Carolina Scarone, Sylvia Mokobocki, and Ignacio Suárez, students in the Tourism and Hospitality Management program, were named finalists in the “Hoteles más Verdes” sustainable hospitality competition with their project titled “Tricycles That Take You to Heritage Sites.”
Now in its 11th year, this competition—which covers Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—recognizes best practices and management models in sustainable tourism.
The ORT students' project is competing in the Innovative Ideas category, which sought proposals applicable to the hospitality industry that incorporate environmental and social sustainability criteria.
Sustainable Transportation Project in Fray Bentos
“Tricycles That Take You to Heritage Sites” was developed as part of the course “Economics and Tourism Management,” under the guidance of Professor Oscar Iroldi. The project focuses on the city of Fray Bentos, known for its cultural heritage.
The project aims to address the need for comfortable and sustainable transportation to connect the Gran Hotel Fray Bentos with the former Anglo Meat Processing Plant. The solution proposed by the students consists of electric-assist tricycles, designed to provide an eco-friendly and accessible mode of transportation for people of all ages and physical abilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr1pr2Yz56Q
Carolina Scarone, Sylvia Mokobocki, and Ignacio Suárez worked on this project as part of an academic assignment aimed at identifying sustainable ideas in the tourism accommodation sector. According to Prof. Iroldi, “all the groups did a very good job,” and four teams were selected to enter the competition based on his recommendation.
We are very excited to be participating in the contest, as it gives us the chance to travel to Buenos Aires and attend such an important trade show as Hotelga. In addition to enjoying the experience itself, we hope to have a chance to win.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Electric-assist tricycles not only minimize fuel consumption, but also help reduce noise and air pollution.
Furthermore, by promoting a mode of transportation that respects the natural environment and reduces environmental impact, we actively contribute to the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Benefits for the local community
This project would provide a new source of employment for operators, who could also serve as tour guides. It is proposed that students in the Tourism program at the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education (DGETP)—University of Labor of Uruguay (UTU)—be responsible for driving the tricycles, which would allow them to gain their first work experience.
The best experience for tourists
One of the main challenges faced by visitors arriving in Fray Bentos is the distance between key attractions, such as the Gran Hotel Fray Bentos and the Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site—the former Anglo meat-packing plant. These tricycles, therefore, offer an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local history and culture in a more relaxed and personalized way. By moving at a slower pace than a car, visitors can stop to observe details that would otherwise go unnoticed, creating a deeper connection with their surroundings.
Learn more about the program
Technician in Tourism and Hotel Management