As the travel and tourism industry recovers after the international lockdown that shut borders and restricted movement all over the world, people are approaching their holidays a little differently. They’re beginning to look for boutique options, memorable stays, and homely comforts as they explore.
B&Bs are back and better than ever before, and travellers are looking to enjoy them in comfort and style, albeit with a fresh focus on sustainability and eco-friendly travel. Airbnb alone has over 150 million users across the world that have booked over 1 billion stays and there is absolutely no sign of it slowing down. Thanks to the rise in boutique and unique places to holiday, there has been an explosion of B&Bs offering wonderful locations all over the world.
It is safe to suggest then, that there is plenty of scope for the travel and tourism industry to be used as a platform for change, especially as the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly travel grows. People are now looking to explore and adventure whilst having the smallest possible impact, so attracting these travellers can only be a good thing.
But how does one go about attracting guests who favour a sustainable way of life? There are a few things you can do to make sure your rental space has as little impact as possible on the Earth and attracts people who will care for the property and the planet as they travel.
What are Eco-Conscious Guests?
As the battle to correct climate change continues, people are becoming more and more likely to support businesses with solid eco-credentials.
Businesses that source their products in a sustainable way, create their empire with the planet in mind, and ensure they are having the smallest impact possible are being supported by the public. SumUp is one example of a global brand looking to make a difference when it comes to sustainability. As part of their Global ESG Initiatives, they have pledged to donate 1% of net revenue generated by its Solo card readers to NGOs within the “1% for the Planet” movement.
People are beginning to change their habits and purchase products with these things in mind, this is made all the easier by the dawn of online shopping and contactless card readers.
Eco-conscious travelers are now starting to apply these principles to the travel and tourism industry.
Eco-travellers want to:
- Reduce their carbon footprint whilst exploring
- Reduce their water and energy consumption whilst away from home
- Use better modes of transport to travel
- Continue their eco-conscious habits from home whilst travelling
Giving your guests the tools to continue, and maybe even improve, their eco-friendly habits whilst on holiday will benefit your business; but more importantly, it will benefit the planet too. So let’s take a look at what you can implement to attract sustainable travellers to your space.
What Does it Take to Be Green?
Surprisingly, not that much. We could all do more, but covering the baseline is very achievable.
Making your home a sustainable space simply requires you to put in a bit of thought, and perhaps a tiny bit of cash. The obvious things like giving your guests recycling and composting bins in the property can go a long way and you don’t have to spend big to do this.
But if you want to really reduce your impact then check out the following tips that will really bring in those eco-warriors.
First Thing’s First, Cover the Basics
These quick pointers are a great way to have an impact without spending too much. They’re a great place to start, so try to tick off as many as you can.
- LED Light Bulbs: Reduce your energy and waste by switching to LED light bulbs- LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than a regular halogen.
- Low Impact Products: Making the switch to eco-friendly and refillable cleaning products, shampoos, toilet paper, and soaps can reduce your plastic waste and reduce the harsh chemicals you put down the drain!
- Water Refills: Offer your guests filtered water refills and get rid of the plastic bottles
- Public Transport: Encourage guests to use public transport during their stay
- Provide Bikes: Offering your guests bikes allows them to explore in an eco-friendly and fun way.
- Provide Storage Containers: If you have a kitchen in your property then leave containers for guests to store food in avoid cling film and single-use options.
- Make Recycling Easy: Taking the fuss out of recycling can encourage people to do it properly.
- Unplug and Switch Off: remind guests to unplug devices that aren’t being used, to turn lights off and only use the heating when necessary.
- Conscious Travel: Encourage your guests to consider how they arrive. Tell them about the nearest train stations and bus stops and try to get them to think about alternate means of travel.
Take it to the Next Level
If you’ve already done the things listed above then it’s time to step it up a gear. There are plenty of ways in which you can reduce your impact, and if you’re serious about it then investing money in your future can be a great way to go.
Assess and Replace your Appliances
If you have the budget then ensure the appliances in your home score well on the energy-efficient grading system. Things like your refrigerator, television, kettle and so on have a massive effect on your energy consumption, so check out this handy guide and save on your next electricity bill.
Solar, Wind and Water
This one is a large expense and can mean a good bit of work and an investment for the future- but you don’t have to spend the big bucks to reap the rewards.
Getting your whole premise powered by Mother Nature would be great, but starting off with a smaller solar array to offset your consumption is a great way to start. Even installing a small wind turbine to power a specific item can be a cash saving way to go. Failing that, you can switch energy providers to ensure your energy is green.
If you have a garden then try a rainwater collection system that turns your house into a rain farm, and means you and your guests can water the garden guilt free!
Windows and Insulation
One of the main ways you can invest in and future proof your building is by ensuring its ability to hold temperature. It’s all well and good being able to heat a structure, but if your building can’t keep that heat in then it’s wasted energy.
Installing double, or even triple, glazing will make a huge difference. Then things like making sure your walls and exterior doors are properly sealed and insulated will make a huge difference; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so one poorly insulated spot can undo all your good work.
Share Your Green Credentials
Now we know the physical things you can do yourself within your home, there is one major element that B&B owners often seem to miss. Tell people about your eco-friendliness.
It seems really obvious, but there is no point in doing all these awesome things if you don’t brag about it a little. How else are people supposed to know what you’ve done? Include your efforts in your online descriptions, make a specific page on your website to show off your work, you can even include photographic evidence!
Telling people about the things you have implemented is the biggest step of all, and it’s one that most people seem to miss.
Tourism: a tool for good
So there you have it, some great ways to boost your eco-credentials and entice environmentally minded people to come and stay. With the climate in a troubling position and people looking for ways to reduce their impact, now is the perfect time to turn the tourism industry into a tool for good.
In an age where the world is quite literally on our doorstep, it is more important than ever for us to take responsibility for our actions and try to reduce the negative impact we are having on our planet. Use these tips to improve your green credentials and not only will you help the planet, but you’ll open yourself up to a whole new audience; the eco-conscious traveller.
