The Energy & Water Agency marked the conclusion of the GUEST project (Guesthouse owners and Users Embarking on a Sustainable Transition) with a closing event on November 25, 2024. The event brought together guesthouse owners & operators, sustainability experts, and key stakeholders to reflect on the project’s achievements and discuss the road ahead for sustainable practices in the guesthouse sector.
The GUEST project was a pioneering initiative, aimed specifically at supporting guesthouses in adopting more sustainable energy and water management practices. Recognising the unique operational dynamics of guesthouses compared to larger hotels, the project provided tailored support through energy and water audits for 28 guesthouses. These audits identified opportunities to optimise resource use, reduce consumption, and enhance operational efficiency. The Energy & Water Agency is also a partner in the EU Life project ‘EnergyEfficiency4SMEs’. The project aims at promoting energy efficiency amongst our SMEs, by sharing best practice, and assisting the businesses to implement the identified improvements.
Manuel Sapiano, CEO of The Energy & Water Agency emphasised the agency’s commitment to promoting sustainability across all sectors of society. “The GUEST project represents our mission to empower businesses, especially smaller operators, to embrace sustainable practices. Guesthouses play a significant role in Malta’s tourism industry, and their ability to adopt greener practices can set an example for the entire hospitality sector.”
Ing. Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, noting that it went beyond technical guidance. “We worked closely with guesthouse operators, understanding their challenges and aspirations, to develop practical, achievable solutions.”
The event featured a presentation by Ing. Nicholas Brincat’, the lead energy auditor for the project, who outlined the key findings and trends identified during the audits. These insights provided a clear picture of the sector’s current state, and the steps needed to improve resource management. Another significant discussion was led by Kevin Fsadni from the Malta Tourism Authority, who spoke about the importance of eco-certification and the evolving regulatory landscape.
Dr. Jonathan Spiteri from the University of Malta further enriched the discussion by sharing strategies for sustainable business models, focusing on financing options and innovative approaches to align operations with sustainability goals.
A central component of the event was a series of interactive workshops where participants exchanged ideas, identified challenges, and proposed recommendations. The event concluded with a presentation of tokens of appreciation to the participating guesthouses, acknowledging their commitment to sustainability.
