Tag Archives: sustainability

Canal Central Hotel Business Bay announces its outstanding achievements in reducing carbon emissions during the first half of the year. Using Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism Carbon Calculator to measure and guide its efforts in achieving environmentally responsible operations during this period, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay has achieved substantial reductions in carbon emissions across various key performance indicators (KPIs), marking a significant step toward its sustainability goals. The results are as follows: Electricity: The hotel achieved an impressive 1.07% decrease in electricity consumption which is attributed to a series of energy saving initiatives implemented by the property including the installation of sensor-based lights in guests’ corridors, the implementation of a guest room power-saving mode via a Room Management System, the transition from conventional CFL lights to energy-efficient LED lights throughout the property, and the introduction of an auto shut-off mechanism for operational equipment. Water: Canal Central Hotel Business Bay proudly reports a reduction of 1.16% in water consumption. The hotel’s commitment to responsible water management is evident in its adoption of best practices, including the utilization of aerators in washroom faucets to regulate water flow and mitigate wastage. District Cooling: An impressive 0.67% reduction in carbon emissions related to district cooling has been accomplished by utilizing a central air conditioning system that efficiently cools the entire building. This technology allows the property to maintain comfortable temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. Liquefied Petroleum Gas: The hotel has effectively managed LPG consumption by optimizing food service operations. Buffet offerings are meticulously planned based on the in-house nationality mix and expected guest numbers, reducing excess food production. Additionally, the hotel has replaced buffets with set menu options during periods of decreased …

Oman Air  aims to address ongoing losses and the accumulation of debt, and includes four main pillars:  financial sustainability, corporate governance, commercial aspects, and human capital over the next 3-4 years with the new transformation plan. In the interest of financial sustainability and operational continuity, His Excellency Eng. Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Chairman of Oman Air, announced a comprehensive programme to restructure the airline.  The programme is based on the recommendations of international management consulting firm, Oliver Wyman, who conducted a thorough assessment of the airline’s financial and commercial performance and presented practical measures to achieve sustainable commercial operations. In addition, Oman Air will restructure with the aim of improving its basic operational performance and enabling it to better meet the needs of the market. His Excellency indicated that the procedures for Oman Air’s radical and sustainable transformation require the use of qualified experts. In this regard, changes will be made in the current Board of Directors and Executive Management team during the coming months, ensuring the onboarding of highly qualified experts, whether local or international. On corporate governance, His Excellency said that specialised committees have been formed to reformulate governance concerned with human, financial and commercial resources, affiliated to the Board of Directors. Meanwhile, the airline’s network is being re-evaluated by international experts, and decisions will be taken on whether to continue certain destinations. Integration with Salam Air is also high on the programme’s agenda. His Excellency stressed that the upcoming steps will positively affect the quality and reliability of Oman Air’s services and expressed his thanks to the company’s workforce for their contribution and efforts during the last period.

McArthurGlen has recently made an addition to its portfolio with Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy, shares Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group. Could you tell us more about the new MAG centre in Paris? Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny is McArthurGlen’s new luxury and premium shopping destination, located just to the west of Paris. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy. Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the centre boasts a thoughtfully curated brand mix of international fashion favourites including Missoni, Stella McCartney, Moncler, Philipp Plein, Vivienne Westwood, BOSS, Furla, Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Maje, Angelo Vintage, New Balance, Adidas, Claudie Pierlot, L’Oréal and Roberto Cavalli at a minimum of 30 per cent off. It also plays host to an exceptional line up of food and beverage options, including the globally recognised luxury Parisian establishments Ladurée and Angelina, famous for their delicate macarons and iconic hot chocolate respectively. For guests looking to treat themselves further, French gelato brand Amorino and an elegant champagne bar offer the perfect places to pause and relax while shopping, and the popular American burger chain Five Guys caters to customers craving a quick bite between visiting their favourite stores. How is this different to other centres? Not only does Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny have the McArthurGlen DNA, delighting visitors and providing them with an extraordinary day-out experience, it is also home to an exclusive Maison des Métiers d’Art, GVRNY, newly launched …

