- Hospitality sector encouraged to adopt circular practices for greater sustainability!
- UNEP: Food services account for 28% of global food waste!
- Future Stage at ATM 2025 sparks innovation with forward-thinking discussions on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and tech in tourism!
At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, industry leaders spotlighted food waste as a pressing sustainability challenge—and a vital opportunity for transformation within the travel and tourism sector.
During a Future Stage session titled “What a Waste! How to Better Manage Food Waste in Tourism,” experts emphasized the urgent need for hospitality businesses to reduce food waste and harness energy generation as part of a broader shift toward circular economy models.
“Customer satisfaction often leads to overproduction in hotels, resulting in significant food waste,” said Enas Sobhy Ali, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Tadweer. “One of the most effective solutions is implementing food waste audits and improving recycling systems at the source.”
The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 revealed that food services were responsible for 28% of the 1.05 billion tonnes of global food waste generated in 2022—underscoring the critical role the sector plays in tackling the issue.
Dr. Amal Albedwawi, Senior Food Safety Specialist at the UAE Food Bank, echoed the call for action: “Each hotel operates independently, which makes outreach a challenge. We work to reassure managers that partnering with the Food Bank is safe and supported by the Food Safety Department.”
Speakers stressed that reducing food waste not only benefits the environment but also offers cost savings and efficiency gains—making it a strategic move for operators, owners, and investors. The session also explored how sustainable energy solutions can help the industry reduce its carbon footprint.
Reflecting ATM 2025’s overarching theme of innovation and enhanced global connectivity, the Future Stage also featured Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr, who presented “AI Adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy,” urging travel businesses to move from hype to implementation when it comes to artificial intelligence.
“Sustainability issues like food waste demand innovative thinking and collaborative solutions,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “ATM 2025 empowers businesses with the tools and insights to take meaningful action.”
The 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market continues tomorrow (30 April) at Dubai World Trade Centre, welcoming over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. Held under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” ATM 2025 offers a key platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and shaping a more sustainable future for global travel.
Strategic partners include: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – Destination Partner; Emirates – Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts – Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel – Official DMC Partner.