Adopting a lifestyle of saving water in tourism
What many have taken for granted all our lives has rapidly become our most treasured resource: water.
I can hardly believe that just a couple of years ago, I was bathing and flushing with impunity, as someone privileged enough to have consistent running water in the Cape used to do. This drought has given me a fresh appreciation for what life is like for those who share one tap between dozens of families, having to carry what they can for personal use across long distances in heavy buckets. Since this water crisis emerged, locals have looked to the tourism sector to ask what we’re doing to ensure our many visitors don’t deplete what’s left in our dams – I’d like to share some of the measures and initiatives of which I am aware.
Responsibility in tourism
Even prior to water restrictions, many hotels had implemented water saving mechanisms, such as using spring water to irrigate properties or do laundry. Responsible tourism has been an industry focus for years now; Cape Town Tourism was one of the five stakeholders to initiate and sign the Responsible Tourism Charter in 2009, and the organisation actively encourages all members to commit to responsible tourism by implementing practical measures.
Central to all efforts in cutting back on water usage is ensuring that this is happening at all tourism-related businesses, in particular, hotels and the big attractions. This messaging has been regularly shared with all Cape Town tourism businesses throughout 2017. There is extensive messaging in hotels regarding the water shortages. This is in addition to practical measures the accommodation industry has taken such as removing bath plugs and encouraging guests to take two-minute showers, and reducing laundry routines. Besides the hotels, tourism businesses are acutely aware of the need for water conservation.
Source: iol.co.za