In the last three to five years we have been bombarded with promises of sustainability efforts on the part of hotels who chose to make social and environmental responsibility a top priority. Multiple hotels have succeeded in that effort and for a long time, the “green amenity” angle was mainstream in the dailies, trade and travel news. As much as sustainability is a large undertaking for corporate hotel chains, there are some great examples of sustainable boutique hotels all over the world including brands such as Kimpton, NYLO, and other independent properties worldwide.
My question is: how is the sustainability promise kept during the economic crisis, and how much PR shelf life does the green angle still have? Is it our duty and responsibility to keep sustainability mainstream in the news, or has it reached a peak? How can we keep the flow of green information interesting and in the forefront of editor’s minds, Twitter and Facebook? Have we talked the angle to death, or are there new ways of showcasing the efforts of sustainability of hotels all over the world?
Food for thought.
Tags: green hotels, pr and green, sustainability and economic crisis, sustainability and social media, sustainable hotels, Twitter and hotels
Honestly, whenever I see the “green” angle for hotels asking customers to compromise their lifestyle, I get a bit perturbed. Although I understand that it saves energy and surfactants to not have one’s towels washed, it is a bit unnerving to see a laminated card on your pillow after turndown service stating “Please leave your towel on the floor if you would like another one - and save the environment”. Seriously? I just paid $350 to stay at your hotel, and you are sending me that message on a laminated card?
I believe a much better way to go through sustainability policy would be through social media like twitter and facebook. That way, a hotel chain can get their true fan base energized and focus on those customers.
And still wash my towels.