Legacy Hotels & Resorts International is living up to its name as it is the latest
hospitality group to join the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, thus doing its bit for a better future by ensuring that properties reduce the impact of their operations on the environment. The Windhoek Country Club and Casino as well as the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre in Namibia are part of the Legacy hotel group.
The decision to join the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme makes Legacy only the second hospitality group on the continent to commit to a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism through the Heritage Programme.
Growing international awareness of environ-mental issues has posed an interesting challenge to businesses around the world. With over 50 million travellers in the USA now making travel decisions based on envi-ronmental issues and a study conducted in the United Kingdom showing that over 52% of all consumers were more likely to support businesses that practice sound, sustainable environmental policies. 
Says Tony Boucher, General Manager of the Windhoek Country Club: “Ultimately, sustainable business means operating our businesses with an awareness of our larger impact on Earth. This is an issue for all role players to bear in mind – from governments, to tourism businesses, retail and banking organisations, consumers of all kinds and even the tourists themselves.
Within the hotel industry we look after the environment through various ways and means. We, for example request our guests to use their towels more than one day – thereby saving water, electricity and using less washing powder. We furthermore encourage our guests to use water sparingly as it is one of our most precious commodities in Namibia. Guests are also requested to switch lights and the TV off when leaving their rooms therefore playing their part in reducing greenhouse emissions and conserving energy.”
Janet Wilson Moore, General Manager of the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre adds that staff members are being trained to be conscious of all issues relating to saving energy and looking after the environment. “The Swa-kopmund Hotel further-more has energy saving bulbs in and around the complex and also uses biodegradable chemicals and pesticides. There are also recycle bins for glass, plastic and paper, while any new ventures, such as the new buffet plan layout is being designed with energy saving in mind.”
There are a number of benefits when being part of a Heritage Environmental rating programme and according to Mrs Wilson- Moore, the most important benefit associated with environmental stewardship and responsible business practice is possibly the creation of a kinder, more sustainable way of life for all and the promise of fulfilling the expectations of future generations.”
She added that although the initial changes within the environmental management practices may seem small and insignificant the benefits of implementing the system will become apparent. Some of these include financial savings generated from reduced consumption and waste; improved insurance cover due to responsible and safe business practices; avoidance of costly environmental accidents which might incur financial and long-term environmental penalties; marketing benefits accrued to customer and supplier interest in environmental issues and enhanced environmental image within the broader tourism industry.
Both Mr Boucher and Mrs Wilson-Moore are thrilled with the fact, that Legacy has joined the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme. ‘We are passionate about Namibia, the country and the people and would like to play our part in preserving this country’s natural heritage, fauna and flora thereby ensuring that future generations will enjoy it as much as we and the visitors to this country do.”