Sustainable practices that protect our environment for future generations are receiving closer attention across the board, and South Africa’s local travel suppliers are making strides in developing and implementing greener policies that support more sustainable objectives.
Euromonitor International, a worldwide provider of global business intelligence, market analysis and consumer insights, recently released a report highlighting sustainability as a key driver across various travel segments. In addition, communicating these efforts is sure to bring potential growth opportunities.
“The research shows that both eco-adventurers and cultural explorers, representing a significant portion of the market (79%), are willing to pay a premium (up to 10%) for travel options that prioritise sustainability. This indicates a strong opportunity for travel companies to cater to this growing demand by effectively showcasing their sustainability efforts,” explained Euromonitor’s Head of Research, Caroline Bremner.
South Africa's hotels step up
Susan Reynard, Communications and Public Relations Consultant for the City Lodge Hotel Group, told Travel News that the group has expanded its sustainability initiatives in recent years, carefully balancing the use of renewable and non-renewable environmental resources, and striving to conduct business in an environmentally responsible way in line with its values.
“We diligently assess our environmental footprint and implement measures to mitigate adverse impacts, aligning sustainability with ease of stay,” the hotel group says.
The practical implications of this strategy are included in the group’s 2023 integrated report:
- Average water consumed per occupied room - 0,35kl,
- Average electricity consumed per occupied room - 19,5 kWh,
- Energy produced by solar/PV installations - 2,2 million kWh,
- New solar installations with the capacity to generate 3,5 million kWh.
City Lodge has also demonstrated financial resilience through the challenges of the pandemic. The group generated revenues of R1,7 billion in 2023, up from R1,1 billion in 2023 and R1,5 billion in 2019.
In 2014, independant hospitality provider, Hotel Verde at Cape Town International Airport, made history by becoming Africa’s pioneer in offering 100% carbon-neutral accommodation and conferencing services. Notably, it holds the distinction of being Africa’s inaugural LEED platinum-certified hotel. (LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which signifies a globally-recognised standard for green building rating and certification).
Hotel Verde employs a range of sustainable practices, from passive energy-conscious designs such as natural ventilation and night cooling, to sophisticated installations like photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and a grey water recycling plant. Moreover, its intelligent building management system oversees the heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems.
“Once we started the process of creating a sustainable hotel, I quickly realised that my dream of providing something luxurious and truly sustainable was not only possible but also a business model worth sharing, with the potential to change lives and the industry as we know it,” said Mario Delicio, Owner and Director of Hotel Verde.
Green Tourism Incentive Programme
The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), run by the Industrial Development Corporation and launched in 2017 by the Department of Tourism, supports private enterprises that invest in sustainable solutions for managing energy and water resources.
More information about the programme and applications for the next window, (closing at the end of March), can be found on the GTIP portal.
