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DUBAI
A Mars milestone
To mark the UAE’s Hope Probe reaching the Mars orbit on February 9, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai leveraged its cuttingedge projection and display technology to illuminate Al Wasl dome – the event site’s epicentre – in a rich red hue. As the Emirates’ first mission to Mars entered the Red Planet’s orbit, one of the largest 360-degree projection surfaces in the world was lit by more than 250 laser projectors to stunning effect, reflecting Expo 2020’s “shared sense of pride to be part of such an ambitious and innovative nation”. The UAE hopes Expo 2020, which will run from October 2021 to March 2022, will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration and reflect a belief in the power of human collaboration, ingenuity and cooperation – the same values that are at the heart of the Emirates Mars Mission. As the first global event to take place since the pandemic began, Expo 2020 will be a “crucial platform to explore new horizons, showcase breakthrough ideas and welcome the best minds to enable action and inspire solutions to the challenges that affect us all”, say organisers.
“It will take place on a site that offers a vision of the city of the future, designed for more sustainable and humancentric living, filled with architectural and operational inspiration of a better world to come”. Gemma Greenwood
WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD TEL AVIV
Dine, shop, party or chill in this aroundthe-clock destination that never sleeps
Just imagine you nd yourself in one of the world’s most dynamic cities for 24 hours. Luckily, Tel Aviv-Yafo is a non-stop destination, so you can take advantage of every hour of the day and night. With no time to waste, this is your must-see and must-do list.
09:00 Start the day the Tel Aviv way e people of Tel Aviv take their breakfast seriously, so visitors are spoiled for choice with restaurants and cafés galore. Start your day the Tel Avivian way with an award-winning breakfast spread at the stylish Hotel Monte ore (hotelmonte ore.co.il) in the city centre; try local specialties and melt-in-the-mouth pastries at Dallal Restaurant in Neve Tzedek (dallal.co.il); or enjoy shakshuka and a fresh orange juice overlooking the coastline at Manta Ray (mantaray.co.il) located by Charles Clore Beach.
10:30 Gordon Beach A er breakfast, it’s time to head to one of Tel Aviv’s 13 sandy beaches for a swim in the warm waters and to even get involved in a quick game of ‘matkot’ – the Israeli version of paddleball. Tel Aviv is one of few cities in the world that o ers a bustling metropolitan hub and a beach and due to its relatively small size, you are never more than a 15-minute walk from a sandy stretch. All of the city’s beaches o er high-quality facilities, restaurants and beach sports. All beaches are accessible to the public, free of charge and have Blue Flag status – a symbol of exemplary environmental standards.
12:00 Old Ja a Further down the coast you’ll nd Old Ja a – one of the most ancient port cities in the world, promising historical sites, restaurants and intrigue. Take an hour to wander through the picturesque alleyways, visit mosques and churches, ancient clock towers, artists’ studios, museums and trendy restaurants. Visit the Ilana Goor Museum (ilanagoormuseum.org) – home to the renowned artist’s works of art – and don’t forget to check out the stunning view from the museum roof.
13:30 The Flea Market Just next to Ja a’s picturesque Old City and ancient Clock Tower lies the Ja a Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim), where vendors sell antiques and second-hand and handmade items. e area is considered one of Tel Aviv’s trendiest spots. As you wander around, you will discover a wide selection of cafés and laid-back bars, ideal for a spot of lunch. Sit down for a delicious meal at the iconic Cafe Puaa (puaa.co.il), where you can also buy the furniture; admire art while you eat at Beit Kandinof (kandinof.co.il); or relax and soak up the atmosphere at the famous Abu Hassan where the authentic Israeli hummus is world renowned.
