THE Hadco brand, known for its line of imported food and beverages, is taking on a new role of mixing business with environmental consciousness.
The first step in that direction came a decade ago and on April 6 part of that realisation came though with the re-opening of the Asa Wright Nature Centre Eco-Lodge, north of the Eastern Borough of Arima.
The board of Asa Wright manages the 495 hectares of land as a wildlife sanctuary in the Arima, Aripo and Guanapo valleys. A field research station and a lodge which attracts visitors from all over the world is also managed by the board as a not-for-profit venture.
In October 2020, the centre tried raising US$50,000 to keep the doors opened as well as pay 46 staff members, most of whom were volunteering their time. The travel restrictions imposed during the covid19 pandemic led to the closure of its eco-lodge.
The following year a request for proposal was sent and Hadco Ltd won the bid. The proposal by the board of the Asa Wright Nature Centre wanted a company with a “mission-aligned tourism development” strategy that was able to support the lodging at the facility.
[caption id="attachment_1010020" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bird feeders set up near the viewing veranda at the Asa Wright Nature Centre. - ROGER JACOB[/caption]
The aim of the partnership is to build on a locally loved, internationally recognised brand to create the benchmark for sustainable hotel/tourism in the Caribbean.
After a $14 million investment by Hadco Experiences, the company under the Hadco brand that focuses on its eco-tourism business ventures, the three-year hiatus ended on April 6, with an Argentinian tour company Trogon Tours bringing in 13 birdwatchers. Hadco has a lease to the lands and lodge for 10 years.
The 29-room, fully air-conditioned getaway caters for singles, couples, and families. The hiking trail was refurbished while the rooms were redesigned with all local teak bed posts and nightstands. All overhead utility lines were buried and rooms are accessible with QR codes as part of the digitisation of the lodge which will include free Wi-Fi.
Guests will have the option of totally local meals prepared at the centre's restaurant. Packages start from US$300 per person a night.
[caption id="attachment_1010019" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The refurbished walkway leading to some of the rustic buildings at the Asa Wright Nature Centre. - ROGER JACOB[/caption]
At the re-opening, co-founder of Hadco John Hadad said the company is looking to pivot the business to something more sustainable outside of the retail food and beverage business.
“For the last 10 years we've been working on a different model, and a model that has to be relevant in many areas. Number one, there's a whole rising era called ESG, environmental social governance, it speaks to the spirit of the company, and the manner in which you conduct your business and especially on the environmental end. " He said to achieve that he wanted businesses that are relevant in that sector which could also be
