Miami's Mandarin Oriental gets in on the Volunteer Adventure action at Everglades National Park

Last week, it was the Cambean Hotel working with the Everglades Foundation to promote preservation in the Sunshine State. Now, it looks like another Miami mainstay is getting in on the green action.

As part of its membership in the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, Mandarin Oriental, Miami is launching a “voluntourism” program at Everglades National Park in which guests can make a difference to the environment and help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site. The “Miami Everglades” package includes an inspiring day trip to Everglades National Park where guests can participate in tree planting, recycling projects and exotic plant removal programs. Guests can also explore the park’s walking trails to experience wildlife up close, or by indulging in the local tradition of “slogging,” wading through shallow waters.

“As members of the World Heritage Alliance, we work closely with Everglades National Park to learn about the challenges they face and are keen to develop opportunities for the hotel to help through voluntourism programs,” said Jorge Gonzalez, general manager, Mandarin Oriental, Miami. “We are delighted to offer interesting and fulfilling opportunities for our guests to get involved.”

The luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a contemporary, waterfront jewel, offering dramatic ocean views from it 326 elegant guest rooms and suites. There are two high-energy restaurants, M-Bar – a dynamic cocktail lounge and martini bar, a stunning Five-Star spa, Oasis Beach Club and extensive meeting and business facilities.

Located just an hour from the hotel, Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem and home to many rare and endangered species such as the American crocodile. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and boasts rare and endangered species. The park is designated as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance.

Guests will drive in a Hybrid vehicle to the park and participate in a morning volunteer mission followed by a delectable lunch provided by the hotel. In the afternoon an expert Park Ranger will take guests on a stimulating tour exploring this vast stretch of wetlands and share their knowledge, stories and interesting facts about the park.

The “Miami Everglades” package includes:

• Accommodations for two nights
• American breakfast daily
• Day Trip to Everglades National Park
• Hybrid rental car for a day

For more information or reservations, please contact reservations directly at (305) 913 8383 or visit Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s website at www.mandarinoriental.com.

About World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism
The World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism is a membership-based initiative that works to support World Heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and local economic development for communities in and around UNESCO World Heritage sites. The UN Foundation and Expedia, Inc. created the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism in the Fall of 2005. For more information, including a list of other WHA members and partners, visit: http://www.worldheritagealliance.org.