Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1039775
B M & T ••• September/October 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 F R O M M O T H E R L A N D "We're open for business and forging ahead with plans for tourism growth in Cape Town and the Western Cape" – that's the message a group of industry heavy- weights are proclaiming, as the region comes together to help build a sustain- able tourism destination that will contin- ue to thrive. In a joint statement with WESGRO, the Official Tourism, Trade & Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, Marriott International www.Marriott.com, reiter- ated that it was ready to own the upswing. The region's rapid and prag- matic response to the drought through crisis management from both public and private enterprise has shown the world it is possible to build a sustain- able, water-wise destination. In the last three years alone, the City of Cape Town has reduced its water usage by nearly 60%, setting a new world-class standard. This is a model that the rest of the world can look to emulate. "Responsible management of natural resources in our hotel operations has been a part of our business," said Neal Jones, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. "With the rise in unpre- dictable weather patterns, stresses on natural capital and resources, air and water quality issues, there is a rising need for a more conscious and proac- tive approach to environmental per- formance. We aspire to be the global hospitality leader that demonstrates how responsible hotel management can create economic opportunities and be a positive force for the environment and I am delighted to see how our hotels in Cape Town and Western Cape have come together to find innovative sustainable solutions." A variety of water wise initiatives have provided confidence in the desti- nation These include finding alternative MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL HOTELS GEAR UP AS WATER SAVVY CAPE TOWN BOUNCES BACK AFTER SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES Sector Regains Momentum as Hotels in Western Cape Ready to Own the Upswing Cape Town-Table Mountain Cableway