The Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label Renewed for two Hilton Properties
The
Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr Didier Dogley handed
over SSTL certificates to representatives of two Hilton hotels in a short
ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters, at Botanical House, Mont Fleuri
on Wednesday 16th January 2019.
Hilton
Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa and Double Tree by Hilton Allamanda Resort
were first certified in 2016. On the expiry of their certification
which was valid for 2 years these two hotels have gone through a re assessment
where they have both scored over 10% more points than they scored 2 years ago.
During
the two years, both hotels have intensified their efforts to reduce their
carbon footprints. This includes installing solar lights across the whole
property, motion sensor lighting, reconditioning of the Sewage Treatment Plant
for more efficiency among others. Both properties have also
contributed to environment conservation through the establishment of coral
nurseries in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles to
help in coral reef restoration.
Minister
Dogley congratulated the participants for their achievements and expressed his
satisfaction at the increasing interest from various hotels towards this
sustainable tourism initiative and reiterated that sustainability is the way
forward for our tourism industry.
The
Hilton representatives expressed their satisfaction at having maintained their
commitment to sustainability and said ‘We naturally chose to form
part of this label as it perfectly aligns with our vision and mission to
integrate sustainability as part of our daily operations. We are also honouring
the Hilton Corporate Social Responsibility campaign: Travel with Purpose, by
committing to making our community a better place. We are the pioneers of
conscious travelling, and through our numerous initiatives such as the Coral
Reef Restoration Program and the newly appointed Sustainability and Guest
Experience coordinator position, we will also be the future of hospitality
sustainability in Seychelles’
The
Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) is awarded to hotels that are found
to be integrating sustainability practices in their business operations.
Presently applicable to tourism accommodations only, the mission of the SSTL is
to encourage tourism accommodations of all sizes in Seychelles to mainstream
sustainability practices into their business operations to safeguard the
biodiversity and culture of Seychelles which is the core of our tourism
product.
The
label is presently being amended and expanded to make it applicable to other
tourism businesses such as restaurants, the boating sector and tour
operators.
