Ecological travel observatory

• The Haute Qualité Environnementale (High Environmental Quality) concept that appeared in the early 90s, is gaining in importance. This voluntary approach in the framework of building construction or rehabilitation could soon lead to certification. (www.assohqe.org)Consequently: the apostles of “Slow Travel” recommend traveling less but better. Their credo: limit the multiplication of short courier flights by inciting travel far away, if possible, and for longer. Such recommendations run up against current trends that see short stays gaining ground on long holidays. Will the ecological trip be for just a minority who encourage degrowth, or will we see a brutal change in behavior? “We have not seen the slightest change at this time,” reassures Hélène Roques, director of sustainable growth at the group Accor.Even if... convention organizers are beginning to favor hotel properties that are environmentally responsible and certified. The press has had a field day with the environmental cost of the organization of the G8. And in the future, companies listed on the stock exchange may well set an example in this area for their important gatherings. “It is possible to hold conventions just a 2-hour flight away rather than 6,” remarks Hélène Roques who says she is prospecting this: “for now, actors in sustainable development have this on their minds more than hotel industry developers”.Another concern that affects this development closely is global warming. No snow in the winter, too hot summers, accumulation of natural catastrophes: in the end, the climatic change could implicate changes in seasonal habits, and, consequently, new hotel constructions. Will summer vacations in Heiligendamm, Sopot or beach resorts on the Baltic Sea soon be more “trendy” than stays at Cannes, Corfu or Jerba blasted by the sun in August? The idea arose at the last edition of the ITB. This scenario is catastrophic, but possible...