Supporting our local community in Galapagos
As part of Kleintours contribution with a responsible eco-friendly operation of our deluxe fleet, we are in constant support of local communities. During 2011 we have sponsored some important projects in the Galapagos on behalf of our companies and travelers:
-With the nonprofit organization "Ecology Project International", dedicated to developing place-based ecological education partnerships between local experts and foreign schools, we have closely worked with students in coastal cleanup, eradicating invasive species protecting giant tortoises and more.
-Ministry of Education, "Special Education section" we supported economically diverse recreational activities that integrated positively students, teachers and school volunteers.
-To the Institute for Children and Family (MIES) in Santa Cruz, Kleintours donated equipment to daycare and uniforms to the school students, the same support was given to The Cantonal Council of Childhood and Adolescence so that they can be continue their noble work with children and teenagers.
-As part of our internal procedures we buy and consume a substantial amount of local products (veggies, meat, dairy, and more) for our cruise operation in the islands that is handpicked by Kleintours' personnel applying our high quality control standards to guarantee customer satisfaction.
M/V Galapagos Legend improvements
After September dry dock these improvements have been made to the vessel:
- Satellite Internet connection.
- New decoration, furniture and linen in the restaurant.
- New restroom next to the restaurant.
- New adjustable air conditioning system.
- Implementation of noise isolating system in cabins.
- Improvement of the sewage system.
- An interpretation corner instead of the library with expositions of 14 different themes related to the Enchanted Islands the best interaction with our guides.
- New automatic massage chairs and steam room up to 6 people.
- New decoration and games in the Kids corner.
- 4 Standard Plus cabins will be interconnected and new Balcony VIP suite which is more ample.
- New video system in cabins to select up to 60 movies or the next day's briefing, possibility to make an international phone call direct from the cabin.
- New linens and pillows.
- General maintenance of furnishings of outer and inner areas.
- New carpeting and curtains.
- The auditorium has been renovated and has new chairs.
- Our chefs have been trained in fusion cuisine to offer guests a new delicious menu.
We are also happy to inform you that as pioneers in the tourism industry, we have gotten an environmental license issued by the Galapagos National Park which qualifies us to operate within the Islands safely without pollution, with our 2012 itineraries we will be navigating 400 miles less making us more efficient and less polluting.
Oro Verde Guayaquil Hotel upgrading
Starting November 1, 2011 each room in the Oro Verde Hotel will have a mini bar and the non-alcoholic beverages are included in the rate, these soft drinks are 6 per room during the whole stay; also availability of new linens and pillows in rooms and new brand of amenities in bathrooms, "Verbena y Romero". The hotel is also competing in the next World Travel Awards Caribbean & the America Gala Ceremony as the South America's leading hotel; this ceremony will take place on October 19th.