dusitD2 Kenz Hotel Dubai, a vibrant four-star business hotel in the heart of the city’s thriving Barsha Heights, has solidified its sustainability initiatives while enhancing guest experience in a more environmentally and socially responsible way. “The hotel industry has shown a longstanding commitment to sustainability,” says Bassam Zakaria, Cluster General Manager of dusitD2 Kenz Hotel. “We are one with them as we provide a responsible stay for our employees, guests, communities, and planet”. In line with Dusit International’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), dusitD2 Kenz Hotel’s ongoing and upcoming core priorities are as follows: Responsible consumption As part of the roadmap set by dusitD2 Kenz Hotel on sustainability, the property is becoming more mindful of its consumption–from providing a stellar guest experience to employee involvement. In addition to the current waste management and recycling policies, dusitD2 Kenz employees will be undergoing up-to-date training on proper recycling and waste management that will be useful for them within the hotel and in their own personal ways. Hygiene practices and sanitation is one of the critical priorities of this property, which means cleaning solutions are among its most important consideration when it comes to consumption. With its holistic approach to its high standard of cleanliness, this property has been sourcing out toxic-free cleaning solutions that use advanced technologies such as nano-natural and phytology. These eco-friendly products are not only imperative for a sustainable future, but it is also dependable, safe, and deliver the best hygiene results. Clean Energy  Reducing carbon footprint has always been on top of the property’s list. As the world fast-tracking its Net Zero efforts, dusitD2 Kenz Hotel continues to monitor its energy consumption very often. In day-to-day operations from its front desk …

Emirates announced it has committed US$ 200 million to fund research and development (R&D) projects focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation.  This is the biggest single commitment by any airline on sustainability, with funds to be disbursed over 3 years. Emirates will identify partnerships with leading organisations working on solutions in advanced fuel and energy technologies. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We are ring-fencing US$ 200 million to invest in advanced fuel and energy solutions for aviation, which is where airlines currently face the biggest impediment in reducing our environmental impact. We looked long and hard at the reality we face in commercial aircraft and engine technology, fuel supply chain, and our industry’s regulatory and eco-system requirements. It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline. “We believe our industry needs better solutions, and that’s why we’re looking to partner with leading organisations on R&D. Our aim is to contribute meaningfully to practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation.” Sir Tim added: “Until viable solutions can be found, Emirates will continue to implement environmentally responsible practices throughout our business, including uplifting SAF where feasible, ensuring efficient fleet operations, and inducting modern aircraft into our fleet. Our US$ 200 million fund is earmarked for R&D, and not for operating costs like the purchase of SAF or carbon offsets to tick regulatory boxes – activities we consider business-as-usual.” Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Executive Steering Group will oversee disbursements from the fund, with support from technical experts. Emirates’ long-standing environmental policy and strategy focusses its activities on 3 …

The last two years has seen a resurgence in air travel and while this growth trend provides a welcome boost for the aviation industry, the increase in air traffic places a greater burden on the environment. To explore solutions that go beyond carbon offsetting, Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO, SimpliFlying gathered a panel of experts on the Global Stage at ATM 2023 to discuss the actions required to futureproof the air travel industry. The engaging panel included Brian Moran, Vice President Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships, Boeing; Yvonne Moynihan, Chief Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air and Dave Rowse CEO of CarbonClick, with each sharing their take on the strategies and challenges of flying net zero. The speakers unanimously agreed that the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a key role, helping the industry to meet its long-term sustainability goals. Moynihan said: “From 2025, all airlines will be required to use SAF fuel. In an effort to get ahead, Wizz Air has invested £5 million (AED 22,923,120) in a UK-based SAF producer called Firefly to support the development and certification of SAF produced from sewage sludge. This agreement gives us the potential to save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-eq. It is essential that airlines get behind SAF production because there is such limited supply currently.” The experts agree that the cost of SAF is one of the major barriers in the immediate term. Rowse commented: “Several airlines are working to tackle the prohibitive cost of SAF, including Etihad airlines which subsidises the cost for those passengers choosing to offset their journeys with SAF. It’s going to take five to 10 years before reasonable volumes are produced. While there …

Rather than cost, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector should focus on the long-term gains offered by decarbonisation, waste reduction and community initiatives. That was the assessment of experts speaking on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 4 May today. ‘Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?’ included a range of insights into how luxury travel is leading the tourism industry’s sustainable charge in the Middle East. Moderated by Joe Mortimer, Editor-at-Large at Destinations of the World News, panellists included Nadia Ibrahim, Member of the Board of Directors of the UN Global Compact; Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brands at Marriott International; and William Harley-Fleming, Vice President of Operations for JA The Resort and Indian Ocean. Commenting on growing demand for sustainable offerings among consumers, the UN Global Compact’s Ibrahim said: “Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand, but this is changing. We are encountering a new generation of travellers that wants high-end experiences that do not compromise sustainability. This is why airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tourist destinations are thinking about how sustainability can be integrated into their existing services, and how it can be used to attract more customers.” Referencing the approach Minor Hotels’ Anantara brand has taken to sustainable luxury, Golbarg said: “Globalisation opened the doors to the world, but I think localisation is now equally important. We took the decision to go indigenous as a lot of the costs associated with sustainability relate to the importation of goods. It’s all about how you are benefitting the communities in …

