Everything You Need to Know about Sustainable Hospitality

From bushfires in the Australian Outback to flooding in the American Midwest, the global impact of climate change has become difficult to ignore. However, we are progressively integrating sustainability into our daily lives. Efforts include everything from becoming more mindful about recycling to recognizing the importance of using public transport.

One industry where a shift in attitudes is reaping massive rewards is hospitality. Increasing numbers of vacationers recognize the value of supporting sustainable hotels to protect the future of their favorite holiday destinations.

In this article, we look at how climate change is impacting society. We also define sustainable hospitality, examine its rise in popularity, and learn about the massive impact environmentally responsible tourism is having in terms of protecting delicate ecosystems.

Climate change could push 100 million more people into poverty in the next decade.

It is predicted that the world’s most economically challenged will be hit hardest by climate change. Analysts from the World Bank predict that, without intervention, the impact of climate change could push people in developing nations, particularly throughout South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, back into poverty.

In a special report titled Shock Waves: Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty, the World Bank calls for more to be done to reduce emissions and help people cope with the consequences of climate change. This includes implementing flood protection schemes and early warning system.

The travel industry is evolving as consumers seek out sustainable solutions.

Never before has there been such preoccupation with nature as we see today. This Internet age has facilitated an unparalleled sense of interconnectedness, between each other and the world around us. Public perception of climate change has altered significantly over the past four decades. While climate change was formerly derided as a far-fetched fantasy, today it is an irrefutable truth.

The advent of digital technology has exponentially increased shareability. From slash-and-burn agriculture, to the plight of the polar bears, to Pacific plastic islands visible from space, we are constantly bombarded by images and reports in the media. As a result, humankind’s environmental impact is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Connecting with nature has recognized mental and physical health benefits.

A wealth of scientific evidence shows that connection with nature has a positive impact on human wellbeing and health. In recognition of this, the UK Government recently passed its 25 Year Environmental Plan. If features a Natural Environment for Health and Wellbeing program.

Research suggests that wellbeing requires more than being exposed to nature every now and then. To reap the benefits of connectedness, individuals must immerse themselves in nature regularly. This will help them feel a true sense of connectedness and appreciation for all of its beauty.

Research reveals a correlation between connecting with nature and anger and stress reduction, resulting in improvements to mental health and psychological wellbeing. Cross-cultural studies show that eagerness to immerse ourselves in nature is about more than simply aesthetic preferences, but that spending time in the natural world has a discernible healing effect on the body and soul.

Studies show that time away from the workplace has significant health benefits.

Individuals who vacation regularly have lower stress levels, an improved outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals. Neuroscientists have found that cortisol, a stress hormone, structurally alters the brain, contributing to long-term depression and anxiety. Time away from the grind of daily life provides the opportunity to relax and unwind, providing the brain with an important opportunity to physically heal itself.

According to a report published by The New York Times, taking a biannual vacation significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease.

Sustainable hotels are becoming increasingly popular.

As more people become environmentally-aware, eco-friendly hotels are on the rise. Such establishments aim to reduce consumption of natural resources to a minimum, keeping their impact on the environment as low as possible.

Sustainable hotels are designed to respect the environment, often generating their own energy, using low pressure water installations, and implementing efficient lighting systems to keep their carbon footprint as low as possible. In addition, sustainable hotels support local people, utilizing local services and products to benefit not just nature, but the local community too.

Tourists can support sustainability in several key ways.

Sustainable tourism takes a lot of hard work, from governments, organizations, and communities. Tourists play a critical role.

Tourists can help reduce their environmental impact by: choosing eco-friendly tour operators; respecting natural resources; eating locally; using eco-friendly transportation where possible; buying from local communities; avoiding experiences that involve the exploitation of animals; minimizing waste; respecting local culture and traditions; staying in eco-conscious hotels; and avoiding disturbing local flora and fauna.

With more people taking vacations, it is important to travel responsibly.

Tourism has a huge impact on national and local economies. It can also affect regional ecologies in both positive and negative ways. Sustainable tourism not only benefits local communities, but also the travelers it serves, preserving idyllic locations in pristine condition, and protecting them for future generations.