Green Key present at the Independent Hotel Show

At the Independent Hotel Show, Green Key’s International Director participated in a panel discussion about why sustainability is good for the hotel industry.

The Independent Hotel Show is a yearly tourism fair for hotels and other hospitality facilities. For the first time, the event was held in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and included a session about sustainability in the seminar programme. Finn Bolding Thomsen (Green Key International Director) was invited to participate in a panel discussion about why sustainability is good for the hotel industry.

The panel discussion was led by Marie-Noelle Keijzer from WeForest, and other panelists were Inge van Weert from QO Amsterdam and Marco Lemmers from Conscious Hotel Group. Both hotel groups have a very high focus on sustainability, and all hotels in the Conscious Hotel Group hold the Green Key award.

Finn Bolding Thomsen informed about the Green Key programme and how research (e.g. from Booking.com) shows that travellers are increasingly interested in staying in accommodations that work with sustainability. A number of companies have the requirement in their CSR policy to use sustainable accommodation and conference facilities, and in some countries, public authorities have similar requirements as part of their public purchasing policy.

To the question about whether implementing sustainability is expensive for hotels, Finn Bolding Thomsen highlighted that training and information lead to change in the behaviour of staff and guests and contribute to sustainability without other investments. Change of light bulbs and water saving devices have a cost, but as the price of energy and water is increasing, the return on investment is faster. More sophisticated changes require an investment, and there was a discussion about the possibility to charge guests a slightly higher price as a consequence of the work with sustainability. During the panel discussion, there was also a discussion about how hotels should lead the way in reducing their carbon emission before asking guests to compensate the carbon emission of their stay. The panel discussion was very well attended.

French Radisson Blu Hotel turns food waste into organic fertiliser

The Green Key awarded Radisson Blu, Paris, Marne la Vallée, located in the outskirts of Paris, has purchased a new machine to convert its organic waste to fertiliser.

Like most hotels, the Radisson Blu, Paris, Marne la Vallée has to deal with the issue of food waste. Besides using other smart methods to reduce the food waste, the hotel has purchased a machine that extracts water of the organic waste and turns the remains into powder that can be used as fertiliser. The hotel is also installing a water retention tank to recuperate the approximately 80 litres extracted from the food waste per load.  The system will allow the hotel to wash their docking bay and fill their cleaning machines.

Melyssa Cassin, Responsible Business Coordinator at Radisson Blu, Paris, Marne la Vallée says: “We are very focused on lowering our environmental footprint at our hotel in various ways, and we are very proud of having the machine that converts bio-waste into organic fertiliser. By converting the 100 kg of bio-waste created at the hotel daily, we avoid transportation of the organic waste, collected now only once a month and in a few weeks we’ll also be reusing the water from the machine, really zero waste.”

The hotel is also working on lowering its environmental footprint in many other ways, and the hotel has focus on the social aspect of sustainability. To support job opportunities for persons with challenges, the hotel hires a company that employs people with disabilities to be in charge of the management of the green areas of the hotel.

Paris hotel using innovative cleaning method without the use of cleaning products

Hotel Bel Ami is a Green Key awarded hotel in central Paris (France) since 2012, it is their heart to respect the environment, and it goes through the cleaning method.  They finally managed to find this revolutionary method for the benefit of the environment and the well-being of the staff.

The Delphin for the Lobby and the public spaces

Hotel Bel Ami has purchased two different cleaning machines that are used to clean the floors, carpets, furniture, bathrooms everything can be cleaned with cold steam or high pressure. With this new innovative cleaning solution, the hygiene standards are maintained without using any cleaning products. This reduces the use of cleaning chemicals for the benefit of the environment and the health of the cleaning staff.

Laurence Guinebretière, General Manager of Hotel Bel Ami, says: “It was a significant investment for us to purchase the cleaning machines, and we are fortunate that our B Signature CEO, Anne Jousse, is sensitive to the environment and has equipped the Bel Ami and all hotels in her group with these two machines.  Today, we save costs on the purchase of cleaning products and these new methods benefit the health and the environment. After a period of introduction of the new cleaning method for the staff, it is now as fast to clean with both technologies”.

