Eco-necessity for the hospitality industry
Ecological and green initiatives have been around for awhile now in the hospitality industry with select hotel chains, car rental companies and airlines introducing programs to attract attention. Existing hotels, which haven’t already made the conversion to eco-mindful, will find the competitive landscape even more challenging in the year(s) to come. There is some worry that the recession may hold back some eco-initiatives, because in many cases, green travel choices are usually more expensive. For example: high speed rail, which is low in emissions but often more expensive than a low-cost flight.
However, by many accounts, the future has never looked greener. Mainly because creating a more a sustainable economy is not an option, but a necessity - perhaps a reflection of this year’s political message from the Obama administration of everyone needing to take on personal responsibility? It’s also due to younger generations, which are growing up in a culture of environmental awareness. It’s also taking root with boomers, who are increasingly showing brand loyalty to eco-friendly companies and products. “We anticipate that as time goes on, more and more boomer shoppers will simply expect brands to be eco-friendly. Rather than this being a point of brand differentiation, it will be a price of entry.” Heather Stern, director of marketing, Focalyst.
So build your green market share now if you haven’t made serious inroads already. In fact, “green hotels” is one of the most popularly searched terms in the industry, showing that geo tourists abound, and we all want and need their traveling dollars.
3 Responses to “ Eco-necessity for the hospitality industry ”
March 17th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Thanks Fraser. We admire the “Statement of Stewardship”
April 6th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Thank you again for writing such an interesting post. I appreciate your opinions about the hospitality industry and the importance for them to cater to eco-friendly customers. I agree that initiatives have been visible for awhile with certain hotel chains, “car rental companies, and airlines introducing programs to attract attention.” In order to keep up with the competition, it is crucial for existing hotels to convert to an eco-friendly mindset. A very difficult question that I have come across is how to remain ecologically conscious in the current state of the economy. For example, organic foods and green travel choices are usually more expensive than regular. I like how you write that catering to this lifestyle is a necessity and I personally feel that the more brands start offering eco-friendly options will cause prices to decrease. This seems logical because the supply of such products will increase which should result in more competition and thus, lower costs. I agree that the younger generations are more environmentally aware because we have been exposed that mentality for most of our lives. The public elementary school I attended prided itself on being an environmentally friendly school; we would sing songs about recycling and watch videos about the importance in keeping our planet clean. Schools, like this one, contribute a great deal to instilling an environmentally conscious mindset and lifestyle. My parents have taken the initiative to use and support only eco-friendly products and companies. Since living on my own during college, I have found it increasingly more difficult to choose green products because of the price difference. Cost is a major deciding factor on the brands college students purchase. This being said, I know I will not continue to use discounted brands once I have a full-time job. Also, the place where I currently intern takes a step further and uses only eco-friendly products along with ordering lunch from eco-friendly restaurants. From a business standpoint, brand loyalty is a crucial element to revenues of differentiated businesses. Brands are increasingly being expected to be eco-friendly which is why I agree that it is necessary for hotels to provide green services. It is really interesting that, as you put it, “‘green hotels’ is one of the most popularly searched terms in the industry, showing that” the hotel industry is expected to take initiatives to carrying out a green lifestyle. What are the ways, do you think, that hotels can become more eco-friendly? I have seen a lot of hotels decrease the amount they wash towels and sheets, but I am curious as to how else green hotels differentiate. Thank you again for your compelling post, and I look forward to reading your blog in the future.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Check out this resort. It is a great example of a sustainable wilderness resort
http://www.nimmobay.com