Sustainable tourism practices can reduce water consumption by 40% in tourist facilities
The tourism sector is being urged to adopt sustainable practices to address climate change, rising energy costs, and evolving traveler expectations. This shift is highlighted as crucial for competitiveness, resilience, and cost control, particularly within the hospitality industry. Anabelle Savabaddy, Minister Delegate for Tourism, emphasized that traditional approaches are no longer viable, noting that while tourism drives the economy, it also strains natural resources and local communities. She called on accommodation managers to prioritize actions like energy conservation, water reduction, waste limitation, food waste prevention, and supporting local products to foster responsible and sustainable tourism. Niven Muneesamy, Director of the Tourism Authority, stated that sustainable development is no longer just an environmental concern but a necessity, given that tourism accounts for up to 25% of GDP and is a significant source of employment. He noted that modern travelers increasingly consider an operator's sustainable practices when choosing a destination. Satyajay Mohungoo, Chief Engineer at the Central Water Authority CWA, highlighted the significant pressure on water resources, revealing that 60% of water injected into the network is lost before reaching its destination. He confirmed that simple solutions can minimize water consumption by up to 40% in tourist facilities. These solutions include low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, aerators and sensors for faucets,
