Locality and Culture: Sustainability Main Factors in Hotel Experiences

In today's travel landscape, sustainability is no longer a niche concern- it's a fundamental expectation (or demand!). Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that respect the environment and the local community, furthermore enhancing the community hence bringing authenticity to the table. This is where the concept of "locality and culture" emerges as a key factor in creating truly sustainable hotel experiences.

How does it work, in practical terms?

• Prioritizing Local Sourcing: Hotels can minimize their environmental impact by sourcing food, beverages, and amenities from local suppliers. This supports the local economy, reduces transportation emissions, and showcases the unique flavours and products of the region. This is also a compromise from the hotel to the local communities to improve ways of doing together, specially in underdeveloped emerging destinations.

• Embracing Cultural Immersion: Offering guests opportunities to engage with local culture is crucial. This could involve partnering with local artisans, organizing cultural tours, offering language classes, or showcasing traditional music and dance performances. If you are a small hotel why not challenge staff to different roles inside the organisation. The capacity to be polyvalent is undervalued and works perfectly here.

• Minimizing Environmental Impact: Sustainable practices extend beyond sourcing. Hotels can minimize their environmental impact by implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing water consumption, and minimizing waste through recycling and composting programs.

What is the gain? Branding! Positioning...

• Authenticity: By embracing locality and culture, hotels offer guests a truly authentic travel experience. They can connect with the destination on a deeper level, gaining a better understanding of the local community and its traditions.

• Community Support: Supporting local businesses and artisans strengthens the local economy and helps preserve cultural heritage.

• Positive Impact: By minimizing their environmental impact, hotels contribute to a more sustainable future for the planet.

• Storytelling: hotel's narrative should be about people and stories that happen. And things have a source and happen for a reason, let it be told and true. Embracing locality creates a sense of belonging and neighbourhood that isn't just about four walls and a bed. Selling experiences is creating the sense of meaning with the place the hotel is established. Some stories you might not relate, others need to be shaped to be told, but the hotel too is part of the locality now.

Incorporating locality and culture into the hotel experience is not just a trend; it's a crucial step towards creating a truly sustainable and meaningful travel experience. By prioritizing these factors, hotels can offer guests a unique and enriching experience while also contributing positively to the environment and the local community.

What is your responsibility and impact as an hotelier in your community?