Sustainability
Sustainable tourism is defined by the World Tourism Organisation as “tourism which meets the needs of the present tourist and host regions, while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future”.
It used to be a topic we heard only at conference presentations and in government strategies. These days sustainability is being rapidly embraced by tourism operators, as they become aware of the industry’s role in environmental management. What’s more, it is a notion that has gripped the attention of many tourism consumers, who now expect their provider of accommodation, tours or other experiences to also embrace sustainable practice.
Introducing sound environmental practices into your business can also have a positive bottom-line effect, as many of the actions will reduce your operating costs. These days, your green credentials can also give you a marketing edge, especially among certain groups of educated consumers. A 2004 poll found that 62% of tourists said that a ‘green’ certification encouraged them to consider one accommodation provider over another (Nexus Research 2004). AAA Tourism’s new Green Star accreditation scheme allows you to display your environmental commitment to consumers.
Several Victorian towns and cities are now proclaiming their status as plastic bag-free locations, in an effort to enhance their environmental appeal in the eyes of visitors. Event managers are incorporating the concept of carbon neutrality into their operations. The 2006 Commonwealth Games was a carbon-neutral event and the much smaller Castlemaine State Arts Festival makes a particular effort to highlight its low environmental impact and its carbon offsetting practices.
Where consumers may have once appreciated a thunderous flow from a motel showerhead, the automatic daily replacement of linen and towels and the lush green lawns surrounding the buildings, these days such practices are more likely to be regarded as demerit points, especially in regions with heavy water restrictions. On the other hand, a motel that can claim its gardens are maintained using grey water from the guest showers is likely to be a talking point among some guests.
Sustainability in its broadest sense encompasses environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of running a business. Achieving and maintaining visitor satisfaction and long term financial viability are all important aspects of business sustainability. This wider notion is discussed in detail in module 7 of this program. In this module we simply wish to highlight some of the fairly simple and practical measures that can be taken by tourism businesses to reduce their impact on the environment.
Energy savings
High efficiency light globes use less than one-third of the electricity of the standard (incandescent) globes and last about ten times longer. Over a year, a business can save 66% of its lighting costs just by spending a few hours changing globes. Depending on the size of the business, that could equate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Water savings
Efficient showerheads and tap aerators are low cost options for accommodation businesses. They can halve water consumption without compromising your guests’ comfort. The new water saving showerheads are so good that you think you are using a standard showerhead. They also reduce your heating costs by using less hot water.
There are many other practical applications that can be introduced into your business, which, collectively, could save you thousands of dollars.
Click here to access the Sustainability Victoria information.
Case Study (394kb) Read how a dual Victorian Tourism Awards winner practices environmental initiatives.