The hospitality industry is one of the largest industries in the world. It’s also an intensive business, switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. This intensity is emphasized as brands, hotel owners and managers continually work to meet, react to and exceed constantly-changing consumer expectations. One force […]
Signing up to support sustainability: The call for a new TripAdvisor rating
TripAdvisor already recognizes hotels and resorts that are leading the pack in sustainability through its GreenLeader program, which combines traveler feedback, business reporting and third-party audits to grade an establishment’s eco-friendly practices. Consumers looking to incorporate green initiatives into their travel plans are able locate the GreenLeader rating of a hotel, which range from Bronze to Platinum.
However, Nordic Comfort Hotel and the Rainforest Foundation Norway are urging TripAdvisor to do more. On the site, users currently rate the service, food, value and atmosphere of hotels and a new campaign is seeking the addition of a ‘sustainability’ button.
While the GreenLeader program is certainly a great accolade, and a draw for travelers already passionate and willing to research the topic of sustainability, having it woven into the most prominent aspect of TripAdvisor’s ratings would inspire hoteliers worldwide to step up their game.
Mathilde Vik Magnussen, a spokesperson for Nordic Choice Hotels, understands the urgency of the situation and said: “Sustainability is a necessary prerequisite for the future of the hotel industry, and the proposed change might be exactly what is needed to push this matter to the top of our agenda.
What do you think – would you rate hotels on their environmental efforts? If so, sign up to support the cause at DearTripAdvisor.com.
Sustainable initiatives save $2 million per year for a Nevada resort
Resorts, hotels and motels worldwide are beginning to look deeper into the many realms of sustainability, dipping their toes into new initiatives that save money, help the environment, and secure a new range of guests who are looking to stay at green properties.
Similarly, whenever The Refinishing Touch sends our experienced and dedicated crew to a new project location, we are always thrilled to see hoteliers taking the necessary steps towards improved sustainability. By implementing our furniture asset management services, including refinishing, re-upholstery, and renovation services, customers are able to save time, money, and resources, in addition to reducing the amount of unnecessary waste that is sent to our country’s landfills.
Environmental solutions come in all shapes and sizes however, and the hospitality and travel industries are two that possess many opportunities for implementation. Once such hotel that has taken advantage of these opportunities is the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada, which recently reported savings of $2 million per year by choosing to capitalize on natural energy.
Innovative technology allows water from a geothermal aquifer 4,400 feet underground to power the Peppermill’s massive heating and hot water systems, eliminating the need for harmful, and increasingly expensive, natural gas.
With the idea of geothermal energy still in the early stages in most regions, the project was certainly risky. Drilling was conducted for more than a month before an adequate aquifer was located. However, Dean Parker, the executive director of Facilities, knew the cost-efficiency and green benefits of the project would be worth it in the long run.
The Peppermill Resort proves that environmental preservation is possible, and companies, like us, can provide the hospitality sector with the tools it needs to create a greener future for their guests, communities, and country.
To learn more about the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino’s project, book your stay or read the full article here. To learn how sustainable furniture asset management can benefit your establishment, visit The Refinishing Touch’s website today.