Tourism operators encouraged to embrace sustainable practices

Tourism operators are being encouraged to integrate sustainable practices into their daily operations to reduce their environmental footprint, support local communities and improve the long-term resilience and economic viability of their businesses.

This call was made by the Junior Minister of Tourism, Mrs Marie Anabelle Andelana Savabaddy, this morning during the opening of a ‘Workshop on Sustainable Practices and Initiatives for Tourism Operators’. The workshop, organised by the Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, was also attended by the Director of the Tourism Authority, Mr Loganaden Muneesamy, and tourism operators.

In her address, the Junior Minister recalled that climate change, geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs and the growing expectations of travellers for greater social and environmental responsibility are compelling the tourism sector to rethink its practices. She stressed that poorly managed tourism can exert pressure on natural resources and local communities, and that continuing with traditional practices is no longer sustainable.

Mrs Savabaddy underlined that sustainable tourism should translate into concrete action, particularly through better energy and waste management, reduced resource consumption, protection of the natural environment and greater support for the local economy and producers. She pointed out that tourism establishments can contribute individually through measures such as saving energy and water, limiting food wastage, and giving preference to locally sourced products.

She further emphasised the importance of collaboration among tourism operators, including the sharing of good practices and the strengthening of professional networks. According to her, the adoption of environmental charters and codes of conduct can also contribute to promote Mauritius as a responsible destination that respects both people and the environment.

The workshop aimed to equip operators of tourist residences, guest houses and small hotels with practical approaches to improve energy efficiency, conserve water, minimise waste and manage resources more efficiently, while lowering operating costs and maintaining service quality.

Participants were also introduced to the Horizon.eco platform, which enables tourism businesses to measure their impact in areas such as waste management along with energy and water consumption, monitor progress and showcase their sustainability achievements to environmentally conscious visitors.

The workshop moreover covered water conservation, environmental protection, waste sorting and recycling, food wastage, sustainable products and energy efficiency, with a view to translating sustainability principles into practical measures that operators can implement within their establishments.

20 August 2026

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Topics: Tourism