That’s the number of international travelers registered by the World Tourism Organization for 2021. More than 500 million people have traveled somewhere. In addition, there are the tourists who vacationed in their home countries. Each of these more than 500 million travelers chose a type of accommodation, whether it was a cottage in Sweden, a luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps, or a hostel in Los Angeles.
Nachhaltigkeit in Tourism: Accommodation makes the Difference
Once arrived, the choice of accommodation has the biggest effect on the overall impact of the trip. This means that as a tourist, choosing sustainable accommodation reduces our own (negative) impact. But how do the sustainable accommodations themselves feel about how they are doing in helping to improve the tourism industry? We asked our Green Pearls® partners. The result is a wide range of opinions, but there is one thing they all agree on: They see themselves as pioneers and inspirations for others, without being perfect.
The Role of Sustainable Accommodation for Better Tourism: An Opinion Survey in the Green Pearls® Network
»We are trying to drive sustainable tourism.« – HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in the Allgäu
That is why we are a member of the Climate Alliance “Klimabündnis Allgäu 2023”. We have always tried to move forward as a sustainable business with digital and technical solutions. Of course, we face many real-world difficulties. For example, we want to save paper on the one hand and, therefore, offer digital solutions to our guests. On the other hand, we want our guests to have a „digital detox” during their vacation and get by without their smartphones.
Located in one of the smallest and most picturesque villages in Germany, the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugiooffers the ideal environment for a digital detox stay. Surrounded by the panorama of the Bavarian Alps, guests can look forward to a holistic wellness concept with Ayurvedic influences as well as regional specialties and cozy rooms made from natural (and local) materials.
»We are pioneers and trailblazers« – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb
The wellness and health hotel in the Black Forest spa town of Bad Herrenalb has been attracting attention for years: The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA has been certified and awarded several times for its commitment to sustainability; it is almost always at the top of various competitions on the subject (currently 3rd place in the German Tourism Award and finalist in the German Sustainability Award), and owner Stephan Bode himself was delighted to receive the B.A.U.M. Environmental Award.
Looking to the future is a matter of course and can be seen, for example, in the new circular hotel room concept. Here, only recyclable and natural materials are used. This means that the entire interior is recyclable and there is no waste. The first rooms were renovated last year according to the circular living principle. More rooms, the lobby, and the restaurant will follow.
»We see organic as a way of life« – Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich
Based on the history of the Schweisfurth family, we are deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and ecological thinking. Currently, we are in the process of converting to permaculture. We live and serve 100% organic, but we do not make a big deal out of it. We don’t see it as a marketing argument but as a way of life.
The sustainable Landhotel Gut Sonnenhausen is well-known as a popular event location. From weddings to blogger retreats, the various rooms of the former stud farm and the newly restored historic farmhouse provide an inspiring setting for any occasion. The property is surrounded by acres of nature that invite you for long walks.
»A driving force for more sustainable tourism« – ADLER Spa Resorts and Lodges
Sustainability has been an integral part of the Sanoner family’s ADLER Hotels from the very beginning. This can be seen in all the hotels, especially in the Green Pearls® partners on the Ritten in South Tyrol and in Sicily.
The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA and the ADLER Lodge RITTEN are united by local materials, architecture that blends seamlessly into the landscape, a focus on farm-to-table cuisine, and unique vacation experiences. In addition, both hotels place a high value on the retention of their employees. The indoor climate is also positively influenced by alternative solutions, such as the use of Terracruda in Sicily. This material is not only locally sourced, but also stores excess humidity in the air and releases it when needed.
»We are a little bit of everything« – The Birkenhof in the Upper Palatinate
I think we are a little bit of everything. We were not a pioneer [in sustainability], but once we started, we kicked off and participated in [sustainable] pilots.
The wellness hotel Birkenhof not only boasts an extensive indoor and outdoor spa area but is also known for its two-star restaurant “Eisvogel”. The Upper Palatinate hotel’s commitment to sustainability is comprehensive and covers all dimensions, from the environment to social issues and management.
»We want to do our part« – Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau
Tourism is attractive and reaches many people. At the same time, [sustainable action] is becoming a necessity, as travel is increasingly labeled as an „environmental sin” in society. We aim to counteract this, make our contribution [and show] that it does not have to be like that – and we have been doing this since 1958 when Rübezahl started. We believe we can join the ranks of the pioneers.
The Hotel Das Rübezahl is firmly anchored in the local community and continues to support it and individual projects. In addition, the Thurm family works with as little impact on the environment as possible. For example, the pool and Jacuzzi are heated with waste heat from the cold storage.
»Our company has been operating sustainably for almost 30 years« – Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park
We certainly play a pioneering role in our region of East Tyrol/Hohe Tauern National Park. Our business has been sustainable for almost 30 years. For almost 10 years now, the Austrian and EU eco-labels have been communicating this more strongly and visibly.
