Without a doubt, the hospitality sector continues to leave a monstrous carbon footprint in the world today. While there are officially no figures on the number of hotels operating in the region, there are over 430 properties proffering more than 70,000 rooms in Singapore alone based on figures released by the Singapore Tourism Board this year. If we project this figure onto the wider geographical context of Southeast Asia, the amount of energy, water and materials expended is likely mind-boggling.
While every hotel is bound to generate waste, it is troubling to consider how much more waste luxury-class hotels are likely to create. For a business so inextricably tied to the promises of excess, a five-star hotel is traditionally tied to sky-high expectations that some sustainable practices can be perceived as counter-luxury.
A classic case-in-point: After years of urging guests to reuse towels by hanging them up, the used ones are sometimes still replaced by housekeeping.
Olivier Lenoir, general manager of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, reasons that it all boils down to the guest: “Sometimes guests who hang the towels still expect them to be changed. So after way too many complaints, housekeeping staff simply replace all the towels to avoid getting into trouble. Despite our best efforts, our failure to influence a change of mindset in the right direction can be frustrating.”
Although it remains extremely challenging to change generational mindsets en masse and a pronto, it should be alarming to note that 9.6 million cubic metres of wastewater is generated annually in Thailand alone (according to an Asean Business Partners paper), of which a quarter of that is contributed by the hotel industry. However, the good news: Many luxury hotel management teams have started to combat wastage collectively in the region.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2023-Ausgabe von Prestige Malaysia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2023-Ausgabe von Prestige Malaysia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
FEELING NEAT
The Balvenie 30 combines traditional techniques with rich, layered flavours, offering a refined quaff for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
CROWNED AS KING
King Living brings home the gold with a double victory at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.
ART DECO DREAMS
Khoon Hooi and PRESTIGE hosted an exclusive afternoon tea unveiling the eponymous designer's Art Deco-inspired collection, where guests embraced couture in anticipation of the PRESTIGE KL Ball.
MYTH OF THE MAN
In dedication to his late mother, Myth: Evolution’ takes us through the personal and professional journey of Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran through the vision of the dragon.
GREEN IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
From green initiatives to mythical beast-imbued writing instruments, our eclectic list of toys is sure to usher in the end-of-year cheer.
FOOD AWAKENING
From shopping sprees to setting off for Sabah and savouring some weekend hotel dining, it looks like food lovers are in for a busy month ahead.
AUTUMN JAUNTS
From deep waters off the coast of Singapore to the racetracks of Dubai, our travel recommendations for November ensures diversity in choice, and excitement in the experience.
REDEFININING URBAN LIVING
Sustainability, safety, and style come together in the innovative Swedish marque's latest all-electric compact SUV, designed for the modern city dweller.
PORT OF CALL
During the last week of September every year, the action in the Mediterranean’s glamorous enclave of Monte Carlo shifts to the famous Port Hercules for the annual Monaco Yacht Show, allowing visitors a glimpse of some of the finest yacht launches.
THE FIRST WAVES
From backstage interviews to KL cuisine under the Johor sun, the Ombak Festival's debut made its mark.