Holiday season is upon us, and is a magical, yet busy time for guests and hotels alike, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the hum of travelers create a unique energy that’s hard to resist. But as the holidays approach, so does a spike in energy use, waste, and resource consumption.
For hotels looking to celebrate sustainably, the challenge (and opportunity!) is to create a warm, inviting holiday atmosphere without leaving a heavy footprint on the planet.
Here’s how hotels can embrace a greener holiday season:
1. Earth Friendly Decorations
Skip the single-use tinsel and plastic ornaments. Instead, opt for decorations made from natural, reusable, or recycled materials.
At Anantara World Islands Dubai, the festive spirit reaches impressive heights with a 9-meter-tall Christmas tree constructed entirely from 500 reclaimed wooden slices. This striking display not only serves as a breathtaking centerpiece but also highlights the potential of upcycling materials in large-scale design.
The engineering team at Millennium Place Dubai Marina has been crafting a beautiful tree made entirely from damaged wood from guest room wardrobes.
If you want to go one step further, encourage guests to participate in decorating reusable items, creating a personal touch and a sense of community.
2. Sustainable Gift Giving
If offering holiday gifts, make sustainability a priority. Curate locally-made products like natural candles, handcrafted soaps, or seasonal treats made by the hotel chefs.
3. Conscious Dining
Take steps to reduce your food waste by sourcing ingredients locally, and planning portions carefully to minimise leftovers. Leftover food? Invest in food waste monitoring systems and a composting machine that can handle kitchen scraps year-round, including the extra waste generated over the holiday season.
4. Green Guest Engagement
Make sustainability part of the holiday experience. Offer incentives for guests who opt out of daily towel and linen changes or make it easy for guests to donate unopened holiday snacks, toiletries and even toys to local charities.
5. Highlight Local and Seasonal Joy
Partner with local sustainable initiatives or eco-friendly activities to give guests a rich experience without the carbon-heavy travel. It’s sustainable tourism at its best – enjoying the season while supporting local communities.
As we reflect on sustainable holidays, it’s clear that celebration and care for the planet can go hand in hand. By thinking creatively and being mindful in every aspect of operations, hotels can create festive experiences that delight guests while leaving a lighter footprint.
After all, the true spirit of the season shines brightest when it’s shared responsibly.
Discover what hotels in the Middle East are up to when it comes to sustainability. Read hotel case studies.
Hear insights from hoteliers and sustainable solution providers on our podcasts and webinars.
