TENERIFE Introduction:

The Hotel Troya works on a daily basis to develop its business in a more responsible way with the environment and the community. The sustainable tourism requires an improved protection of the natural environments, and ensure that the local communities benefit from this visiting. Therefore, we would like to introduce you this guide, with some destination suggestions.

Environmental information:

The , the Teno and Anaga massifs, the beaches of rocks and black sand, the underwater bottoms... The unique landscape of is the result of the volcanism that, over millions of years, has shaped its territory. Its numerous peculiarities, or the currently still unknown details about the origin and the geological evolution of Tenerife, explain the enormous scientific interest that the volcanic activity of the Island arouses. But Tenerife is much more, an amazing island, due to its diversity, climate and authenticity... We can find exuberant laurisilva forests of the Tertiary era, or cozy coves of hidden beaches where you can cool off with a good swim in the sea. Tenerife is also a transit zone for migratory birds, for whale watching, and a place for the growth and development of endemic fauna and flora. Discover their colors, flavors, sun and volcanic nature. A place with an exclusive charm.

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THE NATURAL SPACES

Teide National Park:

It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2007 with the category of Natural Asset. It is also a European Diploma by the Council of Europe and forms part of the Natura 2000 Network Places. And reasons for receiving such recognitions are not lacking. On one hand, it is the most complete vegetation sample of supramediterranean stage that exists. On the other, it is one of the most spectacular manifestations of volcanism in the world, and of course, the most outstanding in the . P.N. del Teide is located in the center of the island, at an average altitude of 2,000 meters, and its top represents the highest peak in , with 3,718 meters. Its record figures also include that it is the most visited national park in Spain and Europe, receiving around three million tourists a year. When talking about the geomorphological point of view, we are facing a wonder of nature. The structure of the boiler and the Teide Pico Viejo stratovolcano are unique on the planet. Although its value does not remain there. There are hundreds of cones, coladas or caves, which enrich their scientific and scenic interest. To this they can be added their wealth of fauna and flora, with a large amount of Canarian endemism and exclusive species of this park. The park was created in 1954 in recognition of its volcanic and biological singularity. Its extension is almost 19,000 hectares, which makes it the largest and the oldest of all the national parks of the Canary Islands. It has a Peripheric Protection Zone, and it is surrounded by the Corona Forestal Natural Park, with 46,612.9 hectares. It is then the largest protected natural area in the Autonomic Community of the Canary Islands.

GreenBook 2 THE NATURAL SPACES

Forest Belt:

The most extensive protected area of , refuge of the best samples of pine forest and high mountain vegetation of Tenerife. And it is from this altitude that many of the impressive ravines that dig the Island here and there. You must not miss this area, come and enjoy its endless possibilities. Because with an area close to 50,000 hectares it is the ideal place to explore and enjoy the numerous endemic species of flora and fauna. From its immense valleys such as La Orotava or Güímar, its ravines and mountains, everything that makes it a unique space on the island and in the world.

Anaga Rural Park:

It occupies a large part of the mountainous massif located at the northeast end of the Island of Tenerife. With an extension close to 14,500 hectares, it covers an important part of the Island of Tenerife and extends through the municipalities of La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tegueste. Beautiful and abrupt mountain range of cut-off summits, and it lodges a fauna and flora rich in endemic species. It constitutes one of the main spreading areas of the municipality and it is also a great tourist attraction.

GreenBook 3 Hondura Cliff: THE NATURAL SPACES This curious environment is formed by the accumulation of lava flows and pyroclastics. It measures 30 meters high and 2,500 meters long and is dotted with small coves and barranquillos. At the flora level, it houses the sea pineapple, the endemism of Tenerife and , and which is in serious danger of extinction. Other species coexist with it, such as sweet tabaiba, balos or sea lettuces. Within its fauna you will find the Cinderella Shearwater and the Unicolor Swift. You can also find some reptiles in this environment.

Teno Rural Park: Isorana Cliffs: It is a space of volcanic character that acquires a considerable height Located in the extreme northwest of the island of Tenerife and includes above sea level. To its natural value another fact can be added, such as part of the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque the amount of birds which have made this place their shelter. Among and Santiago del Tei-de. With its 8,063.3 hectares it is one of the most them the rare petrel of Bulwer can be found, which uses its inaccessible beautiful natural areas of Te-nerife and has conserved its great crags to create its nests. ecological, landscape and cultural values, in a great part, thanks to its isolation. It defines a complicated orography, the lush vegetation of the highest areas, (laurisilva), in contrast to the southern view of the Park. Teno is not only beautiful landscapes and steep cliffs, but also a treasu- re for its great biological diversity. There are also threatened species which have found their shelter in this environment.

