Starting a Sustainability Revolution
Who’s Who
We get RESULTS with our unique approach
We have a deep understanding of the changes happening around us and the experience and expertise to help you understand
Our way of life
Our beliefs
Our favorite definition of sustainability is a set of processes, standards and actions that helps all lives to thrive and flourish on earth.
An academic definition of sustainability is an enduring and balanced approach to social progress, environment responsibility and economic activity.
In simple words, sustainability means that natural ecosystems continue to support life and provide resources to meet the needs of the present and future generations. The hospitality industry puts increased pressure on the environment and demand cultural and natural resources. However, the industry also relies on the same natural environment – unspoiled landscapes, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, glaciers, waterfalls, coral reefs and fresh air; all of which serve as great tourist attractions.
No matter where you operate, a rural area, an eco lodge or a beach resort, we can all make an impact.
Sustainability
This is simple, in two words, the Ability to Sustain our environment, the communities we work in, and our operations. It is not only about being profitable, it is about good business sense that will bring in rewards — environmentally, socially, and economically. Let us show you the road map to sustainability while making a global difference.
Going 'green'
With policies and practices being implemented by governments to enhance ‘green’ initiatives, major hotels have been publishing their sustainability reports to show they are making a difference and reducing negative environmental impacts. This path to sustainability can be quite intimidating. Let us show you the way in making these reports a part of your routine as you continue to spoil your guests without spoiling what brings them to you.
The Path to Success
Environmental management is only part of the overall process of sustainability. Economic progress and social development is an imperative part of the agenda, such as inclusivity, promoting work-life balance, promoting employees’ health and wellbeing, sourcing supplies locally and stimulating entrepreneurship.
Our team
Our combined experience is all you need to succeed in sustainability
Benoit Sauvage,
DMCP, CMP, CITP
Founder
More About Ben
Destination expert to worldwide clients, recognized by its piers as a sustainability leader for the hospitality industry
Benoit Sauvage, DMCP, CMP, CITP is the founder and CEO of Connect DMC, a leading Destination Management Company in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Benoit brings 25 years of experience in delivering high end and complex services as a destination expert to worldwide clients and has a passion for creativity, attention to details and sustainable practices.
Through his engagement and professional trainings, Benoit has been recognized by some of the leading associations, universities and corporations for his work and his positive impact in the hospitality industry.
Director in the SITE International Board of Directors 2020-2023, President of the SITE Florida & Caribbean Chapter 2019, Event Committee Member for IRF since 2018, Sustainability Committee Chair for SITE 2017-2020, Sustainability Committee Member for EIC since 2018
Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Incentive Travel Professional (CITP), United Nations Climate Neutral Now, GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism (STTP), Sustainable Events Professional (EIC), Climate Reality Leadership Corps (The Climate Reality Project)
Winner of a SITE Global Member of the Year Award, Winner of an Imex Green Award, Winner of the AMDEI CSR Award, International speaker on Sustainability and Cultural Diversities
John Iannini,
CITP, CIS, CTC
VP of Sales
More About John
Known for his ability to mobilize a team and orchestrate their cohesive movements to achieve an extraordinary result
John Iannini, CITP, CIS, CTC has the ability to mobilize a team and orchestrate their cohesive movements to achieve an extraordinary result. This allowed him to be recognized by Melia Hotels as the best top line manager in the Americas for two years running, saving the corporation in excess of $100K in payroll costs with a zero staff turn-over rate.
Before joining Melia , Iannini worked for Wyndham Hotels as a strategic account portfolio director for their most lucrative properties and coached multiple hotel franchisees on strategic asset management. Earlier in his career, he tapped his entrepreneurial spirit to grow and manage an incentive rewards company which targeted Fortune 500’s.
Iannini studied Business Management at the University of Denver , lives in midtown Atlanta for the last 20+ years with his partner and they have a english bullie named Churchill. He has volunteered for numerous professional organizations. He was active as the President of SITE FOUNDATION ( 2018-2019) and served on their executive board for 7 years. He currently sits on the board of the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue.
Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton
Consultant
More About Dr. Benton
A passion in making sustainability practical and positive for people whose job title is not sustainability
Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton is Founder and Chief Change Agent of Astrapto LLC, which offers courses, coaching, and consulting to advance sustainability in hospitality, events, travel, and other service industries. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and positive for people whose job title is not sustainability, but who want to drive positive impact in and through their organizations.
Aurora’s clients include World Wildlife Fund (Hotel-Kitchen), Centerplate, Baltimore Convention Center, the Events Industry Council, and various hotel and restaurant groups.
Aurora loves helping people realize their potential while discovering a greater purpose for good in business. She has enabled over 120 college students to launch green teams and guided them through performing sustainable procurement audits, setting up buy local programs, initiating behavior change for greater operational efficiency, and engaging community stakeholders.
Aurora has been a thought leader and volunteer in industry organizations, including the Events Industry Council and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Aurora has a doctorate degree in Social Impact Management and has a Sustainable Event Professional Certificate.
Diana Catalina Beltran
Consultant
More About Diana
Having a passion for Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Diana Catalina Beltran is a team member of Astrapto LLC and has been a hospitality management executive for over 15 years. She most recently served as the Americas corporate learning and development manager for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts based out of Florida and California. She has managed the development and implementation of sustainability-based programs and led philanthropic, volunteer, and community outreach initiatives as the Sustainability and Innovation Manager for Wyndham Worldwide. Before Wyndham, Beltran held positions at the Grand Hyatt New York, including Sustainability Manager and Social Responsibility Manager. She began her hospitality career at Hotel Sofitel Miami, where she served as lead trainer for the front office, sales and catering intern, and the property’s first green team leader.
Beltran was a member of the Hotel Association of NYC Sustainability Committee and the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association. She helped develop industry-wide community engagement forums to help association members go green.
She has taught sustainability courses in person and abroad at Florida International University (FIU) and Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE). She is presently teaching online from South America on various subjects as the lead faculty member for the MS Hospitality and Tourism Program at USC.
Diana Catalina Beltran is a native Colombian from the capital of Bogota. She is fluent in Spanish and English and proficient in French. She has a BS in travel & tourism management with a minor in hotel & lodging from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She received her MS in sustainability management from Columbia University in New York City.