The Mediterranean Hoteliers and Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (AKTOB) has taken an initiative to reduce water consumption in hotels and promote environmentally responsible practices. The action, titled “One Drop One World”, comes at a time when pressure on the Mediterranean’s water resources is increasing, while the needs of the tourism industry are intensifying.
According to AKTOB data, hotels are responsible for approximately 15% of total water consumption in the services sector, a percentage that makes them a crucial factor in shaping more sustainable water management. The organization seeks to mobilize both hoteliers and guests, highlighting the need to save and reuse water.
As part of the program, special teams are being created within the hotel units that will systematically monitor the implementation of saving practices, control consumption and strengthen compliance with sustainability criteria.
Among the measures promoted are:
- Rainwater collection for irrigation of gardens and common areas.
- Replacing plantings with drought-resistant species.
- Reusing water lost while waiting for taps to heat up.
- Treating and utilizing water from sinks and showers for cleaning or irrigation.
AKTOB estimates that through these interventions, hotels can achieve up to 40% reduction in water consumption — a figure with a significant environmental and economic impact.
AKTOB President Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu emphasized that Turkey is the first country to have signed an agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which strengthens the country’s strategy to align with international sustainability standards. He noted that hotels are now operating under the Sustainable Tourism Certification program, which also incorporates specific criteria for water conservation.
“Hotels account for approximately 15% of water consumption in the service sector, while agriculture accounts for 70%,” said Kavaloğlu, emphasizing that tourism has an obligation to contribute to the conservation of water resources. He added that conservation practices are now an integral part of the sustainable tourism certification system.
AKTOB’s new initiative offers a working model for Mediterranean hotels, at a time when the impacts of climate change require more responsible and efficient water management practices.