15:00 The Carmel Market e Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel in Hebrew) is Tel Aviv’s largest and most famous open-air market. Whether you’re looking for spices, vegetables or clothing at a bargain price, you are sure to nd it here. In recent years the area has also joined the ranks of Tel Aviv’s trendy spots for bars, restaurants and chef-owned food stalls. Prepare yourself for an authentic and vibrant Middle Eastern experience. 16:30 Neve Tsedek Head to the hip Neve Tsedek district to explore its shops, art galleries, stylish restaurants and the Suzanne Dellal Centre, which hosts highly acclaimed dance performances. e neighbourhood’s beautifully restored houses and streets re ect the romance of the late 19th century. A walking tour here is a must for romantics, history lovers and fans of small, winding alleys. You won’t regret stopping for an ice-cream at Anita (anita-gelato.com) or Café Alma.
18:00 TLV Fashion Mall If you want to make the most of Tel Aviv’s shopping scene, don’t miss the city’s latest and most impressive mall. From high fashion and haute couture to casual wear, it has it all. Situated in a dynamic urban area, TLV Fashion Mall (tlvmall.com) plays host to more 200 stores, including many well-known fashion brands. By the way, just across the street you can nd the Tel Aviv Cinematheque (cinema. co.il), known for hosting highly acclaimed international lms festivals.
20:00 Rothschild Boulevard For a truly local and urban experience, head over to Rothschild Boulevard, one of Tel Aviv’s rst and most iconic streets. Locals and tourists alike love strolling or cycling along this tree-lined avenue full of outdoor co ee kiosks, restaurants, cafés and beautiful Bauhaus-style buildings. e boulevard is also known as the city’s nancial district and is a business hub for start-ups, multinationals, and more. At night, it transforms into a lively nightlife hotspot, full of trendy bars and nightclubs. While visiting, be sure to take a few minutes to do some people-watching at HaBima Square. is is also the spot to enjoy a classical music performance by the acclaimed Israeli Philharmonic, with melodies bursting from the square’s wooden bleachers! You can dine alongside Tel Aviv’s moversand-shakers at Cantina (rol.co.il) on Rothschild Blvd; experience modern Israeli cuisine at Port Said, Har Sinai St; or try out Japanese-inspired establishment Herzl 16 (herzl16.co.il). Don’t forget to grab an ice cream from Otello and join Tel Aviv’s residents strolling up and down the boulevard, or pick up a yer from the tourist information centre and follow the Independence Trail to discover the area’s fascinating history.
CLOCKWISE FROM
ABOVE: Rothschild Boulevard; Tel Aviv’s stunning coastline; Old Ja a Port; The Flea Market’s vibrant culinary scene; The Carmel Market; Tel Aviv is a party city
GETTING THERE
Airlines including Etihad Airways, flydubai and El Al operate direct services between major UAE cities and Tel Aviv. 22:00 onwards Nightlife
Tel Aviv is globally recognised as one of the world’s leading hubs for gastronomy and nightlife. In fact there’s a bar, restaurant, café or nightclub for every 239 residents. Rothschild Boulevard, Ja a Flea Market, Florentin Street, Dizengo Street and Allenby Street are all a er-hours hotspots. Our recommendations include awardwinning cra cocktail bar Imperial, the quirky Bellboy Bar and e Prince, which overlooks the Carmel Market. Another must-visit is the Teder Bar. is popular urban courtyard combines a restaurant, bar, pizzeria, radio station and shop and o en hosts themed events.
For families If you’re visiting Tel Aviv with your children, attractions to visit include: • e Steinhardt Museum of Natural History: a ve-storey museum documenting Israel’s natural history and exhibiting a scienti c collection of more than ve-and-ahalf-million items. Rare exhibits here o er an interactive and multi-sensory experience, reminding you of the true power of nature. • Sky Town TLV: an adrenalinefuelled challenge for all, with a multitude of rope courses and more than 120 di erent elements. • e Tel Aviv Port: a seaside promenade lined with a variety of attractions including shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, galleries and more. Bike along the boardwalk, enjoy a seafood meal, or simply take in the beautiful sea view. e famous TLV Port and Farmers Market in the centre are must visits.
WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD
With the pandemic accelerating the responsible tourism movement, BTME takes a look at the hotel industry’s response
Taking responsibility
Responsible travel is not a new movement. It started more than three decades ago with the mantra ‘Take only photographs, leave only footprints’, highlighting how tourism and tourists were starting to destroy the wildlife and environment of the places they were visiting.
