Courtyard by Marriott took the 3rd place in the 4-star category while Marriott Executive Apartments clinched the 3rd place in the hotel apartment category. As part of the Dubai Green Tourism Award initiative, hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai were encouraged to participate in the award programme and their best environmental practices were assessed through a panel of judges. The judging process was based on internal and external initiatives such as waste recycling, energy conservation and environmental awareness campaigns. Out of a total of 79 submissions, 33 hotel establishments were selected for site visits and assessments. Finally, 18 hotels and hotel apartments were short listed for the awards.

Wael Farouk, Director of Engineering of Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community and Leader of Marriott Business Council Green Hotels Sub-Committee, and Sabreena Jacob, Hotel Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek, received the respective awards from H.E. Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM, and Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, Executive Director of Media Relations & Business Development Sector.

H.E. Bin Sulayem congratulated the winners and said that their achievements underline their commitments to moulding their hotels into environment-friendly establishments that adhere to the highest international quality standards.

Elaine Watson, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community and Marriott Executive Apartments, said: “Marriott International strongly recognizes and supports awareness of environmental issues and actively encourages associate and guest participation in environmental activities. Marriott hotels around the world are doing a great deal to conserve natural resources and preserve the environment. From trash removal and recycling to conserving energy and water, Marriott hotels are constantly employing methods that preserve the natural surroundings. One of the key areas of the company`s ‘Spirit to Preserve` program is wildlife preservation and going green. As market leaders in the hospitality industry, the Marriott hotels in Dubai will continue to strive to protect the environment and to save the world for a better future.”

She added: “We are responsible neighbours and seek ways to preserve our natural habitat by going green and at the same time encourage our associates and guests to appreciate the unique and fragile aspects of the local environment. We are honoured that Marriott has received two Dubai Go Green Awards for the first time from DTCM.”

Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek were assessed on its strategy in implementing environment-related projects and activities, impact of environmental initiatives at the public and corporate levels, resource management besides environmental awareness and practices.