January 20, 2015
CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announces the launch of United Eco-Skies® Vacations, a new travel program that provides United customers with vacation options that incorporate sustainability and environmental responsibility into their getaways. The airline is working with The Mark Travel Corporation, exclusive tour operator for United Vacations, and long-time partner and global nonprofit organization Sustainable Travel International to launch the vacation program. The program is being piloted in Costa Rica, a destination known for its stunning beaches and breathtaking rain forests, as well as its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
"United understands the importance of protecting the cultural, economic and environmental integrity of the destinations we serve," says Angela Foster-Rice, United's managing director of global environmental affairs and sustainability. "We're committed to long-term environmental stewardship, and this program encourages and promotes responsible travel to ensure these destinations remain attractive places to live, work and visit for generations."
Customers can visit the United Vacations website where they can select "Sustainable travel" under the "Specialty vacations" section. From there customers can choose from four resort properties that have been evaluated by Sustainable Travel International as maintaining environmentally sustainable practices in accordance with recognized standards. Customers will also have the option to purchase CarbonChoice carbon offsets associated with their travel. After the initial pilot program, United, Sustainable Travel International and The Mark Travel Corporation plan to expand Eco-Skies Vacations to more eco-friendly destinations outside of Costa Rica.
The Westin Playa Conchal Golf Resort and Spa, situated on Costa Rica's magnificent North Pacific Riviera, boasts 99 acres of dry forest dedicated to protection of the local environment and is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified.
The Tabacon Grand Spa, nestled in a lush Costa Rican rainforest that has been described as "the eighth wonder of the world," has achieved the Luxury Eco Certification Standard and offers flora and fauna protection, wastewater treatment and workshops on the natural surroundings.
Costa Rica's Barcelo Langosta Beach Hotel in Tamarindo is located on a stunning beach and surrounded by natural beauty in the northwest part of the country. Some of the resort's sustainability highlights include tree planting, programs for saving water and electricity and communal infrastructure projects. The Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa, located in the province of Guanacaste, puts guests in a perfect spot for exploring and offers products for purchase to support the local economy and educational programs that support and protect the local ecosystem. Both hotels are certified by the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program.
For more information on United's Eco-Skies Vacations, visit http://vacations.united.com/specials/eco-skies.aspx.
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,055 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 50 new Embraer 175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.
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SOURCE United Airlines