How can you design and manage sustainable tourism and hospitality?

Defining a clear vision is crucial in sustainable tourism and hospitality. It should encapsulate your core values, goals, and principles, aligning with stakeholders' expectations and global sustainability standards like the UN SDGs, Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, or Travelife certification. This vision will guide your decisions and actions, ensuring your services contribute positively to both local communities and the environment.

Keep track of indicators and trends to gauge tourism's sustainability in the long run. Measure how well stakeholders collaborate to achieve sustainability goals. Evaluate destinations' ability to adapt to environmental and socio-economic changes and withstand external shocks. Gather feedback from tourists regarding their experiences, satisfaction levels, and perceptions of sustainability efforts.

The hospitality & tourism space is plagued by the problem of visitor apathy. Tourists often do not feel compelled to follow rules & norms (such as those of waste segregation) as they would in their home cities, since there's lesser accountability. Outlook India, for example, has long championed the idea of Responsible Tourism. They promote(d) the idea that tourists must be educated to be sensitive to local cultural & environmental norms & sensitivities. This must go one step further, by not just securing a buy-in from tourists, but also by bringing in diverse stakeholders - hoteliers, restaurants, tourist guides, passport control authorities & more! This way, there would be an opportunity to secure buy-in from tourists at each stage.

Implement measures to conserve natural resources, including water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable land use practices. Encourage the use of local and organic products to minimize the environmental impact of tourism activities. Example: Six Senses Fiji operates entirely on solar energy, employs rainwater harvesting, and has its own water filtration system to eliminate reliance on disposable plastic bottles. The resort endeavors to minimize waste by promoting reuse, alongside implementing recycling and composting practices, including a "worm-based septic system." Additionally, it strives to cultivate a significant portion of its herbs and vegetables onsite.

Certain initiatives by Six Senses such as organising DIY activities for guests; Farm to Fork strategy and creating a sustainability fund are promising and compelling.

Designing and managing sustainable tourism and hospitality involves integrating eco-friendly practices across operations, from using renewable energy sources and reducing water consumption to prioritizing local sourcing and minimizing waste. It requires investing in the community by supporting local economies, conserving cultural heritage, and promoting social equity. Implementing green certification programs and continuously monitoring environmental impact ensures ongoing commitment to sustainability. By fostering responsible travel behaviors and offering educational experiences, businesses can create a sustainable model that balances economic goals with environmental preservation and social responsibility.

The tourism and hospitality industry is a large deployer of natural and created resources. Sustainable tourism and  hospitality involves integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of the industry's operations.  . designing sustainable restaurants . sustainable accommodation practices . designing green hotels . energy conservation in hotels- a Green Approach . technology and sustainability . marketing sustainability to consumers . sustainable culinary practices . sustainable employee practices . sustainable equipment design for the hospitality industry . sustainable tourism practices . sustainable transport practices . sustainable tourism destinations/cities