Geo-tourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.
Located on the Gila River Indian Community, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has long been a beacon for how to respectfully and authentically share and showcase Native American culture at a luxury resort and has won multiple national awards for those efforts:
- TIA Odyssey Award for Sustaining an Indigenous Culture or Community
- National Geo Traveler Magazine's "Stay List"
- Arizona Governor's Cultural Preservation Award
More recently, the Resort has altered internal practices to accommodate environmental needs. The first step was organizing an internal "Geo-Green Team" made up of managers and supervisors of all departments to ensure participation from the entire Resort.
A comprehensive recycling program was put in place and communicated internally, and with the feedback and passion from countless associates, the program took flight. From recycling grease to be used for biofuels, to composting at the equestrian center to trading in the courtesy vehicle for a hybrid, every opportunity for conservation is explored. The Resort also recently replaced all bottled water in the guestrooms to water sourced from the Gila River Indian Community.
Leading the industry in this new green travel trend, highlights of the unique Geo-Green program include:
- A cultural concierge
- Storytelling & Song Program sharing ancient legends
- Culinary items from Gila River Farms and Gila Crossing Schools
- Preserving and displaying arts and crafts of the Pima and Maricopa
- Energy-conserving meeting space
- Active Associate and Guest Recycling Program
- Guest Geo-Green Educational Campaign for Participation
"Our efforts in preserving the Pima and Maricopa cultures, combined with the enhanced focus on shrinking our carbon footprint, is what makes our Geo-Green program significant," said General Manager Bunty Ahamed. "The integrity of our cultural authenticity is second to none, and our continuously growing green efforts are the perfect marriage of cultural sustainability and environmental responsibility."
