Some of most important new trends that small restaurants are integrating in their operations are:

• Localization

• Social responsibility

• Transparency

In contrast, large restaurant chains find more difficult to adhere 100% to sustainability trends but still find ways to embrace these already popular practices into their business.

Localization:

The “farm-to-table” concept, although not new, is gaining more popularity. Restaurants patrons want their food to be fresh and free of pesticides and additives. In terms of food waste reduction, a one-location restaurant can follow sustainable practices easily because of the small scale of their purchasing.

Large restaurant operations can still purchase locally but the risk is of not meeting the price point; produce only grown in certain parts of the country, as well as meat and other essential ingredients, limit options for restaurant chains and large groups. These restaurants can anyway still have a positive impact on the local economy by recycling food waste.

In addition, a composting program where waste is diverted, supports local growers even if products are not purchased directly from the local source.

Social Responsibility:

Social responsibility is gaining momentum as well. Occasional or loyal diners want to know that companies take care of their employees and also of the local communities where they are based and operate their businesses. In general, social responsibility has so many aspects to consider that many large corporates find difficult to connect and be involved with the people around them.

The larger is the restaurants group, the tougher is establishing a connection to local communities. One of the most direct initiatives regarding social responsibility for any restaurant operation is to implement policies for a reduction in food waste. Today diners are aware of this matter. For this reason food waste recycling programs are becoming popular to show social responsibility. 

Taking bold actions to reduce food waste is an impactful practice a restaurant can adopt to become more socially responsible. Food donation programs are also becoming very popular for restaurants to be directly connected to local communities. One matter that requires a high level of attention is that large restaurant operations are concerned of the liability issues associated with food donations; partnering with a company that understand the laws and protect businesses from liabilities is one way to solve the problem, as long as food is properly handled and the donation process is properly executed in all aspects regarding food safety.

Trasparency:

“Going green” just to increase sales and claiming to do something so important without a proper follow-through can translate in negative reviews and therefore in a complete failure. An important part of the journey is collecting data related to the programs, so that a business can share environmental goals with customers, online on social networks and on site with detailed information regarding the programs available for guests to read. This practice also helps in building loyalty simply by doing the right thing.

These trends are not always easy to adapt to, but they can provide an advantage over competitors. In the end, these current trends will still be around in the coming years; they will become more and more standard practices as in addition also regulations will support curbing food waste. In doing the right thing for the environment, the brand also will benefit as it will incorporate trendy sustainable and eco-conscious practices. As issues like climate change and plastic pollution are in the spotlight, diners are paying lots of attention to environmentally-friendly practices, food waste reduction, sustainability.

Quality of food and atmosphere, service, value for the money are still important parameters when choosing a restaurant, but now people are also considering Corporate Social Responsibility as a factor which helps in taking the right decision. Implementing environmentally friendly practices into a restaurant business or starting a transformation will generate a positive effect, as customers will notice these initiatives, and they’re likely to become more loyal as a result.

There are many changes to consider, with some ideas difficult to execute because requiring some time and others easy to integrate in daily operations in order to reduce the environmental footprint and support sustainability practices

Reduce Water Consumption: Low-flow faucets or taps operating from a motion sensor can save thousands of liters of water; water-efficient toilets and kitchen equipped with energy star-certified dishwashing machines, ice makers and steamers will help as well for sure

No Paper: Big blackboards, digital menus, more moments of interactions with guests are already replacing in part old style printed menus. Once a menu is in the restaurant's website, diners can be encouraged with proper signs to read it on their smartphones. A digital loyalty program with rewards points can easily replace plastic or paper cards in a program that in addition shows a digital receipt, easy to be accessed in the loyalty app

Support Local Farmers & Family Businesses: If a restaurant purchases locally, it gives a valuable contribution to reduce transportation impact and lower carbon emissions, compared to shipping or flying imported products. Another benefit comes from supporting small businesses that offer most probably fresh and organic produce, free of preservatives and other chemicals

No Waste: Food waste coming from the kitchen and from customers can be donated to local farmers for compost. Food left at the end of the day and not suitable for serving next day can be donated to charity organizations. Coffee grounds make great fertilizer, so eventually it can also be donated to guests to fertilize their gardens or to local farmers to fertilize their crops. Separate bins for food waste, glass, plastic, cardboard, and general rubbish should be in place Use Less Energy One of the easiest steps to take is replacing non-energy saving lightbulbs and monitoring on unnecessary overuse of air conditioning. Depending on the climate, a “1-hour on, 1-hour off” policy would literally cut in half the energy usage. Energy Star-rated microwaves, ovens, exhaust fans and all the appliances should be given priority when purchasing equipment

No Chemical-based Cleaning Products: When considering ways for eco-friendly solutions, we sometimes overlook an important area, which is cleaning. It is important to switch to environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning products free of chemicals. Eco-friendly hand soap for the restrooms can be purchased in bulk and should fill existing dispensers

Recycle Old Furniture and Décor: If considering to open a new restaurant, we should choose sustainable products as more as possible, including loose furniture. Reclaimed wood provides a trendy vibe as well as bamboo-based furniture. Table cloths and even cloth napkins can be washed and reused, just like real mugs, glasses and dishes to replace paper tissues and paper cups

Reduce as more as possible a negative impact on the environment:

a) Strict “no car” delivery policy; only pedestrian or bicycle deliveries for nearby delivery

b) Encourage staff to come to work riding a bicycle and offer incentives to follow this program

c) offer a bonus to employees who share a car to work

d) No plastic straws!. Bamboo, metal or paper straws are recommended

Get Your Staff On Board!: To create the right culture at work, during operations someone needs to be in charge of sustainable practices; a proper Tailor Made Training should be created; these initiatives needs to be put in place only if and when the whole team share all values and everyone is on is on the same page, sharing also the common goal

Get Your Customers On Board!: Proper signs should make clear that the restaurant is embracing sustainable practices and customers should get involved as well through activities like donating 10% of sales to a good cause, or hosting events that ultimately increase awareness locking them into a commitment. Social media accounts to promote dedication to being an eco-friendly business should involve customers for ideas or feedback on how to bring in more sustainable techniques and methods

We can see today more than before how consumers are choosing organizations that are taking a more sustainable approach in their business practices; so it is easy to understand why many hospitality organizations are now considering sustainability as a marketing tool to increase their awareness in the market.

