MADEIRA, PORTUGAL—Savoy Signature has transformed five thousand square meters of land in the west of Madeira into cultivated areas, where various vegetables and aromatic herbs are now grown for use in the restaurants of its hotel units. This is just one of the initiatives that form part of the brand’s sustainability project.
Under the slogan “Hosting the Future Together”, which has just been launched as a reinforcement of this commitment, the hotel collection promotes various actions that benefit not only guests and employees but also the local community and Madeira’s natural heritage.
Sílvia Dias, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Savoy Signature, explains: “Over the years, Savoy Signature has invested in sustainability by reducing energy and water consumption, implementing innovative solutions, and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. These efforts are crucial, but we believe that we can and must go even further.”
Hosting the Future Together is “a commitment that reinforces and expands our sustainable practices across all units. This project will be our guiding principle for the future, steering our actions towards a more responsible and innovative hospitality model,” Dias says.
The “Meia-Légua Farm” is one of the key elements of this commitment to the different aspects of sustainability, forming a fundamental part of the group’s DNA. The food produced here supplies part of the kitchens of Savoy Signature hotels, but the commitment goes further. Through this initiative, the hotel group aims to contribute to Madeira’s circular economy chain through land rehabilitation, sustainable agricultural practices, environmental preservation and partnerships with local producers.
Collaborations with different organizations in the local economy are another pillar of the group’s social responsibility. A notable example is the partnership with Quinta Pedagógica dos Prazeres, which promotes local products through Saccharum Resort, valuing regional production and encouraging sustainable consumption. Located in the parish of Prazeres, in Calheta, the farm produces cider and cider vinegar, Madeira rum-based liqueurs, jams, preserved foods, and other products that are also available for sale at the hotel.
Encouraging local hiring in Madeira is another key aspect of Savoy Signature’s strategy. The percentage of employees recruited during Open Days—local job fairs organized by the brand—demonstrates this commitment: 70 percent of recruited candidates at Savoy Signature come from initiatives held in Funchal and Calheta, where the hotel collection currently has its seven properties, embracing its communities and strengthening Madeira’s professional and sustainable development.
Saccharum: Savoy Signature’s Sustainability ‘Laboratory’
Located in Calheta, Saccharum plays a key role in ‘Hosting the Future Together’, as Sílvia Dias explains: “It serves as a sustainability laboratory where we will test new approaches, from energy efficiency to circular economy initiatives and community engagement projects. Our ambition is to replicate the best practices developed in this space across all our units.”
At a time when the hospitality sector faces significant sustainability challenges, including decarbonization, water efficiency, and the conservation of local ecosystems, Savoy Signature aims to integrate these concerns into its business model through ‘Hosting the Future Together’, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the community and the environment.
‘Hosting the Future Together’ reflects Savoy Signature’s stance on sustainable and responsible practices, encompassing carbon footprint reduction, circular economy promotion, cultural and community appreciation, and efficient natural resource management.
Savoy Signature recognizes that sustainability is a continuous journey requiring constant innovation, adaptation, and education. As part of this commitment, it has implemented concrete measures such as the ‘Plastic-Free’ program, which aims to significantly reduce the use of disposable plastics in daily hotel operations. Additionally, the brand heavily invests in training its employees and raising awareness among its guests about more sustainable practices, promoting enriching experiences that foster a stronger connection with nature and meaningful social causes.
Through these initiatives, Savoy Signature reaffirms its role as an agent of change in Madeira. It promotes a tourism model that respects and values the island’s natural and cultural heritage, actively contributing to building a positive legacy for future generations.
