Xanterra Travel Collection is a hospitality company that operates various resorts, lodges and attractions in national parks, state parks and other iconic destinations in the US
This collection partially includes concessions and accommodations at The Oasis at Death Valley, Glacier National Park Lodges, Cedar Creek Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park Lodges and Zion National Park Lodge. It also owns and operates luxury cycling (VBT Bicycling Vacations), hiking (Country Walkers), a railway (Grand Canyon Railway), touring (Holiday Vacations) and cruise (Windstar Cruises) companies with routes on six continents.
Related: Service center in national park honors history of area
Sustainability is an important focus for Xanterra. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible tourism. Regardless of which park you’re headed to, you’re likely to experience the results of these sustainability efforts, even if you don’t notice them at first.
Thank you!
Keep an eye on our weekly newsletter.
Join our newsletter
Receive the latest world news and designs that build a better future.
For example, in Yellowstone National Park, Xanterra operates the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, both of which are partially powered by solar panels. The company has also implemented energy-efficient practices in its facilities, including LED lighting, motion sensors and efficient heating and cooling systems.
Xanterra has recycling programs in place at its Yellowstone properties, which focus on recycling paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminum and composting organic waste.
It sources local (within 500 miles) and organic produce whenever possible (about 70% of all food and drink in its 56 restaurants), including bison and trout from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Similarly, at Grand Canyon National Park, The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, owned and operated by Xanterra, has achieved LEED certification for its sustainable building practices and energy-efficient design. Xanterra has implemented water conservation measures such as low-flow fixtures, water-efficient laundry practices and landscaping with native, drought-tolerant plants. Recycling programs are available at various locations throughout the park, allowing guests and employees to recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum.
Additionally, the company operates the Grand Canyon Railway that connects guests from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, preventing up to 70,000 individual cars from entering the park each year. Even better, the #4960 steam engine turns 100 this year and has been upgraded to run on recycled waste vegetable oil collected from the Grand Canyon’s own restaurants.
“Instead of using coal or diesel, each locomotive uses approximately 1,200 liters of vegetable oil per round trip, significantly reducing C02 emissions compared to using ultra-low sulfur diesel,” the company reported.
The mules that transport goods in and out of the canyon are even thoughtfully propelled. Since 2013, 148 hard-working mules have been fed a diet that includes apples and food scraps from the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges restaurants. These mules act as a natural recycling system, consuming food waste and returning manure to the land.
In Utah’s Zion National Park, Xanterra has launched a fleet of electric shuttle buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. Xanterra’s Zion Lodge has implemented energy-saving initiatives, such as LED lighting, occupancy sensors and high-efficiency appliances. The lodge works with local farmers and suppliers to include fresh and sustainable ingredients in its food offerings.
Crater Lake National Park also participates in recycling and composting programs to reduce waste. Xanterra encourages carpooling and provides shuttle services to reduce vehicle congestion and emissions within the park. Educational programs and guided hikes promote understanding and appreciation of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Mount Rushmore is another shining example of Xanterra’s sustainability efforts. Solar power generates nearly half of the electricity used by the restaurant and gift shop, and another 54% comes from a nearby wind farm. The company offsets any remaining carbon footprint, making Mount Rushmore a carbon neutral operation.
Facilities in Death Valley National Park, the site of only two inches of annual rainfall, are equipped with water and energy efficient systems. Xanterra implemented LED lighting upgrades and HVAC system improvements to reduce energy consumption. The company actively promotes water conservation measures and educates guests about the importance of water in the desert environment.
Across its many operations, Xanterra operates recycling programs and actively encourages guests to participate in responsible waste management practices. It is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint and conserving natural resources in some of the most majestic landscapes across the country.
The company installed solar panels at several properties and generated clean energy to power its facilities. This helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Xanterra prioritizes sustainable food sourcing and promotes local and organic products wherever possible. The company supports regional farmers and suppliers who practice sustainable agriculture, which helps reduce the environmental impact of food production and supports local communities.
Xanterra incorporates sustainable design and construction principles into its building projects. This includes the use of environmentally friendly materials, the implementation of energy-efficient systems and compliance with green building standards.
Xanterra actively works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations and local communities, to develop and implement sustainability initiatives. It is involved in partnerships and initiatives focused on preservation, conservation and community development.
Xanterra Travel Collection’s sustainability efforts have earned recognition and certification from organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Green Seal and the Sustainable Travel International (STI). The company continues to innovate and improve its sustainability practices to contribute to the long-term preservation and enjoyment of the destinations it serves.
+ Xanterra Travel Collection
Images via Xanterra
