TUI Care Foundation Launches Upcycling Initiative in Cancun, Caribbean Hotels

The TUI Care Foundation has launched a new sustainability initiative focused on upcycling waste in major beach tourism zones including Cancún, the Holbox and Isla Mujeres regions, and broader Caribbean islands. The programme engages 30 tourism businesses and supports local up-cycling enterprises.

The project is titled “Destination Zero Waste” and aims to collect plastic and glass waste from hotel zones, convert it into new materials and promote circular-economy practices. It integrates local craft-makers, waste collectors and community stakeholders into the value chain.

Participating hotels will be encouraged to redesign amenities (e.g., bath-product bottles, pool-furniture items) using up-cycled materials, while destinations will market themselves as sustainability-leaders in sun-and-sea tourism.

Officials emphasise this is more than a PR campaign—it connects environmental performance with local economic benefit. Up-cycling programmes create new jobs, support local enterprise and reduce the burden on landfill and marine ecosystems.

Industry observers say that sustainability credentials are increasingly important to travelers, especially younger segments who value purpose-led travel, ethical tourism and authentic local experiences. Destinations that integrate these themes may capture premium segments.

For beach destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, the initiative signals a shift: moving from mass sun-and-sea models toward value-driven, sustainable tourism that benefits both environment and communities.

Travel-industry professionals say that operators and hotels participating in the programme can strengthen their brand, partner with local artisans and differentiate themselves in a competitive global tourism market.