Tag Archives: sustainability

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 …

The Ascott Limited continues to spearhead innovative sustainability initiatives at its vibrant lifestyle property in the UAE, Citadines Metro Central Dubai. Since 2021, the apart’hotel has undertaken an impressive commitment to decrease its environmental impact and enhance sustainable best practices across services including the elimination of 120,000 plastic bottles and the recycling of about 2150 kgs of waste. Located in one of Dubai’s most central districts, Barsha Heights, the property has been Green Key certified since 2017, as a result of its ongoing commitment to protect and reduce its overall negative impact on the environment. The Green Key certificate is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry globally. Since July 2021, under the LUVE (Love Ur Vibrant Earth) Bottle Initiative, Citadines Metro Central Dubai has successfully replaced more than 120,000 plastic bottled water with glass bottles. Following a paperless initiative to reduce waste, the guest directory and café menu can only be accessed using special QR codes. As an active member of the community, Citadines Metro Central Dubai regularly engages with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) on eco-focused projects. Over the past three years, members of the team at the award-winning serviced apartment have participated in the annual UAE clean-up drive and contributed to the can collection programme. Additionally, 360 kg of cartons from the property have been recycled every year, while 550 kg of linen has been donated to the Beit Al Khair Society. Committed to creating a positive impact for the community and guests, the stellar property aims to also reduce its carbon emissions to a minimal in the coming future. Mr. Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Managing Director …

The fifth edition of Gulf Travel Show (GTS) will kick off on 28th and 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. One of the most important factors post covid is sustainability in every single way. Participation in GTS assures you of the great responsibility held by the travel and tourism fraternity about their intent to reduce its carbon footprint. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions, yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Sustainability has many layers to be addressed, it is no longer a word to be utilized and passed on as a mere CSR activity, hence it is a commitment to ensure that everyone has a part to play on mother earth. Starting off with airlines and their biofuel capabilities, hotels and their sustainable strategies, tourism boards which provide and maintain sustainable goals to ensure that the country or destination promoted will not be perturbed, undisturbed, instead leave in its natural state. When UNWTO announced its commitment on declaration of sustainability in the industry, players were …

Gulf Travel Show is back with its fifth edition on 28-29 September 2022. The show promises to focus on sustainable travel and keep the spotlight on best practices in the industry. Back by popular demand, Gulf Travel Show (GTS) 5.0 is focusing on connecting industry players virtually while demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. SanJeet, Mentor, Gulf Travel Show, shared, “The fifth edition brings with it a variety of new features as we have specialised days for VIPs and networking dedicated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom looks at tourism promotions with recent opening of its borders, KSA continues to show prowess towards achieving their 2030 vision on sustainability. Our main purpose is to ensure collaboration between destinations, hotels and travel professionals, who are committed to their role in taking the next steps to promote travel. We hope that this edition will bring in all the necessary networking between industry partners and look forward to conducting a bigger and better digital event.” GTS, a digital initiative that emerged during the pandemic, provides a new way to connect with the trade. In this edition, GTS has decided that its panel discussions would focus on sustainable travel practices and showcase sustainability as its main theme. With an impressive line-up of speakers planned, the knowledge sessions are sure to keep the audience engaged. An important feature of the GTS this time is the pre-scheduled meetings. The travel show has gone a step further and introduced features dedicated to accommodate requests by the travel fraternity.