Pieter van Beugen’s Way Out To Sustainability In New Year

Which comprise eliminating plastic bottles and straws from all restaurants, planting over 600 mangrove trees, installing car e-charging stations, and partnering with Ocean Bottles, which saw the property help in collecting over 60,000 plastic bottles before they hit the ocean bed

According to the report, the property's general manager, Pieter van Beugen, spoke with Hotelier Middle East about what else is coming in 2023.

Talking about highlights from last year, Beuguen commented, "Our property focuses a lot on sustainability." As part of the Hilton group, we’re committed to driving responsible travel and tourism globally.

"Additionally, along with our new owners, Aldar, and also with RAKTDA, we have participated in the Earth Check initiative and have introduced numerous CSR initiatives through systematic steps in areas with the highest environmental impact, such as water, waste, and energy."

Some of the noteworthy contributions:

684kg of plastic was prevented from entering the ocean, the equivalent of 60,000 plastic bottles.

reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to taking 2,961 cars off the road in 2022

reduction in water consumption equivalent to 332 Olympic swimming pools in 2022

reduced energy equivalent to 1,696 powered houses

According to GM Pieter van Beugen, 2023 will be a challenging year, with new markets emerging and top-notch hotels opening in the emirate, but at the same time, one to look forward to.

"It is all a matter of preparing and being ready for what is coming and embracing the challenges,"  he said.

With travellers becoming more conscious about sustainability, responsible tourism is the new trend.

"Hotels are now upping their game when it comes to sustainable practises as individuals now travelling are looking for hotels that match their own beliefs about purposeful travel and have a reduced carbon footprint,"  he added.

He concluded, "It’s a year that will start with limited travel restrictions and people being free to travel across the world."

A year that has so much to offer in terms of new developments in the tourism and hospitality industries.

He believes that it will be a very price-sensitive year. Hence, they have to be ready with attractive offers to attract travellers to our destination and resort.

By Sumita Pawar