Innovation

Cabañas Huerta la Mision rents directly to customers, or through platforms such as Booking and Expedia; they are participating to be a sustainable company.

Chemical pesticides are not used within the facilities, to avoid contaminating fruit trees, water, flora, and fauna. They use natural products to combat fruit tree pests that attack fruit and flowers. They also control pests of animals that eat the roots of trees.

The reforestation method consists of the removal of dry trees and the planting of new pines, which are typical of the climate of the place such as tulia, cypress, fir, oak, and white cedar among others. Inside the cabins, the plastic packaging for supplies and water bottles has been eliminated, in the same way they eliminated the soft drinks from plastic packaging. In all the rooms they have implemented the change of light bulbs to savers and have placed a sign on each switch asking the guest to turn off the light. Another action they implemented is to remove the conventional lights from the common areas and replace them with solar panels.

Something that seemed very important to us is the request that they make to the guests so that the towels requested by them are not washed daily during their stay (if it's more than one day). This to use less water, energy, and detergents. The place has implemented that all bedding as well as dishes, kitchen utensils, etc., are washed with biodegradable soap.

Inspiration

Talking with Cristina, she tells us that she appreciates nature very much since it transmits peace and tranquility, which is why I consider it important to share her place. She also told us that she studied a bachelor degree in hospitality, so she decided that to unite her passion for nature and service, she needed to host. Finally, she says that currently the problems we are experiencing due to climate change have led her to raise awareness in each of the people who stay in the cabins.

Overall impact

Cristina told us that the short-term effects based on what has been implemented have been very fruitful and lists them as follows. They have a better quality fruit from trees. Fruit trees keep the flower in time resulting in a greater number of fruits. The maintenance that is given to the pines by cutting the branches, a job carried out by the agronomist René, has led to good results in their growth. The water that is gathered from the rain is used to irrigate trees and plants, when there is a shortage of water.

The long-term effects have been very noticeable. One of the most important examples that Cristina comments is the decrease in electricity usage due to the change of solar panels. The fruit trees have grown with fewer pests, which implies less severe maintenance in the future. One of the points that interested us the most was that the most common insect pests such as bed bugs and puffins are no longer so invasive. Cristina clarified that all the trees that were reforested continue to grow, so their existence will continue to benefit the environment of the place for many years, purifying and promoting greater fauna and larger ecosystems. Thanks to all the pines that "Cabañas Huerta La Misión" has planted, the arrival of many squirrels and rabbits has been acquired.

A topic that will be very important for the business and for Cristina is to insist to all the guests visiting them on the importance of caring for nature and the environment to achieve and maintain stability in our lives.

Business benefit

This great innovation by Cristina and her entire team has undoubtedly had a great impact, especially post-pandemic (Covid19) because many people were interested in traveling and were looking for a place in nature where they only had contact among them (the guests). The business has been growing thanks to its innovations and has hired occasional people to support the specific care of nature. Cristina showed us the reviews that people have said about her establishment, and without a doubt we can realize that it is becoming more pleasant and welcoming.

The employees feel connected to Cristina's place and share plants and different species to grow in the place such as walnuts, blackberries, blue berries, organic eggs, succulents, among many other things. The staff carry out their work with a good attitude and the greatest willingness, which is why they are also rewarded with tips from the guests.

Thanks to the success of Cristina's cabins, she told us that she opened a small hotel in Zacatlán's downtown, where she promotes the same care for the environment such as plastic packaging elimination, garbage recycling, water and electricity saving.

Social and environmental benefit

Finally, Cristina tells us that the implementation of sustainability in her cabins is a way of using the natural resources available to her in a more responsible and balanced way, to satisfy the current needs of the people and platforms where she belongs to, but in the same way without offering a bad service or of bad quality, speaking of the lodging. In summary, Cristina together with "Cabañas Huerta La Misión" seeks sustainability to be part of each guest who stays in the place, since it is important for the environment.

They promote responsible practices in the use of natural resources, within their intention they work to reduce pollution and promote biodiversity. The entire staff is aware of adopting sustainable practices because that will be a great help and contribution to the preservation of this magnificent place and, in turn, the environment, and thus guarantee a more sustainable future for all.

Cristina shared with us during the interview that the message she wants to give is that guests can choose sustainable hotels that care about the environment and the local community. In turn, hotels can show their commitment to sustainability through responsible environmental practices. By choosing this type of hotel, you will be promoting a more sustainable future for everyone.

Interview

Maria Cristina Santillana Vega, operational manager