Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry

With 81% of global travelers prioritizing sustainability, as highlighted in Booking.com’s 2022 Sustainable Travel Report, eco-friendly practices are now crucial in hospitality. Inspired by Japan's "mottainai" culture, hotels must innovate with strategies like water conservation, sustainable packaging, and energy efficiency. Embracing these changes not only aligns with customer preferences but also supports a healthier environment.


According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022, 81% of global travelers said that sustainable traveling is important to them, with half considering climate change a crucial factor influencing their traveling options. Therefore, it is necessary for hospitality facilities to strive for an environmentally-friendly philosophy while innovating the guest experience. 

In order to implement this movement, hotels and resorts should look for more innovative and effective solutions rather than traditional ones. A nation that really embodies the idea of sustainability is Japan. In their culture, the concept of mottainai has been embedded in people’s practice since the 19th century. It is the exercise of recycling and conservation of products and resources.

Strategies to battle climate change of water conservation, sustainable packaging and efficient appliances are proven effective. A typical example is the implementation of laundry facilities that use and optimize recycled water to reduce environmental impact. Another solution is cutting single-use plastics wherever possible. Consumable supplies such as shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap bottles can be revamped with reusable dispensers. 

As people are more concerned with sustainable travel, the hospitality sector should offer greener options for our customers. Not only does this enhance the hospitality image, it is beneficial for our planet and environment. Altogether, our actions will help to rejuvenate and protect our planet for future generations. We can start with implementing the Japanese practice of mottainai into everyday business practices – using, reusing and repurposing resources as best you can.

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