The Vapodil for the rooms, bathrooms, furniture and the large windows of the hotel

Booking.com reveals key findings from its 2019 sustainable travel report

Over half of global travelers report being more determined to make sustainable travel choices than they were a year ago, but barriers include a lack of knowledge and available or appealing options when trying to put this into practice

As the world gears up to mark Earth Day on 22 April, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, has released findings from its annual sustainable travel report. Research reveals almost three quarters (72%) of travelers believe that people need to act now and make sustainable travel choices to save the planet for future generations. While results were relatively consistent across ages, almost three-quarters (74%) of 46-55 year olds believe most strongly that this is needed, followed by millennials at 71%.

Eco-mmodation

Consistent with overall intentions to make more sustainable travel choices, sustainable stays are growing in popularity, with almost three quarters (73%) of global travelers intending to stay at least once in an eco-friendly or green accommodation when looking at the year ahead. This is the fourth consecutive year that Booking.com research has seen this figure trend up, from 62% in 2016 to 65% in 2017, and 68% in 2018.** Additionally, 70% of global travelers say they would be more likely to book an accommodation knowing it was eco-friendly, whether they were looking for a sustainable stay or not.

However, when it comes to recognizing a sustainable place to stay, almost three quarters (72%) of global travelers say that they are not aware of the existence of eco-labels for vacation accommodations, while well over a third (37%) of affirm that an international standard for identifying eco-friendly accommodation would help encourage them to travel more sustainably, and 62% would feel better about staying in an accommodation if they knew it had an eco-label.

Sustainable Struggles

Despite the best intentions, it’s not all plain sailing for would-be green travelers. The report also exposes the common barriers travelers face when making sustainable travel choices (% of global respondents who agree):

• I do not know how to make my travel more sustainable: 37%

• Although I do see options to travel more sustainably, other options tend to appeal more: 34%

• I cannot afford the extra expenditure of sustainable travel: 36%

• My agenda constrains me in the sustainable choices I can make: 34%

• Sustainable travel destinations appeal to me less than other destinations: 34%

• I understand what I can do to travel more sustainably: 50%

Travel companies have an important role to play here in the eyes of travelers: 71% of travelers think that travel companies should offer consumers more sustainable travel choices. On the other hand, almost half (46%) of global travelers acknowledge that they find it harder to make sustainable choices on while on vacation than in everyday life. Almost a third (31%) of global travelers admit their vacation is a special time during which they do not want to think about sustainability.

Aspirations to Actions

Research results also indicated that travelers would be more encouraged to travel sustainably if there were economic incentives offered, such as tax breaks, when choosing eco-friendly options (46%). This is closely followed by online booking sites offering a sustainable or eco-friendly filter option (45%).

When it comes to in-destination experiences, over half (52%) of global travelers say they now alter behaviors to be more sustainable while traveling, such as walking, riding a bike or hiking whenever possible. Plus, 68% would like the money they spend on travel to go back into the local community. Likewise, almost three quarters (72%) of global travelers are seeking authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture, while two in five (41%) request that travel companies offer tips on how to be more sustainable while traveling and 56% of respondents say that if there was an option to offset the carbon footprint on their vacation accommodation, they would do it.

 “As a global travel leader, we are continuously looking at ways we can innovate across our platform, from accommodation to experiences and transport, testing different ways to best surface information and support customers in their sustainable travel choices, as well as providing support and investment to foster innovation in the sustainable tourism space through our Booking Booster, Cares Fund and Cares Lab start-up programs. It’s important that all those in the travel ecosystem, from established companies to start-ups, destinations, accommodation, transport and attraction providers as well as travelers themselves, come together, as it’s only through collaboration that meaningful change will continue to gain momentum.” says Pepijn Rijvers, SVP & Head of Accommodation at Booking.com

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Methodology:

Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 18,077 respondents were surveyed across 18 markets (1000+ from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, UK, USA. In Israel 883 respondents were surveyed). Respondents completed an online survey in February and March 2019.

