The BE Grand Resort on the stunning island of Bohol is not just a luxurious place to stay; it’s a prime example of how tourism can harmonize with environmental care and community growth. The resort emphasizes sustainable practices daily, aiming to make a difference in Bohol’s landscape and the lives of its residents. Through ethical operations and direct involvement with the community, BE Grand Resort showcases how businesses can support their surroundings while offering outstanding service to their guests.
A Commitment to Community and Economic Development
BE Grand Resort places a strong emphasis on supporting the local community at its very foundation. General Manager Rey Fabricante explains, “BE Grand Resort creates job opportunities for Boholanos by hiring staff from Bohol and training them to become future leaders and hoteliers on this beautiful island.” The resort consciously hires local residents, not just providing jobs but also fostering professional development. Employees receive specialized training programs that equip them with the skills needed for success in the hospitality sector, directly contributing to the professional growth of the local community. This initiative supports individuals in their career paths while enhancing the island’s skill set.
Moreover, the resort plays a significant role in boosting the local economy in Panglao. Fabricante notes, “We boost the local economy of Panglao by creating a business environment through our clients, guests, and local suppliers who patronize BE Grand Resort.” The resort’s influence goes beyond its immediate operations; it cultivates strong partnerships with local businesses and vendors, opting to source goods and services from local suppliers whenever possible. This strategy ensures that the economic benefits extend beyond the resort itself, allowing the wealth to support and enhance local entrepreneurship. For instance, the resort sources plump fish from Panglao fishermen and purchases unique handicrafts from local artisans. Hiring local musicians for entertainment is another way to ensure that the economic advantages of the resort extend into the community, thereby enriching the area’s overall economic activity.
Environmental Stewardship
BE Grand Resort’s commitment to sustainability shines through in its various eco-friendly initiatives. The resort actively pursues practices that aim to limit its environmental footprint. A key activity includes participating in Earth Hour, where they turn off their lights for an hour to raise awareness about energy conservation. Rather than providing disposable plastic amenities, the resort offers refillable bottles with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in their villas. This simple yet impactful shift reduces plastic waste, promoting a culture centered around minimizing excess disposables. Guests are also provided with reusable aluminum water bottles, which further reduces the reliance on single-use plastics, contributing to decreased consumption and waste generation.
Additionally, BE Grand Resort has established a sustainable garden, which supplies fresh produce for its kitchens. This garden is more than just a source of fresh vegetables; it eliminates transportation costs and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a smaller overall environmental impact. “We serve vegetables and herbs fresh from the farm to our tables,” said Fabricante, illustrating the resort’s commitment to providing quality, environmentally conscious ingredients. This approach emphasizes a ‘farm-to-table’ concept, allowing guests healthier and more sustainable dining options. Furthermore, the garden stands as an educational tool, enabling guests to understand how sustainability can be integrated into daily operations within a resort. Visitors can observe farming methods and feel a greater personal connection to their meals.
Engagement with the Community
BE Grand Resort’s commitment goes beyond enhancing the local economy and protecting the environment; the resort actively partakes in a variety of outreach initiatives aimed at uplifting the community. Recently, they donated twenty nearly new beds, pillows, linens, and slippers to the Local Government of Panglao, underscoring their concern for the lives of the people in the area. This gesture illustrates the resort’s proactive involvement in addressing community needs. Additionally, the resort organizes beach and ocean cleanup events, acknowledging that a clean natural environment is essential for the health of local residents and the satisfaction of its guests.
The resort promotes sports tourism in collaboration with the Bohol Runners Club and the Provincial Youth Development Office. One notable event is the BE Bohol International Marathon (BIM), which lures participants from both local areas and abroad. Michael Yu, co-founder of the Bohol Runners Club, shared, “This year is special because BIM promotes sports tourism here in Bohol. August is usually a quiet month, but when the marathon occurs, it fills all the nearby resorts. Plus, the proceeds of the event benefit the BARK Shelter and the orphanage while also supporting feeding programs.” This marathon not only showcases how sports events can boost tourism and fortify the local economy, but it also illustrates how these events can benefit local charities. By promoting sports, the resort encourages local youth participation in physical activities, thereby fostering a healthier lifestyle.
