Hospitality Gets Greener: Top Sustainability Trends to Watch

The hospitality industry is undergoing a green revolution. Travelers are increasingly eco-conscious, with a staggering 81% planning to choose a sustainable accommodation option in the coming year, according to a recent study by Booking.com [source: Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report 2021 . This shift in guest expectations is pushing hotels to prioritize sustainability initiatives.

Here's a glimpse into what's on the horizon for sustainable practices in the hospitality industry:

1. Beyond Efficiency: Moving Towards Net Positive

While eco-friendly practices like LED lighting and water-saving fixtures are crucial, the focus is moving from simple efficiency to becoming net positive. This means not just reducing a hotel's footprint, but giving back to the environment. Imagine hotels generating their own power through solar panels or treating wastewater for reuse in irrigation.

2. AI Powering Sustainable Choices

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for sustainability. Predictive analytics can anticipate guest needs, optimizing energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting. Additionally, AI-powered guest preference tracking can minimize waste by offering amenities tailored to individual needs.

3. The Hyper-Local Revolution

Sustainability goes hand-in-hand with supporting local communities. Look for a rise in hotels sourcing food directly from local farms (a trend particularly appealing to the environmentally and socially conscious traveler segment, with 44% of guests under 25 researching a hotel's practices before booking [source: Hotel Sustainability: 27 Statistics Illustrating the Growth of ESG in the Hotel Industry, 2023]). This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and fosters a deeper connection to the destination.

4. Waste Not, Want Not: A Circular Approach

Waste reduction will go beyond just recycling. We can expect hotels to eliminate single-use plastics altogether and embrace refillable toiletries and water dispensers. Composting food waste and exploring ways to reuse or upcycle discarded materials will become standard practice.

5. Building Green: From the Ground Up

Sustainable building practices will be paramount for new hotels. Expect to see an increased focus on eco-friendly materials like bamboo and recycled content, along with improved building insulation and natural ventilation to minimize energy needs. Certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) will become even more important for hotels seeking to showcase their commitment to sustainability.

The Future of Sustainable Hospitality is Now

These trends are exciting for the future of travel.? We at LB Aresia are at the forefront of this movement. LB Aresia is a glamping consultancy with over 15 years in the hospitality industry, offering Glamping solutions and we are located in Thailand.

Glamping accommodations blend nature with modern amenities. Our focus is on sustainable practices that also align perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences.

By prioritizing responsible sourcing, minimizing waste, and creating a harmonious connection with the environment, we want to set an example for the hospitality industry. If you're looking to invest in the Glamping industry or you want to know how to make the most out of your land while being environmentally responsible, connect with us for more information.