Eco-tourism has been gaining momentum in the last few years and this will get further impetus post-pandemic as more travellers become environmentally conscious. Currently, the willingness to pay for a sustainable experience is relative from guest to guest. However, experiential properties around the world are in great demand where travellers don’t mind paying a premium for the experience.
From the industry standpoint, it is irrelevant on what services the guest pay for today or later. As a conscious step, hoteliers need to slowly, but steadily, embrace sustainability across varied fronts since it is beneficial to every unit in the long run and also, the community as a whole.
BUILDING BONDS
In the aftermath of the pandemic, most travellers seek unique outof- the-box immersive experiences. Hotels can collaborate with the local community to make this work.
Moreover, putting guests in touch with the indigenous way of life can boost a hotel’s profitability in addition to building goodwill. Creating opportunities for local resources and channelising this efficiently
is a key narrative of sustainability for any business model, hotels included. Providing local employment
opportunities is an essential element. They could do this by providing the populace with onsite jobs or giving them a platform to display local handicraft, cuisine or produce.
Hotels can also build a ‘green team’ where employees take the lead in suggesting eco-friendly options to guests. At Leisure Hotels, the management inculcates its shared sustainability vision with newer recruits. After assessing their proactive ideas for execution, this is extended to guests as an experience, which boosts their morale.
TECH BUZZ
Hotels can use technology significantly to take the guesswork out of sustainability efforts in guestrooms.
The most important, and easily achievable, aspect is efficient administration of energy, wastewater management and reducing use of paper and related products.
Digital technology is the next step. This encompasses everything from in-room personalisation with voice control and digital pads, Smart LED and integrated smart shower systems. With people-centric, techenabled solutions that advance sustainability, safety, hygiene and privacy, hotels can check all the boxes for success. And they can also gain a strong competitive edge in the bargain.
