A thought piece from Alliance CEO, Glenn Mandziuk

Water is the essence of life and this universal truth resonates deeply across communities and industries alike, none more so than hospitality, where water is integral to operations, guest satisfaction, and the broader ecosystem. Yet, in regions like California, where wildfires have become a harrowing annual reality, water is becoming a scarce and precious resource. For those of us in the hospitality industry, this escalating crisis demands urgent attention and collective action.
The growing fire and water crisis

California’s wildfires are symbolic of a global climate crisis. Each year, the fires grow in intensity, fuelled by prolonged droughts and rising temperatures. As these flames engulf landscapes, they threaten homes, businesses, and natural ecosystems. Water, essential in combating fires and sustaining recovery, is often in critically short supply during these crises.

For the hospitality industry, the implications are far-reaching. Hotels, resorts, and other establishments rely on vast quantities of water for daily operations, from guest showers and pools to landscaping and food preparation. In the face of water scarcity exacerbated by wildfires, the industry must reassess its relationship with this vital resource.

The hospitality industry’s role in water stewardship

As stewards of local resources, the hospitality industry has a dual responsibility; to minimise its own water footprint and to contribute positively to the communities it serves – to be Net Positive. This responsibility is not just ethical, it is a matter of operational resilience and long-term viability for the industry.

At the Alliance, we have issued a global water risk analysis for tourism, ranking destinations around the world in terms of high to low risk with Asia, the Middle East and Africa showing the highest concentration of those at risk of water-related issues in the near future. The index helps the hotel industry understand the water-related risks where they are located, incorporate them into their strategies and so grow sustainably, responsibly, and intelligently.

Water scarcity is a pressing issue, particularly at a regional level, that has consistently ranked among the top ten global risks. Lack of water may severely affect businesses and local communities in a variety of ways, including increased costs of water and food, political and economic instability, reputational loss, and a reduction in revenue.

A total of 379 destinations across 63 countries were assessed and included in this edition of the Destination Water Risk Index. Water consumption within the industry is high and the potential for lack of water will impact negatively across the high-risk regions highlighted. The risk analysis reveals that there are four locations with very high water-related risks, including:

  • Delhi (India)
  • Maldives (Maldives)
  • Qingdao (China)
  • Xian (China)

13% of all destinations assessed globally have very high or high water risks, with the majority being within the Asian, Middle East and African regions. This breaks down to 90% of destinations evaluated in the Middle East and Africa and 33% of destinations assessed in Asia Pacific. The results also show that Europe and the Americas both contain destinations with high water risk.

Embracing water efficiency

Water efficiency is no longer optional, it is a necessity. Implementing measures to reduce water consumption can significantly decrease the industry’s environmental footprint while ensuring operational sustainability. Actionable steps include:

  • Smart technology: installing low-flow fixtures, smart irrigation systems, and water monitoring technologies can drastically reduce water usage.
  • Recycling water: greywater recycling systems, which reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for non-potable purposes, are a game-changer.
  • Landscaping choices: transitioning to native or drought-resistant plants reduces the need for extensive irrigation.
Engaging guests in water conservation

Guests are increasingly environmentally conscious and receptive to sustainable practices. Hotels can encourage water conservation by:

  • Education: placing information cards in rooms that explain water scarcity issues and suggest ways for guests to reduce water use.
  • Incentives: offering rewards, such as loyalty points, for opting out of daily linen and towel changes.
  • Transparency: sharing water-saving achievements and initiatives in marketing materials fosters trust and inspires guest participation.
Collaborating with local communities

Hospitality establishments do not operate in isolation, they are part of larger communities. Collaboration with local stakeholders is vital in addressing water challenges. This can include:

  • Community water projects: investing in or partnering with initiatives that enhance local water infrastructure and accessibility.
  • Shared resources: coordinating with local authorities and businesses to develop shared water-saving strategies.
  • Disaster preparedness: working with emergency services to ensure water is available during wildfire emergencies.
Advocacy and leadership

As a global industry, hospitality has the power to influence policies and drive systemic change. By advocating for sustainable water management and sharing best practices, we can amplify our impact. Industry leaders must:

  • Set benchmarks: establish and adhere to water usage benchmarks tailored to different property types and regions.
  • Share knowledge: participate with the Alliance to exchange ideas and strategies. Together we are stronger.
  • Engage policymakers: collaborate with Governments to develop fair and effective water regulations.

The hospitality industry is at a crossroads. The challenges posed by water risk and scarcity, compounded by the realities of climate change, require a paradigm shift. We must move beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive, holistic approach to water stewardship.

At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are committed to supporting the industry through this transition. Together with our dedicated members and expert partners we have developed vital tools and resources to drive meaningful change, including the Water Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality to guide your journey, the Destination Water Risk Index to determine the level of water-risk, the Hotel Water Measurement Initiative (HWMI) to understand consumption, the Pathway Progress Tracker to evaluate progress, and the World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality to transform action on the ground. By creating collaboration, and advocating for sustainable practices, we aim to empower hospitality leaders to navigate these challenges effectively.

I call upon every stakeholder in our industry to recognise the urgency of this issue. Together, we can turn the tide on water scarcity, not just in California but globally. Let us lead by example, proving that sustainability and success go hand in hand.

The time to act is now. Let’s make every drop count.