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Environment and society, committed hotels : a win-win bet
Betting on a committed hotel is today a winning bet both financially and in terms of reputation. Many hotels in Latin America have made this bet.
Turning natural resources into energy : alto atacama – chile
Located in the heart of the Alto Atacama Desert in Chile, the hotel of the same name is committed to responsible tourism. Known as an “ecolodge in the driest desert in the world”, it stands out as the only hotel in the region to have its own water treatment.
It is important to take the environment into account when setting up your establishment. In this case it was the water issue that was paramount.
Unsuitable for consumption or irrigation because it is too salty, the establishment has set up its own water treatment system. The hotel chose the reverse osmosis system, a system created by NASA to allow astronauts to recycle the water they consume. This less salty water is consumed and then reused in the spa, the laundry service and the restaurant. After recycling, the waste water is used for watering the garden’s vegetable garden.
Always with a view to energy autonomy based on the use of natural resources, the heat sources (pool and lodge heating) come from solar panels. Transformed on the spot thanks to an electric generator.
In addition to the importance of taking the environment into account in a committed project, it is important to be inspired by and collaborate with local communities. The Atacamenos have been using natural thermal insulation for generations, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer. Finally, the Alto Atacama practises selective sorting of all its waste.
A hotel that supports local communities : the tree house lodge – Costa Rica
This hotel is as involved in the preservation of the forest as it is in the local community. The hotel participates actively with local associations to raise the standard of living of the population. The hotel’s involvement and commitment goes even further in opposing oil activities on the southern Caribbean coast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNaOg3Vff8o
A hotel that employs local communities : hacienda chichen resort – Mexico
Hacienda Chichen resort, located in the Mexican state of Yucatan, has 99% of its employees from local communities.
This establishment, committed to the social issues of the surrounding populations, encourages visitors to volunteer in educational programs.
The aim is to provide education to the most rural Mayan populations. This will give them access to positions outside the rural sector and therefore better remuneration.
A committed hotel that trains committed travelers : estancia peuma hue – Argentina
The Estancia Peuma Hue Hotel, offers its travellers committed stays. During their stay, travellers are in direct contact with the local and rural populations.
Through visits to NGOs and their actions but also during organized visits to discover the surroundings.
Initiatives that make a difference and are win-win-win initiatives
All these initiatives show us that ecotourism or “green” hospitality is not only a trend but also a human commitment. This commitment involves hoteliers, local populations, tourism professionals and of course travellers, who are among the main players.
However, having a committed hotel does not mean losing turnover or being less profitable. On the contrary, green initiatives save hotels hundreds or even thousands of euros, particularly in terms of reduced energy bills. Similarly, the hotels’ social and local commitment gives them an added value that will have a direct impact on the reputation and renown of the establishment.
How to implement these practices in france
These committed practices are totally adaptable for hotel establishments in France and Europe. Indeed, environmental and social issues are not the same. However, all hotels can reduce their energy footprint by taking into account their environment. For example, it is imperative that coastal establishments manage their waste so that it does not end up in the sea. Offering biodegradable toiletries is an idea. Concerning the social/local part, hotels can encourage the involvement of local stakeholders in the operation of the establishment.
