Dubai pushes sustainable tourism agenda

Shaikha Ebrahim AlMutawa (fifth from left) and Majid Al Marri (fourth from right) with the team from The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – strategic partner of World Green Tourism

Government will highlight Green Tourism Award and sustainable initiatives at World Green Tourism in Abu Dhabi

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced that it will be a strategic partner for the second edition of World Green Tourism, and will spotlight its major green tourism initiatives during the three-day event in Abu Dhabi in December.

One of the key initiatives is the Green Tourism Award, which the Dubai government organisation launched in 2009 for the hospitality industry, and was introduced with the objective of reducing hotel carbon emissions by 20 per cent.

The first year of the awards programme attracted 79 submissions, and included seminars and workshops attended by 450 delegates from the hospitality industry. Hotels that participated in the awards saved 10 per cent in electricity consumption and 17 per cent in water consumption, leading to significant savings in power and water bills.

This year, 104 submissions have been submitted, with 570 delegates expected to attend the award ceremony and industry seminars. DTCM aims to reduce electricity consumption in hotels by 12 per cent and water consumption by 20 per cent.

Taking place from 5 to 7 December at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) World Green Tourism is the region’s first commercial event dedicated to examining how the travel and tourism industry can become more sustainable.

Ms. Shaikha Al Mutawa, Director of Business Development at DTCM and Chairperson of the Dubai Green Tourism Award Committee said: “As the strategic partner of World Green Tourism, we look forward to sharing the success of our green tourism initiatives, and networking with the global tourism industry to exchange knowledge and best sustainable tourism practices.

“Participating at the event is a significant step in bringing a positive change through sustainability programmes in hotel establishments and within the tourism industry in Dubai."

Mr. Majid Al Marri, Director of Hotel Classification and Deputy Chairman of the award said: “Tourism is one of the most important industries in the UAE. The country has taken significant steps towards the improvement and protection of the environment with particular focus on biodiversity, renewable energy, water conservation, recycling and waste management.”

DTCM will also bring a high profile delegation to World Green Tourism, headed by Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, Executive Director of Media Relations and Business Development at DTCM, who will participate in the Tourism Leaders Roundtable on DTCM’s role in positioning Dubai as a sustainable tourism destination.

Ibrahim Yaqoot, Executive Director of Corporate Support for DTCM, will also deliver a presentation on young people and tourism, aimed at educating and providing encouragement for UAE nationals to pursue a career in tourism.

World Green Tourism is organised by Streamline Marketing Group, and hosted by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. The event is held under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA’s Chairman.

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Get your copy at a special offer price: HERE