Abu Dhabi leaves other destinations green with envy

18/10/2010

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) launched the Green Hotel Guidelines, part of a comprehensive programme aimed at building a sustainable destination.

These green standards will be incorporated in the refinement of the emirate classification system – based on the recognition of properties exceeding 5-star standards. A test phase runs a the moment concerning some four and five-star hotels and the project will be put into practice by mid-2011 and will involve 120 properties.

In addition, ADTA also created the Environmental, Health & Safety Management System for the whole tourism industry, which should enable hotels to reduce energy use by 10%, water 20% and waste 20%. This green programme will also meet the green travellers’ expectations and this is the reason why Nasser Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Director, ADTA, says: “We believe Green Hotels are a win, win, win scenario. They benefit the owners and operators, they benefit guests and our destination. It is the only way ahead”.

Next step in the emirate green strategy: the World Green Tourism (22^nd to 24^th November), a global event for the development of sustainable tourism in the region composed of an exhibition area and a 3-day conferences programme.

www.abudhabitourism.ae