Here Hotels Too Sunbathe
PANAJI: While in Spain, the official World Tourism Day host, and the rest of the world, tourism day functions will focus on 'Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development', in Goa, the tourism industry is already adapting to alternative energy sources, like solar energy. For the industry, this brings benefits in two ways: hoteliers save on energy and there are economic advantages. "The tourism industry is already using sustainable energy sources. Most hotels have solar-powered water heaters and use CFL light bulbs. Besides, kitchen equipment that use a lot of energy are being replaced by energy-saving appliances. These cost more, but in the long run the industry saves on energy and running costs," Travel and Tourism Association of Goa spokesman Ralph de Souza said. He proffered the examples of five-star and four-star hotels that are required to compulsorily have sewage treatment plants and who utilize the treated water for gardening