Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism Honors Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa

BAHIA DE CARAQUEZ, Ecuador, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism is devoted to the creation of robust initiatives, but it's equally aware of the importance of spotlighting entrepreneurs who contribute to Ecuador's goals for a strong, sustainable tourism industry. That's exactly why Fredy Ehlers, the Minister of Tourism, recently recognized several award-winning private business ventures, including Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa (http://www.casaceibo.com), a luxury destination on the outskirts of the coastal city, Bahia de Caraquez.

At a special event at Quito's historic Centro de Convenciones Eugenio Espejo, Ecuadorian officials and representatives from throughout Ecuador's tourism industry celebrated the honors. Daniel Jacome, who co-owns Casa Ceibo in addition to being a Galapagos guide and drummer for the hit band Tercer Mundo, accepted the recognition on behalf of his partner, Charles Van Diver of Destin, Fla., and the hotel's first-class staff. Specifically, the trophy recognized "excellence in the hotel category," and an international Star Diamond award that was bestowed to Casa Ceibo by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Casa Ceibo is the first recipient in South America to receive the Green Star Diamond Award, given for complete dedication to protecting the environment, plus its commitment to five-star excellence.

"We're extremely honored to receive such a prestigious award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, and it's wonderful that Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism is helping communicate the award's significance to our country," Jacome says. "For us, the Green Star Diamond Award was like winning the 'Tourism Olympics.' We're thrilled to share our excitement with the Ecuadorian community."

The ceremony was hosted on September 27 in conjunction with World Tourism Day, a global initiative that highlights the importance of tourism and raises awareness about its complex role in local and international economies. From the start, Casa Ceibo has achieved its goals to be both an unforgettable, luxury destination and one that helps "raise the bar" for Ecuador's national tourism in general and, particularly, in the coastal Manabi region. The hotel has accomplished this through its commitment to not only five-star accommodations, service and amenities, but also to the challenges presented within its local community and environment.

"I love Ecuador and its people, and our hotel reflects that passion," Van Diver says. "From the way Casa Ceibo was built to the employees we've hired, the personal service we deliver, and the efforts we've made to protect and support the ecological initiatives, we're 100 percent dedicated to excellence."

Photos:

Casa Ceibo's Daniel Jacome poses with Manabi's Ministry of Tourism representative, Narcisa Cardenas: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2011-CasaCeibo.jpg

Fredy Ehlers, Ecuador's Minister of Tourism, speaks on World Tourism Day at a Quito event honoring entrepreneurs: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2011-Fredy-Ehlers.jpg

For more information, visit: http://www.casaceibo.com.

Contacts:

Javier Paez
Casa Ceibo, Operations Manager
[email protected] or [email protected]
593-52-399-399 (Ecuador)

Talbot Wilson
Talbot Wilson & Associates, Inc.
850-217-7138 (U.S.)
[email protected]

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Casa Ceibo