Julio Perna's family

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Protect the environment, and assist the local community.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Pousada da Vigia seeks a continuous improvement in its operations, and is committed to local sustainable tourism practices.

The Inn observes the principles of the ‘Charming Destination Association', which promotes the rational use of natural resources, and the preservation of local culture. It seeks to use tourism to ensure the quality of life of the local people in the community. The association is also an affiliate member of the Business Council for UNWTO.

Some of the work that Pousada da Vigia embark on as part of their sustainable tourism vision includes environmental protection measures such as:

- Sewage system treatment on-site
- Waste reduction and recycling
- Energy saving devices used throughout the hotel, including low energy lamps
- Housekeeping using bio-degradable cleaning products
- Use of solar heating for swimming pool

They also seek to spread the benefits of tourism to the local community through:

- Provide employment and training for people from surrounding community nearby
- Promotes local culture through the sale of locally produced crafts within the hotel
- Tries to educate guests about the importance of the local ecological hikes, plus historical and cultural tours
- Is part of the Bem Receber program, where training and developing local employers is the main objective, achieved through teaching about environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues. This is then utilised to promote sustainable tourism at the grassroots level.

Third Party Verification: 

Bem Receber (Brazil)