The hospitality industry is placing efforts in keeping their guests engaged with sustainable initiatives so they can be more aware of environmental matters and at same time understand importance of responsible travel and consumption.

There are many little steps that can be taken to engage more guests and push the sustainability agenda forward, here below some simple initiatives to consider:

Reclaiming materials and reusing equipment: following this direction whenever possible can offer a better bespoke new look, and at same time is helpful in avoiding items and materials to be disposed in landfills if they can be still utilized

Recycling bins: guests and employees should be encouraged to respect proper recycling practices through a signage, posters, information on websites, and training. This will improve the level of knowledge related to how they can recycle properly

Refillable containers and dispensers: sustainable waste management shall respect the rule of “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. Refillable containers for soap, shampoo and cleaning materials for instance will help in reducing plastic waste. Same for a ban on single use plastic take away boxes, straws and so on

Recycling food waste: this can be achieved by setting up a garden for instance, whenever possible, with composting facilities for organic products coming from kitchens or guests. To a certain extent a section of the garden can also be utilized to grow herbs that end up on dining tables

Local community: helping the local community is a great way to engage with sustainability. This can be achieved with donations of old furniture, second hand clothing and food. This type of initiative can be highlighted in marketing materials so that guests and patrons find out about sustainability measures in place

Energy Emissions: there are many ways to reduce energy consumption; for sure running energy audits is a great method to understand associated costs and areas of improvement to reduce energy waste. It is also clear that using energy saving appliances and keep all equipment clean and perfectly functioning with daily maintenance helps a lot. Preventing equipment damage and turning off all appliances, when possible and without impacting in a negative way daily operations, would be already a good start

Supply Chain: cutting costs by ordering in bulk from a supplier is considered the best option, if we want to make changes and implement sustainable strategies, this is not the best one. Sourcing from local farms and distributors can translate in better quality and boost the local economy, improving freshness pf products and reducing emissions from long-distance transport. Lately consumers realized that locally raised and humanely slaughtered animals is a very important factor in preserving the ecosystems, and in addition knowing where the food on the table comes is for sure a plus point when choosing products. 

Circular economy: 

A circular economy is an economic system designed to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources. Circular systems reuse, share, repair, refurbish and recycle to create a closed-loop system, minimizing the use of resources inputs and the creation of waste, and pollution. The circular economy aims to keep products, equipment, and infrastructure in use for longer, thus improving the productivity of these resources. Transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy does not only amount to adjustments aimed at reducing the negative impacts of the linear economy. Rather, it represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides environmental and societal benefits. This systems solution framework tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.

The 3R approach is often used to understand more about the circular economy:

• Reduce (minimum use of raw materials)

• Reuse (maximum reuse of products and components)

• Recycle (high-quality reuse of raw materials)

Circular economy aims to transform every element of our take-make-waste system: how we manage our resources, how we make and use products, and what we can do with the materials afterwards.

Circular hospitality

Circular economy strategies has been surfacing for years already and now is beginning to show signs of infiltrating other industries, with the hospitality sector often considered as one area which could benefit a lot from adopting a circular approach in all its practices. Recycling has become already a focus within the hospitality sector; measures such as replacing plastic straws with recyclable paper or reusable stainless steel options, or moving from paper towels to washable fabrics are options becoming very popular. Recent studies show that taking similar small steps can reduce hotel waste by 16 percent, bar waste by 30 percent, and late night venues by up to 95%. Solar panels are becoming a very common sight, and help to generate enough energy to supply restaurants and bars through renewable sources, while some hotels are going for the extra mile adopting strategies that represent a clear major step forward compared to what was done in past years. The QO Amsterdam is famous for its aquarium, and make use of natural fish waste to provide nutrients to the hotel’s greenhouse plants that are grown as ingredients to stock the on-site restaurants and feed guests. As stated in the company's website, they have introduced circularity into daily operations with use and reuse of water, which is one of the highest-volume resources in every hotel. They created a grey water system to limit the wastewater. All water coming from showers and sinks is used again to flush the toilets.

Circular restaurants

Here below some of popular areas of focus in restaurants businesses:

Reutilizing waste: a large percentage of food is incinerated or landfilled as a waste because because of the way it looks or because there are labelling issues related to expiration dates or such. Studies show that most of wasted food is still edible by nature and if properly redistributed more than 1 billion people could be fed by 2050. Some restaurants taking initiatives to contribute to find solutions to this problem transform the wastage into high-quality canteen food or gourmet meals while the unavoidable waste is finally composted. Another approach is utilizing good quality food waste from wholesalers and adapt it to menus accordingly. It is also well known that local produce helps to tackle the problem as it does not face potential damages due to long hours transportation like for imported food.

Sustainable Food: Like vegetables and fruits also seafood also has seasons. The seasonal fishery also exists in seafood. Certain fish has a certain breeding season which is necessary for maintaining the population and to keep up the growing demand. Many restaurants design their menu according to the season fish catch and offers sustainable seafood. The vegetable, fruits, cereals that we eat in our day-to-day life is grown far from the cities. This has led to a large amount of waste. Many establishments now adopt strategies in which the food is grown & distributed within the urbanized city or heavily populated town or a municipality in a sustainable manner.

Zero waste: apart from food waste, restaurants also produce other types of waste like tissue papers, damaged crockeries & single-use packaging & products. European restaurants alone produce an average of 70,000 kg of waste per year. Some restaurants in Finland now choose the interiors, crockery, glassware and napkins made with recyclable and reusable materials, and use composting to reutilize their wastage. Being circular not only helps reduce the environmental footprint but also helps to reduce the amount of waste that either had to be processed or disposed of safely. Ultimately it provides environmental, social and economic benefits.

