Tourism News South Africa

Tourism industry urged to save water

Responsible tourism creates better places for people to live in and better places to visit. With water resources in the Western Cape under immense pressure, directly impacting the tourism industry, the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa Cape region (FEDHASA Cape) has designed a responsible tourism mandate to maximise economic, social and environmental benefits and minimise costs to the Western Cape as a destination.
sipa via  - Water feature
sipa via pixabay - Water feature

Fully aware of the dismal impacts drought could have, FEDHASA Cape and its’ members believe that local business could do more to help save water by investing in water saving measures and good water management. “If not, the consequences for the tourism industry will be severe”, says FEDHASA Cape Chairman Rob Kucera. “We are thrilled to see how proactive our members are regarding water conservation and finding ways to manage and keep water usage under control”.

Greening business

The Vineyard Hotel has, over a period of time, implemented water saving initiatives such as water-efficient showerheads, dual flush toilets, aerated taps, visible water awareness and restriction posters throughout the property reminding staff and guests to save water as well as ensuring that 95% of the water used on the hotel's grounds is borehole water. Group environmental manager based at the Vineyard, Chris van Zyl says, “We are also investigating the installation of a greywater system to further reduce our impact”.

Ocean View Guest House has been greening its business since 2006. Owner Katrin Ludik says that simple water saving and responsible tourism measures such as eco-smart shower heads in guest rooms and indigenous gardens has remarkably reduced Ocean View’s water footprint.

“The tourism industry is a large consumer of water, however, by making water saving a priority we can safeguard and intelligently manage water,” ends Kucera. As an industry body, FEDHASA Cape urges local tourism establishments to be mindful of their water consumption and consider water-saving solutions in an effort to make a meaningful difference.

For more information contact FEDHASA Cape: Tel: 021 552 9870/Email.

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