HHOTELSOTELS
C
OMPANIES ARE BECOMING increasingly aware of their carbon footprints and the impact their travel plans have on the environment. Cutting down on air travel is one route to improvement on
this score (PwC, notably, has reduced its non client-facing flights by nearly 90 per cent since 2007). Using alternative forms of transport or encouraging lift-sharing is another. But what happens when you get to your destination? How much attention are companies paying to the “green” credentials of their accommodation providers – and what are hotels doing to be more environmentally and socially aware? It’s clear from the travel buyers and
experts we spoke to that the environment is still not top of the list when it comes to organising corporate travel. Jo-Anne Lloyd, partner at consultancy Nina & Pinta, notes: “Based on what I see both with our customers and in the market… sustainability is not yet a driving factor in any decision- making around a travel programme. Key criteria are about reducing spend by using more video-conferencing, improving traveller experiences by picking partners with better product – with the tagline of ‘and it’s better for the environment, too’
as those decisions will involve less travel or will typically be newer aircraft. But it doesn’t lead with that. The cost or traveller experience will be the focus.” Travel buyers agree. “The priorities in the business world tend to be more about comfort and service levels, from check- in to landing,” as one puts it. “While we maintain high levels of ecologically sound behaviour in offices, it is not a priority when travelling or staying in a hotel.” Yet behind the initial scepticism, companies are increasingly aware of the issue. “This consideration is growing given climate change significance,” says another buyer. Arguably this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Given the growing prominence of “ESG” (environmental, social and governance) investment, companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate to investors their businesses are sustainable (or
attempting to be) on a range of measures. As another buyer points out: “I am not looking at eco-friendly hotels at all, yet we provide reporting to our ESG team on miles flown.” While it might not be a priority, it is moving up the agenda – so considering or implementing sensible eco-friendly policies on things such as accommodation can’t hurt. So what are hotels doing to be more ecologically friendly? What should you be looking for? The good news is that hotels in general are more aware of the importance of “sustainability”. Given that the travel industry is at the sharp end of conspicuous consumption and related concerns about the climate, that makes sense. According to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’
second Luxury Insights Report: Gateway to Home - Hotels as the Heart of their Communities, (developed from the Fairmont 2018 Global
buyingbusinesstravel.com
2019
MARCH/APRIL
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