Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp to recognise eco-friendly hotels in the emirate

Image: Dubai Media Office

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched the ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’, a green initiative to recognise hotels adhering to DET’s ‘sustainability requirements’.

The initiative is part of DET’s commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading sustainable tourism destination, reported Dubai Media Office.

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp has been developed in collaboration with the emirate’s hospitality sector to accelerate efforts of the tourism sector to achieve its sustainability goals and support the UAE’s Net-Zero 2050 initiative.

#Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
launches ‘ Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’, a new sustainability initiative that seeks to recognise hotels with the highest adherence to @DubaiDET’s 19 ‘Sustainability Requirements’. The initiative, launched in line with the UAE… pic.twitter.com/jMNuxKzsph

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 24, 2023

What is the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp?

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will serve as a validation of the hotel’s dedication to sustainability and showcase its sustainable practices.

The stamp will feature a three-tier scheme with categories of Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

How can hotels achieve the stamp?

To obtain the stamp, hotels of all classifications must meet the highest standards of DET’s 19 sustainability requirements. The criteria include achieving parameters such as energy and water efficiency, waste management, and staff education and engagement initiatives.

The accreditation process will be overseen by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence, with the initiative designed based on global best practices.

When can establishments apply?

Nominations for hotel establishments to obtain the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will begin on August 3, 2023 and end on 31 August, 2023.

The ‘#Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’ will feature a three-tier scheme with categories ranging from Gold, Silver and Bronze. Nominations for hotel establishments to obtain the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will begin on 3 August, 2023 and end on 31 August, 2023.…

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 24, 2023

“As part of our efforts to transform Dubai into a leading sustainable tourism destination in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp champions sustainable practices while setting a benchmark for excellence in environmental stewardship, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033,” said Yousuf Lootah, acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

Lootah added, “We have carefully curated a set of high-standard criteria that will reward hotels that go above and beyond in their sustainable practices. By recognising these exemplary establishments, we are encouraging others to follow suit and embrace sustainable initiatives that not only benefit their businesses but also contribute to the collective well-being of our city and the world at large.

Cop28 in Dubai

The UAE is the host country for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the UN Climate Change Conference from November 30 to December 12 this year which will be held at Expo City, Dubai. The country pledged 2023 to be the Year of Sustainability and the launch of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is in line with its commitment of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, said DET.

DET has launched green initiatives such as the Carbon Calculator, to help stakeholders and partners identify the cost and opportunities to manage the transition to sustainable practices, in line with the ‘Sustainability Requirements’. Its Dubai Can initiative focuses on promoting the use of reusable bottles.

Since its inception in February 2022, Dubai Can has successfully reduced the use of an equivalent of more than 10 million 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles and led to the installation of 50 water fountains throughout the city since its inception, reported Dubai Media Office.

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