'Eco-certification' scheme for hotels

The Malta Tourism Authority yesterday launched a programme of 'eco-certification', which is awarded to tourist accommodation establishments that pass an environmental audit on a yearly basis.

The scheme has been developed to reduce costs and increase profitability. It is based on environmental criteria set by the MTA and based on a European model.

Establishments interested in the scheme must be ready to commit themselves to a process of continuous improvement to reduce their impact on the environment.

The scheme consists of 130 criteria - 44 of which are compulsory - distributed in 10 areas of assessment, including waste management, energy and water use, buildings and green areas and local culture.

To be awarded eco-certification, establishments must fulfil 65 per cent of the criteria.

The targets for direct cost savings include up to 50 per cent on waste reduction and 15 to 35 per cent on energy costs.

In an MTA survey last year, 40 per cent of holiday-makers said it was "very important" to them that their holiday did not damage the environment and 81 per cent of the respondents were willing to make some sort of financial contribution for such a guarantee.

Hotel establishments can apply for the scheme twice a year, in October and May.

Speaking at the launch, Tourism Minister Michael Refalo said the quality of the environment could determine the future of tourism.

He said the World Tourism Organisation had signalled that the industry's recovery was taking longer than expected.

"The air transport sector is going through a difficult period and is in a state of profound readjustment. Hotel revenue for the first two quarters of 2002 is at best static and much emphasis is being placed on cost-control measures. Last-minute bookings are generating greater business uncertainty and negatively affecting investment," Dr Refalo said.

Malta was "following the trends, but out-performs the market average," Dr Refalo said.