one of the most relevant sectors for the Valencia economy. This is reflected in the

evolution of the tourist Valencia GDP. In the Valencia Community, it has passed of

representing 12, 9 % in 2003 to 13, and 8 % in 2005. The Valencia Community is the first

one of Spain in receipt of interior tourism and the third one as for the foreign tourism.

In 2005 more than 23 millions of overnight stays were registered in its territory, 9,5 % of the

whole in Spain. In the last years the rural tourism on the zones of interior has experienced a

very notable development.

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Program of Visits

10 April 2007, Tuesday

10:30-14:30 Hotel Ambassador Playa I y II (participan Hotel residente, Ind. Hotel. del Med.(*))

Ramón Mártinez, UE Eco-label, CTL, ReMa

C/ Gerona, 39-41 03501 BENIDORM Alicante Spain Tel.: Tel.: 965 85 14 18 /965 85 2989 (R.Martinez) http://www.hotelesbenidorm.com/index3.htm

17:00-20:00 Cámping ARENA BLANCA Inmaculada Orizaola, UE Eco-label, CTL, ReMa

Av. Doctor Severo Ochoa, 44 03503 BENIDORM, Tel: 96 586 18 89 http://www.camping-arenablanca.es/

11 April 2007, Wednesday

9:30-13:30 AGH Canet Rafael Sanchís, UE Eco-label, CTL, ASECAM, ReMa

C/Mare Nostrum, 75, 46529 Canet D´En Berenguer (Valencia) Tel: 963 816 000 www.sh-hoteles.com

14:00-17:00 Hotel Residencial Vent de Mar

José Alfonso Quesada, UE Eco-label, CTL, ASECAM, ReMa

C/ Isla de Córcega 6, 46520 Puerto de Sagunto, Valencia · Tel 96 269 80 84 http://www.hotelventdemar.com

17:15-20:00 Hotel Residencia Jaume I Emilio Martí, UE Eco-label, CTL, ASECAM, ReMa

C/ Guillem de Castro, 2, 46529 Canet D´En Berenguer (Valencia) Tel:96 260 79 67 http://www.residenciajaimei.com/

12 April, Thursday

9:30-13:30 Gran Hotel Las Fuentes Mayte Macho, UE Eco-label, CTL, ReMa

Urb. Las Fuentes, s/n 1279 Alcossebre (Castellón) Tel: 964 41 44 00 / Fax: 964 41 25 53 http://www.fantasia-hoteles.com/home.php

Programme

• Presentation of the European Ecolabel (Benefits, Fees, Process, …) to owner, director and staff

• Visit the hotel or camp site installations • Eco-check based on the criteria of the EU Ecolabel

Speakers for the EU Ecolabel

• Rainer Stifter, Energon on behalf of the EU Commission • Ana Moreno, pro sustainability on behalf of the EU Commission

Organisation and invitation:

The visit was organised by pro sustainability with the collaboration from the Competent Body

Joaquin Niclós Ferragut.

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Result:

17 persons participated in these presentations. The participants were representatives from

tourist accommodation services and camp sites, tourist association and hotel association. It

has to be underlined that information about the EU Ecolabel was spread for the second time

(for most people for the fist time) in this region and that participants could get detailed

information and own examples on-site for the first time. Main interest was in the practical

implementation of the individual criteria and financial incentives for going for the flower. After

the Eco-check we expected three enterprises to enjoy soon the EU Ecolabel, because of the

high motivation of the owner and staff and because of the present required documentation

were currently available.

At the final meeting the process of the verification of the EU Ecolabel was discussed by the

Competent Body, who defended that the written presented documentation is enough to

complain, due to costsaving of the verification for the enterprises. The application fee is not

allowed in the region to use to contract auditors for the verification on-site. We gave some

examples from other countries to show the possibility to pay the auditor with the application

fee. We remained to give support on the future for every problem in process.

Consulting of the Hotel Ambassador Playa I and II This hotel is owned by Hoteles Benidorm, that belongs three hotels (Ambassador I ,

Ambassador II and Hotel President) The contact person of the Hoteles Benidorm, Ramón

Mártinez, organised the visit on-site for Ambassador I and II. The director from Hotel

Presidente, Rabah Kherroubi participated too. The hotel Ambassador director, Lisa Davis,

gave us detailed information about the hotel. The quality manager from the Regional Hotels

and Camp Sites Association (HOSBEC), Mr. Mayte Garcia, also participated in the meeting.

