HOTEL BUSINESS REVIEW

May FOCUS: Eco-Friendly Practices

 
May, 2023

Eco-Friendly Practices: Confronting Challenges

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, hotels are accountable for 1% of global emissions. This number will continue to rise as development increases, which is why sustainability initiatives are so important. It's also a primary consideration for ecologically-minded travelers. According to Booking.com's 2019 Sustainable Travel Report, 70% of global travelers say they would be more likely to book an accommodation knowing it was eco-friendly. Given these priorities, hotels are tasked with confronting a myriad of challenges. For example, water scarcity is a global issue that affects more than 40% of the world's population. On average, hotels use 400 gallons per room per day, so it is essential that efficient water stewardship programs are in place. Managed tourism is another issue hotels are addressing. In some areas, it is vital to curb rampant and uncontrolled tourism which is severely taxing local lands and resources. The May issue of the Hotel Business Review will report on what some hotels are doing to integrate sustainable, eco-friendly practices into their operations.

This month's feature articles...

Jared Meyers

Eco-friendly travel seems to be the hottest trend in tourism, but what are operators really doing to create positive impact? At LVR, we believe that false marketing and greenwashing is hurting real efforts to make sustainable progress. Our industry will not survive if tourist destinations can not withstand the damage. We seek real systems change to mitigate the climate crisis and change our industry for the better. READ MORE

Mario Mikowski

With an increased concern for the environment and community, and new tools at our fingertips, consumers are creating an even bigger market for sustainable travel and the tourism industry has a responsibility to provide. Utilizing the four pillars of sustainability – human, social, economic, and environmental – Mario Mikowski, Board Member of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa and Hotel Nantipa addresses the question: how can the hospitality industry move towards a better and brighter future? READ MORE

Don DeMarinis

When hotels become greener, they not only decrease their carbon footprints but also increase the likelihood that eco-conscience consumers will choose their properties. For guests and staff who expect companies to prioritize sustainability, eco-friendly environments create property champions, inspiring loyalty, return visits and recommendations in reviews and conversations. Hospitality-specific technology can play an important role in elevating hotel sustainability. READ MORE

Ewald Biemans

Travel is thriving, yet, headlines claiming travel is not essential are percolating as new reports and urgent recommendations to cease everything possible - including travel - to curb climate change. People will continue to travel as long as they can. As hoteliers, we can provide a responsible travel experience that protects the planet and the bottom line. Here's how. READ MORE

Maya Federman

As populations grow and travel thrives post-pandemic, it's more important than ever for hospitality brands to create authentic, sustainable experiences that combat critical social and environmental challenges. To start, brands should prioritize cultural experiences and ESG initiatives that create a better appreciation for each other and the destinations that we travel and enable meaningful connections between locals and guests alike. READ MORE

Nicolle Portilla

As environmental awareness grows, hotels are increasingly investing in eco-friendly business models. With a host of benefits, such as reducing environmental impact and strengthening their brand image, hotels can pursue sustainability through various programs and practices. We explore guidelines to ensure a successful sustainability journey in 2023 and beyond. READ MORE

Leo Tonkin

Air quality management is essential to the hotel industry. Poor indoor air can cause significant harm to guests and staff-affecting a property's bottom line. Seventy-seven perfect of consumers would consider a hotel's air quality in deciding where to stay, and more than half would be willing to pay more to stay at a hotel with better air quality. Survey from Carbon Lighthouse. READ MORE

Bethanie Derose

Sustainability within the tourism industry is much more than being environmentally focused. Destinations must establish a balance between the environment, economics and socio-cultural aspects. At a time when the industry is looking to reinvent itself, sustainability offers an opportunity to increase profitability, drive higher investor returns, and most importantly, improve the planet on which we all live. READ MORE

Simone Collins

More and more travelers want to stay at eco-friendly and sustainable hotels. But what do travel agencies actually look for when making bookings and recommendations on behalf of clients? Simone Collins of Travelmax walks through the top features that matter, from the performative to the practical, for every category of traveler. READ MORE

Angela Spangler

People who prefer sustainable travel jumped to 81% in 2022, prompting the hospitality industry to get greener. Concurrently, the pandemic has been demanding hospitality's attention to prioritize guests' health, safety, and well-being. While some may think these interests are conflicting, emerging best practices show they can be complementary. Moving forward, the new paradigm for hotels will be pursuing both together. READ MORE

