A panel discussion at the Hotelier Middle East Procurement Summit 2015 identified sustainability activities as key in shaping the future of hospitality procurement, but acknowledged government support is required to achieve full potential.
Moderated by Gloria Hotels and Resorts cluster materials manager Zahid Aslam, the sustainability in procurement panel comprised of Damac Hotels Management director of procurement Ajaz Wani, Mina Seyahi complex complex purchasing manager Kalinga Dissanayake and Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach director of purchasing Asif Kayani.
Government intervention in the form of industry regulations was universally agreed upon as being a key requirement that would lead to greater incentives for more progressive initiatives being implemented by procurement professionals in the region.
“Education and training is also important, so of course investment is required too,” said Wani on the additional barriers to successful implementation of sustainability programmes in Middle East hotels.
| Advertisement |
Core areas of the discussion focused on water and energy projects, with the panel of experts exploring a mix of perspectives on the issue including guest, management, owner and stakeholder, in addition to discussing commercial aspects of going green, before opening the floor to a Q&A session with hoteliers in the region.
“Becoming a green hotel and a responsibly purchasing hotel is a long journey, whether it starts with glass bottle recycling or removing unnecessary chemicals from your operations, this is a growing trend, and sustainable procurement is the key initiative currently being adopted by brands and hotel operators,” said panel moderator Aslam.
While it was agreed the subject is very challenging, proving the case for sustainable procurement both quantitatively and logically by indicating the possible financial savings was identified as being a primary step in gaining wider approval and support for sustainable procurement initiatives.
The Hotelier Procurement Summit 2015 was held on November 3 at the Grosvenor House, Dubai.
The full report will be released in the December issue of Hotelier Middle East.
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
