Green Key certification will be a top priority area for Sharjah in developing the emirate's hospitality sector and improving its position as a leading tourist location in the area, said His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).

Attending to a Green Key Workshop organised by the Authority in Sharjah, HE Al Midfa stated: "The UN World Tourism Organisation projections 1.6 billion travelers by the year 2020. In order to minimise the unfavorable effects of this growth and harness its power to help make favorable change, sustainable tourism must come true for all tourism stakeholders."

HE Al Midfa hired the hospitality market to boost awareness amongst hotel staff for the effective execution of sustainable practices throughout the market. "We should work together to develop tools and training to enhance sustainable practices and fulfill the demand for sustainable tourist products and services," he included.

The Green Key Workshop was organised to spread awareness about the most efficient methods of sustainable hospitality and waste and energy management practices in Sharjah. The workshop demonstrated the emirate's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and green financial growth.

The workshop highlighted the financial and socio-cultural advantages of sustainable practices to the over 50 personnel and clients from the tourism and leisure industry. Calling on the industry for efforts to prevent climate modification by facilitating sustainable financial development, the workshop mentioned that responsible energy usage, and waste and resource management will allow the market to minimize operational expenses.

The participants were provided a step by step approach to engage hoteliers and staff for an effective application of Green Key measures. The workshop also featured conversation sessions on obstacles and finest practices on green hospitality elements.