The European Hotel Managers’ Association (EHMA) held their 45th Annual General Meeting in Marbella, from 16 -18 March, with Diversey as the event’s exclusive partner for cleaning and hygiene.
The EHMA General Meeting is a key event, bringing together the top hotel managers operating first class and luxury hotels across Europe, to network and brainstorm on best practice and future trends in the hospitality sector. This year’s event focused on smart data for luxury destinations, featuring exhibitions stimulating discussion on subjects such as the role of smart data in helping to make destinations fashionable.
Diversey has been a partner of the event since 2011 and is also the official sponsor of the “EHMA Sustainability Award by Diversey”. This renowned industry award acknowledges managers who have implemented new and innovative projects, while also transforming the conventional understanding of sustainability in their hotel.
The proud winner of the EHMA Sustainability Award by Diversey 2018 is the Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne. Jonas Reif, the Communications Manager of the hotel, was presented with the award by Diversey’s VP Global Corporate Communications – Rafael Echevarria. The hotel and resort in Switzerland is a true embodiment of a commitment to sustainability, from its re-use of building materials throughout the property during the remodeling project, to the extensive use of natural thermal qualities from lake water and a reliance on locally-sourced materials. The scope of the Bürgenstock project made it the clear winner. A few of the highlights included, an avoidance of the environmental impact of 18,000 potential truck journeys by sourcing on-site materials, the use of 100% certified carbon neutral hydroelectricity, and the fact that 100% of the cooling and 80% of the heating is being supplied by the lake water. This water then generates electricity on its return to the lake. Even the stone walls used throughout are designed to become habitat for the local flora and fauna around Lake Lucerne.
Rafael Echevarria is unreserved in his praise of the award winner: “The resort’s environmental approach is admirable. The hotel has been a great example and has shown that being sustainable in the luxury hotel industry is achievable. To make the world a better place to live everyone has to do their part. Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne is a great example of that.”
Dr. Kadri, President and CEO of Diversey emphasizes: “Sustainability is a key initiative for many hoteliers. We need to play our part in making our industry more sustainable. It will continue to be an important part of running a successful organization, increasing brand protection and guest satisfaction. We celebrate our continuing partnership with the EHMA, which through our EHMA Sustainability Award by Diversey award, has allowed us to promote and support those within the hospitality industry who are creating inspiring programs that support the environment, and which are driving all of us toward a brighter future.”
About Diversey
Diversey has been, and always will be, a pioneer and facilitator for life. We constantly deliver revolutionary cleaning and hygiene technologies that provide total confidence to our customers across all of our global sectors. Led by Dr. Ilham Kadri, President & CEO, and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, Diversey employs approximately 9,000 people globally, generating net sales of approximately $2.6 billion in 2016.
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