Dubai Awards Record 237 Hotels with Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp - Business Today Middle East
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has recognised a record 237 hotels in the third cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp, highlighting the hospitality sector's growing commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
TheDubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)has recognised a record237 hotelsin the third cycle of theDubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp, highlighting the hospitality sector’s growing commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The latest edition of the programme recorded a55% increasefrom the153 hotelsrecognised in the second cycle and more thantripledthe70 hotelshonoured when the initiative was launched in 2023, reflecting the industry’s increasing adoption of sustainable operations. The third cycle saw22 hotels receive Gold awards,92 earn Silver, and123 achieve Bronze, recognising excellence in meeting DET’s comprehensive sustainability requirements. The assessment criteria cover a wide range ofenvironmental, social and governance (ESG)standards, including energy and water efficiency, waste management, responsible sourcing, employee engagement, guest awareness, community initiatives and climate action. The growing number of recognised hotels demonstrates the sector’s increasingly structured approach to sustainability, with more hospitality operators embedding responsible practices into their day-to-day operations while supporting Dubai’s wider environmental, economic and tourism objectives. Hotels applying for the DST Stamp underwent an independent assessment conducted by third-party evaluators, with the final results reviewed and approved by a senior jury committee to ensure transparency, consistency and compliance with DET’s19 Sustainability Requirements. Successful hotels retain their award tier for one year, encouraging continuous improvement and long-term commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at DET and Head of the DET Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, said the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was introduced in 2023 to promote sustainable hospitality and establish new benchmarks for environmental stewardship while supporting the UAE’sNet Zero 2050ambitions. He said the significant increase in recognised hotels demonstrates the hospitality industry’s commitment to integrating sustainability into everyday operations. Lootah added that the DST Stamp provides travellers with a trusted, independently verified benchmark for responsible hospitality while strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination. Hotels that were not recognised in this cycle are encouraged to continue improving their sustainability performance and participate in future editions of the programme. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp forms part of DET’s broader strategy to accelerate the tourism industry’s transition towards alow-carbon, resource-efficient future. To support the sector, DET provides a range of practical tools and training programmes, including theCarbon Calculator, which helps hotels measure and reduce emissions while identifying operational cost savings, and theDubai Sustainable Tourismtraining course available through theDubai Wayplatform and delivered by theDubai College of Tourism. DET also confirmed that further enhancements to the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will be introduced in future editions as the programme continues to evolve in line with Dubai’s sustainability and accessibility goals.