Driven as we are at Almyra by heart, soul and substance, sustainable tourism and corporate social responsibility have long been woven into our DNA. That’s why we are thrilled to announce we have been awarded the Travelife Gold certification – an internationally recognised award scheme for independently audited hotels that have attained the highest standards of environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.
The Travelife Gold Certification
Travelife, established in 2007, promotes sustainable practices within the travel and tourism industry. Achieving the Travelife Gold certification, Travelife’s highest award, required Almyra to undergo a detailed independent audit – and meet over 150 sustainability criteria – across all aspects of operations including energy efficiency, water and waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, fair labour practices, community relations and animal welfare.
Reducing Emissions
When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint at Almyra, we leave no stone unturned. We use water-saving bathroom fixtures, timers for plant watering, dual flush toilets and encourage the reuse of towels. Our energy-saving initiatives extend to photovoltaic panels – which meet 40% of Almyra’s energy requirements – as well as motion light sensors, LED light fixtures, a heat recovery system and energy-efficient chillers and AC units. Almyra also operates a paperless system as well as recycling programmes for plastics, metals, cartons, glass, batteries, toners and cooking oil.
Conserving Biodiversity
We believe that the nature that surrounds our hotel is not only ours to enjoy but ours to protect. We work with local conservation projects to promote the protection of natural habitats and wildlife. Almyra is also a certified member of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, which champions environmental preservation and protection, the sensible use of natural resources, and improved social and economic conditions of marginalised rural communities.
Upholding Fair Labour Practices
We are deeply committed to human rights and fair labour practices. We always ensure that our employees place of work is safe and respectful, that they are paid fairly, and have access to professional development opportunities.
Supporting the Local Economy
We understand how important it is to boost the local economy, by working with local suppliers and employing from within the community. We prioritise the employment of local talent and encourage our employees to engage in volunteer work. Additionally, we offer hands-on work experience to students, donate to organisations like the Sophia Foundation to support vulnerable local individuals, and collaborate with Round Table 7 Paphos to provide postgraduate level scholarships to students facing financial hardship. On the culinary side, we actively source locally produced goods: citrus fruit from the Polis area; meats from Paphos farms and charcuteries; potatoes from Larnaca’s red soil; organic raw honey and syrups from Limassol; a daily fresh Mediterranean catch from local fishermen plus local Cypriot eggs, herbs, legumes, olive oil, vinegars, capers, vine leaves and more.
Celebrating Local Culture
We love to celebrate local architectural styles and offer genuine cultural experiences at our hotels. Collaborating with local craftspeople and cultural groups, we ensure our guests enjoy an immersive experience, helping to preserve our region’s cultural heritage. Since 2017, we have sponsored and hosted more than 40 different events that have given dozens of local artists—in the fields of photography, painting, sculpture, ceramics, writing and more—the opportunity to present their work to the public.
Safeguarding Animal Welfare
Of course, we have strict policies to prevent animal exploitation of any kind and ensure that any guest activities involving animals are ethical and respectful. Our hotels are dog-friendly and in 2019 we established SIMBA Animal Aid: a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue of neglected or abandoned local animals, providing care and finding forever homes for around 400 strays a year.
Communicating with Guests
We inform guests about our initiatives, offer tips on sustainable practices, and encourage their feedback. We see it as our role to inspire everyone with our long-term commitment to sustainability.
Benefits for All
We believe that Almyra’s Travelife Gold certification is more than an achievement for us; it’s a broader shift towards responsible tourism that benefits everyone. For our guests, it means the comfort of staying in a hotel that align with their values, and sleeping safe in the knowledge that they are contributing to a more sustainable world. For local communities, it means working with a hotel that respects their rights, culture, and environment. It also sets a benchmark in the industry, encouraging other hotels to follow in our footsteps, weaving an ever-growing tapestry of environmental conservation, social responsibility and ethical business practices that benefits the world.
Learn more about our sustainability practices
here.