Sands China Vice President, Hotel Operations, Kris Kaminsky Discusses Food Wastages and Achievements in Drawing More Business and Luxury Events

Published on October 25, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The Venetian Macao is one of the most iconic integrated resorts in the world, located on the Cotai Strip in Macau. Opened in 2007, the sprawling property is modeled after its sister resort, The Venetian Las Vegas, and features striking Venetian architecture, including canals with gondola rides, replicas of famous landmarks like St. Mark’s Square, and stunning Italian-inspired interiors.

As the largest casino in the world, The Venetian Macao offers an expansive gaming floor with over 6,000 slot machines and hundreds of gaming tables, attracting visitors from across the globe. Beyond gaming, the resort is a world-class destination for entertainment, luxury shopping, dining, and accommodation. With over 3,000 luxury suites, the hotel provides guests with lavish comfort and top-tier services.

The Venetian Macao also houses the Cotai Arena, a premier venue for concerts, sporting events, and large-scale exhibitions, drawing top international artists and performances. Additionally, it is a hotspot for high-end shopping, boasting luxury boutiques and global brands in its Grand Canal Shoppes.

The resort’s unique combination of luxury, entertainment, and cultural charm has made it a premier destination in Asia, attracting millions of visitors annually and solidifying Macau’s status as the “Las Vegas of the East.”

As the global travel and tourism industry increasingly focuses on sustainability, Sands China is at the forefront of leading the charge with innovative and impactful initiatives. In an exclusive interview conducted by our CEO and Editor, Anup Kumar Keshan, during IMEX America 2024, Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China, delved into how the company is prioritizing sustainability across its massive operations in Asia.

From reducing food waste to achieving coveted green certifications, Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China highlighted the various ways Sands China is making significant strides in ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for travel and hospitality. In a conversation filled with insights, Kaminsky shared valuable details on how Sands China’s 27,000-strong team is actively contributing to sustainable goals, which have already earned the company recognition.

Sustainability Efforts at Sands China: A Deep Dive

1. Reducing Food Waste: The Clean Plate Challenge
One of the key areas of focus for Sands China is food waste, a global challenge that impacts not only the environment but also operational costs for large-scale businesses. Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China emphasized how Sands China has made reducing food waste a company-wide initiative. “Food waste is a big, global target,” Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China said. “If we can reduce and eliminate food waste, especially with 27,000 team members, the impact is huge.”

Sands China has introduced what they call the “Clean Plate Challenge” across their hotels and resorts, where team members are encouraged to reduce food waste during their daily meals. By promoting mindful eating practices and eliminating excess food waste, the company is contributing significantly to environmental conservation. This small change, when multiplied by 27,000 employees, makes a large impact.

2. Green Certifications and Recognition
Sands China’s hotels have also been awarded prestigious green certifications from the local government. Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China proudly shared that all Sands China hotels have achieved a “Gold Award” level, signifying the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

These efforts often go unnoticed by guests, but behind the scenes, a lot of planning and execution is involved to ensure that these sustainable initiatives are upheld. From reducing plastic use to implementing energy-saving technologies, the company has invested in long-term solutions to minimize its environmental footprint.

3. Employee Involvement in Sustainability
One of the most striking aspects of Sands China’s approach is the deep involvement of its employees. Kaminsky stressed that with a workforce of 27,000 individuals, getting everyone on board with sustainability efforts was crucial. “When you get 27,000 team members thinking about something, you really can make an impact,” he said.

The team’s engagement is not limited to food waste reduction. Employees participate in sustainability training, contribute ideas on minimizing waste, and play an active role in day-to-day operations that are eco-conscious. This collective action has been key to Sands China’s success in building a sustainable business model.

4. Sustainability in Construction and Plastic Use
The company’s focus on sustainability extends beyond day-to-day operations. Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China noted that even in construction projects, Sands China is committed to green practices. The use of eco-friendly materials and processes ensures that their resorts and hotels leave a minimal carbon footprint.

Another important initiative is the reduction of plastic use, specifically single-use plastics such as bottle caps. Sands China is exploring innovative ways to eliminate plastic waste from its operations, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainability within the hospitality industry.

The Broader Impact of Sustainability on the Travel Industry

As more travelers become conscious of their environmental impact, companies like Sands China are setting an example for how the industry can balance luxury and sustainability. Many tourists now prioritize eco-friendly options when choosing accommodations, and this shift is driving the entire industry toward greener practices.

Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China’s insights highlight that sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s an operational priority that demands commitment from all levels of an organization. With the global hospitality industry increasingly focusing on sustainability, Sands China’s efforts reflect the evolving needs of both the environment and modern travelers.

Looking to the Future: Continued Innovation and Sustainability Goals

Looking ahead, Sands China is committed to continuing its sustainability journey. The company plans to further ramp up its green initiatives in the coming years, ensuring that its hotels and resorts remain at the forefront of sustainable hospitality.

With Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations at Sands China and his team leading the way, Sands China is poised to make an even larger impact on the global stage, setting the standard for how large-scale hospitality businesses can operate responsibly. As the industry continues to evolve, Sands China’s dedication to sustainability will likely serve as a model for others to follow.