The Benefits of Sustainable Tourism and Why Hotels Should Support It

People can travel and experience the diverse culture of other people through tourism. However, the environment is at risk from irresponsible practices. According to a 2018 study, tourism has been identified as one of the sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Along with the increased interest in tourism is the growing concern for sustainability. It matters to address the problem through the implementation of solutions that take the necessary steps towards sustainability.

Sustainable tourism can save the environment and help the locals in their livelihood. Travel responsibly and observe practices that contribute to environmental protection to do your part in saving nature. It also matters to take note that it’s not just all about environmental gains. Sustainable tourism comes with other advantages too. If you are a hotelier or run an accommodation for guests, you ought to know the benefits of sustainable tourism that will further encourage you to support it.

5 Advantages of Sustainable Tourism

1. Keeps the Environment Clean.

It helps reduce waste problems through recycling, composting, saying no to single-use plastics and other disposables, and using reusable bags when shopping for souvenirs. These best practices preserve the beauty and keep the places you visit clean.

2. Protects Landscapes and Endangered Animals.

The benefits of sustainable tourism go beyond traveling by preserving the area and the wildlife located in the destinations you visit. Sustainable tourism has an incentive for communities to protect the landscapes and the animals living within the area.

3. Supports The Local Communities.

Sustainable tourism provides financial benefits to the local communities by creating job opportunities for them and supporting their businesses. This is one of the benefits of sustainable tourism that you can happily support. Whether you stay in a guesthouse or homestay, hire a local tour guide, eat authentic cuisine, or shop for local products and souvenirs from artisans, they all generate income for the people.  

4. Preserves Cultural Heritage.

You can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the people from the places you visit. Locals will be encouraged to share their unique heritage and look at it as something they can be proud of and worth preserving.

5. Good For The Health.

Wellness is one of the benefits of sustainable tourism. Having clean air and water, eating produce from sustainable farming practices, and enjoying beautiful sceneries can improve your physical and mental health.

Hotels play an important role in achieving the benefits of sustainable tourism. Consumers are now becoming increasingly aware of sustainable practices in hotels and accommodations. According to a 2019 travel report, 70% of global travelers say they would be more likely to book an accommodation if they know it was eco-friendly while 55% of global travelers inform they are more determined to make sustainable travel choices than in 2018. Here are reasons why hotels must be active in sustainability efforts.

Reasons Hotels Must Support Sustainable Tourism

1. Customers want a sustainable business.

A 2020 study shows that due to the pandemic consumers are now more concerned about the environment when making choices. In 2019, 71% considered the environment when making choices at least occasionally. On March 6, 2020, 78% felt the same way while on April 10, 2020, 83% of consumers relate they also considered the environment. Sustainable practices in a hotel create a positive impact on the customer experience. This is one of the benefits of sustainable tourism on hotels that choose to go green.

2. Hotels are susceptible to environmental damage.

Climate change and biodiversity damage are environmental issues that affect the hospitality industry. Reasons for traveling also include the animals and the ecosystems where they live, across an estimated 20 – 40% of the global tourism industry. This is why every hotelier must have an interest in keeping biodiversity safe.

3. Hotels affect the global ecosystem.

In research, findings show that the hotel industry must minimize its carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030 and by 90% per room by 2050. Hotels can have a harmful effect on biodiversity because of waste production, too much use of resources, and buying of unsustainably farmed produce. By introducing sustainable practices, hotels can be instruments for people and the environment to reap the benefits of sustainable tourism.

4. Saves money on hotel operations.

According to a study, sustainability practices can lessen hotel operating costs by 6.5% per year. Adopting sustainable practices helps you save money on your business aside from helping your guests enjoy the benefits of sustainable tourism. Reduce using single-use plastic items like plastic cups, cutlery, and straws and switch to recyclable options alternatives such as bamboo straws.

Hotel and Spa Essentials focuses on reducing the use of single-use plastic, maintaining safe levels of CO2 emissions, and supporting organizations that commit to sustainable development by using environmentally-friendly hotel and spa supplies like toiletries, bedding, and room equipment. It offers 100% plant-based tubes, bottles, and large-capacity dispensers, made from sugarcane residue known as bagasse. It also uses recycled paper for the bottles and dispensers’ labels, and the soaps are wrapped in recycled cardboard boxes and recycled paper.

ALSO READ: How to Promote Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Your Hotel

There is a growing concern about the environment. Through sustainable tourism, you can make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. There are several benefits of sustainable tourism and hotels can be significant instruments to achieve them. Hotels must be sustainable since more consumers now prefer sustainable practices in their accommodations. 

Hotel and Spa Essentials is a supplier of environmentally-friendly hotel amenities that are used in world-class hotels and accommodations. We are the distributor of two of the most innovative manufacturers of towels and linens in the world – Standard Textile and Ecoknit. Standard Textile has a swathe of innovations that saves up to 15% per laundry load without compromising the end-user experience. Ecoknit guarantees up to 40% quicker drying times and 40% less water usage. In need of a supplier of eco-friendly hotel amenities?

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