The Importance of Sustainability in Hospitality: A Call to Action for a Better Future

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it's a vital strategy for businesses worldwide, particularly in the hospitality sector. With tourism contributing to approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the industry is at a pivotal point where it must take action to reduce its environmental footprint and protect the ecosystems it relies on.

The hospitality industry, particularly major hotel chains, plays a significant role in this movement. Leading companies are integrating sustainable practices into their operations, addressing biodiversity loss, and mitigating their impacts on human societies. Let’s explore how the industry is adapting to this new reality and why sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity.

Sustainability Strategies of Leading Hotel Chains

Several hotel chains are leading the way in sustainability, implementing strategies that address environmental, social, and economic challenges.

1. Marriott International Marriott has committed to reducing its carbon intensity by 30% and water intensity by 15% by 2025. The company has also banned plastic straws and single-use plastics in many of its hotels. Marriott’s Serve 360 initiative focuses on empowering local communities, nurturing responsible operations, and reducing environmental impacts, all while promoting biodiversity conservation efforts like coral reef restoration and sustainable seafood sourcing.
2. Hilton Hotels & Resorts Hilton's Travel with Purpose program aims to double its investment in social impact and cut its environmental footprint in half by 2030. The company emphasizes sustainable water and energy usage, reducing food waste, and sourcing materials responsibly. Hilton also works with global partners to protect endangered species and ecosystems, demonstrating its commitment to biodiversity.
3. Accor Hotels Accor has launched Planet 21, an ambitious program that focuses on sustainable hospitality. This includes a zero single-use plastic commitment, waste reduction targets, and efforts to preserve biodiversity by promoting sustainable landscaping and organic gardens. Accor’s initiatives are directly tied to global efforts to combat climate change and promote a circular economy.
4. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) IHG’s Green Engage system helps hotels manage their impact on the environment. The group’s 2030 Responsible Business Plan targets science-based carbon reduction, single-use plastic elimination, and initiatives that support local biodiversity through partnerships and sustainable tourism.

Taking Action for Biodiversity: A Company’s Responsibility

Biodiversity loss is accelerating, driven by factors such as deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. For the hospitality industry, biodiversity is more than just a buzzword; it is integral to the destinations guests visit and the experiences hotels offer. Protecting and restoring biodiversity is essential to preserving natural ecosystems and maintaining the beauty and appeal of these destinations.

Many companies are stepping up:

• Restoration Projects: Hotels are engaging in local restoration projects, from beach cleanups to coral reef regeneration. These actions help restore vital habitats and contribute to the overall health of local ecosystems.
• Sustainable Sourcing: By prioritizing locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, hotels not only reduce their carbon footprint but also support local economies and reduce pressures on wildlife.
• Environmental Education: Hotels are increasingly educating guests on the importance of conservation, encouraging eco-friendly practices like recycling, water conservation, and participating in environmental tours that promote awareness.

Impacts on Human Societies

The hospitality industry's impact on human societies is profound. Sustainable practices can help reduce the negative effects of tourism on local communities, such as over-tourism, resource depletion, and cultural degradation. By promoting responsible travel and investing in local communities, hotels can:

• Create Job Opportunities: Sustainable tourism supports local employment, particularly in eco-tourism, where jobs are created to preserve and protect natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
• Enhance Community Wellbeing: Initiatives that focus on reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting local suppliers directly benefit the communities that host tourists.
• Promote Inclusive Growth: Through partnerships with local businesses, hotels can ensure that tourism dollars benefit the wider community, helping to reduce inequality and promote economic resilience.

The Collapse of Biodiversity and the Climate System

We are facing an unprecedented collapse of biodiversity and a great climate system disruption. The World Wildlife Fund reports that populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians have declined by 68% on average since 1970. The consequences of these declines are profound, impacting food security, water supply, and human health.

The hospitality industry, with its close connection to natural environments, has a significant role in reversing these trends. Hotels can act as stewards of their local ecosystems, promoting sustainable tourism that respects and preserves natural habitats. Failure to act could lead to the degradation of the very resources that attract travelers—jeopardizing not only the environment but also the industry’s future.

A Call to Action

The hospitality sector has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead the way toward a sustainable future. By adopting robust sustainability strategies, protecting biodiversity, and supporting local communities, hotels can become powerful agents of positive change.

It’s time for the industry to move beyond words and into action, embracing sustainability as a core business strategy rather than a checkbox. Together, we can create a hospitality industry that not only delights guests but also nurtures the planet and the people who call it home.

Let’s commit to a future where travel doesn’t just take from the world but gives back, ensuring that we protect the places, cultures, and communities that make our world so extraordinary.