Fostering Sustainability in Fuerteventura’s Hospitality Sector
On Tuesday, the Cámara de Comercio de Fuerteventura held a significant event focused on sustainability at the Royal Palm Hotel in Morro Jable. This gathering brought together stakeholders from the island’s hotel industry, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in one of the region’s key sectors.
Welcoming Remarks from Industry Leaders
The inaugural table featured prominent figures dedicated to progressing sustainability in Fuerteventura. The welcoming address was delivered by Ylenia Alonso, the vice president of the Chamber of Commerce of Fuerteventura. She was joined by Alejandro Jorge Moreno, the mayor of Pájara; Ángel Pablo Montañés Ríos, the Director General of Ecological Transition and Climate Change of the Government of the Canary Islands; and Marlene Figueroa, the Tourism Councillor of the Fuerteventura Cabildo. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit among governmental and business entities in the effort to transition towards more eco-friendly tourism and hospitality practices.
Addressing Water Consumption Challenges
The first discussion focused on government policies aimed at supporting the hotel sector’s shift towards sustainability, particularly regarding water consumption—a pressing issue for Fuerteventura. Strategies presented included the implementation of water dispensers and biodigesters in kitchens, the use of native flora for landscaping, consumption monitoring, and optimizing swimming pool backwashing systems. This panel featured insights from Angel Pablo Montañés Ríos, Antonio Gallardo, the Director of the Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve, and Adrián Calcines, Project Manager of Travel Without Plastic. Their collective expertise highlighted practical steps that hotels could adopt to minimize their environmental impact.
Sustainable Practices in Tourism
The second segment of the event pivoted towards sustainable tourism initiatives on the island. This portion of the program showcased how various sectors within tourism are adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. Key figures leading this discussion included Guacimara Cabrera, the manager of Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura; Ignacio Pérez from the Igramar Apartments; Elizabeth Socorro, the Sustainability Officer of Lopesan Hotel Group; and the CEO of Visionary Hospitality.
The conversation revealed that education, awareness, and communication are critical components in embedding sustainability into the industry’s core operations. All speakers emphasized the need for stakeholders to adopt these principles, not just as practices but as integral aspects of their organizational culture.
A Unified Call to Action
The overarching message from this event was a clear signal from industry stakeholders committed to implementing more sustainable models in their operations. They recognized that collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to achieve these goals. By uniting in this common purpose, the hotel sector in Fuerteventura aims not only to improve its eco-friendliness but to set a benchmark for sustainable tourism efforts worldwide.
Through such initiatives, the hospitality industry in Fuerteventura exemplifies the potential impact of concerted action towards sustainability. Each participant has a role in shaping a future where tourism can thrive alongside environmental stewardship, ensuring that the island’s natural beauty remains intact for generations to come.
