Hannes Jaenicke Named Sustainability Ambassador for Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – April 29 2024 – Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is pleased to announce its partnership with Hannes Jaenicke, a German actor, sustainability champion, and environmentalist committed to climate protection and the preservation of endangered species. The collaboration is in line with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose environmental, social and governance strategy to drive responsible travel and tourism globally.

Through his environmental foundation, Pelorus Jack Foundation, Jaenicke advocates for the preservation of threatened species and calls for a rethink of climate protection practices. He regularly produces educational documentaries on the topic and is invited as a keynote speaker at important environmental events. In his role as sustainability ambassador at Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, Jaenicke will educate guests and travellers about responsible hospitality, including the property’s initiatives across climate change, waste prevention, recycling, energy efficiency, and water stewardship initiatives. Through captivating content creation, Jaenicke will showcase the island's richness, fostering engagement and emphasising the importance of preserving Platte Island's natural wonders. 

On the partnership, Elias Pertoft, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island said: “We are excited to be collaborating with Hannes Jaenicke to drive our Travel with Purpose commitment in Seychelles. With nearly 60% of the island designated as nature reserves, we have a responsibility to preserve the natural environment and its surroundings. I am confident that through our partnership, Jaenicke will support the resort’s sustainability projects as we deliver on our commitment of becoming a low-impact resort and drive public awareness about nature conservation in the Seychelles.”

On his appointment as Sustainability Ambassador for Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, Jaenicke said: "I am tremendously grateful and happy about this collaboration with Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. We all need to do more to protect the climate, nature, and environment and it is great to see this in action by the incredible team at this resort. They have transformed Platte Island into a global model of how to successfully integrate species conservation, sustainability, and tourism -- a restored dream island with countless young sea turtles, rays, baby sharks, intact reefs and seagrass meadows all thriving in complete harmony with one another."

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island lies about 135 kilometres south of the main island of Mahé in the Indian Ocean. Platte Island’s environment with a rich ocean biodiversity is unique, offering a nesting ground for endangered hawksbill turtles and its lagoons serve as a nursery for eagle rays and reef sharks.

The resort thrives on solar energy for most of its operations. A significant proportion of the resort’s fruits and vegetables are derived from its garden- providing a “soil-to-soul” culinary experience for guests, while also reducing the need for imports. The 50 villas have also been designed to respect and provide shelter for animals that call the island home. Additionally, the resort has a dedicated resident Environmental Manager and Marine Biologist to guide the team in their holistic and conscientious approach to every aspect of their operations.