Hoteles Benidorm has about 50 employees. Hotel Ambassador I and II had about 400

rooms. By today the hotel may pass the Ecolabel criteria in both categories, after high

documentation effort and some improvements related mandatory and optional criteria (waste

management information, one-portion products). Therefore decision will be taken by director

Ramón Martinez, who if they agree to EU Ecolabel wants to apply for all three hotels of

Hoteles Benidorm. We will contact again the hotel director and send some information about

EU Ecolabel to motivate further.

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Mr. Stifter explains the benefits of the EU Ecolabel Mrs. Moreno and Mr. Rainer give some detailed information and answer the

question from Mrs. Davis and Mr. Kherroubi refered to criteria

Mr. Stifter explains the mandatory criteria to air condition to Ms. Davis Information about low water consumption is very important in the region

Solar collectors for warm water in Ambassador I and II Mr. Stifter, Ms. Davis and Ms. Moreno

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Consulting of the Camping Arena Blanca This camp site with 10 employees is owned by Paco Delgado. The contact person of the

camping was Immaculada Oriazola, who is responsible for Quality and Environmental

protection. The camping has been certified on ISO 9000 and ISO 14.001. Therefore they

have a very good documentation and compliance for the European Ecolabel as well. They

have a high motivation to participate in the EU Ecolabel and declared intention to improve

the council measures for the environmental management on the City of Benidorm. They want

to be best case example for other camp sites and they agreed to exchange internal

information with other camp services to benchmarking. There were no problems to comply

with the EU Ecolabel criteria, but by now, they have not yet applied to the EU Ecolabel. We

will contact the director Paco Delgado again and send some information to support the

application.

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Guest Information panel about waste recycling at the Camping Arena

Blanca

Mr. Delgado explains the guest information about save washing agent.

Mr. Stifter explains the mandatory criteria to air condition to Mr. Delgado Water treatment installation

Solar Collectors for warm water in the Camping Arena Blanca Mrs. Oriazola and Mr. Delgado

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Consulting of the Hotel AGH This hotel is owned by AGH Hoteles Group, Director Rafael Sanchís, which has 40

employees. The contact person of the Hotel AGH was Evelyn Azpur, quality manager. Mayte

Hidalgo from ASECAM (Association of regional enterprises) that took part in the meeting

also, because she co-ordinates the regional activities for enterprises and was very kindly to

contact the hotels for the eco-check for us.

The hotel is very new and they account for the environmental technologies like solar panels

for warm water for example. They have about 150 rooms and principally national guests.

By today the hotel may pass the Ecolabel criteria in both categories, after documentation

effort and some improvements like waste management information. Therefore decision will

be taken by director Rafael Sanchís, which we will contact for further information about the

decision to apply the EU Ecolabel.

Ms. Azpur, Mr. Hidalgo, Ms. Moreno and Mr. Stifter in our presentation

about EU Ecolabel on site

Mr. Dir.Rafael Sanchís and his chef as we asked him for the waste

management in the Kitchen and the fume cupboard system.

The Cleaning personal responsible shows us the compliance of the

mandatory criteria of the staff training for disinfectant and detergent usage.

Ms. Azpur show us the information about low water consumption and water

saving.

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Consulting of the Hotel Resindencia Vent de Mar This hotel is owned by José Alonso Quesada, which has about 20 employees. The contact

person of the Hotel Vent de Mar, the hotel governor, Irene Böhnke, organised the visit on-site

for the hotel. Mayte Hidalgo from ASECAM (Association of regional enterprises) hat took part

in the meeting also. Hotel Vent de Mar has about 75 rooms. They want to reduce hotel costs

with the implementation of environmental criteria principally.

By today the hotel may be pass the Ecolabel criteria in both categories, after high

documentation effort and some improvements like waste separation information and

ecological cleaning products. We will contact Mrs. Böhnke to check actually decision and

interest to apply the EU Ecolabel.

