Majority Of Locals Would Choose Filtered Tap Water At Restaurants, Especially If Offered Free

A recent survey conducted by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE), revealed a growing openness among both locals and tourists to choosing filtered tap water at restaurants, especially when it’s offered at no cost.

According to the results found by Prof. Vincent Marmara, nearly half of respondents nationwide said they would definitely choose filtered tap water if it were available in restaurants, reflecting increased confidence in the country’s improved water quality. Among tourists, the number was lower, with 37.3% expressing the same willingness. Despite the improvements, a significant share still preferred bottled water.

However, willingness to opt for filtered tap water rose notably when it was offered for free. Under these conditions, 55.4% of local respondents said they would be more likely to choose filtered tap water, while 43.4% of tourists agreed. Approximately 30% of both groups reported that their preference would remain unchanged, suggesting cost remains a key factor in influencing choices.

The findings point to a potentially effective strategy for encouraging more sustainable water consumption in the hospitality sector by simply making clean, filtered tap water available at no extra charge.

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