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Cape Town - South Africa’s scenery, wildlife, beautiful beaches and climate are assets at risk unless sustainability efforts are seriously ramped up, particularly in the tourism sector, according to Grant Sandham, group sales and marketing manager at Premier Hotels & Resorts.
September is Tourism Month in SA. This year’s focus - I Do Tourism Sustainably - is aligned to the United Nations’ theme of Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development.
The aim is to highlight how everyone can contribute to tourism by assisting in the preservation of the environment.
“Tourism generates 10% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP), one in every 10 jobs and 30% of world trade in services. However, according to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), it is also responsible for approximately 5% of global carbon emissions and contributes 4.6% of global warming,” says Sandham.
“Tourism puts immense pressure on a country’s natural resources like water and energy. This is particularly concerning in the South African context, with the country experiencing the negative effects of a severe drought and issues with the supply and cost of energy.”
Sustainability initiatives
Premier Hotels & Resorts has, therefore, over the last few years, adopted a number of sustainability initiatives.
In terms of its water conservation efforts, some properties in the hotel chain, such as Premier Hotel Midrand and Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo, are solely reliant on borehole water. Others like Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve, Premier Resort The Moorings and Premier Resort Sani Pass have begun implementing grey water reclamation and recycling solutions.
Other water saving initiatives that have been implemented by Premier Hotels & Resorts include the provision of full and half flush options on all toilets as well as the installation of low-flow showerheads and tap controls.
The company has committed to curbing energy expenditure in all of its hotels with the installation of energy-saving bulbs and heat exchange systems to warm up water. Plans are also in place to have all lighting regulated through the use of timers and sensors in public areas.
The group’s sustainability approach extends to its general housekeeping, suppliers and food and beverage services. For instance, Premier Hotels & Resorts supports sustainable suppliers, uses local, environmentally friendly cleaning products and makes regular food donations to local food banks and charities.
“While our aim is to always provide a luxurious stay for our patrons, we also encourage them to join us in our commitment to making a difference. We continually educate guests on how they can help minimise their impact on the environment by making small adjustments to their behaviour during their visits," says Sandham.
"For instance, we provide recycling bins in our conference centres to encourage them to participate in waste separation at source. In doing so, we reinforce that we all need to play our part in preserving and protecting our country’s precious assets.”
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