Ecotourism is "in". People want to believe their precious vacations are not creating a giant carbon footprint to harm the environment, but rather are at least carbon neutral. And the hoteliers are responding. Going green is not just a good idea for impressing guests and supporting the environment, but energy-saving practices also often benefit the bottom line. For now, some resorts will use it as their "unique selling propositions".
In Hawaii, an increasing number of hotels and resorts now use recycled water and computer-monitored ‘fertigation’ (irrigation with doses of organic fertilizer). Another attractive feature they provide is beach-site, solar-power restrooms.
Nominated for the World's Leading Green Resort and located in Bahia, Salvador, Brazil's is the beautiful and luxurious Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte. Boasting five stars, this idyllic resort features simple architecture in harmony with the spectacular scenery and the impressive biodiversity of the area. Guests enjoy colorful gardens and natural pools as well as "a culinary journey through exotic flavors".
Founded after British environmentalist/businessman, Jan Telensky happened upon a pipe gushing hot water near Slovakia's High Tatras Mountains, AquaCity was named the World's Leading Green Resort in both 2008 and 2009. AquaCity uses available geothermal energy to heat and power its extensive facilities.
Guests minimize their carbon footprints, at the same time enjoying the highest standards of service at affordable prices. AquaCity has earned a global reputation for its pioneering approach to green tourism. Since it opened, it has welcomed over 2 million travelers and now daily saves more than 27 tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere.
In the February issue of its in-flight, Qantas announced its "Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism". Among its state award winners are the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Australia. The hotel identified 30 actions it could take to become more eco-friendly. Among them are replacing light bulbs, reducing water and gas usage, and installation of a system that reduces in-room air-conditioning use by 25 to 40 per cent.
Expect the "green movement" to gain momentum, as every industry will look for ways to go green, while saving energy (and money) and attracting both talent and customers.
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