Cape Town's tourism industry is showing a shift towards more responsible tourism as the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point has received international recognition for its sustainability initiatives.
The four-star hotel was awarded the Green Key certificate—an eco-certification for hospitality and tourism businesses that recognizes companies meeting environmental standards and continuously improving their sustainability practices.
In South Africa, the Green Key program is administered by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), which presented the certificate to the hotel during an official handover ceremony.
The certification is supported by several changes implemented in the hotel's daily operations for guests. Almost the entire lighting system of the hotel, accounting for 95%, now uses LED technology, and water-saving measures have been introduced in the bathrooms. Aerators on showerheads and taps help reduce water consumption without compromising guest experience.
Furthermore, the hotel has started separating waste using color-coded bins and signs, and has reduced the use of single-use plastics and cutlery. Even the approach to printing has been revised: staff are encouraged to print only when necessary and to use double-sided printing and eco-friendly paper.
However, the hotel's sustainability plans are not limited to physical operations. As part of this initiative, staff training is conducted, helping employees understand the environmental practices being applied and how they can integrate them into their daily duties.
Jeremy Govender, General Manager of Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point, noted that the certification has helped transform sustainability into an integral part of the hotel's daily activities. He stated: 'Sustainability is not something separate from our hospitality business. It is reflected in the practical decisions we make every day, from resource and waste management to interacting with our team and encouraging more responsible choices among our guests.'
The hotel also collaborates with World of Azraah, which offers eco-friendly transport and tour recommendations, giving guests a way to explore Cape Town in a more responsible manner.
Thevia Visser, Senior Sustainability Manager at WESSA, emphasized that this certification provides the tourism industry with a foundation for fulfilling its sustainability commitments. The recognition was received during the celebration of WESSA's centenary, marking a century of conservation work in South Africa.
With over 9000 properties worldwide in more than 90 countries holding the Green Key certificate, this program has become an internationally recognized benchmark for sustainability in the tourism and hospitality industry. Such initiatives give travelers insight into how accommodation providers are changing resource usage while maintaining a focus on the guest experience.