Green tourism in UAE [Tunza free report January 2024]by Tuvimanyu Gautam | 19-01-2024 13:00 |
|---|
 The arrival of winter season is time not only for the migratory birds to find their way to the UAE, but also for tourists from all over the globe to arrive to experience the pleasant weather. The tourism department¡¯s campaign of ¡®come experience the coolest winter¡¯ has found millions of takers in post-covid recovery phase. The abundance of tourist spots coupled with well-maintained infrastructure makes the country an apt destination for those looking for adventure, sight-seeing, culinary experiences, or to simply relax. Statistically, tourism contributes 9% to the total GDP here and is on the increase. In its pursuance of UNSDGs, UAE has set a goal of 40% reduction in emissions by 2030. It is with this perspective that the seven emirates are gearing up for a sustainable infrastructure. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has set up a separate entity, Dubai Sustainable Tourism to further enhance Dubai¡¯s position as a leading sustainable destination. The intent is to create a comprehensive sustainable mindset. To begin with sustainability guidelines for the hospitality industry, which plays a major role in encouraging tourism and creating a pleasant experience, have been put in place. Through a range of policies and standards their environmental performance is monitored. Furthermore, the individual outlets are encouraged to educate their workforce, so that sustainability can be incorporated and implemented at every step. Hotels are encouraged to educate guests, plan green events like beach clean-up drives to engage them, and nudge them towards conserving precious resources by managing their usage of towels and linens in a sustainable manner. A digital interaction format keeps the DST and hotels in regular touch, and a monthly reporting of sustainability initiatives through Tourism-Dirham platform allows the authority to establish industry benchmarks. As part of the efforts to strengthen the industry eco-system DST provides training to stakeholders and partners. The industry, on its part, has been enthusiastically adopting sustainable practices like local sourcing of food, farm to table format, and even growing food through hydroponics in their establishments. By participating in Dubai Can, a city-wide sustainability movement to eliminate single use plastic water bottles, the hotels, businesses, and public spaces are consciously reducing their plastic consumption. Providing refillable water bottles and accessible water stations throughout their property makes guests willing participants in the drive. Using innovative technology like biodigesters to convert organic waste into reclaimed water to irrigate the landscape, installing water efficient systems in room, and promoting conservation of water by guests, the hotels are working to reduce their footprint. Some innovative hotels have tied up with recyclers to recycle the plastic used in their establishments into clothes, and have found ways to transport leftover soaps to communities needing them. Some major hotels through their 360 degree sustainability measures have earned The Green Key Certification from Emirates Green Building Council. Eco friendly accommodations including the ones rooted in Arabic heritage are also being built. Eco-friendly transportation through energy efficient Dubai Metro and electric vehicles exist in UAE and their infrastructure is being expanded. Apart from the architectural and technological wonders that already exist in UAE, the country has embarked upon some large-scale tourism projects to promote natural and historic sites as sustainable destinations. Hatta and Jebel Jais projects are two such undertakings. Eco-tourism in UAE offers the option of choosing wildlife observation trips, wetland exploration, bird watching, stargazing and living in local communities to the eco-minded tourist. These multitude of experiences help the tourist understand the Emirati culture, and its heritage and vision for the future. In 2023, the UAE National Ecotourism Project was launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. In line with this vision all the seven emirates are implementing measures and initiatives. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah are reenergising their desert reserves, coastal and mangroves, and many of them are being developed as Eco-reserves. The emirate of Fujairah¡¯s effort in sustainable tourism has earned it an official recognition from United Nations World Tourism Organisation as a sustainable tourist destination. A vision is the basis to achieve the goal. The efforts to achieve this vision are sure to provide a solid footing to sustainable tourism in United Arab Emirates. |
