In 2021, 82% of travellers believe that It is important to choose a hotel brand that operates responsibly worldwide. Besides, sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming increasingly important in the hotel industry, particularly in the business travel sector. Accordingly, business travellers are increasingly looking for hotels that prioritize sustainability and have eco-friendly practices in place.
Eco-friendly hotels not only reduce the environmental impact and conserve natural resources, but also offer financial benefits and appeal to environmentally conscious travellers. Consequently, they can differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract a wider range of customers.
2. Environmental benefits of sustainability in the hotel industry
To start with, the environmental impact of hotels can be significant due to their high levels of energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation.
Energy consumption: Hotels use large amounts of energy to power their facilities, including lighting, heating and cooling, and appliances. This energy is often generated from fossil fuels, which can have negative environmental impacts, such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Water usage: Hotels use large amounts of water for a variety of purposes, including laundry, cleaning, and irrigation. Water usage can be particularly high in hotels located in arid regions, where water is a scarce resource.
Waste generation: Hotels generate a variety of waste, including food waste, paper waste, and plastic waste. Proper disposal of this waste is important to prevent pollution and protect the environment.
Here is an example of the environmental ambitions of the Accor hotel group:
3. Financial benefits of sustainability in the hotel industry
In addition to the environmental benefits, by adopting sustainable practices, hotels can reduce their operating costs and increase their profitability.
By using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and implementing water conservation measures, hotels can significantly reduce their bills. These cost savings can add up over time and contribute to the overall profitability of the hotel.
The ability to attract environmentally conscious travellers who are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly accommodations.
Access financial incentives that are available to businesses that adopt sustainable practices.
4. Customer demand for sustainability in the hotel industry
Do you know that 50,4% of business travel buyers worldwide think that sustainable hotels are important and very important? In the same survey, 41,5 think that this is ‘somewhat important’. Many people are concerned about the environmental impact of travel and want to minimize their carbon footprint. In conclusion, by staying in hotels that prioritize sustainability, travellers can feel good about their choice of accommodation and know that they are doing their part to reduce their impact on the environment.
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