Business & Finance Club - Dubai : The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the winners of the Dubai Green Tourism Award 2009.

The award was launched last year to honour environment-friendly hotels that have made significant improvements to services and systems through internal and external initiatives such as waste recycling, energy conservation, and environmental awareness campaigns.

For the 5-star hotel category, Park Hyatt took first place, Grand Hyatt ranked second, and Al Qasr Hotel Madinat Jumeirah secured third place.

In the 4-star hotel category, Qamar Eddine Hotel took first place, Rotana Towers Hotel ranked second, Marriott Court Yard Hotel, Investment Complex secured third place.

As for the 3-star hotel category, Regal Plaza Hotel took first place, Virzales Hotel ranked second, and Princess Hotel secured the third place.

In the hotel apartment category, Savoy Crest took first place, Grand Hyatt ranked second and Marriott Executive Dubai Creek secured third place.

The DTCM panel reviewed and sorted out applications from participating hotels and chose 18 which they say best met the award criteria out of a field of 79 candidates nominated for the first edition of the award.

Al Shaer, one of the judges, said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of this important award and get the chance to learn more about how the hotel and tourism sectors are stepping up their sustainability and environmental protection efforts. I am quite sure that the award will contribute significantly to the environmental agendas of these sectors.”

The nominees for the 5 -star category for Dubai Green Tourism Award program included Crowne Plaza Hotel, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Park Hyatt Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dar Al Masyaf Hotel Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A’Salam Hotel Madinat Jumeirah and Al Qasr Hotel.

Nominees in the 4-star category included Courtyard by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park, Qamardeen Hotel and Towers Rotana Hotel.

Nominees for the 3-star category included Versailles Hotel, Regal Plaza Hotel and Princess Hotel.

Nominees in the hotel apartments category included Grand Hyatt Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek and Savoy Crest Hotel Apartments.