Industry News

Desert & Delta Safaris Is Honoured with the Global Sustainability Award

Through a collective vision and a range of collaborative initiatives, the Greek island safeguards a viable and sustainable destination for future generations. Additionally, the destination celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Enfield 8000, an electric car built on the island

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is proud to announce its achievement of the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, awarded to properties that uphold over 100 stringent standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and local communities. This recognition reflects the resort's unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and responsible hospitality. Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands In a stellar year for recognition, the resort has also achieved the Green Globe Certification, a prestigious accolade that underscores its dedication to minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating a sustainable environment for future generations. Achieving the Green Globe Certification involves a rigorous process that requires adherence to strict criteria across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and social and cultural sustainability. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has successfully demonstrated its commitment to quality and excellence through a recent evaluation across a comprehensive set of compliance indicators. Renato de Oliveira, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, stated, “We are incredibly proud to receive both the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge and the Green Globe Certification, reflecting our tireless commitment to sustainable hospitality and dedication to the protection of our natural world. This recognition is a testament to the efforts of our entire team, our Ladies and Gentlemen, in creating exceptional guest experiences with respect for the environment at our core. And of course we will continue to innovate to ensure our environmental footprint is light and fruitful for the planet and our community.” A FOUNDATION OF RESPECT The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was meticulously designed with respect for the area's fragile ecosystem. Prior to construction on an existing sandbank, marine experts conducted extensive studies to ensure minimal impact on coral reefs and marine spawning. Sustainable construction materials, such as PEFC-certified timber from responsibly managed forests in Europe, were used, allowing the resort to earn PEFC Project Certification. The developers also achieved EDGE certification, leading to the Maldives' first green loan. NATURAL BEAUTY Land: The resort landscape features thousands of adopted trees and carefully selected native plants to prevent forest degradation and the negative impacts of importation. Among these is a 100-foot-tall Banyan tree in the Mystique Garden, dedicated to the resort’s late architect Kerry Hill. Acres of white sand stretch toward the blue lagoon, serving as a sanctuary for crabs, birds, and sea turtles. Sea: Encompassing 99% ocean, the Maldives is a vibrant underwater world. The resort island is encircled by a lively coral reef that shelters lobsters, fish, rays, and sea turtles. Preserving the reef and marine life remains a priority, with over 105 coral frames planted since the project's inception and 28 frames planted in 2024 alone. The resort's coral regeneration initiative has created abundant nursery frames and new habitats for ocean life. Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Energy: The resort harnesses solar and sustainable energy, contributing approximately 20% of its total electricity needs. In 2024, rooftop solar panel systems were installed on all guest villas, and the installation of a floating solar garden began, which is expected to add 1,400 kWp to the grid by 2025. Each villa is equipped with a smart energy-saving management system, while hot water pumps utilize ambient thermal energy. Culinary Consciousness: The resort’s seven dining venues prioritize locally sourced ingredients, offering an extensive selection of plant-based options and 100% cage- and crate-free eggs and meat. Daily food waste, approximately 726 kg, is composted for the resort gardens. Additionally, our culinary and bar teams embrace a zero-waste approach, creating chutneys and coffee scrubs, along with various other initiatives to minimize waste. Water: Still and sparkling water is purified at the resort’s dedicated plant using filters from Nordaq, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. Greywater is treated and reused for landscaping. Plastic Use: The resort has committed to banning single-use plastics, implementing reusable water bottles, bamboo-based serving ware, and crystal amenity jars. Its garden and desalination plant also contribute to reducing plastic imports. PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS Drone Research: The resort has implemented an advanced ocean plastics monitoring program using drones, developed in partnership with Dr. Melissa Schiele. In 2024, the program has completed 50 drone flights, identifying critical plastic debris, including eleven ghost nets weighing approximately 418 kg. These ghost nets pose a significant threat to marine life, as they can ensnare and kill creatures. By removing them, the resort helps to prevent these tragic incidents and protect the ocean ecosystem. Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program: This program continues to provide guest experiences focused on environmental preservation in collaboration with the renowned oceanographic explorer. This year, Cousteau visited the resort again to further educate students from Villa College and the Maldives National University, as well as the resort’s naturalists. His ongoing presence inspires both guests and Ladies and Gentlemen alike, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. Saad Amer as Sustainability Champion: This year, Saad Amer, recognized as a Climate Activist and a member of Forbes' 30 Under 30 for social impact, visited The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to curate meaningful guest experiences. His session, titled "A Thought Experiment: How to Save Our Planet," engaged both guests and the local community, where he shared valuable insights on the impacts of climate change. During his visit, he connected with students from Maldives National University and Villa College to discuss future initiatives. Additionally, he led an interactive activity with the resort’s younger guests, inspiring them to become "Climate Kids" and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age. Community Footprints: The resort engages with local schools through educational excursions, promoting ocean conservation awareness. In 2024, eight educational excursions took place, including visits to Dhiffushi, Thulusdhoo, Gaafaru and Huraa. A notable initiative this year was a recycling competition held with students from Dhiffushi, where the winning teams were awarded a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a special lunch with the resort’s naturalist. During this experience, they learned about coral restoration efforts. The Ritz-Carlton Spa: Showcasing a commitment to sustainable living, The Ritz-Carlton Spa features an organic body and skincare collection by Bamford. In 2024, its dedicated Ladies and Gentlemen at the spa have innovatively transformed coffee grounds into sustainable body scrubs for in-house guests, highlighting its ongoing dedication to environmentally friendly practices and wellness initiatives. As part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will soon launch a Coral Adoption Project, enabling guests to contribute to initiatives aligned with its Community Footprints philosophy. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is excited to introduce a new package featuring Saad Amer, the Sustainability Champion of the resort. This package will include educational and inspiring activities designed to deepen guests' understanding of the local climate and promote support for the surrounding community, ensuring that their holiday experience is both enriching and impactful. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, and for real-time updates, follow the resort on Instagram and Facebook.

