Once a trendy buzzword, businesses are waking up to the fact that sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes in order to satisfy a company’s public relations activities for their corporate social responsibly drives once a year.
With the carbon footprint of the travel industry decreasing around the world, a study by the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index revealed that an average hotel in the capital emits 251.55 kg CO2 emissions per square metre. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental implications of their purchasing choices, which has certainly spurred many industries to make more sustainable decisions in how they operate.
Environmentally sound practices form a core of these, and at Atlantis Dubai, a brand new initiative at the aquatic-themed property has been launched to support a long-term vision of how the luxury hotel brand can play a role in supporting marine life – a fitting purpose for a property abundantly themed around the seas and boasting its own enormous aquarium.
“We are proud to be launching the Atlantis Atlas Project, which has been years in the making and publicly marks our commitment to sustainable development,” says Tim Kelly, Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Atlantis Dubai. “The Atlantis Atlas Project consolidates all of the industry-leading work on environmental and social responsibility that Atlantis Dubai has already been driving forward, as well as our long-term vision to pioneer educational tourism which cares for people and our planet.”
From educational programmes to experiencing sustainable, locally sourced, and organic dining options in nine restaurants – Atlantis Dubai guests can enrich their stay by connecting to the local environment and doing their part for the planet.
Designed to drive sustainability across the industry, the project has a long-term roadmap for sustainable, responsible tourism with education at its core. Additionally, for every marine animal experience booked, $1 will be donated to conservation, sustainability, and environmental education initiatives.
“Our ambition, through the Atlantis Atlas Project, is to engage guests in our conservation efforts to help them discover more about the natural world, through our team of trained marine specialists and world-class aquatic environments. We want our guests to experience sustainably sourced and locally grown food, and importantly, see the genuine environmental impact – through our own programmes and through the contributions of our strategic project partners. Atlantis Atlas Project is centred around protecting and preserving our natural world through awareness and education – and our journey is just getting started.”
Responsible operations at the resort included sustainable and locally sourced produce, including locally produced burrata, locally grown crispy handpicked shiitake mushrooms or organic certified, sustainably and locally farmed salmon carpaccio. Sustainable menus are available at nine of Atlantis Dubai’s signature restaurants.
Further initiatives include marine education tours for young and older guests, and a shark and ray breeding programme. The Arabian Carpetshark is a near threatened species and the marine specialist team at Atlantis Dubai breed and release several back into the ocean at Jebel Ali wildlife sanctuary, a protected coastal area with coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds – to help boost wild populations.
Atlantis Dubai is one of only three hotels and resorts in the Middle East to have achieved the EarthCheck Silver Certification for its environmental standards and policies. atlantis.com/dubai/sustainability