stephen todd

Member since October 29, 2021

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stephen todd5 years ago On behalf of the Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) member properties we wish to state for the record the significant challenges which the proposed phased implementation of eliminating Single Use Plastics (SUP's) will ultimately have on our key industry sector as it relates to meeting and exceeding the needs of our international visitors and hotel guests. To be clear the BHA is fully supportive of the objective of the Bermuda Government in reducing our importation and reliance on SUP's, however to do so represents a number of unique challenges to the hotel industry.Plastics in any form are high consumable items for the hotels, from large quantities of goods being supplied by manufacturers through local agents, or directly by international distributors in the form of dry goods, food items, bottled water and various toiletry items as a few examples, which in certain instances, are provided as complimentary consumables to hotel guests in their rooms and public areas of the various properties. The unique challenge that our industry is faced with arises in the food and beverage service afforded to our guests in high volume service areas in the pool and beach amenities. To ensure the optimum health and safety of our guests and industry colleagues the use of SUP's versus glass is a preference in order to eliminate injury to all parties should an accident take place. Additionally given that we have a number of internationally recognized hotel brands operating on island, their guests expect and demand services and amenities that will lessen their overall experience as an example if the operator were to serve them a beverage in a paper cup, versus a more appropriate vessel. To their credit a number of our members have proactively taken steps to reduce their current use of SUP's for takeaway services by eliminating the use of styrofoam containers and plastic utensils, by introducing alternate consumables made from bamboo and treated card containers which are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. Our industry remains committed to both dialogue and ongoing engagement with the Bermuda Government and all stakeholders to both identify and to implement alternate methods of replacing SUP's without compromising the overall guest experience at our resort properties, whilst taking steps to protect our environment.We look forward to this engagement as we progress towards a more environmentally global community that serves the best interest of all.Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Bermuda Hotel Association member properties.Stephen W. G. Todd JP Chief Executive Officer.