Pre-pandemic, responsible travel had grown to encompasses all facets of tourism. Mid-pandemic, awareness of the movement has amplifi ed, with travellers more mindful than ever of their impact on the planet. It’s also served as a reminder to destinations and their stakeholders – in particular, master developers and hotels – that consumers now expect eco- and community-conscious products, services and solutions; opportunities to off set their travel impact and carbon emissions; and much more.
A recent IHG Hotels & Resorts study of 9,000 adults across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, Australia and the UAE found 60 per cent of respondents intend to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels, led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 to 24).
Following the pandemic, they not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, but are willing to pay for it too. Th e research found UAE consumers will spend an average of 45 per cent more on accommodation they know operates responsibly – with 51 per cent happy to spend more than 40 per cent extra a night.
In addition, 59 per cent care more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling now than they did 10 years ago. What’s more, 52 per cent are more likely to avoid tourist activities that have a negative impact on the local environment and communities since the global pandemic and four in 10 respondents choose to stay with travel companies that off er local community programmes.
“Th e appetite for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible 86 per cent of adults in the UAE say they are committed to taking their everyday sustainable habits with them when they travel, with using the correct waste and recycling disposal for diff erent items taking the top spot as the number one habit,” says IHG.
Th e survey was commissioned as part of the group’s launch of ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ – a 10-year action plan comprising a series of new far-reaching commitments to make a positive diff erence and help shape the future of responsible travel. Targets for 2030 range from diversity in the workplace, human rights and supporting global communities to reducing waste, water and energy usage and carbon emissions.
LEFT: Travellers now prefer activities that don’t harm the environment
MAKING ‘THE PLEDGE’
IHG is not the only hotel group to enhance its responsible tourism measures in 2021. Accor and Expedia Group, in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), recently announced they were joining forces to extend the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge (‘Th e Pledge’). Th is strategic tripartite agreement will bring together 3,358 Accor hotels to promote environmental sustainability and sustainable tourism worldwide.
Th e UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge promotes responsible practices, community resilience and heritage conservation, with the ultimate goal of changing the nature and impact of global tourism. Under Th e Pledge, which was originally launched in October 2019 with the Tourism Authority of Th ailand, UNESCO and Expedia Group, parties commit to supporting the reduction and elimination of singleuse plastics and promoting local economy and culture.
Accor says the expansion of Th e Pledge comes at a time when “travellers’ awareness of and demand for tourism sustainability practices continues to grow, with Millennials and GenZ taking the lead”. Th ese travellers (up to age 40) share “heightened concerns over the environmental impact caused by travel when choosing a future trip, which might be attributed to the aft ermath caused by COVID-191,” it says. With Accor joining the Expedia Group and UNESCO initiative, Th e Pledge extends to almost 100 countries promoting sustainable tourism globally.
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
It’s not just global hotel groups that are championing new sustainable practices. In the Gulf region, which is carving a niche as responsible tourism pioneer, thanks to the creation of new sustainable cities and destinations, homegrown hotel groups are stepping up to the plate.
UAE-headquartered Rotana recently announced several new sustainability practices as part of its Rotana Earth programme, including the ban of single-use plastic toiletry bottles by June – a move expected to eliminate more than fi ve million bottles, or 30 tonnes of plastic annually.
Th is transition will also improve logistics by reducing shipping, storage and packaging. It’s one of more than 250 sustainability activities Rotana introduces every year, says CEO and President, Guy Hutchinson.
“Sustainable tourism is not just a rising travel trend, but a must-have priority for a growing number of environmentally and socially conscious travellers,” he says, stressing that hotels must “keep up”.
Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Hotels, which owns well-known regional properties including Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, agrees that guests are eco-savvy and now “expect” hotels to be sustainable.
“ ere is now an awareness of certi cations such as LEED and Green Globe and these are increasingly becoming reasons to choose a hotel, while in-house sustainability programmes are seeing increased guest participation. e pandemic has accelerated this, bringing attention to speci c sustainability elements such as sanitisation and disinfection measures and indoor air quality,” he adds.