Surrounded by the almost untouched nature of the Alpine National Park, the Ganzer family’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is part of their DNA. The family-run Naturhotel Outside is constantly looking for improvements that can be implemented.
»We inspire people and companies« – Lifestylehotel SAND at the Baltic Sea
Long-term partnerships are one of the most important beliefs at the lifestyle hotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand. The team strives to act sustainably and pays close attention to the ecological, social, and economic values of its partners. They also see it as their responsibility to bring others on board and encourage them to act sustainably. Transparency, honesty, and the exchange of ideas are at the heart of the company’s philosophy. Not only with business partners, but also with colleagues, employees, and guests.
»A decision made with the strongest conviction« – The STURM at the Rhön mountain range
Going organic and becoming a carbon-neutral business was a decision made of conviction – out of a desire to act consciously and sustainably. Back then we were pioneers, but today we see ourselves as trailblazers, constantly evolving, and always harmonizing with nature. Sustainability is practiced and promoted in all three facets: ecological, economic, and social – because only the combination of all three makes STURM the successful company it is today.
The fact that sustainability is more than just environmental protection is actively practiced at the STURMwellness hotel. Many things were implemented and are now taken for granted: vegetables from the own garden, a natural pond instead of a pool, cordial and fair cooperation within the team, environmentally friendly energy efficiency, and much more. This year, the STURM was again certified by Fokus Zukunft GmbH & Co. KG as a climate-neutral hotel.
»Talking about sustainability also means living sustainability« – Hotel My Arbor on the Plose in South Tyrol
We believe that sustainable tourism is the future of travel and that our efforts contribute to it. Talking about sustainability also means living sustainability. We are convinced of this.
This determination can be seen in all areas of the tree hotel My Arbor on the Plose. For example, the hotel monitors its energy and water consumption and reduces it whenever possible. Much of the food, such as fruit, vegetables, olives, and herbs, comes from the hotel’s 20-hectare cultivation area on Lake Garda and is processed directly in the hotel into the delicacies that guests enjoy at extended breakfasts or special dinners. The other ingredients are sourced from the surrounding area, which supports the local economy and allows guests to experience the culture authentically.
»We see ourselves as pioneering and leading by example« – Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld
As a member of the ambitious Plateau Pioneers and other alliances for environmentally, climate-friendly, and sustainable tourism, the Hotel Klosterbräu in the former monastery is strongly committed to improvements in the travel industry. Sustainable values, from climate protection to social responsibility, are firmly anchored in its philosophy, instilled in its team, and communicated to the guests.
»We want to inspire and motivate others« – Hotel Luise in Erlangen
We have been operating as a sustainable and environmentally friendly hotel for a very long time; therefore, we see ourselves as pioneers and trailblazers in sustainable tourism. We hope to inspire and motivate others. Our current approach is, to communicate our sustainable practices. Through lectures, presentations, and projects such as the Wall of Change, we want to show other hotels, companies, and individuals that it is often not that difficult to act in a more environmentally friendly way.
Renewable hotel rooms and astronaut showers are just two of the many sustainable initiatives at the city hotel in Erlangen, Germany. The Hotel Luise is also active in the community, for example with the “Marga Lädle” vending machine, which fills a gap in the neighborhood. Not only can guests stay in a climate-friendly way, but conferences, workshops, and seminars can also be held here eco-friendly.
»We don’t just have a task, we have a responsibility« – Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol
I firmly believe that we not only have a mission but also a responsibility. We see ourselves as pioneers, not just in words, but by constantly questioning our daily actions and striving to make the right decisions. We should always be aware that each of our actions has consequences. Instead of criticizing others, we should point out what positive changes are possible. These are often small steps, and it is important to let the guests be part of it.
Small messages in the Hotel Weihrerhof remind guests that, for example, sauna towels can be reused. Signs on the buffet indicate the manufacturer of the product, which is often just around the corner. And when they look out over the Wolfsgruben Lake, the surrounding forest, and natural meadows, many guests get an idea of where the quest for more sustainable tourism at Hotel Weihrerhof comes from.
Pioneer, trailblazer, source of ideas – Sustainable accommodations are providing impulses for the future
There is no denying that tourism is an important economic factor in many countries around the world. In Spain, for example, the industry contributes 13.6 percent2 of gross domestic product. By comparison, industry accounts for about 21 percent3.
Hotels and lodging are not only employers of many people, but they also have a major influence on the development of the industry in general. Sustainable accommodations, such as the Green Pearls® partners featured here, serve as a source of inspiration and leadership. They show their guests that sustainable vacations do not mean sacrifice, and set an example to colleagues and other tourism professionals of what the future of tourism could – and should – look like.