There are increasing concerns over sustainability in the food and beverage industry, especially in relation to the environment and the issue of climate change. While there are several factors that relate to sustainability in the food and beverage industry, some of the most important ones include the aspect of traceability. The food and beverage industry is long and sophisticated, making it a challenge to trace the sources of supplies and ensure they adhere to sustainability. Lack of traceability is known to increase information asymmetry and negatively impact sustainability governance across geographical boundaries. Another major sustainability factor affecting the industry is the packaging. The industry struggles with ensuring sustainability in the packaging of its products, especially in relation to the need to eliminate the use of plastics in the industry. It is important to ensure sustainability through the sustainable packaging of its products. Additionally, greenwashing is another sustainability factor that is critical to the food and beverage industry. It is noted that most players in the industry lay claim to sustainability programs that are not accurate. Studies have indicated that most companies turn to greenwashing as a strategy to establish an environmentally friendly image while doing very little to ensure environmental sustainability. As such, greenwashing becomes a central factor in achieving sustainability objectives in the food and beverage industry. Food waste is another major factor. The long and complex supply chain in the industry has increased the challenges for tackling food wastage, which negatively affects attempts to ensure sustainability. Supply chain practices are also a major factor in sustainability. The complexity and sophistication of the supply chain system complicate the efforts of the industry players to achieve sustainability objectives. This is because of the high number of players that have diminished the capacity of the companies to monitor the sustainability issues across the supply chain.

The restaurant and supermarket chains are some of the businesses that provide services to the highest number of customers. Thus, their activities have substantial relevance to the sustainability of the environment. As such, these businesses engage in sustainable practices that are aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability. Some of the most popular sustainable approaches employed by restaurants and supermarket chains include the utilization of organic amenities, which leave a limited carbon footprint. It is noted that there is an increase in the use of locally grown organic foods, organic soaps, and organic amenities in the hospitality industry. Energy conservation is another common sustainability approach that is used in restaurant and supermarket chains, including the use of solar heaters and solar-powered lights. Another common sustainability practice used by these businesses is the elimination of single-use plastic bags and containers. This has ensured that there are limited amounts of plastic being released into the environment. Further, another major and common sustainable approach used by restaurant and supermarket chains is sourcing for sustainable suppliers. The commercial green image has been one of the most important selection criteria for suppliers by supermarket chains This has been integral in ensuring that these businesses maintain their sustainability strategies through the suppliers. In addition to that, these restaurant chains, as well as the supermarket chains, have been involved in the development of recycling programs to prevent the increase of waste amounts in the environment. Another common sustainable approach that is used by restaurant and supermarket chains is the use of local sourcing. Local sourcing reduces the need for transportation, which contributes to reduced carbon emissions. In addition to that, local sourcing is also a contributor to the sustainable practice of reducing food wastage that is associated with long distances when transporting foods.

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My name is Massimo, a seasoned practitioner and consultant in the hospitality business. I am launching with my company Dining Vision an “Ecospitality” project Lotus & Jasmine in Vietnam and Thailand. The social enterprise's objective is to integrate 100% eco-friendly lodging, organic food services, and local touristic activities with true green propositions as well as unique relaxing escapes. Focus is on responsible tourism, sustainable hospitality and positive impact on local communities and environment.

More and more environmentally conscious consumers are emerging, especially well-educated millennials and middle-aged individuals. They wish to experience extraordinary travel that is rich and socially responsible. However there are limited offers on the market. The locations of the projects have been strategically chosen where huge potential of economic growth will be experienced in the post-COVID world.

We are now raising fund to bring this project to life. Lotus & Jasmine's unique value proposition is based on a highly viable and scalable business model, resulting in high ROI.

You can participate in the innovative hospitality and sustainability project, and share the fruit of an investment that is projected to be 280% 5-year ROI. Please feel free to download more investment related info here.

Contact me anytime to discuss investment strategies or learn more about the business plan and its triple bottom line: Profit - People - Planet.

As Hospitality Consultants, we offer reliable solutions in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, online or on site. You are entitled to a FREE 30 minutes consultation. WhatsApp: +852 94742237

Massimo Gavina

As social impact and a more responsible approach are today a driver in the way consumers choose their destination and hotels, we can see how environmental awareness is evolving around the way both tourists and businesses approach the issue and try to tackle the related problems. It is no mystery that companies willing to invest on long-term innovative transformations were so far able to perform better than companies that could not find proper solutions and initiatives related to environmental and social problems. New consumers and new concerns emerge in the post-Covid era, and the interest for environment and social matters has reached an all-time high in every demographics segment, where every tourist is well aware of the cost on the planet of services that are simply not sustainable. As highlighted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainability shall be at the core of tourism’s re-birth and should become the new normal in every part of the tourism sector. From luxury travel to a more down to earth form of tourism, implementing more environmentally friendly solutions is something that businesses now consider a priority. Companies today are investing more financial resources to energy savings building features and initiatives that aim to reduce waste for example. As 73% of Millennials are willing to spend more with businesses that have in place sustainable and socially conscious practices, owners understand how in the long run their expenditure toward this new approach will be rewarded and at same time will contribute to a faster recovery.

Local sourcing and partnerships to grow together

As there is the need of getting out of the post pandemic related problem together, many professionals in the hospitality sectors understand that more options and solutions are available closer to home. Now is a great time to create partnerships with businesses in the local areas and reinforce strategically these new alliances to create longer lasting strategies to grow together. Eco conscious guests will be happy to find out how their money impact in a positive way local economies and small family businesses that can offer fresher and more high quality food or other local products. Owners can also market these initiatives through digital channels and keep the conversation running when explaining the reasons behind these initiatives. Through local sourcing of seasonal foods for example, is also easier to tackle food waste, as produce is less likely to spoil because the long distance travel negative impact is reduced.

