‘We recognise the urgent need to address environmental challenges’ – Eden Leisure Group CEO

Eden Leisure Group CEO Simon De Cesare has reaffirmed the hospitality group’s commitment towards working for a more sustainable future and inspiring “positive change”.

This comes as Eden Leisure Group recently announced two initiatives taken up by its two hotels, InterContinental Malta and Holiday Inn Express, in their “ongoing pursuit” of sustainability and InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ initiative. These two properties have recently implemented a number of impactful measures with the aim of reducing waste and promoting “a more eco-friendly” hospitality experience.

Having recently completed its first Carbon Footprint audit, the group found that it’s biggest contributor to carbon emissions is its production of waste, thus reducing this has become “one of its greatest priorities”. As a result, both hotels have removed all single-use shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion bottles from their guest rooms. In their place, the hotels have introduced high-quality refillable products in all guest bathrooms. The group adds that this change will “eliminate at least five bottles in 600 guest rooms, potentially daily tackling a substantial contributor to plastic waste as well as reducing product waste”, thus creating a “more responsible and environmentally-friendly” guest experience.

This transition to refillable products not only promotes a circular economy but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with hospitality operations. The hotels’ commitment to sustainable practices ensures that guests can enjoy first class amenities while actively contributing to the preservation of our planet.

Both hotels have also eliminated plastic guest-room key cards, replacing them with biodegradable alternatives. While guests are encouraged to return their key cards for reuse, this initiative alone will save hundreds of thousands of plastic cards from ending up in landfills.

“We are excited to introduce these sustainable measures at InterContinental Malta and Holiday Inn Express,” Mr De Cesare said.

“As industry leaders, we recognise the urgent need to address environmental challenges and inspire positive change,” he added.

He continued that these initiatives “not only align Eden Leisure’s sustainability goals and IHG’s ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ goals, but also enhance the guest experience, demonstrating that sustainability and luxury can coexist harmoniously”.

The group stated that it is “actively pursuing” additional initiatives to optimise waste management, enhance energy efficiency, and promote responsible consumption across all its properties. These efforts align with its overarching vision of becoming a “mode of sustainability within the entertainment and hospitality industries”.

The two hotels extended their invitation for guests, partners and the local community to join them on their ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ towards a greener future. Through these sustainability measures, both hotels aim to “inspire and motivate others to embrace environmentally-responsible practices, fostering a collective effort to protect and preserve our planet for generations to come”.

Eden Leisure Group is a leading hospitality and entertainment company in Malta that has been providing services in the two areas for over five decades. It owns and operates the Eden SuperBowl, 89.7 Bay radio, Eden Cinemas, as well as InterContinental Malta and Holiday Inn Express, both of which are managed by IHG.