Fragmeneted enforcement, limited incentives and uneven understanding among tourism operators are among the main barriers that slow down the adoption of sustainability standards in the hotel sector.
LANGKAWI: Fragmeneted enforcement, limited incentives and uneven understanding among tourism operators are among the main barriers that slow down the adoption of sustainability standards in the hotel sector.
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners executive director Shaharuddin M.
Saaid said while many hotels acknowledge the need to reduce energy use, waste and water consumption, adoption depends on whether owners and staff understand the benefits and long-term returns of sustainability investments.
“Before cost or infrastructure, we must get buy-ins from stakeholders.
Staff must also accept and carry out the initiative.
If only one or two staff care, the system would not work.
Sustainability needs alignment between owners, management and workers.“
He said while proven examples, such as the Frangipani Langkawi Resort’s wetland systems and rainwater harvesting model, have been shared, some operators are unsure how to adopt these measures within their constraints.
Shaharuddin added that the industry may eventually have no choice but to comply as global tourism markets increasingly require sustainability certification and carbon reporting.
“If you wait until it becomes mandatory, you cannot implement it overnight.
Hotels need to start now to be ready.”
However, he said inconsistent policies and utility charging structures remain significant obstacles, pointing to disputes over the commercial water bill model.
Commercial bills are calculated partly based on property valuation, in addition to a percentage of monthly water usage, even for businesses that have invested in systems to reduce wastewater discharge.
“The value of a building has nothing to do with the amount of wastewater produced.
Even if a hotel reduces usage or improves efficiency, the charges could increase because the calculation is tied to property valuation.
The principle does not match the service used.
“We have raised this many times.
Instalments were allowed, but the total remained.