Benchmarking

Another important factor for a more sustainable hospitality is the importance of benchmarking, as understanding what are the improvements in this journey also leads toward a clear direction for better future sustainable initiatives. An initiative to create a common and globally recognized definition for hotel sustainability has been launched recently in order to promote sustainable travel and tourism. The Basic Sustainability Framework is available to every hotels worldwide to offer an important tool to improve their environmental impact and their practices, all this to have a much needed positive impact on people and planet. Some focus areas are in energy, waste and water management, eco-design, food security, sustainable food and beverage management and finally corporate social responsibility.

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The tourism and Travel industries in Vietnam play a significant in contributing to the countries' GDP. As of 2019, before the Corona chronicles, this sector contributed a national GDP of 12 percent. As such, tourism is a significant contributor to Vietnam's economy. A reasonable percentage of the local communities benefit directly or indirectly from the tourism industry in the country. Additionally, tourism has led to the growth of other parallel sectors. The local communities benefit from tourism and travel sectors in various ways. Tourism makes a better community for the residents reinvest money spent by tourists in local economies. This industry has also created lots of jobs for the Vietnamese. For instance, the tourism sector created 660,000 jobs between 2014 to 2019. Tourism supports local businesses and has led to creativity fostering net business ventures.

All groups in Vietnam get opportunities in this industry - youths, and women, have an outstanding share in this industry, and hence it has encouraged equality among the marginalized groups. Above all, tourism encourages and boosts peace among people from different regions because they learn about each other cultures. Tourism in Vietnam has contributed to preserving heritage by preserving historical and cultural sites. Furthermore, the local communities are encouraged to protect wildlife through preservation programs against illegal poaching. This sector has also contributed to adopting new technology that boosts tourist services such as money transactions. Several industries in Vietnam draw lots of revenues from the tourism industry. Tourism has increased employment in other sectors like hotels and restaurants, which offer services to the tourists traveling away from their homes. Travel agencies depend on the tourism sector to provide transportation services to tourists.

Other sectors benefiting from the tourism sector include souvenir shops, beverage companies, etc. Overly, the tourism sector contributes to the growth of the Vietnamese economy, helps the local communities, boosts other industries, and creates room for further investments in the country. Vietnam reported the first case of the Covid-19 virus on March 23, 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic led to lockdown in the country and closed borders barring foreigners from entering. This action was a measure made to prevent the fast spread of the virus. Although the measures taken were worth it, as they aimed to protect human life, the outcomes were unbearable in the economic sector. The pandemic deteriorated most of the industries that contributed to the economic growth in the country. The tourism sector was not an exception. Vietnam banned foreigners from entering the country through the closure of the country boundaries, whereas lockdown led to the prevention of local tourism in the country. Since March 2020, when the government imposed these measures, the pandemic immensely affected the tourism and travel sectors, affecting the national economy. International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report that forecasted that some of the Vietnamese economic sectors would be severely affected by the pandemic, including tourism, transportation, and accommodation sectors. The fall of tourism led to the loss of jobs, tourism industry ventures, and reduced revenues in the other industries that depended on tourism. In June 2020, the domestic tourism in the country began to recover, only later to enter other struggles owing to the second and third waves of COVID-19. The COVID-19 affected the tourism sector immensely, and we can feel its effects nationwide. The Vietnamese government and the business class are awakenings to get the national economy fixed in this post-Covid-19 re-birth era. Before the eve of the pandemic, Vietnam had a strategy to attract about 20 million foreign visitors. The previous year Vietnam attracted 16.3 million international visitors, which summed up to be a 15.4% increase from the preceding year, 2018. Henceforth, the country remains a potential destination for international travelers.

Since the pandemic led to the financial collapse of the family and the local community businesses making a living on tourism, it is essential to look for a robust solution that will consider the local communities in boosting the economy. There is an already outstanding basement for tourism and travel sectors in the country; hence, investors can easily pick up on the reinvestment strategy to take the country back into or beyond its target.

Find out more about our new project to welcome repsonsible travelers to Vietnam and promote a sustainable hospitality with focus on Profit, People and Planet.

We offer reliable solutions in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, online or on site. You are entitled to a FREE 30 minutes consultation. WhatsApp: +852 94742237

Vietnam and Thailand are beautiful countries with incredible sights to see, but unsustainable travel practices can take their toll on the environment. However, both countries stand out when it comes to sustainable travel. They have been a popular destination for a long time, and in recent years they're starting to attract a more conscious traveller looking for something beyond the typical beach holiday or city break. This guide will go over some of the benefits of sustainable hospitality and responsible tourism.

What is Sustainable Tourism? Sustainable travel means that travellers do not negatively affect the natural or cultural resources they visit. They also create a positive effect by preserving those resources. Sustainable travel is a fascinating and rewarding way to explore new places. It also helps protect the environment and benefit wildlife conservation efforts for years to come; With that said, travellers should always ensure they embrace responsible tourism practices wherever they go. Also, sustainable travel isn't about giving up everything you love – it's about making small changes that can have a big impact. By following these tips, you can enjoy an amazing holiday while helping to preserve the culture and environment of the places you visit. For example, when traveling, you can ditch plastic bottles, pack lightly, take public transportation, and eat like the locals.

Sustainable Tourism, when done correctly, can benefit both the traveller and the local community. 

Cultural enrichment: Visiting other cultures enriches your own, making you a more well-rounded person.

Enjoyment of different cultures: experiencing different cultures makes you appreciate your own.

Improved physical and emotional health: travelling has improved physical health by increasing activity and reducing stress. It also improves emotional health by providing a sense of adventure, new experiences, and self-discovery.

Economic benefits: sustainable tourism can create jobs and income opportunities for local people. Sustainable businesses also tend to be more environmentally friendly, saving money in the long run.

Enhanced appreciation for nature's beauty: visiting different places and experiencing new things increases your appreciation for nature.

Reduced environmental impact: sustainable tourism reduces the negative effects of travelling on natural resources like air quality and wildlife habitats. It also preserves these resources for future generations to enjoy. There's so much to see and do in both these destinations, but if you want to travel around the world and positively impact the environment, then sustainable hospitality and tourism are for you.