Russ Horner

Hotels are often the first to adopt new water saving practices. Eco-friendly hotels ensure that their properties are doing the best they can with what they have. Many realize that fixtures labelled "low flow" do not always operate as such. This article will highlight suggestions to further integrate sustainable, eco-friendly water saving practices into your hotel's operation. READ MORE

Robert O'Halloran

The true importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices in hotels has been prompted into action by the pandemic and now pandemic recovery. This article will discuss hotel practices that focus on eco-friendly and sustainability strategies and tactics good for businesses and its employees and potential guests, and the communities where they are located. READ MORE

Rauni Kew

As people return to exploring planet earth, hotels have an opportunity to transform travel in positive ways. Todays' guests are concerned with the negative environmental impacts of their trips and want sustainable options. By collaborating with communities to creatively repair local environments, hotels can do the right thing for the planet while creating the inspiring experiences their guests seek. READ MORE

Li Wang

With today's guests increasingly hinging booking decisions on a hotel's eco-friendly reputation, the issue of sustainability has never been as important to business revenues and reputations. Fortunately, and within the field of hotel security, newer technologies are providing hoteliers with the tools to gain an edge in addressing guest sustainability expectations while continuing to deliver enhanced peace of mind. READ MORE

Alfred Kaufmann

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is committed to practicing environmental and social sustainability. With proactive developments and enhancements being made across the resort, our team is taking initiative by consciously making the necessary efforts to contribute to the progressive movement towards an eco-friendly future. We will continue to prioritize the preservation of our island's natural beauty and complex ecosystem. READ MORE

Fred Realbuto

The green hospitality revolution is upon us. Resort and hotel customers now expect owners and operators to do everything they can to make their properties as energy efficient as possible, to save water and minimize waste, all while maximizing the guest experience. Here's how Audubon International's Green Lodging and Green Hospitality programs help hotels strike that vital balance. READ MORE

Tim  Gerhold

With sustainability becoming the standard and not the anomaly in the hospitality industry, many travelers are opting to select a greener stay. Located in Golden, Colorado, the award-winning Golden Hotel intertwines community initiatives and social sustainability to maintain its commitment to eco-friendly practices while keeping the charm and history of Golden alive. READ MORE

Ranjit Gunewardane

We are now in a climate emergency. The 2021 IPCC Report stated it is "unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere and land". The built environment sector has a vital role to play in responding to climate emergencies. With buildings currently responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions, decarbonizing the sector is one of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate the worst effects of climate breakdown. READ MORE

Matt McClelland

With a growing understanding of the hospitality industry's impact on the environment coupled with a demand from consumers to see businesses engaging in sustainable practices, we've seen hotels embrace practices that range from green design to recycling programs to energy-saving technologies. In today's environment it's both essential and easy to implement eco-friendly practices so we'll focus on the tactics being employed. READ MORE

Josh Stuhr

With several hoteliers globally making the push toward implementing eco-friendly practices, sustainable renovations are at the forefront of a greener world. Enveloped by six world-class ski resorts, the sustainably renovated, newly launched AC Hotel Frisco Colorado has continued to make strides in the community finding innovative ways to go green while driving tourism and building a culture of sustainability. READ MORE

Vasso Petridou

With the Greek islands becoming a prime touristic destination, an extensive dialogue has opened on the general character of the Greek tourism product, with the debate revolving around the optimal tourism development model that Greece should strategically follow to positively impact national and local economies. READ MORE

Jeffery Smith

The hotel industry has reached a turning point in sustainability, with many hotels developing eco-friendly initiatives to meet the demands of the market. While many industries have achieved great success in sustainability, hotels have the unique opportunity to inspire guests and make sustainability fun and experience-driven. READ MORE

Kirsten Dixon

Sustainability has moved from fringe conversations to mainstream expectations. Sixty-One percent of U.S. travelers seek environmentally friendly, sustainable choices from their hotels. A simple roadmap can be followed to move any property forward. READ MORE

Julie Cheetham

Julie Cheetham discusses how until fairly recently, to be an eco-hotel was a speciality, a bit left of field, often synonymous with a compromise on luxury and the variety of services available. But today, being 'eco' or practicing sustainability is not only necessary to meet growing consumer demand but also to ensure a business's resilience and long-term success – it's gone from niche to necessary. READ MORE