SETTING NEW STANDARDS
UAE-based Rove Hotels has noticed how “initiatives that align with an eco-friendly ethos and improve convenience for Rovers (guests) are the most successful. Some examples include providing a wider array of vegan and vegetarian dishes, o ering sustainable transport options such as bicycles and providing electric car chargers at Rove properties, to name a few, according to Nila Pendarovski, manager at the group’s upcoming Rove Expo 2020.
“Our hotels have been built in accordance with water and energy conservation best practices, and we have implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives such as recycling, composting, using technology to reduce our food waste, and more,” she says. “Our soon-to-be-opened Rove Expo 2020, which will be the only on-site hotel at Expo 2020 Dubai, will be the pinnacle of this evolution, keeping in line with Expo 2020’s high sustainability standards.”
All Rove properties have been awarded Green Key Certi cation – a programme recognising excellence in the eld of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry. e hotel group
recently introduced ‘Check in with Plastic; Check Out with Dinner’ – a highly successful initiative that rewards Rovers who bring in 20 or more plastic bottles to its the Daily restaurants by giving them dining discounts.
Rove was also the fi rst hotel group to pass the Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Sustainability Requirements launched in 2019 and due to be fully implemented in July as part of wider eff orts to preserve Dubai’s resources and reduce the tourism industry’s carbon footprints.
Th e DTCM’s Executive Director of Tourism Development and Investments, Yousuf Lootah, says these policies and standards enable hotels to “track their consumption and identify successful cost-saving opportunities” and by improving internal sustainability operations, they contribute to the “competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism-linked economy”.
Th ese new standards are also helping to “meet the high expectations of travellers who are looking more and more for transformational experiences that don’t have a negative impact on the environment”, Lootah adds.
ABOVE: The organic garden at Six Senses Zighy Bay. ABOVE LEFT: Rove Expo 2020
SETTING THE BENCHMARK
Another UAE-based hotel group pioneering green practices is TIME Hotels, which has received global notoriety for its sustainability focused business model. It has received the prestigious environmental accolade, the Green Key Award, as well as Dubai Chamber’s CSR Label, in recognition of concepts and applications within hotel operations, including water conservation and waste management systems. Recent initiatives include installing electric vehicle charging stations in hotel parking areas and opening a rooft op organic garden using seed and stem propagation at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites.
Th rough this initiative, the team at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites aims to educate people on how to grow their own herbs and vegetables in a challenging climate without using chemicals and industrially produced pesticides,” explains Gaetan Lavoie, Corporate Director of Technical Services, TIME Hotels.
Across the border in Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay continues to set the benchmark as an eco-conscious resort.
“Th e DNA of the resort is fi rmly entrenched in giving
back to the environment and our local community, whether it’s the frequent beach or underwater clean-ups, nurturing our organic garden and farm, or contributing to access to education and healthcare for the local community,” explains General Manager Gauderic Harang.
“More recently our guests are switching their focus to the aspects of life that matter most, including creating a better, more sustainable future – and we are lucky that we can o er resort experiences to help them on that journey.” e resort recently partnered with Co2nsenus, a British company that works on measuring and o setting carbon emissions, to launch a Carbon Neutral rate, at no extra cost to the traveller.
A er calculating the amount of carbon produced per room night, the rate will see Zighy Bay donate $10 per room night to a wind-power plant based in Balıkesir, Turkey, reducing the amount of Co2 emitted to the environment by 55,370 tonnes per year.
Harang says the pandemic has “provided an opportunity for travellers to pause and think about what they value in a stay, and increasingly, sustainable operations are at the top of their list”.
ABOVE: METT Hotel & Beach Resort, Bodrum
He believes today’s responsible traveller “quite rightly expects green initiatives beyond the likes of standard recycling practices, reusable glass bottles and alternatives for single-use amenities.”