We offer reliable solutions in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, online or on site. You are entitled to a FREE 30 minutes consultation. WhatsApp: +852 94742237

An increasing number of people are looking to travel to escape reality. Therefore, it is important to ensure responsible tourism and sustainable hospitality. These ten destinations are perfect for tourists looking for an eco-friendly vacation in Vietnam.

Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is a mountainous nature reserve located about 50 miles west of Hanoi. It features hiking trails through lush forests filled with tropical trees and wildlife. You can also enjoy sustainable hospitality options for any budget ranging from camping to golfing.

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong cave, a natural wonder in the heart of the world's sixth-largest limestone mountain system, is the largest cave globally. With some of the best underground formations in the world, Son Doong offers a spectacular glimpse at our own planet's geological past.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi attracts tourists and locals looking to get away from the noise and frenetic pace of the city. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the centre on a small island. It was built in the 18th century on Jade Island in the centre of the ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ or Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend describes how an emperor was once given a magical sword which helped him defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and in doing so saw the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake. Endangered large soft-shell turtles can be seen swimming in the lake, and to see one of these gentle giants is considered very auspicious. The name of the temple translates to ‘Temple of the Jade Mountain’ and is predominately dedicated to war hero General Tran Hung Dao who defeated an armed force of 300,000 soldiers sent by Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan in the 13th century to invade Vietnam.

Long Bien Bridge

This scenic and historic landmark spans over one hundred meters across the Nho Chu River. It was built during the French colonial period and was recently converted into a pedestrian bridge.

Mekong River Delta

The Mekong River Delta is a land region in the southern part of Vietnam. It has a unique and spectacular landscape, including floating rice fields, mangrove forests, and deltas. It is also home to many animal species, from fish to birds to elephants.

Ha Long Bay

With its limestone formations and rare flora, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most important natural wonders. You can explore caves, swim with dolphins, canoe through mangroves, travel on an old cargo ship, or take a ride on a seaplane. Escape from your daily life by visiting these amazing destinations in the Asian country.

We offer reliable solutions in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, online or on site. You are entitled to a FREE 30 minutes consultation. WhatsApp: +852 94742237

Vietnam and Thailand are beautiful countries with incredible sights to see, but unsustainable travel practices can take their toll on the environment. However, both countries stand out when it comes to sustainable travel. They have been a popular destination for a long time, and in recent years they're starting to attract a more conscious traveller looking for something beyond the typical beach holiday or city break. This post will go over some of the benefits of sustainable hospitality and responsible tourism.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable travel means that travellers do not negatively affect the natural or cultural resources they visit. They also create a positive effect by preserving those resources. Sustainable travel is a fascinating and rewarding way to explore new places. It also helps protect the environment and benefit wildlife conservation efforts for years to come; With that said, travellers should always ensure they embrace responsible tourism practices wherever they go. Also, sustainable travel isn't about giving up everything you love – it's about making small changes that can have a big impact. By following these tips, you can enjoy an amazing holiday while helping to preserve the culture and environment of the places you visit. For example, when visiting Vietnam and Thailand, you can ditch plastic bottles, pack lightly, take public transportation, and eat like the locals.

Benefits of Sustainable Tourism

When done correctly, it can benefit both the traveller and the local community, and this includes:

Cultural enrichment: Visiting other cultures enriches your own, making you a more well-rounded person.

Enjoyment of different cultures: experiencing different cultures makes you appreciate your own.

Improved physical and emotional health: travelling has improved physical health by increasing activity and reducing stress. It also improves emotional health by providing a sense of adventure, new experiences, and self-discovery.

Economic benefits: sustainable tourism can create jobs and income opportunities for local people. Sustainable businesses also tend to be more environmentally friendly, saving money in the long run.

Enhanced appreciation for nature's beauty: visiting different places and experiencing new things increases your appreciation for nature.

Reduced environmental impact: sustainable tourism reduces the negative effects of travelling on natural resources like air quality and wildlife habitats. It also preserves these resources for future generations to enjoy.

Ultimately we can say there's so much to see and do in both these destinations, but if you want to travel around the world and positively impact the environment, then sustainable hospitality and tourism are for you.

We offer reliable solutions in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, online or on site. You are entitled to a FREE 30 minutes consultation. WhatsApp: +852 94742237

As you plan your next vacation, don't forget about giving back to the locals. Traveling can be an eye-opening experience in so many ways, but it's also important to consider how traveling affects the people who live there. Here are five ways to give back to local communities while traveling.

Think Local:  Do your best to recharge batteries and use energy-saving lightbulbs, especially when staying in a hotel. Also, avoid using the amenities like hairdryers and ironing boards as much as possible. Lastly, try asking for an eco-friendly room if you're concerned about the environment while traveling. When it comes to things like tipping, do what you can. If possible, tip locally or use cash instead of credit cards so that the money goes directly into the pockets of those who need it most. This makes your offers sustainable.

Eat Local: Not only is it important to stay local when you're traveling, but it's also important to eat local. Seek out restaurants that use ingredients from the area and learn about the traditional dishes. This is a great way to support the local economy while tasting authentic culture. Ask your hotel or the concierge if you're unsure where to start. If you're staying in a hotel, they may have recommendations for restaurants that support local societies while traveling. Try something new. It's good to try foods from different cultures, but it also helps give back by supporting those working so hard on their craft every day.

Shop Local: When it comes to souvenirs, shop local. This is a great way to show your support for the community and get unique items that you won't find anywhere else. You can find local shops by looking for independently owned or asking locals where they like to shop. Not only will this help the community, but you'll also be able to find some unique items that you wouldn't otherwise see.

Be Eco-Conscious: One of the best ways to give back to local communities while traveling is by being eco-conscious. This means doing your best to reduce your environmental impact. Some things you can do include packing lights, taking public transportation when possible, and recycling what you can to conserve the environment. When it comes to eco-friendly hotels, there are a few things you can look for. Try to find a hotel that uses energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances, recycles and composts, offers linen reuse programs, and provides water refill stations. This helps you to enjoy sustainable travel.