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler

As more and more hotels and resorts strive for sustainability and self-sufficiency, Alma is one of a growing number of properties to embrace the "farm to table" movement by establishing its own farm. Cultivating an onsite farm has an array of benefits such as serving healthy, zero-kilometre food, education and staff empowerment. READ MORE

Diana Dobin

While sustainability has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for several years, new and evolving tools and trends are giving leaders the opportunity to make meaningful strides forward. How can hoteliers and hospitalitarians become (or maintain) environmental stewardship? READ MORE

Sophia Yen

Travelers are more likely than ever before to book an eco-friendly accommodation. Given these priorities it is essential for hotels and resorts to invest in sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives in a big way in 2023 and beyond. It is equally critical for brands to be consistent with their green commitments and communicate their vision, initiatives and actions to guests frequently. READ MORE

Marci Zaroff

The hospitality industry is shifting towards sustainable practices to reduce their carbon emissions and protect the environment. With the rise of travel trends and Gen Z's preferences, hotels are adapting to cater to these evolving expectations by offering personalized experiences, wellness centers, and organic options. Learn how hotels are revolutionizing the hospitality industry and changing the game by prioritizing sustainability and wellness. READ MORE

Jan Peter Bergkvist

Businesses in general, including the hospitality sector, have long enjoyed the luxury of promoting random green initiatives and, by doing so, adding both brand value and bottom line profit. This is no longer enough as we currently, and globally, are facing an increasing number of climate catastrophes, a plastics and micro plastics invasion, and non-degradable chemicals piling up in nature, while at the same time experiencing the last mass extinction of species. In short, it is high time for full sustainability. READ MORE

Michael Tyler

When noticing the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) on my airline boarding pass, it struck me how mainstream environmental sustainability had become as a societal goal. I spent most of my early career focused on reducing the utility consumption of large assets and pursuing sustainable operating practices. So, I thought, if CO2e information can be included on a plane ticket, it could be provided to hotel guests about their stays. READ MORE

Cinn Tan

With the hospitality industry being a significant contributor to carbon emissions and waste, hotels around the world are taking action to reduce their environmental impact. From renewable energy sources to water conservation and waste reduction measures, Pan Pacific Hotels Group is implementing various practices to promote sustainability, encourage a circular waste economy and reduce its carbon footprint through its biophilic brand, PARKROYAL COLLECTION. READ MORE

Cynthia Mejia

When thinking about sustainability in hospitality, most people can easily envision 'green' or eco-friendly initiatives. However, sustainability also applies to the social, or 'people' responsibilities of an organization. The focus of this article is on the social pillar of the Triple Bottom Line model for measuring sustainable business success as it applies to internal (employees) and external (guests) stakeholders. READ MORE

Ruben Willmarth

Emergency power has long been delivered by fossil-fuel-based generators. As sustainability goals and mandates gain ground, so have alternative energy options. As hoteliers consider their options, one forward-thinking owner offers a potential solution. In this article, we measure the pros and cons of diesel generators compared to energy storage systems and give an example from the Sinclair Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. READ MORE

Chintan Dadhich

By their very nature, hotels are an integral part of their communities and play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. Properties are expected to uphold sustainability strategies that will reduce waste and instill environmentally conscious initiatives. Educating hotel team members on sustainability is just as important as implementing the practices that will improve the well-being of the hotel's guests, employees and communities. READ MORE

Mary Holt

With pandemic-induced slowdowns behind us, travel and leisure have returned with a vengeance and the hospitality industry is undergoing a design renaissance. For leading hotel and hospitality brands, guest priorities more than ever must include considerations for health, safety, durability, cleanable and sanitary surfaces, and a commitment to reducing environmental harm in everything from operations to materials selection. READ MORE

Philip  Ballard

This article takes a fresh and unique take on the global environmental sustainability discussion, including a call to eliminate the doomsday rhetoric and to avoid greenwashing. The author argues that we need fewer surveys, studies, and reports, and more focus on how we can help individual hotel owners and operators with sustainability basics. READ MORE

Robert Stoney

Global travelers are becoming more and more conscious of their impact on the planet and with that, demanding more from the hospitality industry to make sustainable and eco-friendly changes to lessen their impact on the planet. One of the biggest challenges facing hospitality brands: how to do this efficiently and cost effectively. The bottom line is sustainability will only continue to become a bigger priority for travelers and the hospitality industry needs to invest in a better future for tourism. READ MORE

Coming up in March 1970...