As part of a feature on the meaning and importance of green and ethical travel, Forum for the Future change strategies director Stephanie Draper argues that a sustainable approach is good for business…
1. Cost savings
If you use fewer resources, you spend less money and benefit the environment, too.
The International Energy Agency forecasts the price of oil will quickly return to $100 a barrel once the current recession is over, so businesses will quickly see returns on energy efficiency.
Many leading hotels and resorts have made considerable savings or achieved strong returns on investment in ‘clean’ technologies – producing lower greenhouse gas emissions – sometimes saving more than the cost of their investment in less than a year.
Hotel chain Accor has installed solar panels for water heating in 47 of its hotels, reducing energy bills, and InterContinental Hotels Group has reported a 25% improvement in efficiencies, saving it $200 million.
2. Staff motivation
Luxury hotel chain Hotel du Vin is already seeing the financial benefits of adopting more sustainable business practices.
Its recruitment costs have halved following a reduction in staff turnover since implementing a sustainable development programme.
3. Customer demand
Surveys suggest four out of five adults are concerned about climate change, with 70% worried about the impacts of air travel.
The government’s British Social Attitudes Survey found the level of agreement with the statement “people should be allowed to fly as much as they like” fell from 78% to 63% over the last four years.
The survey reports “a shift towards consistently environmentally conscious attitudes towards air travel”.
Research by Virgin Holidays suggests three-quarters of the UK population would like a more responsible holiday if it were easy to arrange. They are looking for agents and tour operators to make that happen.
4. A spur to innovation
Agents can put together new kinds of holidays to respond to this growing market in sustainable tourism – something responsibletravel.com does every day.
There may even be opportunities to add value – and therefore margin – by adding elements such as carbon accounting, a water footprint assessment or ethical checks.
There are big prizes for hotels and infrastructure, too. A hospitality company called Whitepod in Switzerland has created a new model where guests stay in pods raised above the ground on wooden platforms.
Six Senses has found cost savings in new construction approaches, and benefits to the environment and to its bottom line in offering customer incentives such as a third week’s stay at half price.
5. Protecting the product and licence to operate
Tourism relies on pristine beaches, natural habits and vibrant communities. A sustainable approach helps protect these and thereby maintain visitor numbers.
Costa Rica has turned the tide on forest degradation, partly through a sustainable approach to tourism. Forest cover in the country is increasing, and that is important for biodiversity, regulating the climate and tourism.
In Kenya, tourism in the Masai Mara National Reserve is enjoying new-found sustainability due to changes in the way the Masai people receive revenue from tour operators and lodges. A better welcome makes for a better holiday.