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The beach view, the coral diving experience, the fresh seafood menu, the sunset terrace — across the MENA coastal belt, the ocean is what drives room rates and repeat bookings. And yet ocean health rarely makes it onto a hotel's sustainability agenda. For this World Oceans Day episode — and the 50th episode of Season 1 — Radhika is joined by Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder of Goumbook and the force behind the MENA Ocean Summit and MENA Ocean Network. In this conversation the focus is on: - why the Gulf is a living lab for global coral research, - what desalination is really doing to our seas, - the difference between sustainable and regenerative hospitality, and - what every hotel GM on the MENA coastline should be doing differently from June 8th onwards.

Ram Prabhu doesn't run a sustainability department. He runs the building. As Multi-Property Director of Engineering at Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi. he's the one deciding which capex projects live or die — and his team just won GITB 2025, ranking #1 globally across 8,000+ Marriott properties. We talk chiller bases vs heat pumps, why he only gets 7 out of 10 approvals, and what ESCOs look like when occupancy drops to 14%. Access Sustainability Kiosk website for more information on the podcasts and to reach us.

"Whatever was sustainable yesterday may not be sustainable tomorrow." Definitions evolve, standards rise, and what counted as responsible travel five years ago may not hold up today. Regenerative tourism — the idea that hospitality and travel should give back more than it takes — is where that conversation is heading next. Host Radhika Arapally is joined by Martin Baeuerle, founder of Sustainability Hive, working at the intersection of sustainable tourism, education, and consultancy across the GCC. Martin opens by drawing a clear distinction between sustainability, net zero, and regeneration. Sustainability, he explains, aims to maintain the status quo — balancing resource use with replenishment. Net Zero focuses narrowly on carbon. Regeneration, however, asks a deeper question: how do we fix what we have already damaged? When asked where the Gulf hospitality sector stands on this ladder, Martin highlights that progress is happening but the journey is still in its early stages, and that regenerative models must also be adapted to local contexts: what works in Europe will not simply transfer to the GCC. Additionally, regulatory pressure building in Europe that will soon land on Middle Eastern operators targeting international travellers, the examples quietly leading the way in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, and why both top-down vision and bottom-up initiative are needed to shift the needle. One of the episode's most insightful threads is the distinction between process thinking (the hallmark of conventional sustainability) and systems thinking (the foundation of regeneration) - illustrated with the example of hotels switching from plastic to glass bottles — a sustainability win on paper, but one that ignores the absence of glass recycling infrastructure in many GCC countries. Looking ahead, Martin sees genuine opportunity in the region. Supply chain localisation is growing, environmental restoration projects are underway in the Red Sea, and countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia are well-placed to drive social and economic regeneration through meaningful local employment in tourism. Key takeaways from the episode: 🌍 True regeneration means looking at the whole system, not just a single metric. 🌍 European consumer empowerment directives mean that any property targeting European customers — even via Booking.com — must back up sustainability claims with verified data and the Middle East is underestimating this impact. 🌍 Staying up to date requires attending industry events, meeting thought leaders, and building a strong network as sustainability is fast-moving and academic publications quickly become outdated. 🌍 Sustainability or net zero doesn't work in isolation because we have been degrading our world over the last decades. We need to enhance, give back more to the environment, the community, and people. Show notes referenced in the episode: 👉 Pathways to Nature Conservation and Resilience in Hot and Arid Lands, the case of Qatar Other resources: 👉 Responsible Hoteliers Summit 2026 👉 GSTC Global Summit 2026 👉HospitalityInside Think Tank 2026 👉 Heenat Salma Farm, Qatar 👉 Erthna, Qatar 👉 Red Sea Global

