Individuals are changing habits in their life to make a greener future for humanity, reduce, reuse and recycle right? But when it comes to making something out of the routine, as a family trip or a retreat it gets harder to see the path to sustainability.
With a growing understanding of the climate crisis, individuals are choosing to travel in a more mindful, imaginative, and purposeful manner. But planning a 7-day getaway while prioritizing sustainability can be challenging. From choosing eco-friendly transportation options to opting for conscious hotels.
As we know, the world of hospitality is highly competitive. Today, we can define the two main variables that consumers seek as sustainability and technology, two elements that go hand in hand and complement each other.
The good news is that the travel industry has been actively working on solutions to tackle the challenges of managing busy schedules while maintaining sustainability. Travelers' demands for eco-conscious options have been heard, and the hospitality sector is stepping up to the plate. In this article, we'll explore the latest trends in sustainable and technological travel, along with techniques and alternative hotels and booking platforms tailored for mindful group trips.
First, we'll focus on the remarkable steps Booking has taken towards adopting greener practices.In second place, on individuals requirements, and finally we'll delve into the hotel industry.
Platforms are changing:
Since Booking.com became operationally carbon neutral in 2020, they have remained carbon-neutral in their operations and transitioned to 100% renewable electricity. This achievement represents a significant milestone for their business and is part of the company's contribution to Booking Holdings' Climate Action Plan. As the first of its kind for any global online travel company, the Climate Action Plan serves as a strategic framework for how Booking Holdings intends to make its operations, services, and the travel industry more sustainable.
Travelers are changing:
According to the Booking Sustainable Report 2020, there is a growing consensus among global travelers, with around 50% stating that news about climate change has influenced their decision to make more sustainable travel choices. As a result, there is a desire to avoid crowded and heavily visited destinations, aiming for a more equitable distribution of the impact and benefits of their visits. Travelers are seeking personal time and a deeper connection with nature, the environment, and biodiversity. Consequently, it is now acknowledged that an empty cove in Mallorca or experiencing a group adventure on a zipline in Austria can hold more significance than visiting a crowded Eiffel Tower.
This trend presents an opportunity for travel platforms to collaborate with accommodation providers to promote sustainable options in busy cities and other non-popular tourist destinations. Additionally, these platforms can assist travelers in discovering alternative times of the year and places to visit, without compromising on their travel experiences.
The hotel's structure is changing:
According to the Smart Hotel Technology Guide 2019 from Singapore, it is established that 67% of travelers are willing to spend at least 5% more on their travel to minimize their impact on the environment. This trend has led hotels to increasingly adopt good practices aimed at reducing their environmental footprint. These practices include implementing energy-efficient systems, using eco-friendly materials, promoting waste reduction and recycling, and incorporating smart technology into their services, which has already proven to be highly beneficial.
An example of how sustainability aligns with smart technology is the integration of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with the hotel's Property Management System (PMS). Once a room is ready, the PMS automatically sends a notification to the guest's mobile phone via RPA. This enables guests to activate their mobile keys, access their room information, and reduce plastic waste associated with traditional key cards.
To conclude, many hotels are already creating their own sustainability reports. For example, the 2020 Sustainability Report by Iberostar Group highlights the company's approach to addressing sustainability challenges across three key areas: environmental, social, and economic. Such reports help travelers assess whether their chosen hotel aligns with their requirements and values.
The industry is undergoing a transformation, and the concept of sustainable travel is still evolving. There are varying understandings and perspectives on sustainability, with some people not fully grasping the concept or having different ideas. While some may associate sustainable travel with living in a tent and solely relying on walking, we believe it involves being responsible with regards to culture, socio-economic impact, and respecting nature. It requires collaboration among hotels, transportation, and travelers who are willing to embrace this change.
As we travel, nature becomes our companion, so why not strive to do our best in taking care of it?
"Where there is interest, there is opportunity and travel providers have a promising chance now to make sustainable choices easier for everyone"-Booking Sustainable Report 2020
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