Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Sustainable Tourism: What Can You Do?



Sustainability in the hospitality industry is a big concern for all of us.  Not only are there concerns about water usage but water quality and the use of other natural resources.

Many in the tourism industry are taking into consideration their financial responsibilities, social responsibilities and environmental responsibilities.  Implementation of these three elements of sustainability is a process, not an end goal. 

We must challenge ourselves, our staffs and our guests to be more responsible today than they were yesterday and more tomorrow than they were today.

Buffalo River Farm has implemented a sustainable practices credo for the short and long run.  This started by choosing building materials that were sustainable as well as energy efficient AND by using local talent during the building process.  For example, the outside lights on the 120 foot porch are called "dark sky" lighting.  These lights face downward and do not interfere with the beauty of the night sky.  Here are a few more areas that we are focusing on:

  • Towels and bed linens are not changed daily unless the guests needs and/or request that towels and linens should be changed.  If a guest stays 7 days, the bed linens and towels are changed mid-week. 
  • Local food is purchased from local farms to the extent possible.  
  • Thermostats are maintained at 67 degrees F in winter, we do not use wood for supplemental heat because of insurance liability; air conditioning thermostats are set at 74 degrees F. in summer
  • Grounds will be landscaped with drought tolerant plantings and rainwater will be collected for some watering
So, what can you do?  It is the hope that by reading this, you will develop an understanding that the guest is a vital part of the sustainability effort in the hospitality industry.

We hope to see you soon,
Donna  




Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Why We Should Care About Sustainable Tourism



Last week's post in this series of exploring sustainable tourism, defined sustainable tourism.

This post will explore the "why" of sustainable tourism. 

 Impact:    Over 842 million people traveled internationally in 2007 + this is expected to reach 1.6 billion by 2020.  As a result, travel and tourism was expected to represent 3.6% of total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007 and 10% if tourism related businesses like transportation, cleaning, catering, etc. were included! (Source: Global Development Research Center)

Considering the scope of the impact that this could possibly have on communities and tourism dollars in those communities, not to speak of water resources used by hotels, motels etc., sustainability only makes sense.