Volunteer: Give back to local societies by volunteering your time. There are many ways to do this, and it's a great way to get to know the local community and make a difference. One option is to join an organized tour that focuses on volunteering. This is a great way to see the country while also giving back.

These are just a few of the ways you can give back to locals while traveling. It's important to remember that every little bit helps and that we all have an impact, no matter how small. So next time you're planning your vacation, consider giving back somehow. It'll make you feel good and help support those in need.

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Vietnam and Thailand are beautiful countries with incredible sights to see, but unsustainable travel practices can take their toll on the environment. However, both countries stand out when it comes to sustainable travel. They have been a popular destination for a long time, and in recent years they're starting to attract a more conscious traveller looking for something beyond the typical beach holiday or city break. This guide will go over some of the benefits of sustainable hospitality and responsible tourism. What is Sustainable Tourism? Sustainable travel means that travellers do not negatively affect the natural or cultural resources they visit. They also create a positive effect by preserving those resources. Sustainable travel is a fascinating and rewarding way to explore new places. It also helps protect the environment and benefit wildlife conservation efforts for years to come; with that said, travellers should always ensure they embrace responsible tourism practices wherever they go. Also, sustainable travel isn't about giving up everything you love – it's about making small changes that can have a big impact. By following these tips, you can enjoy an amazing holiday while helping to preserve the culture and environment of the places you visit. For example, when visiting Vietnam and Thailand, you can ditch plastic bottles, pack lightly, take public transportation, and eat like the locals.

Benefits for both the traveller and the local community:

Cultural enrichment: Visiting other cultures enriches your own, making you a more well-rounded person.

Enjoyment of different cultures: experiencing different cultures makes you appreciate your own.

Improved physical and emotional health: travelling has improved physical health by increasing activity and reducing stress. It also improves emotional health by providing a sense of adventure, new experiences, and self-discovery.

Economic benefits: sustainable tourism can create jobs and income opportunities for local people. Sustainable businesses also tend to be more environmentally friendly, saving money in the long run.

Enhanced appreciation for nature's beauty: visiting different places and experiencing new things increases your appreciation for nature.

Reduced environmental impact: sustainable tourism reduces the negative effects of travelling on natural resources like air quality and wildlife habitats. It also preserves these resources for future generations to enjoy. There's so much to see and do in both these destinations, but if you want to travel around the world and positively impact the environment, then sustainable hospitality and tourism are for you.

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More and more environmentally conscious travelers are emerging and they wish to experience extraordinary travel that is rich and socially responsible.

Wouldn’t you love to enjoy relaxing escapes in Vietnam and Thailand while investing in an environmentally - friendly project that offers a solid return? Please keep reading.

Lotus & Jasmine is a social enterprise that will offer a unique meaningful vacation experience. Our boutique eco-friendly guesthouses and organic restaurants aim to enhance the guest experience by creating moments of responsible tourism while generating a positive impact on environment and local communities.

We are just starting to raise funds! I will be glad to schedule a meeting with you to go through my idea and check your interest in joining our funding board. In the meanwhile feel free to learn more about lotusandjasmine visiting the following pages:

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Reduces negative economic, environmental, and social impacts in the visited regions

Generates economic benefits and improve the well-being of local communities, working conditions and access to the hospitality industry by contributing to create job opportunities

Cooperates with local people in regard of decisions that affect their lives

Facilitates and promote the conservation of cultural heritage

Provides more experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and local cultural, social and environmental issues

Provides access and equal chances of enjoyment for physically challenged people

It is culturally sensitive and promote respect between tourists and hosts, building pride and confidence among local communities

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Sustainable consumption refers to “the use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations”

Sustainable Consumption is about doing more and better with less. We are consuming more resources than ever, way beyond the planet’s capacity. In the meantime, waste and pollution grows, and the gap between rich and poor is getting wider. Health, education, equity and empowerment are all affected in a negative way. Here below some tips for our contribution to this in our everyday life:

Responsible consumption means:

Considering the social, environmental and economic footprint of a product before buying it

Choosing local products and not only imported ones

Considering mostly products made of natural or recycled materials

Paying special attention to product’s labels to understand nutritional facts and traceability

Buying re-useable products and not only disposable ones

Saying no to plastic bags and considering only reusable ones

Considering to repair or recycle or donate broken objects whenever possible

Reusing products and trying to reduce waste

Collecting waste separately, encouraging recycling

Buying according to needs and not to personal greed

Why local food?

Choosing local food you will get the freshest products available and keep the money in the local community. Other benefits of buying locally:

Local producers will have financial incentives to provide job opportunities for local community and strengthen the local economy

Less cargo ships and trucks will be used to import foreign products and therefore less emissions in the air we are breathing

If we buy seasonal produce we can rely more on freshness

At home

Choose energy and water efficient electrical appliances. This will reduce not only pollution but also your expenses

Choose multiple use products instead of disposable ones to decrease the amount of waste generated and you reduce your contribution to excessive exploitation of natural resources

Consider fixing or up-cycling broken objects. You prolong the product’s life cycle

Give up packaging (whenever possible), bulk products are always cheaper and have a reduced ecological footprint

Turning off the lights and taps when not used shall be one an important habit

When planning on building a house or renovating an old one, choose natural materials and ecological architecture

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reducing, reusing, and recycling can help us and our communities, and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources

How can we REDUCE? Reducing your consumption or buying less

How can we REUSE? Rather than throwing out things like clothes or food jars, find new ways to use them. In addition very often broken objects can be fixed

How can we RECYCLE? Collect waste (glass, plastic etc.) and make sure it ends up in recycling containers. Up-cycling is an even more sustainable way of recycling, as helps in finding a new purpose for unwanted items

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In general we can see guests now expect hotels to operate some kind of sustainability program, but the industry still remain motivated more by price and convenience than concern for the environment, according to recent studies. The connection between a sustainable hospitality approach and customer satisfaction is still weak compared to guests satisfaction drivers like quality rooms and food and beverage choices. Very often what happens is that guests want green hotels, but they're not going to support initiatives with paying any extra. In addition, if those initiatives cause inconvenience, they will get angry and ultimately consider other choices. So, how to embrace sustainable operations while saving money and keeping guests happy at same time? This is a question that poses a great threat to operations.

