In a landmark move towards environmental stewardship, Dubai has officially recognized 70 hotels with the distinguished ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’. This accolade is part of an aggressive push to position the emirate as a pinnacle of sustainability in the global tourism sector. Issued ahead of Earth Day by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this initiative highlights the city’s proactive strides in integrating eco-friendly practices across its hospitality industry.
Launched with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the significant COP28 held at Expo City Dubai, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp (DST) underscores a robust commitment to environmental responsibility. The stamp is awarded to hotels that excel in implementing the DET’s 19 rigorous ‘Sustainability Requirements’. These criteria range from advanced sustainable management practices and comprehensive performance metrics to stringent energy, food, and water management plans.
The award ceremony, an August gathering at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, saw the convergence of top-tier hospitality executives and key DET leaders. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, and Mr. Yousuf Lootah, Head of DET’s Environmental Sustainability & Social Responsibility Committee, were the chief presenters of these awards.
The DST is not merely a token of recognition but a three-tiered system categorized into gold, silver, and bronze, depending on the level of compliance achieved by each establishment. This tiered system ensures a continuous and dynamic benchmarking process, encouraging improvements and innovations in sustainable practices among the city’s hotels.
Issam Kazim articulated the city’s vision: “Our aim to establish Dubai as the foremost sustainable destination is coupled with our commitment to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. These awards mark a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainable tourism, and we commend our hotel partners for their commendable efforts.”
The awarded hotels are pivotal players in this grand vision, embodying the principles of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aspires to secure Dubai’s status among the top three global cities for business and leisure. This initiative is also perfectly aligned with the broader goals of enhancing Dubai’s liveability and appeal as a prime destination for conscious travellers.
Moreover, the sustainability drive in Dubai encompasses more than just the tourism sector. The Carbon Calculator platform and the Dubai Can initiative, with its landmark projects like the ‘Refill for Life’ campaign and the expansive Dubai Reef marine development, are testaments to the city’s holistic approach to sustainability. These initiatives serve dual purposes of operational cost reduction and ecological conservation, fostering a sustainable future for all residents and visitors of Dubai.
In conclusion, as Dubai continues to innovate and lead in sustainable tourism, the DST Stamp represents a significant leap towards environmental conservation. It exemplifies Dubai’s unwavering commitment to creating a green legacy for future generations. This initiative is a cornerstone in Dubai’s journey towards becoming the ultimate green destination on the global stage.
Written by: Michelle Warner
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