Dubai has clinched the top position as the ultimate destination for globetrotters, raking in a remarkable $29.4 billion from international tourists in 2022. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Dubai stands tall as the preferred choice, leaving other destinations trailing behind in terms of visitor spending.

The secret to Dubai’s success lies in its ability to continuously tailor its services to meet the ever-evolving desires of travellers. Whether it is offering world-class amenities, unforgettable experiences or embracing sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment, Dubai never ceases to amaze its guests with its unmatched adaptability.

What is sustainable tourism?
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) defines it as recognizing both positive and negative impacts of tourism and including sustainable practices to try and maximize positive impacts.

According to a recent study with over 11,000 travellers from 11 countries, a significant 90% of them seek sustainable options while travelling. And over 50% report leaving out a destination or mode of transport because its commitment to being eco-friendly seemed doubtful.

The UAE has the world’s largest ecological footprint as the Arabian Desert is not conducive to building mega cities. Moreover, Dubai is known for its vibrant cityscape which requires significant resources for maintenance.

Recognising the burgeoning ecoconsciousness among the new age travellers who prioritise responsible tourism, its lawmakers are committed to make Dubai a sustainable and appealing destination for all. As part of this initiative, Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) has provided 18,000 hours of training to its stakeholders and partners.

Kavya Seth, a jewellery designer from Bangalore, India and a mother of two boisterous girls frequently embarks on business and family trips to Dubai. She is an ardent advocate of sustainability so much so that her family does not shop for trendy outfits in retail outlets but buys clothing materials from textile souk to be designed and styled as per their preferences. “They last much longer than your off-the-shelf pieces.They embrace your body’s transformations and are straight up classy” she quips.

Kavya insists on travelling in the Dubai Metro despite the huge crowd, carries her own water bottles and books her accommodation only in those hotels that embrace ecofriendly practices.

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has relaunched the Carbon Calculator tool, helping hotels track and manage their carbon footprint in real-time. This aligns with UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As Dubai prepares to host COP28 later this year, this move makes it a top sustainable tourism destination.

Fostering sustainable solutions from the ground-up
Dubai’s vibrant city centre is home to legendary landmarks like the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Burj Khalifa. Just a stone’s throw away from them is The H Dubai, an ultra-luxe 5-star hotel that redefines boutique luxury. With 236 lavish rooms, suites and apartments, 11 distinct dining spots, and the acclaimed Mandara Spa,The H Dubai is a mini paradise. But here’s the real deal: this majestic establishment holds The Green Key Certification from the Emirates Green Building Council, thanks to its steadfast commitment to sustainability.

When asked about how they integrate sustainable practices into their operations, Sophie Blondel, General Manager, H Dubai explains, “We have invested in a state-of-theart Power Knot LFC-100 Biodigester. It converts organic waste into reclaimed water that enriches the property’s landscapes. It has processed 1,830 kilos of food waste reducing carbon emissions by 3.9 tonnes. Additionally, data generated through the biodigester helps us identify areas of food waste and implement measures to enhance the efficiency of our kitchens.

“We have installed water-efficient systems in all the rooms and promote reuse of towels and linen to conserve resources. Guests receive Super Green Vouchers as rewards that can be redeemed at the hotel’s dining outlets. Our Energy Monitoring and Control Systems help reduce energy usage and we reward our employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment towards sustainability.”

H Dubai has teamed up with DGrade, a sustainable manufacturing company in Dubai, to transform used plastic into premium clothing and accessories. They actively participate in the Soap for Hope program by Diversey, which empowers local communities by recycling soaps and detergents. Moreover, they collaborate with eco-certified suppliers who are encouraged to minimise packaging and source locally produced ingredients for their kitchens.

Dubai government’s sustainability guidelines for hospitality industry
Blondel says 2023 is the Year of Sustainability in the UAE with initiatives that reflect its values and the legacy of its Founder and President, the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“Dubai’s tourism department mandates all hotels to meet sustainability requirements, an initiative to further enhance Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations. Hotels must also provide monthly submission of carbon emission drivers and actively participate in achieving an overall carbon emission reduction target”, she adds.

Dubai has committed to setting industry standards in leading sustainable tourism. With more consumers actively looking for ecofriendly travel options, Dubai’s commitment to responsible hospitality ensures it stays at the top of everyone’s travel wish list.