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The non-oil tourism sector is one of the key cornerstones of the UAE’s economic diversification plan. And the country is giving the much-needed impetus to the segment. The Dubai Opera, Guggenheim and Louvre Museums in Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. theme park in Yas Island and Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid City District One are the latest projects in the list that aim to solidify the country’s tourism potential and catapult it further. More such ventures are in store.
While the country boosts its tourism sector, the stakeholders have to act
responsibly and recognize the need to develop plans that keep an eye on environmental sustainability. On Sunday, Dubai Tourism took the initiative of partnering with Etihad ESCO, Dubai Carbon, Emirates Environmental Group and Emirates Wildlife Society–WWF to consolidate industry practices that bolster the hospitality sector while following eco-friendly ways. A strong collaboration between different players in the sector is crucial to foster sustainable tourism growth. It could mean saving electricity or reusing water in hotels to turning visitors into eco-tourists by sensitizing them and developing their insight in nature and heritage conservation.
Putting environmental sustainability at the core of tourism growth poses a daunting challenge indeed. Over 10,000 new hotel rooms are set to open in Dubai each year in the run-up to Dubai Expo 2020. The infrastructure boom will see the capital investment in the tourism sector grow by 5.1percent annually (to AED37.8 billion in 2024) over the next decade. By 2020, the travel and tourism industry will contribute around 8percent to the GDP of the UAE. How well this development is carried out in a sustainable way depends on the execution of the ecologically sound plans in an effective manner — which rakes in revenues for the industry as well as protects the environment while keeping into view tourist satisfaction.
Only when the hospitality industry reduces its carbon footprint will it succeed in the real sense. Many green initiatives have been undertaken by the tourism sector in the UAE. Some hotels are using solar power to heat water in their rooms. A few have started recycling water through special irrigation systems. These steps will go a long way in bringing the country closer to UAE Vision 2021 which calls for sustainable development. Developing and managing responsible tourism is what the stakeholders must focus on. Tourism projects have to adopt business models that are commercially viable and environmentally-benign. Apart from the hotel staff and managers, the tour operators and travel agents have a big role to play in this endeavour. Those who do a good job should be made ‘Green Guardians’ and rewarded for their efforts. This will set a precedent for others and encourage them to let loose their innovative streak!
Tourism shouldn’t just be business. It has to go beyond it and assume a green and human face. As the UAE marks the World Tourism Day today, the sector should vow to support plans that reduce environmental impact, use natural
resources efficiently, while paving the path for a truly sustainable economy.
More and more tourists are looking for eco-friendly options today. So, it makes sense to go green!