Al Rais Travel, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023’s Official Destination Management Company (DMC) Partner, is using the 30th edition of the exhibition to promote the UAE as a sustainable tourism destination. Mohamed Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel, said he and his team would leverage his company’s 42 years of industry experience to increase awareness of responsible tourism offerings in Dubai and across the wider Emirates. The company is also using ATM 2023, which will continue to run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday, 4 May, to showcase three of its digital platforms, which are designed to cater to business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C) and corporate booking requirements. Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Al Rais said: “We are trying to increase awareness of sustainable tourism, with a focus on sustainable travel, accommodation and other related segments within the market. “Our group is also demonstrating three digital platforms, which are B2B, B2C and our corporate booking tool,” he continued. “We are always trying to enhance our technology to keep pace with the market. As you know, technology is growing so fast – especially with [the advent of] AI. “We are now working to see how we can integrate AI into our platforms,” Al Rais added, explaining that sustained investment in advanced technology would enable his organisation to maintain its competitive edge in the market. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We are immensely grateful to Al Rais Travel for supporting the 30th edition of ATM as Official DMC Partner. The organisation’s focus on the UAE as a responsible tourism destination perfectly matches ATM 2023’s theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, so I …

Central Hotels & Resorts is participating in this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market from the 1st to the 4th of May, to highlight its ongoing sustainability practices and announce upcoming summer promotions. In line with the main theme of ATM 2023 which is “Working Towards Net Zero”, visitors and exhibitors can get insights into the sustainability activities across the properties of Central Hotels & Resorts including single-use plastics, energy-saving lighting and utilities and many more. “Truly sustainable and responsible tourism should make destinations better for people to live in and well as visit. This is what we are aiming to achieve across our properties and there’s no better platform to share our goals and vision that at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Key industry leaders and stakeholders from various sectors including destinations, travel platforms, airlines, hospitality, online travel agencies, and hotels will be attending the event so we will be learning from each other,” explains Abdulla Al Abdulla, COO, and Group General Manager. The leading global event for the travel industry in the Middle East will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will evolve and also identify strategies for growth within specific key vertical sectors. Along with other announcements, Central Hotels & Resorts will unveil its upcoming summer promotions, valid at C Central Resort The Palm, Royal Central Hotel The Palm and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay. Central Hotels & Resorts is keen on attracting guests from all markets including the USA, Canada, Italy, Australia, China and other European countries. “We have observed a strong recovery in the UAE’s hospitality industry following the pandemic based on recent statistics, occupancy rates, and investments. However, there will always be some challenges …

Offering abundant opportunities for knowledge-sharing and networking, the summit has converged a distinguished gathering of the global aviation community to address opportunities and challenges in the industry and discuss and collaborate on ways to further propel the ongoing momentum driving the Arab aviation and tourism industry. The opening day features discussions and debates on sustainability, the economic outlook, and how disruptive technologies will shape the next generation of aviation and travel. Local leaders and global industry stalwarts  fostered healthy dialogue on the way travel impacts the environment and deliberate the way forward by exploring decarbonising pathways and sustainable business models to boost the continuous growth of the sector. Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, said: “Sustainability is at the core of our purpose as we continue to pioneer disruptive technologies and clean fuel alternatives. Collective efforts from all industry stakeholders are required to ensure we continue to drive greater sustainability. We look forward to the summit, exchanging ideas with other industry experts on how we can work together to make air travel more sustainable for future generations.” Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “As we continue to place sustainability at the heart of our development, we are seeing industry players across tourism and aviation prioritise environmentally conscious and purpose-driven operations. As the Arab Aviation Summit brings together leading regional and global players, we look forward to exploring innovative collaborations, solutions, and best practices to collectively unlock the full potential of a decarbonised future.” Cementing its status as the “voice of the industry”, the 10th Arab Aviation Summit will showcase industry insights and outline scalable solutions that can make a tangible difference to the …