Hotel Inter-Continental Doha receives major award

The award is given by one of Europe's largest travel companies, Kuoni Travel. It recognises hotels which have meaningful present and future activities in the field of environmental programmes, communication, solid waste disposal, water disposal and water conservation.

"I am thrilled that the Hotel Inter-Continental Doha has won this award in its very first year of operation," said General Manager, Johnny A Fattaleh. "We place great emphasis on environmental awareness and will continue to create a healthy environment and promote sustained and responsible tourism."

The man behind the 268-room hotel's environment management success is the hotel's Director of Engineering, Tuan Latif, who has played an active part in environmental and energy conservation initiatives in the hospitality industry of the Philippines.

Latif explained that the 607 hotels were evaluated before a shortlisting of 39. From this group the winner was selected. The Hotel Inter-Continental Doha places strong emphasis on environment awareness through training programmes followed up by practical events such as regular beach cleanups in its area. Recycling of paper and waste segregation, whereby recyclable items (cans, glass, papers) are separated and sold to outside buyers, is encouraged.

Other initiatives include:

Turning condemned linen and towels into rags, neckchiefs and vacuum dust bags;

Reduced flushing time of toilets;

Night time ground watering;

Recycling partially used guest amenities to employee locker rooms;

Selling junk items to outside buyers to raise funds for local schools;

Switching off unnecessary lights and air-conditioners during low season, and

Reporting leaks and malfunctions between housekeeping, engineering and room service ensuring swift action is taken.

"We are a beachside luxury hotel which gains much of its character from its idyllic unspoilt setting on the coast. From our design of the hotel, through to leisure activities and hotel water and waste management, we have been mindful of a responsibility to the environment from the outset," Latif explained.