When he bagged the Centre for Responsible Tourism Award on September 27, Serafino Cota, managing director of Hotel Dona Sa Maria, Cavelossim, was bestowed the title of ‘A Nature Lover and Conservationist' by the Centre for Tourism (CRT) on its tenth anniversary celebrations.
The award itself has the following citation: "For running Hotel Dona Sa Maria, Cavelossim for more than 20 years using unique and responsible water and waste management systems, which are simple, low cost, scientific and eco-friendly."
Serafino, who returned from overseas in the mid-90s, turned an entrepreneur when he set up his own hotel, which marked his foray into the hospitality industry.
He went through the initial grind. "My hotel is located at Tamborim-Cavelossim, which is the most isolated place in Cavelossim village. Earlier, it was home to 15 houses which has now risen to 17," informs Serafino.
After readying the hotel in 1996, he inked an agreement with an internationally acclaimed leading tour company. Spread over an area of 3855 square meters with 18 rooms, Serafino claims it was the first hotel to utilise 30% floor-area-ratio (FAR).
Since then, Serafino's venture has traversed a long distance. "For the first year, my sales pitch did not work," adds Serafino. That's when he changed his marketing strategy.
The second year, the hotel was marketed as somewhat of an ornithologist's delight for bird viewing, which brought him success.
To add to the eco-friendly nature of his hotel, Serafino claims to be purchasing vegetables from the local market.
"This is in order to maintain sustainable and responsible tourism," he states.
The nature loving aspect has also come to the fore.
"We recycle 100% waste water, which is then used for gardening," Serafino informs.
"The acidic waste such as waste curry and rice is fed to pigs and the pig waste is used as manure for the plants.
"Other waste such as fish and chicken remains is converted into organic manure through vermiculture tanks, while the solid waste such as tins, cans, plastic bags, ceramic, etc, goes for recycling," Serafino mentions, while claiming that this has attracted attention from students.
His future plans include purchasing a battery operated rickshaw for transporting guests to the beach.