Below some of the best practices coming directly from leaders in the industry:

Green hotels shall measure everything

Guests nowadays understand that serious sustainability requires a great level of knowledge and planning in hospitality operations and they ask specific questions about hotel practices. That's why hotels need to provide real figures in numbers, by conducting a proper assessment of waste, energy and water usage, which means all green efforts in place should be measured. In this way it is possible for guests to have a comparison when data are public between hotels practices related to energy and water usage, responsible consumption and wastage reduction practices. By reducing electricity consumption by 10 percent, a full-service hotel has same financial benefit as increasing the room rate by $1.35 according to recent studies.

Green hotels should also think small

The public perception of a sustainable hotel involves very large improvements that are visible to guests, such as native plantings or rooftop solar panels, but the most popular sustainability programs involve small, low-cost changes, such as low-flow shower heads installation, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances low-flow toilets. Costs and benefits of certifications Hotels can earn various certification by adopting green practices, usually during preopening and for new constructions. A recent study by Cornell University's Center for Hospitality Research suggests that certified hotels perform better than non-certified competitors, for at least the first two years after certification. “This is a good indicator that shows how guests now choose their hotels based also on the sustainable practices in place there.

Green hotels should reward guests

"Green" guests choose to participate in sustainability efforts when they receive something in return, such as loyalty program points. It doesn't have to be always and only a monetary reward. Significant are the results obtained by a business eco-hotel in Mumbai, where when a guest presses a button, the air-conditioning temperature rises by two degrees, and a certificate of appreciation is granted to the guest. This is a very simple, effective strategy that saves the hotel money in the long run and at same time make the guest feel part of an important strategy.

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Many restaurants are looking for new opportunities and innovation. While some operators may be launching a new menu or investing in a new marketing strategy, others are looking to incorporate sustainability into their businesses. Now more than ever, consumers want their food  sustainably and ethically sourced. They’re making their preferences known in social media and word of mouth, using their purchasing power to support businesses aligned with their values. Here are some of the trends in restaurant sustainability:

Food Waste Awareness

Food waste is one of the fastest-growing problems in the industry. Businesses and farms spend $218 billion a year in US only for processing, transporting, and disposing food that is never eaten. Consumers are not confident where their next meal will come from. We can expect to see more awareness of this global issue, as the industry attempts to solve it through prevention, recovery, and recycling efforts.

Shelf-life Extending Products

Restaurants have an opportunity to create less food waste by investing in products like shelf-life extenders. New technologies are emerging and shelf life extenders are more and more often used in the supply chain during packing and shipping. We should expect to see more of this type of innovative, waste reduction technology in restaurants and grocery stores.

Elimination of Single-use Plastics

As restaurant operators can expect to see  more regulations on plastics materials, it is wise to invest in reusable alternatives sooner rather than later.

The Ugly Produce

Fruits and vegetables often go unpicked in fields or get thrown away because they don’t meet certain standards. Many companies are now offering consumers the convenience and savings of produce that would have been discarded, and give these items a second life. Restaurants suppliers will find ways to utilize produce that may not be the most good-looking one and use these items in sauces, soups, or other menu items where the flavor of the ingredients is more important than the appearance.

Food Donation

By donating to communities in need, restaurants can help reduce food waste and hunger. Many local food banks pick up food donations free of charge. Not only this practice would improve restaurant sustainability, but patrons would be more willing to choose a restaurant knowing that a portion of their spending will go to help people in need.

Sustainable Seafood

The future of our oceans and entire species depend on humans eating fish caught sustainably. Diners who enjoy seafood are paying more attention now than before to which fish they are choosing. 

More Vegetables (Less Meat)

Having more vegetarian options on the menus doesn’t mean that diners want to go vegetarian or vegan; probably they just want to change up the proportions on their plate. Dishes with a variety of nutritious vegetables and smaller portions of animal proteins are healthier for the consumer and better for the planet. Some of the most popular food trends are now vegetable-based, making it easy to incorporate more veggies into the menu. 

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Tip #1: Share

The first step of promoting sustainability is by spreading as more knowledge as possible to friends, so they can easily realize how they can positively impact the area they are visiting.

Tip #2: Book Sustainably-Focused Lodging

Since you are in charge of booking lodging, you have a direct impact on this decision. Give your clients a list to choose from including hotels, rentals, and other lodging options that promote higher levels of sustainability.

Tip #3: Consider How You Travel

Sure, most travelers have to fly in an airplane to get to their vacation destination. But once you hit the ground, it is important to understand the ways you affect the environment by your mode of transportation. Suggest carpooling, hybrid car rentals, or biking.

Tip #4: Support Local Businesses

Motivate your travelers to support local businesses. Give them plenty of activity options that help the local community. You should also suggest restaurants that promote local shops and let travelers try authentic cuisine.

Tip #5: Participate in Humanitarian Work

Your travelers don’t need a big humanitarian trip to get in making their vacation sustainable. By participating in humanitarian-focused activities is an excellent way for travelers to blend sustainability into their holiday.

Tip #6: Talk to the Locals

Encourage your clients to get to know the locals. This is a great way to spread ideas to less-evolved countries and get involved in the community. Talking with locals will improve the experience for both parties involved.