GreenBook 4 THE NATURAL SPACES

La Caleta: This environment, which includes the cliff and a sandy beach, makes up Ruiz Cliff: a set of enormous scenic importance. Inside you will find threatened You will find this space in the and protected bird species. final section of the protected landscape of Los Campeches, Tigaiga and Ruiz. Among its values you can enjoy the great diversity of species that it presents, such as, for example, the transition forest between tabaibal-cardonal and laurisilva.

Tabaibal del Porís: Interián: It stands out for its large sample of tabaibal. You will immerse yourself in a It is a section of steep cliff where you can find a high population of habitat typical of the Canary Islands where protected species live, including strange plant species that need high temperatures to develop the gorse and the little hearts. The landscape is abrupt due to the presence (thermophiles). The populations of seedbeds and sticks of blood are also of the malpais, that volcanic twisting of the earth that will catch you with its striking. Chahorra and cabezón are two common flowering species. This singular beauty. You'll find it next to the coast, dotted with cliffs cut out over point enjoys fantastic views of the entire area. the sea and small gravel beaches.

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An open and mestizo History, the development of the islands In the ancient times, the Canaries and the Atlantic Ocean were the boundary of the

known world

A History full of changes: The Aborigines came to the Islands in various waves from North Africa in the quest for new farmlands and pastures for livestock. The Tagoror was a kind of wise council where the leaders met to discuss and make decisions about all those issues that affected the daily life of the community. Also, and according to the island history, the person who was designated as the monarch who led, leading the nobles and the fate of all the people, was named Mencey or Guanarteme. In the Canary Islands you can visit many archaeological sites from the aboriginal era, which have been a key to get to know countless details about the daily life of these ancient settlers. You can also visit museums which preserve a good part of these vestiges, among which the famous mummies stand out. Berber villages of North Africa were forming the first stable settlements.

GreenBook 6 THE HISTORY OF THE CANARY ISLANDS

The History carries on: The history of Tenerife is marked by a great many key dates that mark crucial moments for the Island's development. Specially relevant dates include the conquest by the Castilian Crown in 1496, the failed attempt by the British Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson to invade Santa Cruz in 1797, the emigration of Canarian people to America in the 18th century and the many volcanic eruptions on record that shook the Island. Its pleasant climate and the mild temperature of the sea made Tenerife into a tourist destination in the last few decades of the 19th century. At that time, thousands of people suffering from health problems were flocking to the Island from Europe to recover from their rheumatism, skin problems and breathing difficulties, taking advantage of the Canary Islands' pure Atlantic air and clear waters. Although it was already popular among explorers, botanists and geolo- gists, Tenerife began its rise to becoming the major holiday destination it is today. As from the 1960s, Tenerife started to receive tourists who came in search of rest, sunshine and sea. It is important to highlight the natural beauty of the Island's peaks and the rich historical heritage of its towns and cities as an added bonus to its profile as a sun and sea destination, leading Tenerife's popularity to grow year after year. Already in the 1980s, tou- rism spread to the south of the Island and settled in key areas The Canaries have been an obligatory stopover for the such as Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. Moreover, Teide National Park is the second most visited na- boats on their journey to Africa, Asia and América tional park in the world.

GreenBook 7 CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Festivities and Traditions: In the Canary Islands tradition is breathed. In every city, in every town, in every hamlet or in every corner you will find something authentic and possibly unrepeatable. In such a very few places like this, tradition is combined so naturally with modernity. You will find this perfect alliance in the Canary Islands, where its residents know how to respect tradi- tions without renouncing celebrations more in tune with our times. In this archipelago they also know how to make the festivities of a religious nature coexist with the pagan ones, those inherited from periods after the Castilian conquest with the aboriginal rites. Pilgrimages, parades of images of virgins, processions of saints, popular festivals, pagan rituals inherited from the ancient inhabitants to attract the rain... These are some of these spirited and participatory festivities, without forgetting of course that in the Canary Islands celebrate unique carnivals which rival those of Rio de Janeiro or Venice, and where the streets are filled with fun with masks, costumes, music, light and color. Special mention deserves the Canarian folklore, dances and songs that you will not miss in your visit accompanied by musical instruments homemade in the Islands, as the , a small guitar of five or four strings from which a surprising sound is extracted. In the Canary Islands you can also witness and even, why not, participate in the many traditional games and sports whose origin goes back in time, among them the Canarian Alive culture which takes you to a scenery Wrestling, the quintessential traditional sport, an honest fight and a time full of emotions at the between two men. It requires an important physical form for its practice. Other sports are the Vela Latina, Bola Canaria, Fortunate Islands Lucha del Garrote and , , Plow Lifting, Livestock Trawl, Stone Lifting... Among others.

