Iberostar Group, which in 2017 introduced an ocean sustainability initiative called Wave of Change, launched an expanded international program called Wave of Change Discovery.

The expanded program was announced on June 8, World Oceans Day. At the same time, Iberostar opened its fourth coral nursery in the Caribbean, this one in the waters of Montego Bay, Jamaica, where its resort the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach is located.

Another land-based coral lab is located at the Iberostar Selection Bavaro in the Bayahibe area of the Dominican Republic.

The new nursery in Jamaica will host more than 1,000 elkhorn coral fragments when they are planted back onto the new reef  later this year.

“We want to encourage our clients to participate in the great biodiversity that inhabits the different regions where we have hotels and to learn about Iberostar’s work to protect them and respect ecosystems,” said Dr. Megan Morikawa, global sustainability director for the Iberostar Group.

“Involving our customers is the best way to raise ocean awareness while they enjoy their vacation experience,” she said.

Guests staying at Iberostar hotels in the Caribbean will be able to interact with Iberostar’s experts on ocean conservation to learn about local ecosystems and the importance of them in the communities where Iberostar operates. Personalized tours will be offered at the land-based coral lab in the DR.

Iberostar will continue to expand coral restoration initiatives with more coral nurseries opening in locations where corals are present next to its hotels and resorts.  

The company’s approach to sustainable tourism extends to the dining rooms, as well, by committing to a goal of 100% of the seafood on its properties’ menus be from responsible sources by 2025.

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