Most tourists opt for green hotels

Eighty-six per cent of tourists visiting Malta prefer hotels that take steps to protect the environment, a survey has found.

Speaking during the presentation of Eco-Certification Awards to a number of hotels, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said the study indicated that the figure would rise further in future.

Eighty-seven per cent said good tour operators should only offer hotels that took measures to protect the environment and 86 per cent believed people would be willing to pay extra to stay in an environment-friendly hotel.

The survey identified hotels with improved environmental performance as a niche market fast becoming the norm. It said that in order to remain competitive, all hotels would soon feel the need to improve their environmental performance.

According to the survey, waste reduction could be reduced by 50 per cent, energy costs by 15 to 35 per cent and water consumption by 15 to 45 per cent.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that developing an auditable system, such as the eco-certification scheme, allowed hotels to cut adverse operational factors and improve the decision-making process.

Hotels could directly contribute to society by enhancing environmental awareness among employees and showing commitment towards a better environment for tourists and locals.

The hotels receiving the Eco-Certification Award were Hilton Malta, Le Meridien Phoenicia, Corinthia San Gorg, Corinthia Marina, Dolmen Resort, Grand Hotel Mercure Selmun Palace, Barcelò Riviera Resort and Spa, Santana, Sunflower and Victoria.

The scheme was first launched in 2002.