In Antalya, where each hotel room consumes an average of 1.5 tons of water daily, the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB) has launched a new sustainability initiative titled “One Drop, One World.” The project aims to promote water conservation and sustainable tourism across the region’s hotels.
The initiative will be officially introduced at the Tourism Resort Congress in November, with plans to implement it in 2,760 hotels and more than 306,000 rooms across Antalya.
According to data from the World Resources Institute, a single hotel room can use up to 1,500 liters of water per day. Türkiye is projected to face high water stress by 2050, making efficient water management a national priority.
“Water is the source and beginning of life,” said AKTOB President Kaan Kavaloğlu, emphasizing the project’s motto. “With 40% of the global population living in water-scarce regions and demand expected to rise by 20% in the next 25 years, responsible water management has become vital. The tourism sector must take responsibility for the future.”
Kavaloğlu noted that agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater use, industry 20%, and households 10%, while hotels consume about 15% of total water. He described the project as an environmental milestone, not a commercial initiative.
The program focuses on three main strategies:
1. Reducing consumption
2. Expanding water reuse systems
3. Eliminating wasteful practices
AKTOB estimates that simple measures such as installing aerators, low-pressure taps, and dual-flush toilets can save 50–75% of water usage. Additionally, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems will allow hotels to reuse water for irrigation and cleaning, potentially cutting operating costs by up to 15% while appealing to eco-conscious travelers.