Saving Detergent Consumption also complys at the Hotel AGH Mr. Director Rafael Sanchís and Ms. Evelyn Azpur. Behind right

Mr. Joaquín Niclós Comepent Body” for Valencia Community

Ms. Moreno explains Mrs. Böhnke the benefits of the EU Ecolabel Mr. Rainer give some detailed information and answered the question from

Mrs. Böhnke and her technical responsible referred to criteria

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Consulting of the Hotel Reseindecia Jaume I This hotel is owned by Ainsa Grupo, Director Emilio Martí, which has about 60 employees.

The contact person of the hotel, Emilio Martí, organised the visit on-site. Mayte Hidalgo from

ASECAM (Association of regional enterprises) took part in the meeting also Hotel Residencia

Jaume I is a very new and innovative apart-hotel concept for retirees’ guests, who want to

stay for seasons (an few months) in this hotel close to Valencia at the beach. The hotel offer

about 200 rooms and 20 apartments with also medical personal qualification. The hotel

director shows us his environmental high motivation and his intention to apply for the EU

Ecolabel. By today the hotel pass the EU Ecolabel criteria in both categories, after

documentation effort and some minor improvements, like waste separation information.

Therefore decision will be taken by the Group Ainsa. We will contact director Emilio Martí for

future intention about EU Ecolabel.

Mr. Stifter explains the mandatory criteria to use of

‘disposable products for soap

Mr. Stifter explains the mandatory criteria to use of small packaging for

the restaurant.

No Solar Collectors for warm water in Hotel Vent de Mar Ms. Irene Böhnke, hotel governor.

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Mr. Stifter explains the mandatory criteria of the staff information for

disinfectant and detergent usage

Mrs. Moreno and Mr. Rainer explains the mandatory criteria to saving

energy lamps

Mr. Stifter ask the technical responsible about regenerations heating from

the solar collector installation and the gas heating installation

Mr. Stifter explains about the information for saving water

The Apart Hotel is right now opened Mr. Director Emilio Martí and Ms. Mayte Hidalgo (ASECAM)

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Consulting of the Gran Hotel Las Fuentes This hotel is owned by Hoteles Fantasia, Director Francisco Ribera, which has about 50

employees. The contact person of the Gran Hotel Las Fuentes, was Mayte Macho, Fantasia

Hotels. The director Francisco Ribera and two qualities responsible participated in the

meeting, including the one from Gran Hotel Peñíscola.

The Hotel is a very big one and is situated in an ecological sensible area at the

Mediterranean coast. They have old installations and no experience with environmental

technologies like solar panels for warm water for example. They have about 207 rooms.

By today the hotel may pass the EU Ecolabel criteria in both categories, after high

documentation effort and improvements like waste information, ecological cleaning products,

water consumption information and one-portion products. Therefore decision will be taken by

Hotels Fantasia Group. We will contact them to give some information and to check actually

intention.

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Ms. Moreno explains the benefits from the EU Ecolabel to quality

esponsible Ms. Ana, Mr. Vicente and Mr. Director Francisco Ribera on-site

Mr. Stifter explains waste management criteria about the small packages at

the bathrooms.

Quality responsible Mr. Vicente shows us the cleaning product used,

which does not meet the mandatory criteria.

Information about saving of towels use.

Information about ecologically cleaning and disinfectants are a very big

problem in Spanish hotels

Right Mr. Director Francisco Ribera and quality responsible Mr.Vicente, in

the middle quality responsible Ms. Ana from Gran Hotel Peñíscola.

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Future activities

We had a first step, introduction, through a presentation event at September 2006 together with the Competent Body. They heard for the very first time about EU Ecolabel on tourism sector and the way to apply for the EU Ecolabel. There were some interested enterprises. That was happened in September 2006 On the second step, promotion, we visited eight hotels and camp sites to check their compliance to the EU Ecolabel and to stimulate the application too. We wanted to visit the Hilton Hotel, but it was on technical revision works before opening, therefore the visit was cancelled. They have already opened and they have still interest on the EU Ecolabel. They could be a good first mover for Valencia. The visited hotels and camp sites still keep the EU Ecolabel in mind, but there is not a final decision to apply yet. That was happened in April 2007. On the future we plan a third step, consolidation, with the promotion of the “first movers” by the administration and the stabilisation from networking between the administration, hotels/camp sites associations, tours operators and hotels and camp sites. All that will be part of a regional event to official award the “first movers” with the EU Ecolabel. This is planned for February 2008.