Qatar’s hosting of the Jules Rimet Trophy is a great pride for that Gulf state but also the greater region.. a chance to have the world calling the Middle East.
And here on your favourite site we have the contacts to relay to you what the Middle East are saying back.
Following on from a certain meeting of minds in Sharm el-Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt…
The world of travel is ready to do its bit too.
They have outlines five sustainable trends to look out for in the Middle East’s travel sector.
And what that looks like is a concentration on sustainable trends.
Of green airlines, eco hospitality, sustainable attractions, locally sourced produce and forward-thinking government initiatives.
All to be pushed through and without all the double talk associated with COP27, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, at Dubai World Trade Centre from 1-4 May.
ATM’s theme for its 30th edition is ‘Working Towards Net Zero.
And tourism, as we all know, plays a major part in addressing climate change.
According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for
approximately 8% of worldwide carbon emissions.
Greener airlines
Etihad Airways have been leading the way, having recently received the Environmental Sustainability Innovation of the Year award from the Centre of Aviation (CAPA).
For its progress towards net-zero targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline expect to cut single-use plastic waste by 80% by the end of this year and is also on course to achieve a 20% reduction in passenger fleet emissions intensity by 2025.
And while Qatar’s national football team may be licking their wounds after their opening-day victory, its national airline is flying high (sorry)!
Qatar Airways is making significant progress towards lowering its carbon emissions through similar initiatives, such as waste reduction and water conservation.
Eco hotels and resorts
Our hospitable hospitality sector are also focused on saving the earth… and giving us a good holiday to boot.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Hotelbeds to help increase inbound travel while promoting green hospitality.
On a broader level, the Middle East is already home to a diverse selection of eco-conscious hotels and resorts.
Many of which have eliminated single-use plastics (a pet subject of ours from our trip to the Maldives).
Sustainable attractions and activities
Step up Dubai which boasts eco-adventures ranging from sustainable camping to
wildlife safaris in conservation areas.
Elsewhere in the UAE, Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, first developed for Expo
2020 Dubai and now located in Expo City Dubai, continues to wow guests.
With an immersive journey through forest roots and ocean depths.
Locally sourced produce
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is making significant sustainability inroads through
the roll-out of sustainable food and beverage.
Dubai-based restaurant Lowe has focused on delivering delicious meals that have no detrimental impact on the planet since opening its doors in 2019.
Beirut’s Baron uses organic produce to create all its recipes.
While Abu Dhabi’s Sanderson’s uses corn starch in the manufacture of its eco-friendly food tubs and cutlery.
Top-down strategies
And credit where where credit is due, our tourism leaders are showing their government what to do.
The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) and Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) launched a new course earlier this month to enhance sustainable tourism offerings.
Available on Dubai’s innovative learning platform, Dubai Way empowers participants to drive water and energy savings.
Through effective green governance and procurement practices.
Elsewhere in the region, the Oman 2040 Tourism Strategy aims to improve
sustainability within the sultanate’s luxury travel sector within the coming two decades.
Arabian delights
Saudi Arabia is also working to establish itself as a sustainable tourism destination.
Through projects that combine world-class guest experiences and environmental
conservation.
Of course they are hoping that yields fresh interest in their country.
And they are pushing ahead with their goal to increase inbound tourism.
By 10 million visitors annually as part of Vision 2030.
And so it’s clear that while we see the world calling the Middle East, the Middle East is answering big time.