The travel industry is witnessing a significant shift in consumer attitude and choices. In this exclusive article for Traveltalk, LACHLAN WALKER, Area General Manager South Pacific Islands, IHG Hotels & Resorts, looks at how hospitality owners are also moving with the times.
SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUES to be an important topic in the travel industry and it’s not hard to see why.
In recent years, the travel industry has witnessed a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with more and more travellers seeking sustainable and eco-conscious experiences.
People are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices and are actively looking for ways to minimise their carbon footprint while enjoying their vacation.
The statistics say it all. Expedia’s Sustainable Travel Study’ showed that 72 per cent of Australian travellers look for sustainable travel options and for their future travels, Australian consumers are 74 per cent more likely to use providers who declare a commitment to sustainable practices.
Additionally, in Australia more than three in four consumers believe that lessening environmental impact is a part of sustainable travel.
Hospitality owners are still working hard to recover from the impact of the pandemic while navigating the day-to-day challenges of running their business.
In this context, it’s encouraging to see how many industry players are taking active steps towards operating more consciously.
At Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, we recognise the role we play in preserving the pristine environment that the luxury resort sits on and try to take a proactive approach to sustainability.
Through a range of initiatives, we aim to embrace sustainability as a core principle, offering unforgettable yet educational experiences that allow our guests to actively engage in environmental conservation.
Sustainable Food Sourcing: An Important Touchpoint
We are focused on sourcing food more sustainably. The cultivation of the Natadola honey beehives project is part of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow sustainability initiatives, focusing on growing and generating our own produce for consumption.
Around 60 litres of honey has been harvested from the on-site honey project since it launched.
Guests can enjoy the freshest honey possible by obtaining it straight from the honeycomb during breakfast at Navo restaurant and Club InterContinental.
This home-grown raw product is also used in Spa InterContinental’s Signature Natadola Bay Honey Retreat, where the journey begins with a luxurious sugar and honey scrub, then a yoghurt honey wrap followed by a facial.
Spa InterContinental also features a garden that houses freshly grown herbs used during spa treatments. Guests who join the spa herb garden tour can learn about the herbs, sample infused tea and enjoy sesame honey bars.
Engaging Guests in Conservation Efforts
We believe involving guests in educational programs and offering firsthand experiences is greatly beneficial in driving positive change.
Our recent coral propagation program, in collaboration with Reef Safari, aims to rebuild reef structures by placing coral fragments on metal frames around the resort’s house reef.
Guests participate in the process by making “cookies,” cement ball structures and rescuing coral fragments for planting. Over the next 12 months, InterContinental Fiji and Reef Safari plans to plant 3,000 coral fragments.
Engaging guests in conservation initiatives not only contributes to the well-being of the local ecosystem but also enhances the overall guest experience. It allows travellers to create meaningful memories and forge a lasting connection with the destination.
Towards a Sustainable Future
While progress has been made, there is still more to be done.
It is essential for us and the industry as a whole to approach sustainability with genuine commitment and look at ways to incorporate sustainable practices holistically.
By continuously evaluating and improving our practices, hotels and resorts can help contribute to a more sustainable future while offering unforgettable experiences for their guests.
For more information on InterContinental Fiji’s sustainability efforts visit:
www.fiji.intercontinental.com/journey-to-tomorrow
