Adopting sustainable practices in the accommodation sector in Agadir and the Souss Massa region can not only help preserve the planet, it can also help you stand out as a tourism entrepreneur.
According to the United Nations, there is only one planet Earth, and it is currently facing a triple emergency: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. These crises threaten to destroy our planet, but humanity still has the power to change things. Whether you’re an individual, a business, a corporation or a government (local or national), it’s crucial to integrate environmental sustainability into your decisions and actions. The tourism and hospitality sector is no exception.
The objectives of sustainable entrepreneurship encompass both environmental and social aspects. A sustainable entrepreneur aims to reshape the market, society and regulations by leveraging innovation and addressing the mass market to deliver benefits to the majority of society. Its mission is to solve environmental and social problems while delivering a stellar business performance to maximize its impact on the market and society.
Here are some ideas on how your accommodation can play a part in this change: opt for sustainable practices, reduce your carbon footprint, minimize waste and encourage local biodiversity. Adopting these practices can help you save the planet and stand out as a tourism entrepreneur.
- The hotel industry is responsible for 1% of global carbon emissions. However, if the sector's projected growth is not to lead to an increase in carbon emissions, it must reduce its emissions by 66% by 2030.
- By 2050, it is predicted that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, largely due to single-use plastics, which account for almost half of annual plastic production. Canada recently banned certain single-use plastics, and the tourism and hospitality sector should promote similar legislation in the Souss Massa region.
- Water is essential for tourism operations. Research shows that customers can use up to eight times more water than the local community, and even ten times more than they use at home.
- Nearly a third of the world's species are currently threatened with extinction, representing a major challenge for the region's tourism sector, which depends on natural resources to attract travelers. The tourism industry has a considerable impact on biodiversity, both directly (land and resource use, pollution) and indirectly (greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain).
It’s important that accommodation providers, especially in international destinations like Agadir, understand the importance of sustainability. Sustainable travel was recently identified as the third major post-pandemic tourism trend at the “Souss Massa Days”. Hosting providers who don’t adopt these practices risk being left behind. Although this change is mainly driven by Generation Z and Generation Y, all age groups show a strong concern for environmental protection. If you haven’t yet integrated sustainable practices into your business, here are a few ways you can make a positive impact on the environment:
- Reduce water consumption
Small actions, such as reducing shower pressure and installing leak detection systems, can result in significant energy savings. Encouraging the reuse of towels and sheets, as is common practice in many international hotels, also saves water. To go one step further, consider installing a rainwater harvesting system. - Use sustainable local products
Buying local products, such as food, toiletries and decorative items, reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport and supports local businesses using environmentally-friendly practices. This enriches the tourist experience and contributes to a sustainable local economy, which can become a unique attraction. - Becoming more energy-efficient
Investing in smart appliances, using solar energy and intelligent HVAC systems can make a facility more energy-efficient. Also encourage guests to save energy with messages in rooms and public areas. Use digital applications to monitor and control your energy consumption. - Reducing plastic use
Eliminate plastic packaging wherever possible and opt for reusable alternatives. Recycle plastic and start composting. Switching to electronic keys to reduce the use of plastic cards is another sustainability measure. -
Reducing food waste
At buffets, use smaller plates to prevent guests from taking too much food. Encourage restocking by displaying messages on tables and offering friendly service to limit food waste. -
Go paperless
Use online reservation systems and electronic check-in and check-out processes to eliminate the need for paper. Modernize your operations to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. - Participate in local carbon-neutral initiatives
Contribute to Morocco’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 by taking part in local initiatives such as planting trees to capture carbon. This can also involve your customers, allowing them to offset their own carbon footprint.
Whatever type of establishment you run, there are many ways to reduce your emissions, adopt more sustainable practices and become more environmentally friendly. With growing demand for sustainable accommodation, now is the perfect time to adopt an eco-responsible approach that benefits both the planet and your business.
