Dubai launches Sustainable Tourism Stamp with 19 hotel sustainability requirements
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism launched the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, requiring hotels to meet 19 sustainability requirements across a Gold, Silver, and Bronze tier system. The accreditation model illustrates emerging tourism-sector ESG standards that Indian hospitality operators with international ambitions may benchmark against.
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) partnered with the hospitality sector to introduce the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, supporting the UAE's NetZero 2050 initiative and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. To earn the stamp, hotels must meet DET's 19 sustainability requirements covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, and staff education. The accreditation, overseen by a committee of industry professionals, uses a three-tier classification of Gold, Silver, and Bronze to validate eco-friendly practices.
The initiative affects Dubai's hotels and broader hospitality businesses seeking recognition for sustainability performance. Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at DET, said the stamp transforms Dubai into a leading sustainable tourism destination and sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033. The programme complements other initiatives including the Carbon Calculator and the citywide 'Dubai Can' campaign promoting reusable bottles and reducing single-use plastic water bottle consumption.
Hotels could apply for the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp from August 3 to August 31, 2023, against the 19 requirements. The launch aligns with Dubai's preparation to host COP28 in November and December 2023. Hospitality operators should track accreditation criteria, tier thresholds, and committee assessment standards. Indian hotel chains targeting Gulf or international markets can monitor such voluntary stamps as reference points for structuring measurable sustainability programmes covering energy, water, and waste.
Key figure — Accreditation criteria: 19 DET sustainability requirements for hotels
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