A day-long hotel industry conference titled "The Growth of Green Hotels” will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 14.

The conference will focus on converting conventional hotel and restaurants into more environmentally friendly places through alterations and enhancements in structure and by introducing new equipment, said a statement. 

The conference will be held alongside the Equip’ Hotel Middle East (EHME) hospitality trade show from December 14 to 16 this year.  Both the exhibition and the conference will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 

Speakers will discuss topics on developing, operating and maintaining green hotels. In addition, they will elaborate on the benefits that green hotels can bring to both the operator of the hotel or restaurant as well as to the customer.

“Our studies have shown that the hospitality industry, which contributes significantly to the global economy, has been responding positively to environmental concerns. There is a definite industry shift to become more environment-friendly in day-to-day operations and there is also a general awareness that ‘green hotels’ are the future. We are very pleased to present this conference at Equip' Hotel Middle East as a platform where key players in the region’s hospitality industry will be able to discuss and debate the best ways of achieving their environmental objectives,” said Frederic Theux, president of Reed Exhibitions Middle East.

Quoting from research conducted by Reed, Ara Fernezian, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: “There are several advantages to going green. Besides saving money and boosting competitiveness, protecting the environment can also earn hospitality operators greater recognition from their customers, industry peers and regulatory bodies”.

“Our surveys have shown that the cost savings from reduced energy and water consumption in green hotels can be in excess of 50 per cent as compared to regular hotel developments. The indirect benefits include a healthier and cleaner atmosphere, an increase in customer loyalty and occupancy rates, thereby directly impacting the bottom-line,” added Fernezian.

The conference is expected to be of great interest to architects and interior designers, planning officers, investors, distributors and importers, engineers, restaurants & catering operators, food and beverage directors, contractors, consultants and real estate developers, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service