Meliá Hotels International looks to solar power in Vietnam and Thailand

Immerse with Marine Exploration and Eco-Conscious Adventure in Paradise

Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, engage in real science and exploration, whilst supporting a major image collection project underpinning key research in the Indian Ocean.  Initiative launched in 2022 works collaboratively with leading scientists and marine technologists in a sophisticated ocean plastics’ monitoring programme to conserve some of the world’s most fragile natural environments using drone technology.  Progressive research community incorporates Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele, Dr Luca Fallati,  MaRHE and Oceans Unmanned.  Follows introduction of first Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Indian Ocean in 2021.  Photo credits: Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is home to the first resort-based conservation technology project using drones in the Maldives. Launched in 2022 ‘Eye in the Sky’ (Udumathin Ioa), the unique partnership with leading scientists and marine technologists plays an integral role in a government-approved research programme to develop drone methods to search for, and quantify ocean plastics in the Maldives.   This progressive research community supports a major image collection and data processing project to monitor ocean pollution of plastics and map habitat health in the Indian Ocean, and a  first in the Maldives, allows guests to engage in the science, exploration and hands-on process of data collection using conservation technology. The team’s wider monitoring includes identification of discarded fishing nets (ghost nets) which are causing an increased threat to wildlife from entanglement. Any nets or large pieces of debris identified by the drones will subsequently be targeted for removal.  Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele, an engineer focussed on fixed-wing water landing drone operations in the Global South for applications in marine sciences, built a team of scientists and commercially trained drone pilots, to create a unique community of conservation experts from across the globe.  The team, including Dr Luca Fallati of MaRHE, (the Marine Research and Higher Education Centre and part of the University of Milano Bicocca), use multirotor drones donated by The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and a water-landing fixed-wing drone donated by USA-based NGO Oceans Unmanned.   Photo credits: Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Image sampling occurs over the ocean and reefs at select locations and times which ensures temporal and spatial resolution for the researchers, and also strictly ensures privacy for guests.  After images are collected, they are processed and analysed for debris and the resulting data can then feed into a greater understanding of the distribution and densities of plastics in the Maldives over time.  Through The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program guests have the opportunity to join the research team in their groundbreaking work. The journey will start at the resort, where with professional drone simulation training software, guests will explore the latest scientific research with naturalists, while testing their piloting skills. Stepping out into the field, guests will navigate the ocean through drones piloted by the team, in search for ghost nets while experiencing the precious wildlife, endemic to the Maldives’ fragile coral reefs.   To support the environmental research and wildlife protection programme, the resort and community is set to create a meaningful and inclusive legacy for the Maldivian community. The research initiative will offer a unique platform for local children to visit and learn of the emerging importance of marine technology, including drones and hydrophones in monitoring marine life.  Key fieldwork will be held at MaRHE, one of the project’s academic partner facilities in the  neighboring Faafu Atoll, and who hosts world-class university-level education for local and international marine biology and environmental science students. Maldivian marine scientists will be integral to the ongoing evolution of the programme.  The methods developed at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and MaRHE are set to be introduced around the country, to create a network of dedicated drone operators. A sustained plastics monitoring programme will build a baseline for the dynamics of pollution, with the aim to support policy and legislation change at local, national and international levels.   For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands visit  ritzcarlton.com/Maldives 

