Small or large, all hotel groups are now invested in ESG issues. With less spending, more respect for the planet and also a response to consumer expectations, many of them have shared their objectives for a more responsible hospitality sector in 2022. Individual travellers expect concrete actions. At the same time, travel managers for leisure and corporate groups are now setting their expectations on CSR issues in response to the demands of their end customers. A virtuous chain is being set up 7 years after the signing of the Paris agreements (COP 21) in December 2015.
All the world's heavyweights have developed strategies to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050. The tools exist but the sustainable development sector still lacks structure, leading to a test and learn approach for most accommodation professionals, including those who have been committed to a responsible approach for many years. The line between actions with a real impact and greenwashing is indeed tenuous and operators wish to set up robust, sustainable models that are consistent with the priorities of preserving ecosystems, the planet and the well-being of employees.
Operators developing sustainable business model
The hotel chain Scandic announced in early 2022 that it will build its first planet-neutral hotel, which is to open in Sundvall in 2024. Scandic Sundsvall Central will offer 210 rooms near the city's harbour. The construction will be made of sustainable wood and will be LEED Gold certified. The property will be powered by hydroelectricity and solar panels. A project that can only come about through close cooperation between the municipality, the owner, the contractors and the future operator. This future unit is a clear example of the changes taking place in the greenfield sector, where European regulations are now more stringent.
In 2018, the world's number 2 Hilton launched its Travel with Purpose programme setting targets related to respect for the environment by 2030. Four years later, the company is updating its programme with strengthened targets and the inclusion of targets related to corporate social responsibility.
“I’m extremely proud of the fact that we were the first in our industry to set science-based targets back in 2018. One of the key requirements with these targets is that we review and recommit to this goal every five years.
Since then, climate science and our understanding of our changing environment has evolved considerably. That’s why...
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