Sustainable tourism is today an independent travel typology within the tourist field. It was originally born as a necessity to respect the environment surrounding us and in time it established its roots within travel philosophy.
For WTO sustainable tourism is a “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.
Furthermore, various researches confirm how sustainability and respect for the environment in general have become fundamental parameters during the selection of a destination by travelers.
Based on a recent study, three travelers out of four consider how public administration is sensible to sustainability very important when choosing their destination. The most important aspect is the degree of respect for the environment in general, followed by the degree of protection of the cultural and natural patrimony of the destination. Travelers are also sensible to policies that are focused on stimulating the local economy, and their general commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. Finally, travelers also pay particular attention to how a destination safeguards traditions and popular feasts, recycling and the presence of zero-kilometer products.
Icnea’s PMS Channel Manager property profile can include information over how sustainable the property is like the energy certificate to being with, but you can also add sustainable characteristics such as:
- LED lighting
- 100% renewable energy
- Solar panels
- Wind energy
- Methane system
- Smart energy control systems
- Heat pumps
- Infrared heating panels
- Geothermal energy
- Masonry heater
- Thermal solar panels
- Natural material insolation
- Low water consumption sinks
- Rainwater treatment
- Grey water system
- Bicycles included
- Ecologic cleaning products
- No single use plastic toiletries
- No plastic silverware
All this variety has been welcomed so positively by portals that started influencing listing positioning.
In conclusion, it is very important to adapt the managed property to sustainable tourism, also to contribute to our planet’s safeguard aside from attracting an increasing number of travelers which are sensible to this subject and generally respectful towards our environment.