The hotel industry should take a larger leadership role in addressing climate change issues, said director of AlphaBeta (SG) Dr Fraser Thompson, a key speaker at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) Update in Singapore on Wednesday (March 12).
“I don’t think the hotel industry is taking enough of a leadership role in climate change issues. Globally, only 20% of hotels are maximising their potential for climate-friendly operations. A lot more can be done,” said Thompson.
He said hotels stand to lose big from climate change. The one issue he highlighted is the rise of sea levels. Closer to home, the countries around the equator, he said, will be impacted greatly. According to estimates, loss of land value from floods due to sea level rise in Singapore is estimated at US$2 billion by 2100.
Seaside resorts in the region, for example, will have to consider seriously, and quickly, how any rise in the sea levels will adversely impact their properties.
“Hotels should be campaigning more with the government and authorities with regards climate change management,” said Thompson. He added that within hotels top-level management, right up to the CEO, needs to take charge and make climate change issues a priority.
“Have a look at your hotel properties and see where they are located in relation to rising sea levels,” he added.