For instance, at Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah, “waste water collected from the resort undergoes a reverse osmosis process so that it can be pumped into the reserve’s water-hole, as well as used for landscape irrigation,” explains GM Anders Dimblad.
The event will also recognise incentivised methods adopted by some properties, such as Radisson Blu Residence Dubai Marina’s green apartment of the month competition. General manager Rob Collier says: “Our commitment is extended to the employee accommodation where we have a monthly green apartment of the month. We reward the employees who have the lowest footprint on a monthly basis”.
After a lunch break, the event will resume with a presentation on the benefits of a sustainable CSR initiative, which include a more positive corporate culture, higher employee retention, and better relationships with guests.
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A second presentation on how sustainability can be used as an effective marketing tool will look at how a hotel has used sustainability to attract guests, and the importance of catering to a young generation of environmentally-conscious travellers.
The final session of the day will focus on balancing sustainability with guest satisfaction and will explore how hotels can balance the drive for sustainable measures with brand standards and guest expectations, while tackling the Middle East’s unique challenges such as a desert environment and lack of fresh water.
Ultimately, the aim of the event is to bring together like-minded hoteliers to move the industry forward in terms of sustainability best practice, for the benefit of both business and the environment.
As Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s Arabella Willing says: “The UAE has such a high ecological footprint and consideration for the environment is not always the priority it should be. The hotel industry has an opportunity to lead the way, and set trends for a more sustainable lifestyle. We all have a common environmental goal and summits such as this are a great for sharing ideas and fostering partnerships”.
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