The Ministry of Tourism give 21 “H” Distinctions and 11 “Punto Limpio” quality seals to hotel establishments in Puerto Vallarta for their programs that promote health through hygienic practices in food handling, which in turn contributes to strengthening our image in the world of tourism.
The event took place at the Sheraton Buganvilias hotel, where 14 “H” Badges were awarded to the hosts themselves, six to the Las Palmas hotel and one to the nutrition department of the Joya Hospital, as well as 11 “Punto Limpio” seals to the Velas Vallarta hotel.
Dr. Paloma Castillón Rodríguez, Public Health coordinator of Health Region 8 of the Jalisco Ministry of Health, reported that the National Hygienic Food Management program’s “H” is aimed at food and beverage establishments, and the objective is to reduce the incidents of foodborne illness for tourists and improve the country's image with respect to food safety.
“The badge is awarded by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health to establishments that comply with the hygiene standards implied in the official standard that addresses the hygienic handling of food. This is a one hundred percent preventive program, focused on maintaining good hygiene practices, thus avoiding contamination that could cause diseases transmitted to diners. “It is essential that entrepreneurs become increasingly committed to continuous improvement, including the hygienic quality of food,” she indicated.
The “Punto Limpio” Quality Seal is a recognition granted by the Ministry of Tourism and is endorsed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, for companies in the tourism sector that incorporate good hygiene practices to protect health, of its clients, its workers and the communities.
The interim mayor, Francisco José Martínez Gil, recognized the hard work and commitment of these hotels to their consumers and highlighted that the quality system in the hotel industry is an essential element to guarantee excellence in each experience that Puerto Vallarta offers. “These badges recognize their commitment to the highest quality standards in service, as well as the highest hygienic and sanitary standards in the tourism sector.”
At the ceremony, certificates of the National Code of Conduct for the Protection of Girls, Boys and Adolescents in the Travel and Tourism Sector (CCN) were also delivered to the Sheraton Buganvilias, Krystal Vallarta and Buenaventura Grand hotels. This represents a commitment that the tourism industry voluntarily acquires to protect girls, boys and adolescents from exploitation, through the implementation of six guidelines within its companies and other establishments.
The municipal president considered that the adoption of the CCN is a testimony of the social and ethical responsibility of these companies, “of a continuous commitment to excellence and the well-being of our clients and communities.”
Also present were: Jorge Quintero Alvarado, director of Puerto Vallarta Beach Tourism of the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat; Alejandro Torres Magaña, manager of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel and Motel Association; Carmen Hernández Ferrer, vice president of Canaco Puerto Vallarta; Jorge Luis Carbajal Díaz, president of Canirac Vallarta, and Francisco Vizcaíno Rendón, president of Coparmex, as well as collaborators from recognized companies.
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