GreenBook 8 CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

The Carnival: During the 19th century, new kinds of festive events emerged (street races, exhibitions and contests), in addition to the traditional dances. This was also the time when the custom known as "tapaderas" became more popular, when high-class women would mingle with the lower echelons of society thanks to the anonymity provided by their masks. Historians believe this tradition to have preceded what is known as the "sheets masquerade" and the "abanador" celebrations, which became popular at the beginning of the next century. During the first few decades of the 20th century, the number of tourists who were drawn to Tenerife by the Carnival grew. The prosperity of the 1920s favoured the celebration to the point that, in 1925, the first Carnival Programme was established by the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It was then that the simple tradition of wearing masks gave way to a variety of carnival groups: rondallas, comparsas, estudiantinas and murgas. The costumes and masks became more sophisticated and also evolved in terms of quality, which gave rise to the first competitions. In 1961, the celebration of Carnival was once again officially accepted under the euphemistic name of Winter Festivities, which in 1967 were declared a Celebration of National Tourist Interest. With the arrival of democracy, the Carnival recovered its name and gradually became the ultimate popular festivity of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which was finally declared a

Celebration of International Tourist Interest in 1980. Since then, having moved far on from its presumably Thousands of people come onto the religious origins, Tenerife's Carnival has become the world's streets for more than one festive week second most popular carnival after Río de Janeiro in Brazil, thanks to its flamboyance, the quality of its contests, street parties and concerts, and the authenticity of its street vibe.

GreenBook 9 A balanced mixture between European, Latin

CANARIAN GASTRONOMY American and African cuisine: Indulge in the Island's gastronomy, exotic flavours and culinary tradition. Taste its wines, wrinkly potatoes, sauce and cheeses. The Island's varied climate and landscapes have their effect on its exquisite gastronomy. Its cuisine is simple yet delicious, made using the products yielded by the land. It is rich in fruit, much of which is tropical, vegetables, with varieties that seem particularly exotic to visitors, fresh fish, meat and potatoes. These potatoes are meant to be sampled with the Canary Islands' most international sauce: mojo (which can be red or green or seasoned with paprika, black pepper or the local variety of red peppers). Another star dish is Canarian , which is made with a variety of vegetables and meats to create what many consider to be one of the most wholesome and tasty dishes in . An aboriginal contribution to Tenerife's recipes is , which is made of ground toasted grains and is eaten by the locals with almost everything, from milk to fruit, stew or lentils. Don't be surprised if your gofio is served in one of those old metal biscuit tins, as that would mean you have come to a truly genuine restaurant with real home-made food. In nutritional terms, gofio is rich in minerals, especially iron, zinc and magnesium, and provides a great supply of energy thanks to its carbohydrate content. An explosion of flavors and colors, The local cheese, which is usually made of goat's milk, makes for a very typical starter. Soft and fresh or air-dried, Tenerife's combining tradition and exotism cheeses are famous for their soft texture and special aroma, announcing a clean taste that is slightly acid and salty. Arico-Fasnia, Anaga, Teno and El Tanque are some of the Island's most prominent cheese-making areas. Recently, several of the Island's cheeses earned a series of international accolades.

GreenBook 10 A wealthy land and sea which provide a large variety of options: Moreover, Tenerife has a great variety of fish: the local sama, wreckfish, parrot fish, tuna, sardines, grouper fish, etc. And sampling them on the seashore is a unique and unmissable experience. The touch of sweetness on the menu is supplied by honey, an extremely natural and wonderfully special ingredient. The Island produces some unique varieties as they are made by endemic bees from autochthonous flowers species. One of the most unique honeys is made from the Teide broom flower. Canarian bananas are probably one of the archipelagos best -known products. This is the only type of banana in the world to have been distinguished with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which ensures its uniqueness and superb quality. Their sweetness and high nutritional value make these bananas a favourite fruit among sportsmen and nutritionists, both within and beyond the Canary Islands, where they are grown in the traditional way on small plantations. Although bananas are usually eaten raw just as they come, you will often find them in milkshakes, , sweet skewers or even fried, either whole or in slices. The wealth and variety of Tenerife's wines has seen them ser- ved for over four centuries on any occasion and with any of the Island's gastronomical delicacies. Their Atlantic and volcanic origin together with the fact that they are produced from ungrafted grape varieties make them unique wines and wonderful ambassadors of Tenerife's landscapes and people. The marine wealth allows you to taste fish Reds, whites, rosés... Take your pick and indulge in a glass of good wine in Tenerife's unique surroundings. The Island's and seafood in many varied ways climate and geology confer it with singular qualities to produce a rich and exquisite variety of wines.

GreenBook 11 Hotel Troya Tenerife**** Waste management: We are involved in the reduction of waste Environmental Management: through the purchase of large-format products We have a declaration of environmental and concentrated products. We guarantee the commitments, an environmental management collection of hazardous waste by authorized system and training programs for employees. suppliers. Hotel Troya has won the award for the best The machinery is gradually replaced by more project in sustainability and hotel rehabilitation efficient devices with less real impact on the TS MEDIA. environment.