** Although this year’s survey covers 6 additional markets, the figure is still up to 72% if we only consider the markets from last year’s survey.

To read the full story: https://globalnews.booking.com/bookingcom-reveals-key-findings-from-its-2019-sustainable-travel-report/  

Green Key featured on the Wayaj eco-tourism website

Wayaj is a US based company promoting earth friendly travel, and Green Key has been interviewed for their website.

As part of Wayaj’s promotion of sustainable tourism, Wayaj has prepared a news feature about Green Key being one of the few international and holistic labels in the hospitality industry.

Wayaj conducted an interview with the Green Key International Director, Finn Bolding Thomsen outlining his view on the trends and challenges regarding sustainable travel in the hotel industry. He also speaks about how Green Key is working with sustainability in the programme, e.g. in relation to awareness raising about sustainability, the support to interested establishments and the cooperation with various partners of the programme.  

You can read the full interview here: http://news.wayaj.com/green-hotels/green-key-unlocking-sustainability-in-the-hospitality-industry/.

Wayaj promotes sustainable travel both through their website and social media and by booking environmentally friendly accommodations through their app. The listing of sustainable hotels and resorts through Wayaj is free of charge.

Two thermal spa hotels in Slovenia receive Green Key

Two hotels at Terme Dobrna, the oldest working Slovenian thermal spa, receive the Green Key as the first in the country for its environmental efforts

The story of Terme Dobrna starts deep down underground and springs up in the form of the purest water whose healing properties and beneficial effects were admired already by the ancients Celts and Romans. Since the 15th century, Terme Dobrna has attracted guests from around the world because of the area’s soft climate, stunning natural environment and the possibilities for relaxation and care.

Today, Terme Dobrna is a modern and dynamic health resort and tourist centre surrounded by a historical park. The health resort combines gifts of nature with contemporary medicine, which places it at the very top of Slovenian tourism. Terme Dobrna has three natural healing factors approved by the Slovenian Ministry of Health: thermal water, mud (fango) and turf. 

As the first hotels in Slovenia to receive Green Key, Hotel Vita and Hotel Park at Terme Dobrna have been awarded with the prestigious Green Key award.

Mr. Leon Tomašić, Terme Dobrna's Director said: »We are aware that sustainable management of the company is mandatory, since only in this way can we contribute to the preservation of nature, and all limited resources of our planet. We started the approach of sustainable management in 2011, when we adopted the first environmental policy, and we are upgrading and carefully implementing it on a yearly bases. We are aware that our operation leaves some kind of footprint behind us, so we try to reduce it to a minimum level. With globalization and over-consumption, which is happening in the current world, companies must look to sustainable management, as this is the only way that we can leave our planet to descendants.«

Vita means life

Hotel Vita is situated at the entrance of the Spa Complex. During your stay, you will be inspired by the wonderful nature, an energy boasting spa park, many walking and cycling trails and the beauties of the area and its surroundings. Hotel Vita is the newest of all Terme Dobrna hotels, and it offers everything under one roof, including restaurant, seminar rooms, massage and beauty centre, sauna and thermal water swimming pools.

Park – nature and energy

Hotel Park is great for everyone who wants to spend free time in a green and clean environment surrounded by an exceptional spa park and forests. Hotel Park even welcomes your pets in a limited number of rooms. Hotel Park is also surrounded by many walking and hiking trails as well as nearby museums and farms to visit.

Green Key's 2018 achievements featured in FEE's Annual Report

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has recently published their most recent Annual Report for 2018. As always, the developments, achievements and impacts on both national and international level of all FEE programmes, including Green Key, are displayed in this document.

Click on the picture to access the full annual report

In particular, in 2018, Green Key has entered key collaboration agreements with the hotel chains NH Hotel Group (globally) and Grupo Posadas (Mexico). In addition, Green Key has started to cooperate with the leisure tourism operator, Apollo/DER Touristik Nordic.

