Two UAE-based hotels - The Palace The Old Town in Dubai and Miramar Resort in Fujairah have become the first hotels in the country to sign-up for the internationally recognized sustainable Green Globe Certification (GGC).
GGC is the premier worldwide sustainability certification for the tourism industry and more than 800 businesses in 50 countries have so far met the 248 exacting standards.
Farnek Avireal has signed an exclusive five-year licensing agreement to utilise its brand, covering tourism properties within 20 different countries throughout the Middle East.
Abdul-Quddus Sheikh, Director of Engineering at The Palace The Old Town in Dubai, which is managed by The Address Hotels & Resorts, is spearheading the certification process. Having worked on sustainable projects throughout his hotel career, he is clearly a committed environmentalist.
He commented, “There are three main advantages of attaining certification. First of all, a competitive edge, especially when we are trying to attract environmentally conscious travelers, which is a major travel trend today. Secondly, after the initial investment, sustainability starts to pay back straightaway, whether it’s solar panels on the roof, or energy-saving light bulbs. Finally and most importantly, it is our duty to save energy and natural resources for the next generation.”
Consumer interest in sustainability issues is gathering momentum and nearly half of all travellers polled by Travel Weekly said they would be prepared to pay up to 10% more to stay in a green-certified hotel. Furthermore, two-thirds of travellers have serious doubts about green initiatives posted on hotel websites.
“Now through independent research, environmentalists are making their voices heard and in today’s economic climate, no business can afford to dismiss such a vocal and growing market segment. Increasingly hotels will need to prove their sustainable credentials, Green Globe certification will do just that,” said Markus Oberlin, General Manager, Farnek Avireal.
Through Farnek Avireal’s web-based Hotel Optimiser technology, GGC programme participants can calculate their CO2 emissions including the financial cost, which enables them to track their performance of energy and water consumption as well as non-recyclable waste production.
Daniel Anthony, Chief Engineer at the Miramar, Al Aqah Beach Resort, in Fujairah, which is a part of the Iberotel Group, concurred with Oberlin. “For me the bottom line is all about saving money and saving the environment. What better incentive could we have? I want the Miramar to a shining example of sustainability and totally self-funding.”
The Green Globe brand and programme, has primarily been used in the travel and tourism industry but is now being expanded to include a growing number of environmentally responsible businesses in a variety of market sectors. The GGC stamp of approval is an ideal symbol for the world's increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and response to global climate change.
