The need for water consumption management in the tourism industry
Tourism is highly dependent on water, as water is both a source of services for basic human needs such as health, food, and is a prerequisite for a wide range of tourism activities such as swimming in lakes or pools, or water sports and recreation. . In addition, water is the main element of tourist landscapes in various forms such as gardens, winter snowy landscapes, lakes and fountains embedded in parks.
Limited access to water, poor water quality or water crisis can greatly damage the image of tourist destinations. Compared to other economic sectors, in the use of water, the tourism industry is usually less considered, international tourism generally accounts for less than 1% of national water use. However, in some countries, tourism can be a major factor in water consumption. Water is important for the development of tourist areas. In fact, the tourism industry is known for consuming large amounts of water, because visitors not only drink water, but also lakes, pools and beaches are places of interest for tourists to spend their leisure time.
Different forms of tourism are also indirectly dependent on water, therefore, change, availability or quality of water resources can have a detrimental effect on the tourism industry, so it is logical that water scarcity negatively affects the credibility of the tourist destination. Seasonal droughts around the world lead to severe water constraints at major tourist destinations. As a result, it reduces the number of visitors. Per capita water consumption in the world is declining. The decline may be due to economic crises, as progress in installing low-flow piping and improving water supply infrastructure will lead to more efficient use of water. In many areas, we will face many problems in the future due to water pollution, climate change, declining rainfall and increasing droughts. Rising societal concerns about environmental issues have led to more responsible water use, especially when citizens experience periods of drought.
Public water management policies are another related factor. For example, the tax system and water prices are two tools that are often used to manage and reduce water consumption.
On average, about 70 percent of the world’s water is used for agriculture, 20 percent for industry, and 10 percent for household use, including households, municipalities, businesses, and utilities. In terms of overall water use, there is a big difference between the most important tourist countries. In the future, with the possibility of increasing water consumption, we will face significant problems.
The ratio of water consumption by the tourism sector is usually less than 5% of domestic water consumption, but can increase up to 40%. In 54 countries, which include the most important tourism countries in the world, the tourism sector accounts for more than 10% of domestic water consumption. As a result, water consumption in the tourism industry should not be neglected. In the coming years, the share of tourism in water use is likely to increase as the number of tourists, the use of swimming pools, as well as the indirect demand for water for higher quality food, the use of fossil fuels per trip, and tourist activities and water recreation increase. Due to the variability of rainfall, floods and droughts are more likely to occur in many areas. Floods and droughts affect water quality and exacerbate various forms of water pollution. Changes in the amount and quality of water also affect food.
Due to the global growth in tourism, the trend towards a high standard of accommodation, and the activities that require water, as well as changes in the global climate system will lead to a reduction in water resources in many areas.
Among these, tourism activities, reduction of water level or shortage of available fresh water, costs related to fresh water storage, or reduction of quality, lead to a relative shortage of fresh water in tourist areas. Whereas these changes are likely to affect individual tourism occupations in water-scarce areas; Water management should be done in the best way. Managing all tourism facilities can save a significant amount of water.
Water consumption management in tourism
Hotels: Hotels can reduce indoor water consumption by up to 30% by installing energy-saving appliances.
Gardens: Tourist gardens can reduce water consumption by measures such as installing water meters to control water use, selecting drought-resistant plants and grasses, mulching garden beds to reduce evaporation, installing drip irrigation systems with electronic controllers and humidity sensors. To be. In many areas, the use of native plants for landscaping purposes along with proper garden design may completely reduce the need for irrigation.
Guest rooms: In guest rooms, in bathrooms, the use of shower heads and faucet flow limiters can help reduce water consumption.
Due to the low cost of water compared to other costs, tourism does not in itself make water use a top priority. Undoubtedly, many measures that can reduce water consumption are economical, and investing in ensuring sustainable water use helps to ensure security. Investing in sustainable technologies and managing water saving is one of the main strategies that should be pursued. However, strong policies are likely to be achieved to achieve this, including the widespread use of economic incentives and appropriate water pricing to encourage water conservation.
In the case of tourist areas where water resources are scarce, it is necessary to install water-saving devices in hotels and tourist facilities, and to establish pricing systems that encourage people to save water.
Source: Aria Heritage