A NEW START
is increasingly common guest pro le is forcing owners and operators to re-think their hotel concepts says Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group, which will open its rst property in Bodrum, Turkey soon – METT Hotel & Beach Resort.
“Navigating the pre-opening phase of a hotel during a pandemic has prompted us to reconsider the non-negotiable requirements of our guests. As we work towards the launch of METT Bodrum this summer, we are noticing more than ever that guests expect hotels to ingrain sustainability innovations in everything that they do,” he explains.
“We are in a unique position of being able to reevaluate our operating models prior to welcoming our very- rst guests. Our most recent initiatives include Reverse Osmosis technology to purify water from the Aegean Sea for our landscaping and tap water, as well as building solar panels to power our resort. e need to support local suppliers, artisans and producers has also grown exponentially as communities rally to maintain their livelihoods during these trying times – which we have supported through partnerships for our furniture, local art and organic produce.” e age of the “mindful consumer” is upon us, Gonzalez adds and post-pandemic, travellers will take a “less is more” approach, “visiting fewer destinations but ensuring that they intrinsically align with their own values, including sustainability”.
Hotels and brands helping travellers make green choices
ECO- CONSCIOUS STAYS
Marriott in its Element
Marriott’s extended-stay concept, Element, promises “bright, modern design, eco-conscious practices and an innovative guest experience that resonates with today’s travellers”. With demand for long-stay apartment-inspired accommodation escalating in the Middle East, the brand is growing its presence in region, having recently opened the doors to its second property in Dubai. The 269-key Element Al Jaddaf (pictured) targets guests seeking to “maintain a balanced lifestyle while travelling”. Inspired by nature, the hotel features streamlined furnishings in light natural tones, ergonomic design, sun-filled spaces and even pet-friendly amenities. Element is also branching out to Qatar, with Element by West City Centre opening in Doha’s West Bay business district in Q4. It will be housed in an “eco-conscious” 41-storey residential tower, with sustainability efforts including the use of recycled materials and low-VOC interior paints. A second Doha property, Element by Westin West Bay – Al Seeliya Tower – is also in the pipeline. Key features of Element properties include an outdoor-inspired design philosophy, spa-inspired bathrooms, communal spaces, all-natural saline swimming pools, electric vehicle charging stations and a Bikes to Borrow programme.
Alila Hinu Bay
Alila Hinu Bay in Oman’s Governate of Dhofar, represents a new generation of exclusive Alila-branded properties by Hyatt. They blend luxury and environmental harmony and support sustainable tourism by adopting ‘Earth Check’ operating standards.
This new 112-room property, located on 45 hectares of beachfront in Mirbat, combines best sustainable practices with innovative design principles to make a positive contribution to the surrounding area. A hotel that integrates with the landscape, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy nature reserves, incredible marine life and unspoiled coastline.
Alila Hinu Bay also offers ‘farm-to-table’ dining experiences in its restaurants, growing fresh produce on-site and preparing it minutes after harvest, or sourcing products from local suppliers with a preference for those in profit sharing co-operative organisations. All chemicals used are low phosphate, biodegradable and non-toxic, and an on-site sewage treatment plant treats grey and black water with a bio system generating water for irrigation.
To reduce water discarded through the pool filtration process and chemical use associated with swimming pools, the pools are treated with a salt pool chlorinated system.
The hotel has also launched a “Leave only footprints, love and a frankincense tree behind” campaign encouraging guests to plant a native – and sacred – frankincense tree in the vicinity of the hotel. This initiative contributes to the preservation of this sacred plant, which is under threat from factors such as habitat destruction, overgrazing and over-tapping for trade.
