Forbes
Tourism always requires a lot of water, and there is a risk that in the long term it will cause an impact on regions with an influx of travelers, said Javier Cárdenas, CEO of the Rotamundos hotel and property chain.
The situation is aggravated, he added, if one takes into account that there is no regulation regarding water consumption in the tourism sector.
Furthermore, the guests are not very aware, he lamented.
The Rotamundos chain is a company that manages approximately 130 hotels located throughout Mexico, as well as in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Unlike other tour operators, this company aims to raise awareness among travelers about the importance of protecting the planet.
“Hotel chains need to be committed to water treatment. In swimming pools, for example, the same water should be used, with appropriate treatments, because filling a pool is crazy,” Cárdenas explained.
And in addition to the water treatment that hotels should commit to in order to make tourism sustainable, the authorities should get involved with the issue, Javier Cárdenas said.
According to the Drought Monitor in Mexico, as of the end of May, 9 out of 10 municipalities in the country are suffering from drought, while the population is required to make responsible consumption of water.
“Governments should facilitate the entry of sustainable technologies into the market, because there are new technologies that can save a lot of water. Hotels should also be required to use water-saving showerheads and faucets, because travelers should also face limitations in the facilities,” Cárdenas proposed.
Rotamundos holds a United Nations recognition for the sustainability policies with which it operates, which include good water management.
Photo: Courtesy of Donal Tong.
