Dubai, UAE : As the world converges on Dubai for the highly anticipated COP28, Hilton is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism with a series of initiatives across its 35 properties in the UAE. The global hospitality leader is leveraging the conference to further its Travel with Purpose strategy, with a focus on reducing food waste and driving responsible travel and tourism globally.

Hilton’s ‘Green Breakfast’ initiative, aimed at reducing food waste by 50 percent across breakfast operations in 13 hotels in the UAE, will be a key focus during COP28. Launched as part of Hilton’s broader sustainability efforts, this initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, targeting global food waste reduction. This follows Hilton’s successful ‘Green Ramadan’ campaign, which saw a 61 percent decrease in food waste in its pilot hotels, and now aims to have an even broader impact.

Food waste is a global issue, with approximately 17 percent of global food production wasted each year, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Hilton is tackling this by incorporating sustainable practices such as composting, local sourcing, and food donations into its operations. In partnership with UAE-based agritech platform Fresh on Table, Hilton is sourcing over 700 tonnes of local produce annually, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the local community.

Hilton is also driving sustainability within its hotel operations, with multiple properties earning the ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp,’ a certification for hotels meeting Dubai’s sustainability standards. For instance, Conrad Dubai is working with The Waste Lab to turn food scraps into organic fertilizers, while Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates has earned the LEED Platinum Certificate for its eco-friendly systems, including water recycling and solar energy use.

Hilton’s efforts extend beyond food waste reduction. The company’s UAE hotels are involved in a variety of sustainability projects, including hotel farming. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s Chef’s Garden grows an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, while Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers maintains a hydroponic farm that produces 10 kilograms of local produce daily. Hilton’s initiative also supports biodiversity, with properties like Conrad Dubai planting Ghaf trees to enhance the region’s ecosystem.

In the Northern Emirates, Hilton’s properties are introducing innovative sustainability practices. DoubleTree by Hilton Fujairah City has created a Sustainability Garden using repurposed materials and integrated aquaponics to conserve water. Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort’s organic garden provides fresh produce for its Farm to Table concept, while DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences is saving energy through efficient management systems and water-saving aerators.

Hilton’s dedication to community development is also evident in its philanthropic efforts. Hilton Global Foundation has committed USD $250,000 to the SEDRA Foundation, supporting training and employment for young people with disabilities. This partnership has led to three team members joining Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.

As Hilton continues to drive sustainability, its initiatives during COP28 and beyond are setting a benchmark for the hospitality industry in the UAE and globally, showing how responsible tourism and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

– QANTARA (c) 2024