Park Hyatt Doha
Park Hyatt Doha is located in Msheireb Downtown – the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. This walk-able city district, a destination for living, leisure and business, adheres to the highest standards in green building and SMART services, with all buildings either Gold or Platinum certified. The hotel, which is the tallest property in the district, is Gold LEED certified, and incorporates many new and sophisticated energy- and water-saving features. Air quality is also prioritised, with improved filter efficiency, the use of low-vapour emitting materials and even testing for pollutants regularly conducted for guest wellbeing. Stand-out initiatives also include recycling waste and packaging; sourcing sustainable suppliers, organic and authentic products and reusable paper; removing all plastic products and replacing them with bamboo and jute alternatives; using biodegradable packaging; and making local food donations. Park Hyatt Doha is owned by Msheireb Properties, which has partnered with experts that take a new approach to urban planning; one that combines traditional methods and modern technology to preserve the environment as well as the cultural identity of Qatar.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
In line with Hilton’s commitment to halving its environmental footprint globally, the new Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island was built according to a sustainable design philosophy. Initiatives include an automated light control system for all public areas; roof solar panels to heat water; a Guest Room Management System (GRMS) to monitor energy use and with a view to minimising airconditioning consumption; and the installation of water restrictors on taps and showers to limit water flow, without affecting water pressure performance, reducing water consumption by more than 37 per cent. A specialised condensation system re-purposes guest room water and smart systems are in place to control hotel waste management. The hotel also has 12 designated electric charging stations for all types of electric cars.
Address Beach Resort
This newly opened resort has taken sustainability to a new level, providing segregated bins in each guest room to encourage recycling and using eco-friendly bamboo key cards sourcing local organic produce where possible. Young guests are given biodegradable beach toys and drinks are served in re-usable, biodegradable mugs and water bottles.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
This luxury property is currently building an on-site water filtration system to replace and reduce plastic bottle consumption. It is also the first Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group property globally to build a hydroponic farm, which will provide restaurants with fresh and pesticide-free products. New water and energy saving technology has also been introduced, including solar panels on the roof.
Origins Vida Emirates Hills
At this property, guests purchase their ‘keep cup’ for a one-off AED 75 fee, and then pay just AED 10 for a coffee refill at any Vida Hotels and Resorts property. The keep-cup is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.
Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain
At Vida’s first Umm Al Quwain hotel, in-room trays for coffee and tea amenities are made from Abaca – a relative to the banana plant grown in hot, humid climates. The plant’s longleaf sheaths are used as fibres to create the trays, with this material also used to make rope and textiles.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
This resort has an Ocean Champion Badge from the Oceanic Standard, an international NGO, for its sustainable initiatives such as reducing single-use plastic consumption, food waste management, sustainable food procurement and the use of non-toxic products. The property is the first and only resort in the Middle East to hold this recognition. The onsite Marine Biologist at Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island Resort offers educational sessions and insights on various sustainable practices that can be incorporated into daily life. This is part of the resort team’s overarching goal for its sustainability experiences to live on beyond the guest’s visit. The resort also offers eco tours at nearby Saadiyat mangroves to spot the resident humpback dolphins as well as the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle in the wild.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Jumeirah Group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Programme is based at this seven-star hotel and last year it released 65 rehabilitated Hawksbill sea turtles back into the wild. The rehabilitation process starts with critical care at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah facility, then progresses to the state-of-the-art, seafed turtle rehabilitation lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, where the turtles acclimatise to ambient conditions and build up their fitness levels. The team has successfully returned more than 1,900 turtles to the Arabian Gulf since its inception in 2004.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa
These Omani resorts participate in the Shangri-La Group’s Rooted in Nature programme, sourcing the finest locally and ethically sourced ingredients as part of their culinary offerings. To qualify they had to meet at least one of several criteria: locally grown, chemical-free, sustainably sourced, certified organic, or fair trade. Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa sources vegetables from Yuzu Brothers organic farm. Headed by Chef Marco De Vincentis, all dishes on the menu are made from ethically-sourced and sustainable ingredients delivered daily from the Omani family-run farm. Along with the organic vegetables and herbs from Yuzu Farm, guests can enjoy sustainably caught fish and seafood delivered daily to the resort by local fishermen.
GOING The new sustainable hotel brand aiming to “transform travel as a force for good” ‘BEYOND GREEN’
Debuting with a portfolio of 24 founding members, Beyond Green is a new sustainable hotel brand that brings together some of the world’s most forward-thinking properties – those that “work tirelessly to protect biodiversity, celebrate cultural heritage, and improve local people’s livelihoods in destinations around the world, all while delivering an exceptional guest experience”.
