Dubai launches green tourism programme
A new green tourism blueprint is being launched that will help Dubai’s hospitality industry become more efficient and sustainable.
Dubai Green Tourism Programme (DGTP), which is set to be rolled out by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at next month’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), will encourage hotels to adopt green practices.
It’s being spearheaded by Solaiman Al Rifai, senior manager of tourism development & investments at the DTCM/Dubai Tourism, who has said it will suggest no cost and low-cost options to get the hospitality industry on the right path to sustainability.
The initial focus will be one- two- and three-star properties, with the DTCM offering sponsorship opportunities to help smaller independent hotels participate in its sustainability initiatives, Al Rifai revealed.
He said the DTCM would also act as an advisory board for hotels, offering further advice regarding financial support for those wishing to pursue substantial activities such as retrofit initiatives.
Al Rifai was one of the headline speakers at the recent ‘Go Green’ breakfast event, organised by The First Group’s sister company, TFG Asset Management (TFGAM), in collaboration with Dubai’s Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
This exclusive invitation-only forum, which took place at the academy on March 21, brought together experts in tourism, hospitality and sustainable practices who discussed current and future green initiatives for the hotel industry.
More than 60 industry professionals attended the event, which followed the February launch of TFGAM’s research paper, ‘The Hoteliers’ Guide to GOING GREEN in the UAE’; the findings of which were also presented and debated.
“This very well-attended, high-level breakfast discussion, provided a platform for lively debate and ideas exchange,” said Head of TFG Asset Management, Mariano Faz.
“It also offered an opportunity for guests to share experiences and strategies and to network with industry professionals who share mutual concerns over effective green practices.”