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As travelers venture back out into the world, they are doing so with sustainability in mind. In fact, a study published this spring by Expedia Group Media Solutions shows that nearly 70 percent of consumers are willing to sacrifice some element of convenience in order to travel more sustainably, and three out of four travelers would choose a destination, lodging or transportation option that supports the local community and culture, even if it was more expensive.
Additionally, a recent study by the research firm MMGY Travel Intelligence found that 81 percent of active travelers are willing to change travel behavior to reduce impact on the environment. To that end, according to the Sustainable Travel Report 2022 from Booking.com, nearly half of the travelers surveyed chose at least one sustainable accommodation last year. The report also shows that 70 percent of global travelers indicate they would be more likely to choose a sustainable accommodation, whether or not they were specifically looking for one.
In California, one effort to be more eco-friendly will soon be mandatory: small personal care products like shampoo, conditioner and shower gel bottles will be banned from hotels and accommodations with more than 50 rooms starting January 1, 2023; the ban goes into effect for hotels and accommodations of 50 rooms or less on January 1, 2024.
Even without legislation, many hotel brands and independent properties are taking sustainable practices into their own hands.
Sustainable Practices 101
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has created criteria and suggested indicators for hotels centered around four themes: effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage and reducing negative impacts to the environment.
These practices can range from ensuring the integrity of archaeological, cultural heritage and sacred sites have been preserved, and locally-sourced materials, practices and crafts have been used in the buildings and their designs during the planning phase; to benefitting the local communities by partnering with locally-owned businesses and entrepreneurs to provide goods and services at the hotels.
In regards to enhancing cultural heritage, sustainable practices include highlighting local art and crafts in designs and furnishings, and financially supporting local cultural and heritage groups. As far as reducing negative impacts on the environment, those practices can include encouraging guests to reuse towels for the duration of their stay to save water on laundry, using reusable cutlery as opposed to plastic and reducing energy consumption among other initiatives.
Here’s a look at sustainable efforts happening in accommodations across the U.S., and how travelers can help, too.
