In 2021, a whopping 81% of travelers surveyed expressed their intention to choose sustainable accommodation options in the coming year. This remarkable statistic has undoubtedly caught the attention of hoteliers, prompting many to prioritize sustainability in their growth strategy. Among the various demographics, Gen Z has emerged as a strong advocate for environmentally conscious choices, with 47% of them willing to pay more for hotels that prioritize the planet. If you haven’t yet embarked on the sustainability journey, don’t worry – it’s never too late to make a positive change.
Let’s take a closer look at what eco-friendly travelers are looking for on their adventures:
- Eco-certified accommodations. Travelers are increasingly drawn to hotels with recognized environmental certifications, often referred to as green certifications. These certifications are earned through eco-friendly practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Hoteliers worldwide are adopting popular green certification programs such as LEED, Green Globe Certification, TripAdvisor Green Leaders, Green Key Global, Global Tourism Active, and Audubon Green Lodging Program, among others. Be sure to research the most relevant program for your location and property type.
- Sustainable Transportation. Green travelers prefer to walk, bike, or use public transportation for local explorations. While air travel remains a necessity for long-distance travel, many passengers now choose to offset their carbon footprint by paying extra. Airlines have responded by offering robust carbon offsetting options. In addition, travelers are often opting for local destinations to reduce carbon emissions from air travel, or choosing exotic domestic locations that don’t require air travel.
- Mindful of water and energy consumption. Green travelers are mindful of their impact on resources. Hoteliers can support their efforts by installing water-saving devices in bathrooms, using smart lighting and temperature controls, and encouraging guests to reuse towels and sheets to reduce laundry needs.
- Ditch the plastic. Eco-conscious travelers avoid plastic whenever possible, preferring to refill reusable bottles and carry their own coffee cups. Minimizing the use of single-use plastic items is critical to meeting their needs.
- Embrace local. Choosing local destinations and consuming products made with locally sourced ingredients is a priority for eco-friendly travelers due to the smaller carbon footprint. If your hotel’s restaurants create menus with local ingredients, proudly promote them to attract eco-conscious guests.
In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices comes at a cost to both travelers and accommodations. However, the return on investment and positive impact on the environment make it a compelling consideration. Going green is not just a trend, it is a necessity to stay relevant in the evolving world of travel. Embrace sustainability and reap the benefits of attracting a growing number of eco-conscious travelers.