“At the bottom of the mountain, you’re looking up at a huge number of hotels — you’ve got to start. And in order to do that, you’ve got to understand all the levers you’ve got to pull.” Decarbonising a hotel is one thing. Decarbonising nearly a thousand of them, across different sizes, ages, and building types, while keeping guests happy, investors informed, and a small internal team motivated, is another challenge entirely. Yet that’s precisely the reality for large-scale hospitality operators, and it’s a challenge the industry is only beginning to get to grips with: sustainability in hospitality is multi-layered and deeply necessary work. In this episode of the Sustainability Stories podcast, host Radhika Arapally is joined by Will Silverwood, former Head of Sustainability at Whitbread, the UK’s largest hotel operator and the company behind Premier Inn. What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Will’s commercial lens. He doesn’t approach sustainability as a specialist function sitting apart from the business. He approaches it as a business change programme — one that requires the same relationship-building, stakeholder management and evidence-based decision-making as any major commercial initiative. Will describes his role not as the person with all the answers, but as the one who gets the right people into the room in the first place. “To some extent, I’m the kind of fire starter.” he says, the one waving the flag, creating the urgency, and making sure the conversation happens at all. This episode is essential listening for anyone ready to do the same in their own organisation: stop waiting for the perfect moment, and start making things happen. Key takeaways from the episode: 🟢 The customer has to feature right at the centre of the changes you’re making. Sustainability isn’t coming along to impact on that guest experience.  🟢Make sure you’ve got senior level endorsement of what you want to do. Think about who’s on board, but also who might not be. 🟢 The only shared thing across all procurement verticals is the principle of what needs to be done together. 🟢 Accept the unknowns. You know where your big carbon opportunities are, so just start working on them. 🟢 It’s really important that people understand [sustainability], in a way that is not jargon-fuelled but really clear, what the numbers are and how they’re impacting it.  🟢 Be cautious about not over-claiming, but confident when you do. 🟢 Hospitality has got a long way to go, but that shouldn’t stop us. We’ve just got to start. Will spent the early part of his career making complex change happen inside large FTSE 100 organisations before making the leap into sustainability. Most recently, he led Whitbread’s Force for Good programme — covering climate, carbon, waste, water and supply chain — across 900+ hotels. He currently works within sustainability advisory. Show notes & resources referenced in the episode: ⁠ Zero Carbon Forum

💧 Water is everywhere in a hotel. From guest showers and laundry operations to kitchens, swimming pools, and landscaped gardens, water touches every part of daily operations. But with rising water scarcity and growing concerns around water quality, hotels are now looking beyond how much water they use to how and where it flows across their properties. Abu Dhabi, UAE is recognised as a high-risk water scarcity destination in the global hospitality Destination Water Risk Index — published by World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance highlighting the importance of strong water stewardship practices in the region.That’s why our Sustainability Stories podcast episode featuring Alicia Dauth⁠ is both timely and essential listening. Podcast Spotlight: Water Stewardship with Alicia Dauth In Season 1, Episode 46, Sustainability Kiosk Founder Radhika Arapally  speaks with Alicia Dauth, Water Assurance Technical Lead at ⁠Water Security Collective⁠. Drawing from her experience working with hotels across multiple regions, Alicia shares practical strategies for effective water stewardship in hospitality — from risk management to guest engagement. Key Takeaways from the episode: 💧 Guest Engagement in Hotel Sustainability: How hotels talk about water matters. When guests understand their impact and feel part of the sustainability journey, they are far more likely to participate in conservation efforts. 💧 Understanding Water Use: Alicia encourages hoteliers to ask critical questions: Where is the being used the most? Are consumption and quality being monitored effectively?Which departments drive the highest usage?💧 Water Mapping: Understanding the full water journey — from source to discharge — is crucial. Even outsourced services like laundry should be assessed for water use, chemical impact, and transportation emissions. 💧 Guidance and Innovation: Industry standards and smart technologies help hotels structure their water strategies. Alicia discusses: Water stewardship frameworks Certification programmes Water recovery and efficiency systems Expert Advice from Alicia Dauth: "You have to start somewhere – water stewardship is a journey. It is something that we can carry throughout different parts of our lives, and there may be hurdles but you can still do a good job and benefit your guests and hotel." About Water Collective: Water Security Collective, a UAE-based firm, helps organisations understand and act on water‑related risks. They provide expert advisory services, professional training, and risk assessment services. Their work supports governments, businesses, and leaders in building resilience and turning water challenges into strategic opportunities. Show notes & Resources referenced in the episode: ⁠💧 Destination Water Risk Index  (DWRI by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance) 💧 AWS Standard 💧 SCS Standard⁠ ⁠💧 SCS Water Positive⁠ ⁠💧 SCS Water Certification⁠ ⁠💧 Unpacking collective action in water stewardship

Host, Radhika Arapally⁠ had the pleasure of reconnecting with Raquel Noboa, Founder & CEO of Fifty Shades Greener - a sustainability-focused company offering green skills training, certification, and consulting. Raquel's insights remind us that sustainability is about people, action, and values. Lessons to carry forward: ❇️Meet people where they are: Understand their motivators and meet them at their starting point to guide meaningful change. ❇️ Imperfection is okay: Even small, consistent actions can create a significant cumulative impact over time. ❇️ Apply learning: Trainings and knowledge are most powerful when applied in our every day. ❇️Human rights matter: Sustainability includes accessibility, inclusivity, and ensuring everyone has the right to travel. ❇️Climate action over climate knowledge: Practical climate solutions and hands-on steps are more effective than just discussing the issues. Finally, Raquel emphasised something we’re missing: community—at work and at home. Reconnecting with the community spirit is essential for a thriving, sustainable future. Fifty Shades Greener is an Ireland-based, sustainability-focused company dedicated to helping individuals and organisations take meaningful climate action. They offer practical green skills training, recognised certifications, and expert consulting to empower people to integrate sustainable practices into everyday business and life. At Sustainability Kiosk, we help hotels involve their teams in sustainability from the start, so it becomes a shared effort everyone can contribute to. Reach out to us to find out ⁠how we can support your hotel⁠. 💡Explore more episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sustainability Stories podcasts.

In this episode from the 2025 Responsible Hoteliers Summit, Tiffany McGrath hosts Frauke Aoun, General Manager at Affini Tribute Portfolio Residence by Marriott, to explore what authenticity in hotel teams truly means: ✔️ Building trust and transparency amongst hotel teams ✔️ Creating a shared purpose when it comes to turning hotel operations more sustainable ✔️Giving teams a voice in sustainability by engaging them early on in the sustainability process, and ensuring strategies are executed across the entire hotel — not just kept at the leadership level. Frauke also highlights the importance of bringing teams into decision-making and valuing their feedback to drive real, hotel-wide change. At Sustainability Kiosk, we help hotels involve their teams in sustainability from the start, so it becomes a shared effort everyone can contribute to. Reach out to us to find out how we can support your hotel. 💡Explore more episodes on the ⁠⁠⁠Sustainability Stories podcasts.

In our latest conversation at Responsible Hoteliers Summit 2025, Tiffany McGrath sat down with Monica Tofilis, Senior Manager - Business Solutions at Intertek Cristal, to explore how assurance and standards can drive genuine, organisation-wide change in hospitality. Monica reminded us that: ✔️ Sustainability starts at the top, with leaders driving team empowerment, green investments, and training while setting company-wide sustainability goals. ✔️ Having sustainability standards should never be a check-box exercise, but a meaningful framework that embeds responsibility and positive change across every level of the business. ✔️ You can't manage what you don't measure - so measurement of sustainability data is extremely important for goal development and growth. As a global leader in risk management, safety, and sustainability assurance, Intertek Cristal supports hotels and tourism businesses in building trust through verified best practices and continuous improvement. Because real progress happens when standards drive action - not just compliance. 💡Explore more episodes on the ⁠⁠Sustainability Stories podcasts.

🌿"We are not looking for perfect. Being sustainable is a long process and it can't happen overnight." Sustainability Kiosk's Tiffany McGrath sat down at the Responsible Hoteliers Summit 2025 with Francesca Bennardo from Sustainability Hive, a Green Key national operator for Qatar, to talk all things Green Key certification for hotels. Francesca walked us through the certification process and explained how important it is for hotels to gather their sustainability data in order to understand where they currently stand and how they can steer the hotel toward becoming more sustainable. Green Key auditors like Francesca look for evidence that sustainable practices are implemented consistently, not just planned on paper, and that the hotel is actively fostering a culture of responsibility at every level. As Francesca emphasised, sustainability doesn’t happen overnight — it requires commitment, persistence, and a willingness to embed change across the entire organisation. At Sustainability Kiosk, we offer simple, practical support with certification and day-to-day sustainable practices. If you're ready to take your hotel operations in a greener direction, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll guide you through the certification process, making it simple and stress-free 💡Explore more episodes on the ⁠Sustainability Stories podcasts.

