Sofitel Resort and Spa in Denarau has made significant strides in sustainability over the past year, having bottled more than 48,200 liters of water at its newly established in-house water bottling facility. Opened in June of last year, this facility is part of the resort’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship within the tourism sector.
Ateca Waqavolau, the resort’s manager for environmental and sustainability initiatives, emphasized the importance of this project, stating that it sets a new benchmark for responsible tourism in Fiji. “This initiative is more than just reducing plastic; it’s about fostering a culture of reusability among guests and staff,” she remarked.
The resort’s facility primarily focuses on eliminating single-use plastic bottles, enabling guests and conference participants to enjoy fresh, filtered drinking water in reusable glass bottles. Bottled through an advanced eight-step filtration system, the facility successfully dispensed an impressive 48,278 one-liter bottles as well as 46,000 300ml bottles in its first year, thus significantly reducing the resort’s plastic waste footprint.
Additionally, the initiative has created four full-time jobs, with plans for a fifth position to be filled soon. Dedicated staff conduct daily quality checks to ensure the bottled water meets high standards. To further support sustainable hydration throughout the resort, refill stations have been installed, enhancing accessibility for all guests.
This movement towards sustainability in Fiji aligns with ongoing efforts in the hospitality sector, similar to initiatives like Portion Pak’s introduction of refillable silicone water bottles and the launch of the “Lase Vou” program aimed at enhancing recycling practices across hotels. Such collective actions signify a shared commitment among Fiji’s resorts and tourism operators to minimize their environmental impact and promote a greener future.
Overall, the success of Sofitel Resort and Spa’s water bottling initiative reflects a hopeful trend within the tourism industry, setting a precedent for sustainable practices that can inspire others to follow suit.
Leave a comment