A new water- and energy-saving project for hotels in the Caribbean has been launched by The Travel Foundation.
Supported by Virgin Holidays and endorsed by The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the ‘Switch Off Save Big’ campaign will help accommodation suppliers across the Caribbean implement measures that will cut water and electricity costs, and make their properties more environmentally friendly.
The new project replicates a similar scheme launched in Cyprus in May 2008, which saw hotels saving up to 15.4% in water use and 9.2% in energy use over a six-month period.
The project will include an initial water and energy audit; a plan for implementation and water-saving targets, as well as a range of other initiatives including training tips for staff.
The Travel Foundation chief executive Sue Hurdle said: “The supply, usage and treatment of water is a major issue for the tourism industry and the world. One of the Travel Foundation’s main goals is to raise awareness of the issues and put measures in place to reduce water consumption.”
Virgin Holidays responsible business manager Rachel McCaffery said: “Many hoteliers in the Caribbean have already realised the advantages that operating sustainably can bring. With the launch of Switch Off Save Big, I am positive others will follow suit.”
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association director general and chief executive Alec Sanguinetti said: “This project comes at a time when our hotel industry is challenged to find ways to not only reduce costs, but more importantly, to be able to do so in a sustainable method that contributes to protecting our environment and natural resources.”