Embrace the future of digital defense—through the HFTP Corporate Allied Sponsorship (CAS) program, get to know companies like CDRTek, whose hospitality IT services are tailored to help reduce direct and indirect costs through consolidation, virtualization and co-location.
The hospitality industry is increasingly recognizing the value creation potential of integrating sustainability and ESG criteria into hotel assets. With evolving regulatory frameworks and heightened investor and guest expectations, a proactive approach to ESG strategies and non-financial reporting is essential. Operational, physical, and transitional risks associated with climate change necessitate strategic risk mitigation through ESG practices, offering opportunities for retrofitting properties and enhancing asset value. However, challenges remain in adapting new regulations like the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to the specific needs of the hotel sector. Despite these challenges, integrating sustainability and ESG factors is increasingly seen as a pathway to profitability, efficiency, and positive social and environmental impact in the hospitality industry. Maribel Esparcia Pérez provides some interesting insights.
Professor Xavier Font (University of Surrey) examines the complexities of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, highlighting the discrepancies between consumer surveys on sustainability and actual behaviors. It reveals the prevalence of 'greenhushing,' where companies undercommunicate their sustainability actions due to fear of criticism from both environmentally conscious and anti-green consumers. This contrasts with 'greenwashing,' the overstatement of sustainability practices, often superficial or misleading.
The article also discusses how forthcoming EU legislation, such as the Green Claims Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, will compel businesses to substantiate their environmental claims with scientific evidence and independent verification. These new regulations will impact how hospitality firms worldwide advertise and report their sustainability efforts, potentially leading to more stringent environmental claims management and operational changes. The author emphasizes the need for the hospitality industry to collectively set standards and monitor compliance to prepare for these upcoming legislative changes effectively.
Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA) Chief Executive Ufi Ibrahim discusses the significant shift in 2024 from voluntary sustainability initiatives to mandatory Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting in the hospitality and lodging industry. It emphasizes that the introduction of mandatory climate disclosure requirements is expected to profoundly impact global financial markets and business practices. The transition, driven by historical precedents and warnings from financial leaders, aims to tackle misinformation and greenwashing.
The Tourism Panel on Climate Change's 2022 report, “The Imperative for Advancing Climate Risk Assessment in Tourism,” underscores the urgent need for the tourism industry, especially hotels, to address climate change risks. It details measures based on the Hotel Resilient Climate and Crisis Resilience Standards to enhance climate resilience. However, the implementation of these measures is often hindered by the hotel management's perception of risk and rigid organizational structures. The report emphasizes the necessity for a paradigm shift in hotel management, recognizing climate resilience as crucial for the sector's long-term sustainability and competitiveness. It highlights that the tourism industry, facing diverse challenges from climate change, must adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach for resilience and sustainability.
"In the Heart of Earth's Most Awe-Inspiring Landscapes", EHL's Natacha Reymond explores the captivating world of glaciers, symbols of natural beauty and alarming climate change indicators. The article delves into the intricate relationship between tourism and glaciers, highlighting popular destinations like Patagonia's Perito Moreno and the Swiss Alps' Aletsch Glacier. The narrative confronts the environmental impacts of tourism, such as accelerated melting and ecosystem disruption, while also showcasing efforts toward sustainable glacial tourism. Initiatives like limited access, responsible tours, and educational programs aim to transform tourists into advocates for climate action. The story culminates in a call for sustainable practices and awareness, urging us to preserve these glacial wonders for future generations, transforming tourism from a contributing factor in glacial degradation into a force for preservation and enlightenment.
Holly Tuppen's article presents a visionary journey to 2030, inspired by Rob Hopkins' time machine concept, to explore the transformative potential of Net Positive Hospitality. It envisions a future where the tourism industry prioritizes the well-being of nature, culture, and communities over conventional metrics like visitor numbers and profits. The narrative highlights the industry's alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework's 23 global targets, emphasizing a holistic approach that incorporates gender equality and climate mitigation.
Glenn Mandziuk's article emphasizes the critical role of social responsibility in the hospitality industry, underlining the 'S' in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). He argues for a holistic approach to sustainability that balances environmental concerns with the well-being of employees and communities. The article highlights the need for fair working conditions, human rights, and combating social issues like human trafficking. It introduces the Net Positive Pathway and the Net Positive Hospitality Academy to guide and educate the industry on these issues. Mandziuk stresses the interconnection of environmental and social responsibilities, advocating for a sustainable and ethically conscious hospitality sector.
Alessandro Inversini's article explores a new paradigm in the hospitality sector that transcends traditional sustainability. It emphasizes a systemic approach to regeneration, focusing on ecological and social renewal. The article outlines two key concepts: the Regenerative Mindshift, advocating for an inner transformation among hospitality professionals, and an Ecosystem Approach, balancing environmental impact and transformative host-guest relationships. Inversini argues against treating regenerative hospitality as just another sustainability standard, suggesting instead a comprehensive business model aimed at achieving a net-positive impact.
Megan Epler Wood writes that the journey toward sustainability in the hotel industry requires a multifaceted approach, balancing financial gains with environmental benefits. The article underscores the need for holistic, region-wide sustainable infrastructure projects, supported by public-private partnerships and concessionary finance packages. This coordinated effort is crucial for the hotel industry's transition to renewable energy and ecosystem protection, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability.
In this opening article, Chief Guest Editor Willy Legrand sets the stage for this year's edition of HYB 2024 Hospitality ESG Edition which focuses on unlocking the "ESG Innovation Stack" in hospitality, a crucial strategy in today’s competitive environment. It emphasizes leveraging innovation for sustainability, adapting to socioeconomic and environmental changes, and adopting a regenerative, net-positive approach. This HYB edition discusses the challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainable innovation in the hospitality industry, which involves combining various technologies, methods, and strategies. It addresses the pressures from investors, regulators, distributors, and guests for ESG performance, data, and transparent disclosures.
There is an increased expectation across a multitude of stakeholders that hospitality businesses should aim to contribute more to society, environment, and economy than they take out. This implies that the status quo, which is largely set on decarbonization of the sector, is not enough considering both the scale and scope of planetary challenges. The focus moving forward is on restoring, replenishing, revitalizing, and enhancing the social, economic and environmental surroundings.
This week's Member Spotlight focuses on Julianna Ward-Destang of Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
As a private club, you're in the business of belonging. Through the HFTP Corporate Allied Sponsorship (CAS) program, get to know companies like Cobalt Software, whose fully comprehensive solutions oversee all aspects of club management from back office to member engagement.
This week's Member Spotlight focuses on Justin Taillon of Seattle, Washington.
This week's Member Spotlight centers on Barry Thomas of London, England.
This week's Member Spotlight features Andrew Buwalda of Huntsville, Ontario.
This week's Member Spotlight highlights Eileen Sarris of Sarasota, Florida.
Survey report by Agnes DeFranco, Minwoo Lee and Jihye Min. The pandemic has had an impact on the perception of technology usage among hotel guests. The need to safeguard hotel guests and employees during the pandemic accelerated the adoption and acceptance of various technologies in hotels. In 2020, HFTP sponsored a survey to gauge how guests view technologies in hotels. Now that the pandemic has officially ended, an update on this topic is detailed in this 2023 survey report.
Survey report by Agnes DeFranco, Minwoo Lee and Jihye Min. The pandemic has had an impact on the perception of technology usage among hotel guests. The need to safeguard hotel guests and employees during the pandemic accelerated the adoption and acceptance of various technologies in hotels. In 2020, HFTP sponsored a survey to gauge how guests view technologies in hotels. Now that the pandemic has officially ended, an update on this topic is detailed in this 2023 survey report.