FHT2024: Can the hospitality industry reinvent itself around new CSR paradigms?

04/07/2024

The world of tourism is in a state of flux, facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges. At the FHT2024 conference, Fairmoove founder Jean-Pierre Nadir explored ways in which the hotel industry can reinvent itself around the new paradigms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Here's an overview of the key points discussed and the solutions proposed.

Tourism: Problem or Solution?

Jean-Pierre Nadir began with a radical question: is tourism really the scourge some people make it out to be? Of course, its carbon footprint is significant, but we mustn't forget its crucial social role. Tourism accounts for 20% of global employment and is an essential source of income for many developing countries.

Reducing Carbon Impact

Reducing our carbon footprint is an imperative. Nadir proposes several ways to achieve this:

- Direct flights and eco-piloting: Reducing indirect routes and adopting eco-friendly piloting practices can cut the carbon footprint of flights by 15%.

- Modern aviation technologies: the latest generation of aircraft consume less fuel, reducing their environmental impact.

- Quotas and pricing for water and electricity: The Arctic Blue initiative in Finland, which plans to charge for water and electricity consumption, could encourage customers to adopt more responsible behavior.

Tourism can also be a powerful lever for economic and social development. Jean-Pierre Nadir stresses the importance of redistributing the wealth generated by tourism:

- Local job creation: Encouraging local production and the use of local products can revitalize local economies and reduce dependence on imports.

- Training and inclusion: The hospitality sector offers accessible employment opportunities. Training initiatives can enable people from all backgrounds to progress in this industry.

Towards Sustainable Tourism

To transform tourism into a sustainable sector, it is essential to rethink infrastructures and practices:

- Eco-building and climate-friendly architecture: Using local materials and architectural techniques that minimize the use of air conditioning can reduce the ecological footprint of hotels.

- Water treatment and management: Investing in grey water treatment systems for agricultural irrigation is one way of integrating sustainable practices.

The importance of CSR

CSR is not a constraint, but an opportunity. Hotels that incorporate responsible practices can attract loyal customers and reduce their dependence on intermediaries like Booking.com. Having a strong concept and a clearly identified brand can set a hotel apart from the competition, and build loyalty among both customers and employees.

Anticipating regulations

With the arrival of the Hotel Green Score in 2026, it's crucial for hoteliers to get ahead of the game by adopting sustainable practices now. This score will help to identify good practices and make hotels more attractive to environmentally-conscious customers.

Conclusion

The hospitality industry has a crucial role to play in the transition to sustainable tourism. By integrating CSR principles, reducing carbon footprints and maximizing positive social impact, the sector can reinvent itself and contribute to a more balanced and equitable future. The challenge is immense, but so are the opportunities.