Melia Hotels International : Meliá, a further step to combat climate change

by Gabriel Escarrer, Vicechairman and CEO

2017 was declared the 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism' by the World Tourism Organization, and at the 2018 annual Global Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council, the world's most important international tourism organization, there was one 'trending topic' that stood out above all others: the role of tourism in combatting climate change.

It now seems that combatting climate change has become a social and political priority rather than just a demographic issue caused by greater awareness and the demands of the Millennial generation for sustainability. Even the Global Risks Report points out that 4 of the 5 risks that will have the greatest impact over the next 10 years are related to climate change, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and natural disasters. These are now seen as the greatest risks internationally, above terrorism and social inequality which had occupied the top positions over recent years.

The data since 1990 shows that global CO2 emissions have increased by more than 46%. The oceans absorb 30% of man-made carbon dioxide, reducing its impact on global warming, but plastics pollution is also a growing problem for the world's oceans, and awareness about this is increasing.

Analysts agree that the tourism sector is important for two reasons. On the one hand, because the industry is a major contributor to the problem and raising awareness could significantly support objectives to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. On the other hand, the industry also has a capacity above that of other industries to raise awareness among large sections of the population, particularly the millions of travellers and employees in the global travel industry.

After many years of reducing emissions and combatting climate change, allowing us to be included in the Ministry of the Environment's voluntary emission reduction system and to be named one of the leading companies fighting climate change on a global level by the prestigious Carbon Disclosure Project, we have decided that we have to take a clear and decisive step to eliminate single-use plastic in all our hotels and offices in 2018.

All our hotels and offices are already implementing a road map to withdraw single-use plastic bottles, cups, coasters, bags and straws and replace them with biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials before the end of the year. For example, our hotels in the Caribbean are dispensing purified water (filtered mains water) and mineral water in glass bottles rather than plastic bottles. We are also raising awareness among customers, not only encouraging them not to use straws in their drinks (biodegradable straws are provided on request), but also to act as 'ambassadors' of this commitment to combat climate change.

As far as our offices and personnel areas are concerned, we are installing water dispensers and handing out personalised glass flasks for employees.

What will be the impact of these measures? We estimate that the elimination of plastic bottles in our hotels (around 22 million every year) will avoid the emission of more than 15 tonnes of CO2 every year caused by waste disposal. Our close to 30 million customers will see that not only is it possible to live without single-use plastics, but it's also possible to combine amazing travel experiences with respect for our planet.

Stopping this downward environmental spiral is everyone's responsibility, but as a travel company and leader in resort hotels, the business of Meliá Hotels International is closely linked to the sustainability of destinations.

Along with deep beliefs and the responsibility enshrined in our family and corporate values, that is why Meliá has made combatting climate change part of its strategy over many years, and why we also endorse the conclusions of the 2015 Paris Climate Summit and have assumed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to the elimination of single-use plastics, we also have a number of other environmental commitments to achieve by 2020, including 70% of global energy use to come from certified renewable sources, reducing emissions of CO2 per stay by 18.4% and water consumption by 8%, and separating at least 50% of our waste.

We firmly believe that companies have a very important role to play and responsibility in society, and because we believe in responsible innovation as a driver of social and economic development, at Meliá Hotels International we have joined the global movement to eliminate single-use plastics.