Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort is embracing sustainability in a big way, according to General Manager Savino Leone, as Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry places increasing emphasis on responsible practices.
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Leone detailed Jumeirah’s focus on eliminating single-use plastics and managing waste, with initiatives like reusable water bottles for guests and equipment to closely monitor trash levels.
“We really want to be known as a sustainable hotel,” Leone said. “We are not using any plastic – single use of plastic in all three hotels. And what we have come to differentiate from other competitors and more and more competitors are following us now is providing to all our guests a reusable sports bottle.”
Leone said the resort is also working with local schools to educate students on sustainability. And the General Manager revealed even more ambitious plans down the line, with the goal of installing solar panels at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island in 2024.
Located on the pristine beaches of Saadiyat Island, Jumeirah is embracing sustainability initiatives that align with its natural surroundings. But Leone said reducing waste and environmental impact also make business sense.
“Obviously sustainability is a key positioning in the offer of Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. We really want to be known as a sustainable hotel,” he stated.
The push comes as Abu Dhabi ramps up efforts to promote culture and heritage as tourism drivers. According to Leone, these strategies are paying off for Jumeirah, with booking levels up 44 percent in the first half of 2023 versus last year.
He credits the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism for “really promoting the destination of Abu Dhabi, and especially promoting the destination of Saadiyat Island.” New cultural attractions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are also driving visitors to the area.
Local authorities “are really promoting the destination and especially focusing on Saadiyat,” Leone noted. This includes marketing Abu Dhabi’s natural assets, including its beaches, with the Jumeirah GM championing the Saadiyat Island resort own as “the best beach in the UAE.”
With tourism booming, how is Jumeirah addressing the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent? Leone said partnerships with global recruitment firms and a focus on remote interviews have helped source staff from around the world for new openings.
For Leone, the future remains bright in Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing hospitality sector – as long as operators continue pushing sustainability and exploring new concepts. With initiatives like reusable bottles and potential solar rollout, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island is certainly walking the walk.
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