Sustainability in Tourism: Le Méridien in Malta Once Again Receives Gold Standard Award by Travelife

St Julians, Malta, August 20, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Travelife is an independent auditor working on behalf of the International Federation of Tour Operators, which represents 13 national associations in Europe. Travelife audits various aspects of the hospitality industry, including hotels. The audits focus on waste management, energy saving practices, emissions and environment sustainability principles.

Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa forms part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts; a worldwide hospitality company that continuously stresses on the importance of being a leader in terms of environmental sustainability. Starwood emphasizes on various topics such as conserving natural resources, minimizing waste and pollution, enhancing indoor environment quality, establishing key environment performance indicators and raising awareness. The global company has committed to a 30% reduction in energy usage and a 20% reduction in water usage across its properties by 2020. Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa is certainly working towards an active contribution to these green goals.

The Travelife Awards are only given after the premises of the participating company complies to a detailed on-site inspection by professional Health and Safety auditors, followed by a series of questions to ascertain that the criteria established are met. This year’s award was a renewal of a similar grading received by the hotel in June 2009. This time round, Le Méridien St Julians achieved a total of 464 points out of 492, which is 8 points more than what they had achieved 2 years before. This great score successfully determined the achievement of the hotel’s second Gold Award.

The driving force behind Le Méridien St Julians' successful renewal is Joseph Zammit, Security Health & Safety Manager. “It is a challenging task to change mentalities and actively work towards strategies that better protect our environment. But as our guests’ expectations are evolving, it is also becoming necessary to sustain the credibility of our business,” explains Mr. Zammit. “Corporate companies have the power to educate their staff and customers alike.”

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