Besides, the report shows the many Green Key establishments awarded with prestigious sustainability awards around the world. NH Noordwijk Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, in the Netherlands, won the Green Hotelier Award in the category of carbon; Castelli Hotel, in Greece, was the winner of the TUI Sustainability Award; finally, Cozinha por Antonia Loreiro, a restaurant in Portugal, winner of the Green Key’s practice competition 2018, received the esteemed Michelin award.

In 2018 Green Key also saw a large number of countries joining its network. Green Key was launched in Northern Ireland and India, and the first establishments in South Africa, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Macau (China) and Ethiopia received the Green Key award.

Likewise, all four FEE’s programmes, namely Blue Flag, YRE, Leaf and Eco-Schools were also presented throughout the Annual Report. Check it out!

Camp Špik has the amazing view on the Alps

Green Key awarded Camp Špik in Slovenia is located in beautiful sceneries and with possibilities for different outdoor activities

In the midst of the Julian Alps, on the edge of the Triglav National Park and right next to the point where the borders of Slovenia, Austria and Italy meet lies the fairytale village of Kranjska Gora. Not far away, in the settlement of Gozd Martuljek, under one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Alps, the Špik Mountain Chain, is Camping Špik. The unspoiled nature offers numerous opportunities for free time activities, sports and trips to the surrounding areas - an escape from everyday worries.

It is the second Slovenian campsite awarded with the Green Key and all visitors are amazed by the view on the high Julian Alps on the south of the camp. Across the area of 7.5 acres there are 200 pitches, most of them are located in natural shade. All pitches have electric hook-ups and are situated near drinking water supply. All sanitary blocks have been recently built and equipped.

Mr. Ernest Poženel, the HIT Larix Executive Director, said: “Already when we talked about strategy for our campsite, we were oriented towards nature, environment and well-being for our guests. Therefore we also built the site it in a manner that is respectful towards nature and will enable us to preserve the natural beauties of our environment for the future generations. Being awarded with Green Key certificate is an acknowledgment that we started our path correctly and at the same time gives us guidance for our future development.”

With the unique location, Camp Špik is a perfect location for skiing, cycling, hiking, rafting and paragliding.

Hotel Zazie – a Green Key hotel taking an extraordinary social responsibility

Hotel Zazie, a two-star hotel located in central Paris (France), has decided to engage more than half of its staff through a social inclusion programme

Photo: Hotel Zazie

The 20-room hotel has had the Green Key award since December 2017. This means that the hotel is complying with the Green Key requirements such as energy efficient lighting, reducing plastic at breakfast to a minimum, eco-labelled toilet paper, etc. The breakfast at the hotel is made of quality products that are mainly organic avoiding already processed and packaged products. The hotel focuses on waste sorting with individual bins of the rooms and in the common areas, and all waste that is recyclable is stored separately.

The hotel has however gone much further in its work with sustainability. Through a collaboration with the local authorities, the hotel is hiring staff from a social inclusion programme. Currently, five of nine staff members derive from the inclusion programme. The persons eligible for this programme have various challenges and have been out of the labour market for a long time. The recruited staff is especially working in housekeeping and at the front desk. The persons are employed a maximum of 24 months, and most employees stay a year or less and every few staff members stay longer if they have very challenging situation. The hotel has an ongoing training programme for the new staff in order to train them to be able to work in a hotel.

Photo: Nathalie Foulon

Anne-Sophie De Boulois, the General Manager of Zazie Hotel explains: “After the employees have worked in our hotel, around 1/3 find a job in another hotel and 1/3 find another solution such as another job, study, etc., and only the last third are not successful. We are very proud of helping challenged persons to get a new start.”

Nasser is refugee from Sudan. He is currently working in Hotel Zazie in the reception at night time.

Nasser explains: “In 2018, I had an internship with Zazie Hotel for a month, preparing breakfast and sometimes assisting in the reception. At Zazie Hotel, I felt at home, and I feel the spirit of respect and humanity, and it made me want to work there. After finishing my training and spending two months without work, I received a call from the hotel offering me a second period of professional internship.  I accepted it without hesitation. For this internship I have been working at the reception. It has not been easy, but I am learning a lot of things that I did not know before, especially about environmental initiatives.”

Photo: Olivier Simon