Sustainable tourism: A rising priority for the hospitality and travel sectors

The recent signing of the Climate Change Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear: South Africa’s tourism sector needs to evolve if it wants to meet the challenges of climate change head-on.

Companies such as The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts, SolarEdge and Cathay Pacific are at the forefront of this transition, illustrating that sustainability can co-exist with growth and innovation.

Pioneering green practices in hospitality

Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels, sees the Climate Change Act as a pivotal moment for the hospitality industry. “The act highlights the critical need for sustainable practices across all sectors, and tourism is no exception. For South African hospitality to thrive, we must adopt energy-efficient solutions that reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring a quality experience for our guests.”

The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts has become a champion of sustainable hospitality, investing millions into renewable energy initiatives to power 80% of its properties with solar by 2025. This move not only aims to reduce the group’s carbon footprint but also provides a

buffer against the challenges of loadshedding – an issue that continues to affect businesses across the country.

The Capital is also on the cusp of signing an agreement with Discovery Green, which will provide wind and solar power for its hotels and will cover 90% of its hotel usage.

Beyond energy, The Capital is leading the charge in water conservation, an increasingly critical issue in South Africa. The group has implemented a borehole project at its SEVEN Villa and The Capital Zimbali properties, with The Capital On The Park slated to be next. Currently, this initiative allows Zimbali’s water needs to be fully met by borehole sources, reducing dependence on municipal supply. The aim is for the other properties to follow suit.

Moreover, The Capital Pearls and Zimbali, two luxury spots in Durban, have embraced innovative measures to address water scarcity and quality:

• Blue Drop standards: These resorts adhere to a South African programme ensuring top water quality and sanitation for guests, enhancing the safety and reliability of their water sources.
• Advanced purification systems: These systems treat and reuse water, reducing reliance on municipal supplies and conserving precious resources.
• Internal water circulation: The Capital Pearls employs an internal system to manage water use, ensuring efficient usage and reducing the demand on local water infrastructure.
• Reverse osmosis systems: The Capital Zimbali has a backup reverse osmosis system that ensures clean water availability even if the city supply fails.

These investments form part of a broader drive within the sector to implement energy-efficient practices. From water conservation measures to solar-powered energy systems, The Capital is leading the charge, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with business growth.

Powering remote and sustainable luxury

Sustainable energy needs green energy, and SolarEdge Technologies has emerged as a vital partner in the hospitality industry’s sustainability efforts. SolarEdge is a visionary leader in smart energy technology, committed to harnessing the power of the sun to create a sustainable future.

A prime example close to home is Atzaró Okavango, a luxurious bush lodge in Botswana that now operates completely off the grid. Equipped with SolarEdge’s 216kWp solar system, Atzaró uses SE33.3k inverters, P730 power optimisers and the innovative SolarGik Single Axis tracking system – the first of its kind in Africa. With 400kWh of storage capacity integrated with backup generators, with infrastructure in place the lodge has achieved complete energy independence.

Laurence Lipjes, general manager for SolarEdge MEA, highlights the significance of this installation: “At SolarEdge, we focus on delivering energy solutions that allow our clients to excel, even in the most remote locations. The Atzaró Okavango project demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can seamlessly co-exist. By offering reliable, durable and adaptable systems, we enable properties like Atzaró to minimise their environmental impact without compromising on performance.

“Additionally, the remote location of the lodge, combined with the advanced safety features built into SolarEdge products, ensure peace of mind for clients, particularly when maintenance or emergency support is not immediately accessible.”

SolarEdge’s innovations extend beyond the hospitality sector, addressing a wide range of energy needs with its photovoltaic systems, storage solutions and electric vehicle charging capabilities. As a leader in smart energy technology, the company is helping to redefine what is possible for sustainable tourism across the continent.

Toward a cleaner sky

For Cathay Pacific, sustainability takes to the skies. The airline has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has set a near-term goal to reduce its carbon intensity by 12% from 2019 levels by 2030.

A central part of this strategy is the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): a cleaner alternative to fossil jet fuel that is produced from sustainable and renewable sources, which can reduce over 80% of its lifecycle carbon emissions. The airline has been one of the pioneers, working to expand the SAF supply chain by partnering with global suppliers and corporate partners to scale up the demand.

“We’re on a mission to move people forward sustainably and responsibly, and it’s a collective effort to travel greener together,” says Shanna Docherty, regional head of Trade Sales for Middle East and Africa at Cathay Pacific. “We’re committed to the use of SAF and working closely with our partners to make air travel more sustainable. These efforts not only help us achieve our climate targets but also let our customers be part of the journey together.

“Additionally, the airline is tackling waste reduction. By 2025, Cathay Pacific aims to reduce single-use plastic items to just 1.5 pieces per passenger – down from 7.7 in 2019 – and to cut cabin waste by 30% by 2030. The focus is on incorporating circular economy principles, from how raw materials are produced, to how we design more reusable products, to how we recycle waste products.”

Collectively committing to a greener future

Together, The Capital Hotels, SolarEdge and Cathay Pacific demonstrate that sustainability in tourism is achievable through collaboration and innovation. Their efforts highlight the importance of transitioning to greener practices – not only for the health of the planet but also for the longevity and success of the tourism industry.

By embracing renewable energy, investing in cutting-edge technology and rethinking travel’s environmental impact, these industry leaders are setting a new standard for sustainable tourism in South Africa and beyond.

Their collective commitment is a reminder that while the journey toward sustainability may be complex, the rewards – for businesses, travellers and the environment – are well worth the effort.

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