Hotels are facing a green-tinted dilemma. Guests now expect hotels to operate some kind of sustainability program, but they remain motivated more by price and convenience than concern for the environment, according to a 2015 study by Cornell University's Center for Hospitality Research. And "the link between environmentally sustainable programs and improved customer satisfaction is weak compared to standard drivers like facilities, room, and food and beverage quality."
In short, guests want green hotels, but they're not going to pay any extra. Not only that, but if sustainable practices cause them any inconvenience, they'll be upset. The question for hotel operators, then, is how to shift toward sustainable operations while saving money and keeping guests happy. Here are some ideas and sustainability best practices from leaders in the industry.
