Successful operations, such as Hilton, can put in place initiatives that are environmentally-friendly, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said yesterday.
“It is encouraging to note the remarkable achievement of Hilton, where it has been successful in an eco-label audit carried out by the Malta Standards Authority. This achievement will allow Hilton to apply for the European Eco-Label certification.”
Minister Pullicino and Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech were briefed about the hotel’s environmental initiatives, which helped the company to successfully pass an eco-label audit carried out on the hotel’s operations by the Malta Standards Authority.
Minister Pullicino expressed his satisfaction that such an important pillar of the Maltese economy, tourism, is actively seeking ways and improving upon its operations to ensure that the environment is cared for.
He said the environment is a heritage of us all, not just the government’s, and important players, such as those in the tourism industry have to understand and shoulder their obligations.
Minister Pullicino said the government has already initiated its work on various related projects such as the photovoltaic panels installed at the Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry and the new solar power system at St Benedict’s College.
Minister Francis Zammit Dimech congratulated Hilton International and Hilton Malta for their initiative in putting forward environmentally-friendly projects.
Minister Zammit Dimech said that through their initiatives, Hilton Malta has dispelled the old myth that considered the environment as a cost. He said that taking environmentally-friendly initiatives is an economic tool for reducing energy costs. He added that different lighting systems were a means of cost-cutting.
“Malta’s national policy is based on 3Es – the economy, the environment and education. The environment is a crucial pillar of our development. It was important for the future as well as the present,” reiterated Minister Zammit Dimech.
The Tourism and Culture Minister said the care of the environment was not just about cost-saving. It also brought perfect synergy with the development of our tourism industry, which is essential for our economy.