As eco-consciousness continues to rise among travelers, sustainable hotels have a unique opportunity to tap into this growing market by adopting environmentally friendly practices and promoting responsible tourism.
In 2023, sustainability has become a key factor in decision-making for travelers, making it necessary for hotels to implement strategies that cater to the needs and values of eco-conscious travelers. Travelers are becoming much more informed about their own carbon footprint and the impact a summer holiday can have on the environment.
According to new data from UNWTO, an estimated 235 million tourists traveled internationally in the first three months of 2023, more than double the same period last year, meaning we are well on our way to returning to pre-pandemic travel statistics. With global tourism contributing to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions it has never been more crucial to consider your impact and act accordingly. Let’s explore some of the ways Sustainable hotels can increase their environmental commitment.
Implement Energy-Efficient Power
Reducing energy consumption is a vital aspect of responsible hospitality. Sustainable hotels can attract eco-conscious travelers by implementing energy-efficient practices throughout their operations. This includes installing energy-saving LED lighting, motion sensors to control lighting in unoccupied areas and smart thermostats for efficient climate control. Sustainable Hotels can also invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or purchase renewable energy credits to offset their carbon footprint.
Adopt Water Conservation Measures
Water scarcity is a global concern, and hotels can play a significant role in conserving this precious resource. By adopting water-saving measures, sustainable hotels can attract eco-conscious travelers who value sustainable practices. Implementing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, as well as utilizing rainwater harvesting systems for landscaping, are effective ways to reduce water consumption. Sustainable hotels can also encourage guests to participate in linen and towel reuse programs, minimizing unnecessary laundry. Housekeeping can be one of the most expensive overheads for hospitality businesses, those that offer green initiatives such as ‘opt-out of housekeeping’ can also benefit from a reduction in running costs. This saving can then be used to support local environmental projects such as conservation efforts to remove ocean plastics from the Mediterranean Sea, which currently endures over 200,00 tons of plastic poured into it every year. Equivalent to throwing 500 transport containers full of garbage into it every day.
Cater to Eco-Conscious Tourists with Sustainable Room Rates
A sustainable room rate could include a selection of eco-friendly features and initiatives that contribute to the overall sustainability of the accommodation. While the specific offerings may vary from one business to another, hotels could offer sustainable rooms with smart check-in, reducing the amount of paper that a guest would need to fill out upon arrival, eco-friendly toiletries such as organic and biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and lotions. Amenities that are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers at a greater cost to the hotel but a smaller impact on the planet. Rooms may also come with locally sourced and organic products in the minibars or room service menus. Products that support local farmers, reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and promote sustainable agriculture.
Offering Guests A Sustainable Food Menu
Hotels could offer sustainable food and beverage menus that prioritize local sourcing, forging relationships with nearby farmers, fishermen, and suppliers to obtain fresh, seasonal, and locally produced ingredients. By reducing the need for long-distance transportation, hotels can actively minimize the carbon footprint associated with their food supply chains. Sustainable hotels can also prioritize organic and sustainable farming practices, avoiding synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and excessive chemical fertilizers.
Hotels can design their food menus around seasonal produce, ensuring that ingredients are naturally available during specific times of the year. By doing so, they eliminate the necessity for artificial growing conditions and long-distance transportation. Offering locally sourced, organic, and seasonal food options in on-site restaurants not only supports local farmers but also provides guests with a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. In alignment with promoting sustainable and healthier dietary choices, these hotels can include a diverse range of plant-based and vegetarian dishes on their menus. Recognizing that plant-based meals generally have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based options, they can provide guests with sustainable and delicious alternatives. In addition, sustainable hotels prioritize serving seafood that is sustainably sourced and certified by reputable organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
Integrate Climate Technology Solutions
Hotel companies can leverage technology solutions to help guests calculate and offset their carbon footprint. Through the use of personalized dashboards and real-time data, guests can visualize the impact of their emissions and choose from a range of sustainable projects to support. At ClimateTrade we work with hotel groups such as Melia to encourage customers to offset their emissions and promote sustainability.
By integrating the ClimateTrade API into booking platforms or mobile applications, hotels can offer a seamless and user-friendly experience for guests to calculate and offset their carbon footprint. We can also offer whitelabel products, allowing hotels to brand their own carbon offsetting programs and create a unique and engaging guest experience.
When sustainable hotels harness technology solutions, they can empower their guests to take proactive steps towards environmental responsibility, foster a culture of sustainability, and enhance their own brand reputation as leaders in eco-conscious hospitality.
As the demand for responsible travel continues to grow, hotels that prioritize sustainability and support environmental initiatives such as those found on the ClimateTrade Marketplace to offset their impact will not only attract eco-conscious travelers but also contribute to the conservation of our planet for future generations. Sustainable hotels will benefit from a reduction in hotel running costs as well as creating opportunities to increase revenue.
Attracting eco-conscious travelers and promoting sustainable tourism has become an essential goal for hotels worldwide. By embracing green certifications, implementing energy-efficient practices, adopting water conservation measures, promoting local sourcing and community engagement, and providing eco-friendly amenities and services, sustainable hotels can position themselves as leaders in sustainable hospitality.
Feeling inspired and Interested in learning more about how your hospitality business can work towards a sustainable future? Melia Hotels partnered with ClimateTrade to offer its clients the possibility of offsetting their carbon footprint through the MeliáRewards program as part of their commitment to responsible tourism.