In order to be a member, properties must demonstrate actions and impact according to three key pillars of sustainable tourism leadership:environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; protection of natural and cultural heritage; and contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.
Launched in November by the Preferred Hotel Group Inc., a brand representing more than 750 independent hotels, resorts, residences and hotel groups globally, Beyond Green was “conceptualised as the next step in Preferred’s strategic vision to make travel a positive force for people and the planet”, explains renowned responsible tourism visionary, Costas Christ, Brand Leader of Beyond Green and President of Beyond Green Travel.
“Inspired by its brand promise, ‘Believe in Travel’, the Preferred network has always championed the ideal that even during the most challenging times, travel will always march forward.”
Christ says the pandemic has heightened consumer appetite for a more “purposeful way of travel” and Beyond Green rises to this challenge.
“The brand represents hotels, resorts and lodges that
combine true travel inspiration with authentic and innovative design, unsurpassed guest service and an array of experiences that inspire personal renewal, wellness, learning and adventure in some of the most unique and fascinating urban, rural and remote places on our planet, all wrapped together with a deep commitment to sustainability leadership in action,” he adds.
Beyond Green’s founding members are spearheading several industry leading initiatives. They include:
Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana:
Blending into the iconic landscape of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, this newly built safari lodge has implemented a sophisticated solar power system to supply its energy needs; a state-of-the-art reverse-osmosis system that provides guests and staff with purified drinking water and eliminates single-use plastic water bottles; and a compost system whereby all food waste into rich soil that is donated to local communities for use in gardens.
Three Camel Lodge, Gobi, Mongolia: This property’s Cooking for Conservation project works to protect rare snow leopards by encouraging poachers to trade steel traps used to capture the elusive animal in exchange for a set of new cooking pots – a highly valued item in Mongolia’s remote nomadic regions. To date, more than 400 illegal traps have successfully been exchanged and removed from use.
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia: At The Brando Marine Conservation and Research Centre, scientists educate guests about the efforts underway to restore Tetiaroa Atoll, where the Brando is located, to its pristine origins, while a green tour also showcases renewable energy systems, including local coconut oil that helps to power the resort, along with solar panels.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:
Three Camel Lodge; Xigera Safari Lodge; The Brando
Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National
Park, Rwanda: Guests can plant saplings as part of an ambitious rainforest rehabilitation project to expand mountain gorilla habitat. The lodge is actively engaged in scientific research of these largest of the great apes to help ensure their future survival.
andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania:
Mnemba is part of Oceans Without Borders, an innovative conservation programme launched by andBeyond in partnership with local communities and international conservation organisations to establish and expand marine protected areas. With Mnemba one of only two protected turtle nesting sites in Zanzibar, a green turtle tagging and monitoring programme is one of their important and on-going research projects.
Borgo Pignano, Tuscany, Italy: During visits to the estate’s certified-organic farms and gardens, travellers learn about regenerative agriculture, including how healthy soils help sequester carbon. In addition, Borgo Pignano’s ‘zero kilometre’ cuisine further reduces carbon emissions from food miles while guests enjoy seasonal local ingredients produced on-property including olive oil, honey and wine.
Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo, Raton, New Mexico,
USA: In addition to protecting more than half a million acres of natural ecosystems and helping to bring the American Bison back from the brink of extinction, Vermejo has also restored the native Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout to its waterways, while engaging in large scale habitat restoration and rewilding.
Francis Ford Coppola Family Hideaway Turtle Inn,
Placencia, Belize: In addition to supporting coral reef regeneration initiatives, the beachfront resort was constructed almost entirely of local materials and is also single use plastic free including all of the guest rooms and the spa. An onsite organic garden supplies the restaurant and a partnership with local fishermen includes helping to eradicate the invasive lionfish.
CLOCKWISE FROM
ABOVE: Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge; andBeyond Mnemba Island; Borgo Pignano; Francis Ford Coppola Family Hideaway Turtle Inn; Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo
