Organization of a Workshop in Hammamet
On October 22, the BeMed Business College hosted a workshop to celebrate the conclusion of the pilot project « Towards a Zero Single-Use Plastic Hotel » at La Badira Hotel in Hammamet, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. This event marked the successful adaptation of a method, previously tested in France, to Tunisia and highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of such an initiative for the Tunisian hospitality and tourism sectors.
While the initial project in France aimed at reducing single-use plastics in direct contact with guests, La Badira had already accomplished this step. Therefore, the Tunisian project focused on minimizing plastics in the back-office, particularly in kitchen operations, resulting in positive impacts on operational efficiency, cost management, and the circular handling of waste.
Key Outcomes of the Pilot Project:
La Badira’s experience in gradually phasing out single-use plastics demonstrates that significant changes in back-office practices are achievable! Five single-use plastic packaging types were targeted: food storage trays, coffee capsules, cling film, pasta packaging, and storage bags for bulk traditional products.
In 3 months, for the 5 targeted single-use plastic items:
- The project avoided 2,050 trays, 529 capsules, 108 bags, and 1.4 km of cling film!
- 150 kg/year of plastic pasta packaging waste, previously unsegregated, can now be collected and recycled.
- Financial investments were recouped in under three months.
- Staff are engaged and satisfied with the initiative.
- Guests have responded positively.
Economic Benefits
Economic considerations were fully integrated into the project, factoring in measurable impact. For each solution, savings were calculated, allowing a precise assessment of the financial benefits of the tested solutions.
Projected over one year: After this three-month trial, it is estimated that annual savings of 6,789 Tunisian dinars could be realized based on a low initial investment. Preserving the environment and safeguarding the beauty of tourist areas also helps sustain the economic vitality of the region and Tunisia’s tourism sector.
The Hammamet Hotel College: A Collective Approach to Sustainable Tourism
To enhance the impact of the project in Hammamet, a Hotel College was established with key partners, including Iberostar Group, BeMed, the Tunisian Federation of Hospitality (FTH), the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT), and the Active Citizens for Development (ACD) association.
This collaborative effort aims to promote a holistic approach to waste management and sustainability practices, including eliminating single-use plastics, while addressing a wider range of environmental concerns. A similar Hotel College was also established in Monastir to pursue these objectives.
A Freely Accessible Methodology for Hoteliers
This workshop provided Tunisian hoteliers with an opportunity to explore the ready-to-use method and results achieved. The new « Guide for Successful Adaptation, » presented at the workshop, offered insights for hoteliers interested in replicating the approach in their own establishments.
Looking Ahead:
- La Badira: The hotel team will continue its efforts to reduce single-use plastics, ensuring that sustainable alternatives are maintained through long-term investments. Employee and guest satisfaction remains a priority.
- Collective Action: With growing environmental demands from both legislators and guests, many hoteliers are seeking ways to reduce their plastic footprint and improve waste management in their properties. BeMed hopes that the creation of Hotel Colleges in Hammamet and Monastir will serve as a model, inspiring other cities to launch collective initiatives and work toward the goals of the national « Coastline Without Plastic » (LISP) strategy.
