Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with the city’s hospitality sector to introduce the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, aimed at accelerating efforts towards sustainable tourism and supporting the UAE’s NetZero 2050 initiative. The new stamp is part of Dubai’s commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and further establishing the city as one of the world’s top three global destinations.
The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will serve as validation of hotels’ dedication to sustainability and showcase their eco-friendly practices. To earn the stamp, hotels must meet DET’s 19 Sustainability requirements, covering areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management, and staff education initiatives. The accreditation process will be overseen by a committee of industry professionals to ensure impartiality and adherence to global best practices.
The stamp will feature a three-tier classification system: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Hotel establishments can apply for the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp from August 3 to August 31, 2023.
Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector at DET, highlighted the initiative’s significance in transforming Dubai into a leading sustainable tourism destination, aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The stamp aims to set a benchmark for environmental stewardship and aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033.
Lootah emphasized that the initiative encourages hotels to adopt sustainable practices that benefit their businesses and contribute to the well-being of the city and the world at large. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is a strategic step towards positioning Dubai as a top destination for travelers seeking sustainable experiences, promoting eco-friendly practices, and reducing the tourism industry’s carbon footprint.
The commitment to sustainability in Dubai is evident through other initiatives, such as the Carbon Calculator, aiding stakeholders in identifying cost-saving opportunities while transitioning to sustainable practices. The citywide initiative “Dubai Can” promotes the use of reusable bottles and refilling, significantly reducing single-use plastic water bottle consumption and installing water fountains throughout the city.
The launch of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp aligns with Dubai’s preparation to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the UN Climate Change Conference, in November and December this year. The initiative showcases the tourism industry’s foresight and determination to build an economically prosperous and environmentally responsible sector.
As Dubai continues to pursue its sustainability goals, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will play a pivotal role in encouraging hotels and businesses to embrace sustainable practices, contributing to a greener future for the city and its visitors.