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The Greening of the Hotel Industry
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King Pacific Lodge, A Rosewood Resort
Going Green is gaining momentum in the hospitality industry. Ernst & Young recently conducted a study on the eco-friendly efforts of hotels and resorts in eight regions of the world, finding progress that over the last decade, the movement towards ecologically sound tourism has swept across the globe. According to their findings, the 'greening' of the industry is a trend that is here to stay.
"The movement towards sustainability has expanded across the globe," the report said. "Governmental and nongovernmental organizations, corporations and consumers are increasingly focusing on the need to exist in harmony with their surroundings and reduce their environmental footprints. The hospitality industry is no exception, and finally, the concept of sustainability has begun to gain momentum in this sector." Green practices at hotels and other accommodations are here to stay, and the demand for it is growing from travelers.
Researchers saw growth in Earth-friendly attributes and amenities in luxury lodgings throughout the areas examined. The degree to which such practices were in place for other brackets of travel differed from region to region.
The major findings of each area include:
In Asia…
Resort brands and boutique hotels focus on corporate social responsibility and environmental harmony.
In the Caribbean…
The Caribbean lodging sector has more Green Globe certified hotels — primarily all-inclusive resorts — than anywhere else in the world.
In Europe…
Tour operators and agencies favor environmentally responsible hotels and brands, boutique hotels embrace “green” as a differentiator.
In India…
Largely driven by hoteliers, the government steps in to boost sustainable initiatives with certification mandates.
In Latin America…
From the Mexican coast to the Amazon, niche-oriented ecotourism and nature-based tourism take center stage.
In the Middle East…
Mega-projects and zero carbon, zero waste cities, especially in the United Arab Emirates, are at the forefront of sustainable development.
In Oceania…
Ecotourism remains prevalent and marketing green initiatives emerge on the country level.
In the US…
Lodging companies are building green and operating green, focusing on legislation and certification, and introducing green brands.
For more info: You can download the report yourself here. Or, check out the Green Hotels Association. Also, check out the 2009 Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference from February 24-26, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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