Playa Hotels & Resorts Expands Community Impact with Biodiversity Conservation Project in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Playa Hotels & Resorts proudly celebrates a key milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community development through the Playa Cares initiative. In 2024, Playa Cares launched 11 regional projects across various destinations under one purpose: to tackle critical environmental and social challenges in partnership with local communities, nonprofits, and key stakeholders.
Now, following the recent Green Globe certification of Wyndham Alltra Puerto Vallarta, Playa Hotels & Resorts is shining a spotlight on one of its most meaningful local efforts: the Community Biodiversity Conservation Project on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with Jardín Mágico Santuario de Mariposas A.C., seeks to foster biodiversity preservation through a comprehensive approach that combines education, institutional support, financial aid, and the creation of meaningful engagement opportunities for guests, associates, and local communities.
Located just ten minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s Marina, Jardín Mágico is the largest butterfly sanctuary in Mexico and the only one of its kind in the region. Home to more than 30 local butterfly species, the sanctuary plays a vital role in educating the public, restoring populations of endangered butterflies, and raising awareness about the importance of pollinators to healthy ecosystems. With over twenty species of butterflies now listed as endangered due to habitat loss, the sanctuary's work has never been more urgent.
Playa Hotels & Resorts has developed a multifaceted strategy to support Jardín Mágico and expand its impact:
One major effort involves improving the sanctuary’s infrastructure and operational capacity. Playa’s Gardening and Maintenance teams conducted a full assessment of the facility’s needs and now follow a monthly improvement plan to ensure a safer and more effective environment for both visitors and butterflies. Plans are also underway to fund vital laboratory equipment to enhance the sanctuary’s scientific capabilities.
Playa has also committed to deepening community engagement. As part of Earth Day celebrations on April 22, 2025, the company sponsored a visit to the sanctuary for students from the Juan Hernández García Primary School and children from Pasitos de Luz - Casa Connor Rehabilitation Center. Over 30 children participated in the experience, guided by both sanctuary staff and Playa associates. The company aims to sponsor similar visits for at least 300 community members by the end of the year.
In addition, Playa Hotels & Resorts is supporting the sanctuary through marketing and promotional efforts. A dedicated annual budget helps fund the creation of digital and printed educational materials, and an upcoming video telling the story of Jardín Mágico and its mission will soon be shared across Playa’s internal channels and social media platforms.
This initiative reflects Playa’s belief in holistic, strategic action. The partnership with Jardín Mágico is grounded in respect for the sanctuary’s leadership and the tireless work of its Director and founder, Mr. Fabián Reyes. His passion for environmental education and conservation is a driving force behind the sanctuary’s success.
Through this partnership, Playa Hotels & Resorts not only hopes to strengthen local conservation efforts, but also to inspire others in the tourism and hospitality industry to recognize the value of Mexico’s natural and cultural heritage. By investing in long-term, community-based sustainability efforts, Playa continues to position itself as a positive force for change in the regions it calls home.
For more information:
David Andrés Ortegón-Martínez
Playa Hotels & Resorts
Sustainability Director
T: (52) 998.881.5791
M: (52) 551.759.74.86
david.ortegon@playaresorts.com
www.playaresorts.com/playacares