Radisson Hotel Group continues to secure a sustainable future for many of Asia’s rapidly-developing tourism destinations, with the launch of a series of environmentally and socially responsible initiatives at its beachfront resorts.
Underpinned by Radisson Hotel Group’s Responsible Business ethos, meaningful action is being taken to preserve the environment and give back to local communities in several new Radisson Blu island destinations: Bali, the Maldives and two emerging Vietnamese beach resorts, Phu Quoc and Cam Ranh.
Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu, which opened in February 2018, has introduced an array of environmental activities. Plastic pollution continues to be an environmental concern in Bali, the resort has undertaken initiatives such as the use of straws made from corn-starch, plus bags, slippers and bathroom amenities from natural materials. Plastic bottles have been replaced by glass versions and recycled glassware is used in the resort’s restaurants.
Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, which launched in July 2018, has taken a multi-faceted approach to sustainability. It has become the first international hotel in Vietnam to produce its own bamboo straws, and guests can visit the onsite bamboo farm and learn how the straws are made. The resort has also formed partnerships with local farms to produce organic honey, peppercorns and other ingredients for the hotel’s restaurants and bars as part of the efforts to promote local sourcing and a farm-to-table concept.
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, which is on track to open in Q1 2020, plans to minimize its use of plastic products by using bamboo or metal straws, reusable cloth laundry bags and glass bottles throughout the resort. A glass crushing machine will also be installed, which allows glass waste to be pulverized in-house, packed and shipped for recycling.
Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh, which is currently under development, will also adopt a series of responsible business solutions. Scheduled to open in Q2 2020, this beachfront property will fight single-use plastics, with cups, straws and bottles all being replaced with reusable options. Bamboo and glass straws will be adopted, and the resort will operate a bottling facility for both still and sparkling water. The resort will also work towards employing a food waste reduction program.
These are just a sample of the eco-friendly processes and procedures being put into practice at Radisson Blu’s captivating collection of new resorts across Asia. In addition, all guests are encouraged to reuse linen and towels; electric vehicles from scooters to small trucks are used by staff in many resorts, beach cleaning and community activities are undertaken by resort teams, and a community soap recycling program which is already in operation in Vietnam.
Energy saving solutions including LED lights and motion sensors can be found in all new Radisson Blu resorts. The most effective way to reduce energy use however, is through intelligent design and architecture, and many of Radisson Blu resorts in Asia have been designed in such a way that allows fresh air and light to flow through the property.
All of these actions and solutions have their foundations in Radisson Hotel Group’s global Responsible Business program. This comprises three aspects – Think People, Think Community and Think Planet – with the overall aim of building better future for local destinations and communities, and a better planet for all.
Think People strives to promote human rights, business ethics and diversity throughout the business, while Think Community sees Radisson Blu’s Asian resorts partner with not-for-profit organizations to help raise living standards in local communities. This includes a global partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International to help underprivileged youngsters, and other initiatives to empower women.
Finally, Think Planet harness a wide range of sustainability activities that help to preserve natural resources, including carbon reduction, water conservation, minimizing waste and responsible sourcing. All of these actions are in evidence at Radisson Blu’s newly-opened resorts in Asia.
Andre de Jong, Vice President, Operations, South East Asia and Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group said, “Tourism continues to soar in many Asian destinations, but this prosperity puts pressure on the environment, especially in pristine coastal regions. Therefore, it is essential that major tourism and hospitality operators take proactive measures to preserve the local ecosystem. At Radisson Hotel Group, we strive to work with local people and businesses to ensure that our operations are responsible, sustainable and create lasting benefits for the communities in which we operate.”