Energy and Water consumption Management: Waste separation of the fractions is carried We perform daily consumption controls with the out: aim of reducing our impacts. • CARTON AND PAPER We have installed automatic disconnection • GLASS devices to save energy. • WOOD We have energy saving lighting: • PLASTIC Lighting in corridors by means of Leds. Lighting • DANGEROUS RESIDUES of lifts with energy saving lamps and LEDs. Low energy lighting in rooms and main public areas of Conservation of nature and biodiversity: the hotel. Automatic control of exterior lighting We use cleaning products and detergents with and room terraces. low environmental impact. We have installed water saving devices in WC and taps. Social management and support to the com- We save water and energy with the washing munity: system of towels and sheets at the request of the We have a declaration of labor commitments and clients. with the community available to the client. Our gardens are respectful with the environment: This hotel contributes to guarantee the equal Drip irrigation in rooms and terraces. treatment and opportunities through the Equality Native plants with low water consumption. Plan. We acquire machinery with low energy and low Priority of acquisition of local products. water consumption. We make responsible purchases: Recycled Tisu paper for domestic and industrial use with PFEC certificate. We are part of the international code ECPAT, against sexual exploitation in Tourism.

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Hotel Troya Tenerife**** Energy Care for the environment: Water consumption: Avoid the use of the Air Conditioning when pos- Our hotel establishes a battery of sustainability Take short showers (instead of baths) and use the sible, and particularly when the Windows and policies which allow us to meet the environmental water with care. doors are open. and social responsibility objectives. Among them Keep the faucet key closed while soaping, brushing Make sure that the lights are off when you leave are two certificates: TraveLife Certification of or shaving. your room, and switch off the Television (don’t international character. Concerned about Reuse towels, instead of replacing them daily. leave it on standby mode). protecting the environment, our hotel has adopted When disposing of toilet paper and sanitary simple and effective steps in order to reduce the products, use the toilet bowl and not the toilet. This Waste consumption of energy and water during your helps keep sanitary drains in good condition and Reuse plastic bags and place used batteries in holidays. special containers at reception or hand them save water.

If you are going to dispose of a chemical or a directly to the hotel staff. HOW CAN YOU HELP US? medicament, place it in the garbage dump of the Use the different garbage containers in order to We invite you to follow this number of room so that it is given due process, avoid throwing separate the garbage. recommendations, so that your stay in this it by the drain. In the rooms, what you throw away will be wonderful destination not only does not cause classified in the same way. negative impacts to the environment, but it can be This hotel manages solid waste and promotes also beneficial for local communities. recycling.

GreenBook 13 Hotel Troya Tenerife****

RECOMMENDATIONS In addition to the previous recommendations, Refrain from buying products made with plants, wild Walk on the marked roads, respect the you can help us by adopting the following animals in danger of extinction. environmental conditions and the way of life, measures: Do not participate in events that harm the animals privacy and the properties of the inhabitants of the Buy local foods and drinks. or the habitats that surround those animals. place. Choose crafts and souvenirs produced locally. Do not feed or bother local wildlife that might be Reject any act that violates the human rights of Verify that excursions involve local providers, so found inside the hotel facilities. minors. that the money you pay is a contribution to the Try to use ecological sunscreens to minimizethe Say NO to sex tourism for children, teenagers and local economy. impact of marine natural systems. girls. (ECPAT code). Use public transports, bicycle or go on foot to Add to the effort to keep the air pure and clean, The use of psychotropic substances, drugs for get to your destination or meet someone. cigarette smoke-free. Help us avoid forest fires. unauthorized use is prohibited. Please respect the local culture and the If you visit any archaeological or historical sites, help If you detect anything that is affecting the appropriate dress code. If you have any doubt, us to preserve them and respect local regulations. environment inside the hotel, please report it. contact us.

GreenBook 14 Hotel Troya Tenerife****

Nuestros compromisos - Our commitments

Sustainable awareness Customer satisfaction We sensitize our employees, customers and The Company is devoted to its guests 365 days a suppliers of how important small initiatives are, in year, 24 hours a day. order to add up big results.

Our team Water usage and recycling We guarantee fair, decent and equality treatment, We believe in the rational usage of our most respecting the workers’ rights. And encouraging the precious natural asset. profesional developement.

Social action Waste management We contribute to the improvement and wellbeing of We not only manage waste, we also work to reduce the local community through social projects. it.

Health and safety Energy saving We apply a policy of máximum rigor in order to We use energy, we do not waste it protect customers and employees.

Biodiversity projects Ecpat code We participate in the protection of endangered We are committed against child sexual exploitation. species.

Emission reduction We are committed to reducing CO2 emissions.

For further information www.alexandrehotels.com

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