Coral Sea Marina, based in Airlie Beach, Queensland, has become the first marina in Australia to earn Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. This achievement underscores their commitment to global best-practice standards and highlights their leadership in sustainable tourism. Photo credits: Coral Sea Marina Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development expressed the importance of this recognition. “Our marina is uniquely located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as a destination marina we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. We are acutely aware of the key role the marina plays in the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Whitsundays and therefore, our commitment to effective environmental management is a key priority for us as a business. “We are thrilled to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and to be the first marina in Australia to achieve this recognition. This accomplishment highlights our commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting responsible boating practices. “Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations, this Certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’ to our guests, visitors and the wider community.” Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Elissa Keenan, congratulated Coral Sea Marina on their achievement. “Coral Sea Marina is the first marina to be awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification. Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. “It is also testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsunday’s region. We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and six operate their tour experiences from the Coral Sea Marina.   “Australia boasts the 3rd largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 billion to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually. It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations. Ecotourism Australia is proud to have nearly 200 ECO Certified operators and over 700 marine-based experiences across Australia who are committed to ensuring tourism activities play a role in preserving our oceans across our region. Coral Sea Marina is further contributing to this commitment,” Ms Keenan said. Photo credits: Coral Sea Marina Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses businesses, through third party auditing, against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard across the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impact and sustainable business operations. Coral Sea Marina is dedicated to sustainability, integrating numerous initiatives throughout its operations. The Coral Sea Academy educates guests and locals on the environment, Great Barrier Reef, and eco-friendly boating. The marina features interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery, and citizen science programs. It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation through cultural collaborations, signage, and online resources. Coral Sea Marina Resort provides environmental information, green boating guides, and updates via digital platforms and newsletters, promoting sustainability and respect for the Whitsundays' natural and cultural heritage. Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning destination marina in the Whitsundays, at the heart of the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. It features 520 wet berths, two lively shoreside marina villages, and hosts 80% of the region’s on-water tourism experiences, including 52 commercial operators. With its inspiring events calendar and prime location, Coral Sea Marina is the ultimate place to stay, play, and explore the Whitsundays. You can discover more about them on our Green Travel Guide: Coral Sea Marina Resort | Green Travel Guide

Design-led hotel and Hilton flagship becomes the 2nd hotel in the UK to receive this coveted accolade

The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali leads the way in sustainable luxury by making significant strides in waste management and eco-friendly initiatives. By mid-2024, Mulia Bali reduced waste sent to landfills by 97.5%, showcasing the commitment to environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry. This achievement builds on previous years, with a reduction of over 95% in 2023 and 94% in 2022. Photo credits: Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua Mulia Bali drives sustainability through comprehensive efforts across all areas of operation, recycling, reusing, and composting materials from paper, glass, metal, tin, plastic, and rubber waste. This approach minimizes waste and creates a sustainable environment for guests and the local community. These efforts align with broader sustainability goals in Indonesia. In 2023, the country achieved a 15% reduction in plastic waste and a 25% recycling rate in urban areas, reflecting nationwide improvements in waste management systems, as highlighted in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia, 2023 Environmental Performance Report. Key initiatives driving this success include: Plastic-Free Commitment: Mulia Bali began the journey toward a plastic-free environment seven years ago. Today, all remaining plastic materials used are 100% recyclable. For instance, all bottled water undergoes full recycling after use, implementing biodegradable cassava-based plastic bags and biodegradable alternatives to replace straws. These actions reflect Indonesia's drive to reduce plastic waste and align with the country's progress in sustainable waste management, as outlined in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia, 2023 National Waste Reduction Strategy Report. Advanced Water Management: The resort employs a high-tech water treatment system with reverse osmosis that efficiently removes sediment, chlorine, and dissolved solids, ensuring high-quality water for room usage. The resort also processes wastewater through advanced water reclamation systems, contributing to a closed-loop system that minimizes water waste. Rainwater reservoirs supply water to maintain the gardens featuring local plant varieties, allowing for more energy-efficient landscape management. These initiatives contribute to the nation's progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), as detailed in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia 2023 SDG Progress Report. EarthCheck Audit Participation: To enhance sustainable practices further, Mulia Bali actively participates in EarthCheck's environmental benchmarking audit and aligns its sustainability goals accordingly. This step shows the resort's commitment to achieving the highest standards in sustainability and contributing to Indonesia's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green jobs in the sustainable tourism sector, as documented in the EarthCheck 2023 Annual Benchmarking and Certification Report. Photo credits: Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua With Indonesia reducing carbon emissions by 4% in 2023, as reported in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia 2023 Climate Action Performance Report, the initiatives done by Mulia Bali, including advanced waste and water management systems, align with national climate action efforts (SDG 13). The resort enhances guest experiences while also supporting local and national sustainability agendas. Mulia Bali takes meaningful steps toward a greener future. At this multi-award-winning resort, every guest experience celebrates the finest things in life while contributing to preserving the environment for future generations. The efforts to reduce landfill waste are not just a goal but a pledge to the community and the planet. Looking ahead, Mulia Bali remains dedicated to further reducing landfill waste and setting new benchmarks in sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in Bali, Indonesia. With every visit, guests can enjoy a luxurious stay while making a conscientious choice for a sustainable future.

