ADTA announces green hotel pilot at GM Debate

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) announced the piloting of its green hotel guidelines at Hotelier Middle East’s Great GM Debate on Wednesday.

Four properties, which are in the early design stage, are taking part in the trial and, once completed by the middle of next year, the authority will absorb its green hotel standards into its world-class hotel classification system.

"This is the first government green hotel design guidelines for new hotels and is based on Abu Dhabi's Estidama Pearl Rating Scheme, which is a green building rating system for all new buildings in the emirate," explained Nasser Al Reyami, tourism standards director, ADTA.

"By the middle of 2011, Abu Dhabi's hotels and hotel apartments will have a green rating included in their star rating."

Al Reyami said the guidelines are being piloted across two, four-star and two, five-star hotels representing a mix of resorts and down-town urban properties.

The ADTA director added that the guidelines would be part of a comprehensive programme of green initiatives the authority has devised to help deliver a “world-class sustainable tourism destination” in line with the Abu Dhabi Government's 2030 plan.

"Hotels use more energy and water and produce more waste than all other buildings," said Al Reyami. "So, if we want to help reduce the impact of buildings on our environment, then it is a good idea to start by focusing on hotels."

Al Reyami stated that ADTA's Green Hotels Programme will be the world's largest with more than 120 properties involved.