Sustainability and guest experience in hotels: a winning combination

Modern hotel guests increasingly value sustainability. Just as they make conscious choices at home, they also want their trips and stays to be eco-friendly. Interest in eco-friendly options is growing, and hotels that reduce their carbon footprint are becoming increasingly attractive. Sustainability has thus become a crucial factor that, in addition to the guest experience, can have a significant impact for hotel managers.

Hotels can seamlessly bring sustainability and guest experience together by making guests aware of the benefits of their sustainable choices. This can be achieved by clearly communicating the hotel's ecological efforts and sharing them with guests. This way, they know that their values are consistent with those of the hotel.

Small sustainability measures can make a big difference. It is the details that make guests feel welcome. Here are three actions hotels can take to offer environmentally conscious guests a positive experience:

Hotels can make a significant contribution to waste reduction. One example is switching to single-use doses for napkins and paper towels to avoid overuse. In addition, hotels can opt for products with minimal packaging. By encouraging guests to separate waste in dedicated bins, they can actively contribute to the recycling process, creating a sense of commitment and responsibility. Also, inform guests about the hotel's waste reduction and recycling efforts.

Guests want to feel cared for during their stay. By offering organic shampoo and soap in refillable dispensers, the hotel shows that it cares about guests as well as the environment. This small but effective gesture can significantly enhance the guest experience and create a sense of calm. It is also possible to make your own soap from residual waste, such as orange peels.

More and more people are aware of the global problems caused by plastic waste. Although it can be difficult to completely stop disposable plastic, there are several ways to reduce plastic waste, such as a recycling programme. By informing guests about the steps the hotel takes to minimise the use of disposable products, the hotel shows its commitment and responsibility to the environment. Whether in luxury, mid-range or budget locations, a wide range of products can contribute to an enhanced sustainable guest experience.

By embracing sustainability, hotels not only create a positive impact on the environment, but also enhance the overall guest experience. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, hotels can stand out and respond to the growing demand from guests who consciously choose a sustainable lifestyle. This not only makes the world greener, but also keeps guests coming back feeling good.

At a time when sustainability and guest experience go hand in hand, it is essential that hotels invest in initiatives that enhance both. This not only provides environmental benefits, but also ensures that guests experience a memorable and meaningful stay.  

95% of business travellers think hotels should have a green initiative.

73% of global travellers plan to stay in eco-friendly or green accommodation.

33% of hotel guests say they prefer hotels with environmental and social programmes. Among guests under 25, that number is 44%.