The hotel becomes one of just 76 businesses worldwide in the Hospitality and Accommodation category with a B Corp certification

Meliá Koh Samui and Meliá Ho Tram roll out new systems to minimize waste

Marriott Hotels in the UK, Ireland and Nordics has implemented a food waste reduction initiative across 53 managed hotels, integrating Winnow AI technology to monitor and minimise food waste in hotel kitchens. Through the dedicated work of the Food & Beverage teams, Marriott Hotels has reduced food waste by 25% within the first six months of 2024, advancing the company’s sustainability objectives and addressing the pressing issue of food waste across the hospitality industry.  Photo credits: Marriott Hotels With the support of The PLEDGE™, a global food waste certification, Marriott has become the first hotel group to deploy AI food waste technology on this scale in the U.K. By integrating the Winnow AI platform in all 53 hotel food outlets, Marriott’s F&B teams now have access to real-time data on food consumption and waste, enabling smarter decisions around ordering, menu planning, and portion sizes. This resource-efficient approach has allowed staff to significantly reduce food waste while maintaining high standards of guest service and satisfaction.  "Reducing food waste has been a priority for us for some time," said Anna Pazdera, Executive Chef and sustainability champion at Marriott Heathrow. "It’s been incredible to see the progress we’ve made to tackle this issue with the help of AI. The insights we’re getting allow us to make immediate adjustments in the kitchen, which not only helps us reduce waste but also gives us the opportunity to get creative with surplus ingredients, like turning banana peel into pulled pork for our signature vegetarian burgers."  Driven by the dedication of Marriott’s F&B teams, the initiative extends to encouraging mindfulness around food consumption, with hotels offering guests smaller portion options and raising awareness of responsible dining, particularly at buffets. Other hotels have introduced QR codes on menus, giving guests access to zero-waste recipe ideas and tips on reducing waste at home. Additional partnerships with local food banks and organisations, such as Too Good to Go, are in place to redistribute surplus food, and unavoidable food waste is diverted towards composting or recycling.  Photo credits: Marriott Hotels "We are incredibly proud of the tremendous effort and dedication of our teams in reducing food waste across our hotels," said Joanna Chugh, Area Vice President for UK, Ireland, and Nordics for Marriott International. "With over 3,000 team members—including culinary staff, kitchen stewards, and F&B services—working together, we've already achieved a 25% reduction in food waste within six months - the equivalent of 486 tonnes of C02 from being released into the atmosphere or charging over 32 million mobile phones"   “We’re thrilled to see how Marriott’s teams have embraced our technology to achieve such impressive results,” said David Jackson, Director of Marketing & Public Affairs, Winnow. This partnership highlights how technology, combined with Marriott’s commitment and collective efforts, can lead the way setting a new standard for the hospitality industry.”  Marriott International's sustainability efforts extend beyond food waste reduction. Likewise, all the UK, Ireland and Nordic managed Marriott hotels are Green Key certified.  Green Key is internationally recognised across the hospitality industry to certify businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. To achieve Green Key certification, hotels must meet criteria in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and the use of sustainable products.