Welcome to Sustainability Stories podcast! In this episode, host ⁠Radhika Arapally⁠ and Naureen Ahmed discuss the role of women in hospitality! Naureen is the founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, a global platform dedicated to women in the hospitality industry. Naureen started Inspiring Women in Hospitality to encourage women, at all levels and roles in the industry to engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships, aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders. She has conducted 13 Round Table sessions in 8 cities, providing visibility and a platform for over 200 women to share their insights. Naureen shed light on: 💭 The purpose behind Inspiring Women in Hospitality 💭 Advice for Career Growth: Two top tips summarised from interviewing 200 guests on her podcast 💭 Challenges in Speaking up 💭 Common Challenges for Women in Hospitality 💭 Gender Pay Gap and Workforce Representations ✅ From speaking to over 200 inspiring women, Naureen shared a valuable piece of advice with us - "Take ownership of your career and ask for it." ✅ Join Inspire Community to connect with other women in hospitality and learn how to take ownership. 💡Explore more episodes on the Sustainability Stories podcasts.

In this episode of Sustainability Stories, host Radhika Arapally sits down with Mark Swinton, General Manager of Capella Ubud, Bali. They discuss how conservation and wellness are deeply rooted in the hotel and play a big part in the hotel's ethos. Nestled among the trees and discreetly hidden from view, Capella Ubud captivates the imagination of those seeking a truly unique experience with one-bedroom tents and one two-bedroom lodge, each featuring its own private pool. Mark shares his insights on: ✅ Sustainable initiatives and wellness activities at Capella Ubud ✅ Ensuring energy efficiency for heating and cooling of the accommodation tents, which is integral to sustainable luxury! ✅ The design process and architecture of the hotel lodge ✅ How sustainability and wellness intertwine in a luxury property ✅ Capella's roadmap to achieving the Net Zero 💡 Subscribe and stay updated on sustainability innovations in hospitality by subscribing to our podcast or the newsletter Responsible Hospitality

In this episode of Sustainability Stories, host Radhika Arapally sits down with Manish Jha, General Manager of NH Collection Dubai The Palm, to uncover how the hotel has rapidly accelerated its sustainability journey since opening in February 2023. From earning Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification to winning Sustainable Hotel of the Year, NH Collection Dubai has set a new benchmark in sustainable hospitality. Manish shares insights on:✅ The mindset shift needed for true sustainability✅ Implementing zero-waste initiatives, including a canteen with no waste bins✅ Leveraging technology like digital buffet labels & food waste monitoring✅ Local sourcing and farm-to-table dining at Revo Café✅ The business case for sustainability investments✅ Dubai Tourism’s strong push for green initiatives Can sustainability be a lifestyle rather than a checkbox? Tune in to hear how NH Collection Dubai is making it happen! 💡 Subscribe & stay updated on sustainability innovations in hospitality. #SustainableHotels #SustainabilityStories #GreenHospitality #ZeroWaste #SustainableDubai

Listen to Kempinski Seychelles' eco-friendly initiatives, from renewable energy to waste reduction, preserving the pristine beauty of the Seychelles Islands - a conversation with Sustainability Champions - Oliver Kuhn together with Akram Alshabini & Ajay Joseph.  In this episode of the Sustainability Stories podcast, we dive into the heart of the Indian Ocean to explore the sustainable practices of Kempinski Seychelles. Joining us are Oliver Kuhn, General Manager; Akram Alshabini, Hygiene, Health, Safety and Sustainability Manager, and Ajay Joseph, Director of Engineering.  A Commitment to Sustainability  Kempinski Seychelles is not just a luxury resort; it's a beacon of sustainable hospitality. The team is passionate about preserving the pristine beauty of the Seychelles islands while providing world-class guest experiences.  Key Sustainability Initiatives:  Certification and Standards: The resort has achieved numerous certifications, including the highest level in the Chris Czech sustainability system and compliance with the Seychelles government's sustainability law.  Energy Efficiency: Kempinski Seychelles has implemented various energy-saving measures, such as solar power, heat recovery systems, and energy-efficient guest room management systems.  Water Conservation: The resort collects rainwater and recycles wastewater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.  Waste Reduction: A comprehensive waste management system is in place, including composting, recycling, and the conversion of kitchen oil into biofuel.  Environmental Education: The resort actively engages with guests and local communities through educational programs, beach clean-ups, and coral reef restoration projects.  Balancing Luxury and Sustainability  One of the biggest challenges for luxury hotels is balancing exceptional guest experiences with sustainable practices. Kempinski Seychelles has successfully navigated this challenge by:  Involving Guests: Encouraging guests to participate in sustainable activities, such as tree planting and coral reef restoration.  Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local communities and suppliers to minimize environmental impact.  Continuous Improvement: Embracing innovation and staying up to date with the latest sustainable technologies and practices.  Looking Ahead  Kempinski Seychelles is committed to further reducing its environmental footprint and inspiring other hotels to follow suit. The team is exploring additional sustainability.

