What is ecotourism or an ecohotel?
April 25, 2022
Ecotourism is a term in vogue in magazines and on social networks. According to Google, it is a term increasingly searched on their search engine, especially in Gironde and PACA region. What is ecotourism? Is it really important for your customers? If so, how can you make your establishment green? AGRID's editorial staff will explain it all to you.
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism is "tourism focused on the discovery of nature, with respect for the environment and local culture. (definition of the Robert 2022 dictionary).
It is a term in vogue, especially since the health crisis with the strong expansion of the "van-life", ecotourism is both a way to travel but also a way to be in line with its daily lifestyle and ecological sensitivities.
In the movement of sustainable development, ecotourism is a form of responsible and environmentally friendly travel. According to a Kantar survey commissioned by theAuvergne Tourist Office in 2021, 2 out of 3 French people said they take sustainable tourism criteria into account when organizing their trips.
These criteria are often motivated by the urgent need to combat global warming. Indeed, according to a study byADEME, 11% of greenhouse gas emissions in France are generated by tourism (118 million tons of CO2 per year), tourist accommodation in France alone represents 8.5 million tons of CO2 emissions.
The health crisis, the climate emergency and the rise of alternative or mobile accommodation, all reasons that push hoteliers towards ecotourism and green-marketing, it allows them tosave moneywhile improving their reputation.
How to be "eco-friendly"?
Nowadays, there are many ways to become eco-friendly. Through small daily actions and minor adjustments to your facility, you can improve environmental impacts and meet the many societal challenges ahead. There are various eco-labels that can label you for the efforts you make in your establishment. Each label has its own set of specifications.
Here are some tips on how to get your eco-friendly label:
- Save and optimize your energy: by installing low-energy light bulbs or by integrating an energy optimization software that will control your air-conditioning systems and cut down on waste.
- Minimize water use: By installing aerators in your bathrooms.
- Consume local and seasonal products: You can set up a partnership with local producers to offer your customers better quality products with a lower carbon impact.
- Reduce your food waste: You can implement a campaign urging your customers not to waste food by offering them the option of a second helping rather than taking a lot at once.
- Suggest that you only wash your towels at the end of your stay: This avoids multiple washings of towels used only once.
Eco-responsibility sensitizes your teams and your customers to a more moderate and relevant use of your resources. These adaptations of your establishment will not alter the comfort of your customers and will be beneficial to your "eco-friendly" reputation. Ecotourism integrates an ethical and civic dimension while allowing you to enter the energy transition, in particular by starting to meet the objectives set by the tertiary decree.
The figures of ecotourism
According to a study conducted by Booking.com in 2019, eco-responsible accommodations are popular with a clear increase in their attendance for 4 consecutive years.
70% of those surveyed say that the words "eco-friendly" encourage them to book at an establishment. According to the 2015 Nielsen study, 66% of global respondents " would pay more for products and services from companies that are committed to having a positive social and environmental impact."
So why not take the plunge?