Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Communication & Education

Complying with regulations and instituting environmental management programs can only move a company so far toward sustainability. Xanterra believes that each of its more than 8,500 employees and millions of guests needs to participate in this culture of environmental protection for the programs to succeed. Xanterra reaches out to guests and employees to encourage them to become part of the solution.

Ecologix Video

The company’s Ecologix environmental video is used to help recruit employees who share the company’s environmental ethic, and who will work with Xanterra to make the environment a top priority, no matter the staff member’s role. This eight-minute video, shown during recruitment and orientation, communicates Xanterra’s environmental vision, goals, and initiatives. It shows that protecting the environment is not just something the company does—it is central to its corporate identity.

Internal Communication

Once on the job, Xanterra continues to communicate with and encourage employees to participate in on-going environmental programs. The companywide Ecologix Green Letter newsletter, along with a quarterly corporate employee newsletter and property-specific newsletters, all highlight environmental initiatives.

Guest Education

By raising the awareness of guests, Xanterra allows them to join their hosts in helping to protect the environment. Interpretive signage is an effective way to communicate with guests, but the company chooses to reach further.
Each Xanterra property reaches out to guests in different ways, including:

• Guest service directories highlight topics including recycling and water conservation.
• A green-housekeeping program allows guests to help save water by reusing linens and towels.
• Xanterra’s merchandise bags educate guests about recycling and ask them to do their part.
• Restaurant table tents give dining guests a chance to read about what Xanterra is doing to protect national and state parks, and many of Xanterra’s menus explain sustainable cuisine choices.
• Room key cards ask guests to help save energy and water.
• Display cases in high traffic areas highlight on-going environmental programs as well as results and identifies ways guests can contribute.

Ecologix Award

Launched in 2002, the Xanterra Ecologix Award for Superior Environmental Performance is presented annually to one Xanterra operation (property) in recognition of environmental  practices that go beyond compliance and make outstanding contributions to the environment. In 2005, Xanterra’s Zion Lodge operation was recognized as the winner for numerous initiatives (see Case Study in earlier section for details).