In our first interview with a CEO, Mr. Kamran Birjees Khan kindly joined us in the studio to share his beginnings in Al-Futtaim, his illustrious career with Panasonic, and how he built Nia Limited into the family-like business that it is today. Spanning from the business landscape of the UAE in the 1990's to the impact Japanese corporate culture has had on his ethos as a leader, Mr. Khan is full of wisdom and anecdotes that shaped him and his business into the leaders they are today. Mr. Khan also delves into the wellness aspect of plastic-free living, sharing with us insights on how removing plastics from hotels and sporting events goes beyond erasing a recycling issue but also removes microplastics from our biological systems. The conversation ends with some sage leadership advice on how to build a company culture that fosters happiness and growth; a fact that led Nia Limited to sponsor the Taqdeer Award, Dubai government initiative that recognizes companies who demonstrate a profound commitment to workforce care, employee happiness, and prosperity. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation along with some great book recommendations. Watch the conversation here, on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners. Show notes: Sustainability Kiosk: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/podcast/s1e38-kamran-birjees-khan-ceo-nia-ltd-bluewater/ Kamran Birjees Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamranbirjeeskhan/ Nia Limited: https://nia.me/ Bluewater: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/brand/nia-limited/bluewater/ The Desert Vipers cricket team: https://www.thedesertvipers.com/sustainability/partners/bluewater Responsible Hoteliers Summit: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/responsible-hoteliers-summit-successful-event-dubai/ Taqdeer Award: https://taqdeeraward.ae/faqs Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Good_To_Great_9780712676090 Built to Last by Jim Collins: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Built_To_Last_9781844135844 The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Monk_Who_Sold_His_Ferrari:_A_Fable_About_Fulfilling_Your_Dreams_And_Reaching_Your_Destiny_9780061125898 The 5am Club by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_5_Am_Club:_Own_Your_Morning._Elevate_Your_Life._9780008312831 The Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Greatness_Guide:_One_Of_The_World'S_Top_Success_Coaches_Shares_His_Secrets_To_Get_To_Your_Best_9780007242870 The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Leader_Who_Had_No_Title:_A_Modern_Fable_On_Real_Success_In_Business_And_In_Life_9781849833844 Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Last_Place_on_Earth_9780375754746 HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources by David Ulrich: https://www.magrudy.com/product/HR_from_the_Outside_In:_Six_Competencies_for_the_Future_of_Human_Resources_9780071802666

Keen to know how a hotel in the Middle East is making both environmental and social impact through its sustainability initiatives? Then tune into this episode where we speak with Kempinski Area General Manager Levant and KSA Sebastien Mariette, a seasoned hospitality professional with years of experience in the Middle East and beyond. Host Radhika Arappally and Sebastien cover a lot in 30 minutes, from how the country of Jordan supports local sustainability initiatives, to creating an in-house sustainability team, managing senior stakeholders and hiring local staff, and the value of sustainability certifications. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is part of Global Hotel Alliance and of the Green Collection, a carefully curated portfolio of over 200 hotels, resorts and palaces in the GHA DISCOVERY programme committed to creating a more sustainable future. Watch the conversation here or wherever you get your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year. We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities.   Here are some of the key takeaways:  GHA is working with its member hotels to implement several sustainability initiatives  The Green Collection is having a positive impact on the environment and local communities. GHA has seen members paying +85% more and staying +13% longer at The Green Collection hotels.  If you want to learn more about sustainable travel, listen to the full episode!  Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners. Show notes: Website: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/podcast/s1e36-kempinski-hotel-ishtar-dead-sea-sebastien-mariette/ Sebastien Mariette: https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-ishtar/press-room/general-manager-of-the-year-2024-jordan Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: https://www.kempinski.com/en/deadsea Sustainability at Kempinski: https://www.kempinski.com/en/sustainability EarthCheck Certification: https://earthcheck.org/ King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF): https://www.khcc.jo/en/KHCF