Earth is clearly a ‘water planet’. However, only 2.5% of water on earth is fresh water, and only a fraction can be used by mankind. Water is therefore one of the most valuable resources. In some countries, including many tourist destinations, demand for water exceeds natural water supplies.
For this reason, we make every effort to reduce our consumption of drinking water. Most of the water we use at TUI is drinking water to supply our hotels. We have launched numerous measures to reduce water consumption per guest and bednight even further, including retrofitting bathrooms to use less water and raising our customers’ awareness. Our hotel brands are also keen to use their water more efficiently. When designing gardens they now pay more attention to climate conditions and endemic species and they are re-using waste water to water the gardens.
Sustainable garden design
RIU hotels use ‘ Xeriscape’ gardening methods that involve an initial analysis of factors such as climatic conditions. The garden is then subdivided into planting zones with high, medium and low water needs.
Areas needing a lot of water, including lawns, are kept to a minimum and only created in places that are highly visible to our guests, e.g. pool landscapes. The choice of plants is based on their water needs and other factors such as soil, exposure and temperature. Watering schedules are sustainably planned and take account of dry periods and air humidity. Mulching helps to hold moisture and prevent erosion. That contributes to the appeal of the gardens and reduces watering needs.
Technical water management
ROBINSON Clubs in Spain and Portugal have developed a technical water management programme.
Clubs in the Mediterranean region deliberately dispense with bathtubs in single or double rooms. They also use sophisticated water taps and water-saving devices for toilets to cut consumption. Club gardens use drip irrigation for their plants to avoid evaporation losses.
All clubs are connected to waste water treatment systems.
The Cala Serena Club uses its own tertiary waste water treatment facility. This grey water is used to flush toilets and water the gardens. Annual savings of fresh water amount to 110,000 cubic metres.