Uncompromising Guest Experience
While BE Grand Resort is firmly dedicated to sustainability and community engagement, it has never compromised on the quality of the guest experience. The resort places high importance on guest satisfaction, continually investing in staff training and development. Fabricante noted, “We ensure all guests have a memorable experience by dispatching our staff to various training sessions, such as the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Training conducted by DOT this coming October and the Art of Engagement this coming November.” These training programs are designed to equip staff with in-depth hospitality knowledge and guest interaction skills, thus enhancing the quality of service offered at the resort. By focusing on these details, BE Grand Resort not only meets international standards but also extends warm and genuine Filipino hospitality to both local and international guests alike.
This dedication to superior service is reflected in the high praise received from guests and their tendency to return for additional stays. The combination of luxurious amenities and exceptional customer service results in unforgettable experiences. With a perspective that sees luxury and sustainability as complementary rather than opposing, BE Grand Resort demonstrates that it is entirely possible to deliver high standards of comfort while being considerate of its environmental and social impact.
A Vision for the Future
BE Grand Resort builds a collaborative relationship with its team based on respect and common goals. The resort partners with innovative professionals and is expanding its services to include a broader range of offerings. This includes a collaboration with chef Jenzel Fontilla to elevate the resort’s dining experiences, with notable outlets like The Monkey Bar, Lune, and Bridge. Chef Fontilla reflects on the partnership, noting, “Mutual respect and loyalty are core values essential to our partnership with Mr. Grand and Ms. Nova. Our partnership extends beyond business; they’ve become family to us—guiding and mentoring us, for which we’re truly thankful.”
In alignment with future objectives, BE Grand Resort aims to broaden its signature dining options while increasing partnerships with local suppliers. This strategy not only enhances dining experiences but also contributes to the local economy. As Chef Fontilla emphasized, “Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional food and service, focusing on excellence and innovation. We are committed to raising our standards even higher, seeking to earn more prestigious international awards while expanding our collection of signature restaurants. We aspire to support local suppliers and build a robust network of partners who share our enthusiasm for quality and community.” This commitment to high-quality experiences, coupled with a focus on community, positions BE Grand Resort as an exemplary model of responsible tourism.
Experience BE Grand Resort for Yourself
BE Grand Resort Bohol presents a wonderful blend of luxury, sustainability, and community engagement. It serves as a unique destination for both local and international visitors who seek an ethical travel experience. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or adventurous explorations on the island, BE Grand Resort provides a warm atmosphere complemented by high-quality services. For travelers desiring an extraordinary escape that also champions local economies, responsible eco-practices, and authentic community involvement, a stay at BE Grand Resort is a must—setting the bar high for leisure and ethical business operations.
Summary
BE Grand Resort Bohol transcends the typical luxury resort; it epitomizes responsible tourism steeped in community growth and environmental sustainability. Their dedication to the local community leads them to prioritize hiring local residents, fostering local businesses, and advocating for environmental protection through initiatives like waste reduction and renewable resource utilization. The resort actively engages in community programs and supports local sports. Meanwhile, it maintains high service standards and pursues a forward-thinking approach to dining by collaborating with esteemed chefs. BE Grand Resort demonstrates that luxurious experiences can coexist with practices that enrich their environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sets BE Grand Resort apart from other resorts in Bohol?
A: BE Grand Resort stands out due to its strong commitment to sustainable tourism and community empowerment. It prioritizes hiring locals, partners with regional suppliers, and implements eco-friendly practices aimed at reducing environmental effects. The resort also engages in community outreach programs to enhance the overall well-being of the region.
Q: What sustainable practices does the resort implement?
A: The resort participates in initiatives like Earth Hour, supplies guests with refillable amenity bottles instead of disposables, offers aluminum water bottles, utilizes a sustainable garden for fresh produce, and regularly conducts beach cleanups.
Q: Is BE Grand Resort supportive of local businesses?
A: Absolutely! BE Grand Resort prioritizes local partnerships, ensuring that much of its business activities directly benefit the economy of Panglao while also enhancing the quality of their products and services.
Q: What training does the staff receive?
A: Staff members undergo extensive training, including programs like the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and the Art of Engagement. These initiatives enhance the level of service provided, enabling the resort to meet and exceed established industry standards.
Q: How can I book a stay at BE Grand Resort?
A: You can make reservations through their official website, various booking platforms, or preferred travel agencies.
References
Fabricante, Rey (Resort General Manager, BE Grand Resort Bohol).
Fontilla, Jenzel (Executive Chef, BE Grand Resort Bohol).
Yu, Michael (Co-founder, Bohol Runners Club).
