Green Key Eco-Label Programme Launches in Egypt from El Gouna

Orascom Hotels Management (OHM) and Tadweera for Green Education launched the Green Key environmental certification programme in Egypt at a sustainability event held at the Sheraton Miramar El Gouna on 10 July, according to Travel Daily News International and TradeArabia's TTN.

Green Key is an international eco-label for the tourism and hospitality sector. Properties are assessed on energy and water conservation, waste reduction, environmental management and social responsibility, TradeArabia reported. Tadweera acts as Egypt's national Green Key operator, helping hospitality businesses meet the standard and supporting the country's climate targets, IndexBox reported.

The event also marked the renewal of certification for every OHM-managed hotel in Egypt for a third consecutive year. Travel Daily News put the certified portfolio at 13 properties, among them The Chedi El Gouna, Casa Cook El Gouna, the Steigenberger Golf Resort, Sheraton Miramar, Ancient Sands Golf Resort, Club Paradisio, Cook's Club El Gouna, Ali Pasha, Fanadir, Mosaique, Sultan Bey, Captain's Inn and Turtle's Inn.

The launch brought together hospitality leaders, sustainability experts and tourism stakeholders, TradeArabia said, with the stated aim of widening adoption of the standard across Egypt's tourism industry. In a statement carried by the outlet, OHM said sustainability remains central to its operations, with work focused on reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency and engaging guests, employees and local communities.

The water half of the standard has a sharp local edge. Al-Masry Al-Youm reported on 30 July that Red Sea governorate has no natural surface water and depends on desalination and Nile pipelines, with residents in some areas receiving supply only once every six to ten days.