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When we travel, we sometimes get a feeling that the place we have chosen is too crowded with tourist. Also we would love to wish to have space of our own or to take a photo without too many people in front of a landmark. At same time we crave local food and not same food we have available at home. We would love to want to get an authentic experience. Sustainable tourism aims to support local communities without impacting in a negative way the nature and the social environment of the destination we visit. Besides, the uniqueness of the place needs to remain authentic also for the future generations. It is becoming more and more important, as many people want to avoid the tourist spots. Places that stay intact and unique are only few now. Problems surface because of over tourism and huge amount of trash left behind. For a better future of our planet, sustainable tourism should be promoted extensively in order to have more and more people to try it; as many information as possible should be provided so the culture of travel sustainably could become part of our experience when on holidays.

Positive effects of the pandemic on sustainable tourism:

The pandemic was quite effective against mass tourism and mass gatherings. Some destinations became also more accessible to local communities as costs of services decreased a lot. The positive effect was also felt on the environment as pollution and natural resource consumption dropped down to a very significant level. Animals have returned to urban settlements and in Venice we saw again clear water in the “Laguna” while in Thailand’s beaches sea turtles were spotted again to lay eggs. The other side of the coin is the absence of airplanes and tourist ships, and the loss of jobs for millions of people in tourism industry; these factors caused a lack of financial support for sustainable tourism, the ultimate resource for the welfare and support to local communities especially in countries with low GDP.

The future of sustainable tourism:

The World Tourism Organization published new guidelines for tourism recovery stating that sustainable tourism should stop being just a niche for extra income and should become a norm for everyone. Actions were recommended in order to recover quickly and facilitate responsible approach for better future.

Here below are highlighted 7 tips to be a responsible traveler:

Choose responsible accommodation by choosing boutique hotels or international luxury brands offering greener accommodation options. Find businesses that actively partner with the local community and have sustainable practices that support the environment; organizations that donate part of their profits to charities and pay their local staff wages above average

Opt for green, cruelty-free & ethical tour operators: These places are often signed up to various country or international schemes aimed at reducing the environmental impact of their operations and concerned with being a sustainable business. Related information can be found online before booking.

Buy Local: This really supports the local economy: handicrafts locally made instead of mass-produced magnets, keychains, mugs, or shirts should be given more attention to. A meal at a local restaurant instead of going to chain restaurants or fast food joints, or buy groceries in a local farmer’s market, contributes to support local and family run businesses. This will also help in providing a more authentic travel experience.

Be Generous: If you find yourself in a conversation with someone in need of little money, consider how that small amount of cash can help that person. On the other hand, although it may be tempting to give money to beggars or children, it’s not always the best idea. Intact it encourages them to constantly ask travelers for cash. Often, the money received is not even for them. A better alternative is to offer some food or water to drink.

Respect Local Culture: One of travel’s greatest accomplishments and rewards is learning about different cultures, beliefs, and religions. It is very important to show respect for locals while visiting their own places. Don’t expect them to understand English or your native language. Besides, just a simple “hello” or “thank you” in their native language can make miracles; understanding their traditions helps to not accidentally offend someone with wrong actions.

Leave No Trace: It is important to adopt the “leave no trace” mindset. Don’t litter, don’t carve out anything, and don’t leave a physical trace. Just enjoy the moment.

Spread Awareness: A true responsible traveler helps in spreading awareness and educating others. Lots of people are curious about responsible traveling habits and just look for information to be shared.

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What is sustainable tourism?

Tourism helps in generating revenues and improving local economies. However, factors like loss of heritage as well as ecological degradation can have a negative impact on the ecosystem and socio environment of the destination. Sustainable tourism ultimately is an industry aiming to generate employment opportunities and ensuring at the same time that negative impacts on environment and local communities are to be minimized. In simple words, sustainable tourism takes into account probable or possible negative consequences of tourism on the social, environmental and economic structure of the destination while taking measures to conserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of that particular place. It aims to pursue sustainable development goals that have a positive impact on locals, tourists and tourism industry. Here certain goals that can be achieved: 

Preserve and conserve: This involves appreciating the purity of the environment and reducing any kind of pollution including air, water, and sound.

Preserve the biodiversity: Placing efforts to reduce the impact on the ecological balance of the place minimizing the negative impact on wildlife or natural surroundings. 

Utilizing the available resources: Using renewable and non-renewable resources in an efficient and effective way; encouraging locals and tourists in regards of responsible consumption and waste prevention. 

Increase employment: Generating opportunities for people to get employed. 

Creating awareness: Increasing awareness about the positive impacts on cultural and natural heritage by personally committing with various sustainable tourism practices.

Tourism can get economy improving and at same time, if not properly managed, can damage social systems and natural resources; for this reason, sustainable tourism education and awareness contribute in maintaining a proper balance between the above factors.

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Today’s consumers wish to know if the food they choose in a restaurant is responsibly sourced and if that particular eatery is placing efforts in reducing the damage the operations do to the environment. Recent surveys have shown that 60 percent of consumers want to seek out sustainable restaurants, and over two-thirds of them are willing to pay more to dine at sustainable eateries. Going green attract new loyal fans and offer chances to increase prices if offsetting the costs of doing so is needed after implementing the new strategies. As a big part of the job is providing guests with what they want, restaurants today are looking for efficient ways to be more sustainable and possibly in the most cost-effective ways possible:

Sourcing seasonal products is a good strategy to make a restaurant more sustainable, by rotating menu items based on seasons, when they are actually very fresh.

Using seasonal produce, cheese, meats and more can actually be a cost-saving effective strategy as these items are in abundance during the harvesting season, which drives costs down.

Greening your supply chain. Many restaurants choose vendors very far from their location. This of course drives up product prices and produces unnecessary carbon emissions, hard on the environment.

Choosing vendors who can provide you with products that don’t have to travel long distances would be nice but of course…... it is not always possible.

Knowing where the seafood comes from helps to fight overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices that represent a danger to the health of the oceans. Sustainable seafood is more expensive, but shopping what’s in season or what’s available locally can help keep costs down.

Vegetarian and vegan options reduce the negative impact on the planet. By replacing one meat option or two with more vegetarian and vegan dishes is a good way to be more sustainable without affecting too much sales. Meat and dairy aren’t only not sustainable, they’re also expensive. Vegetarian and vegan items can have higher profit margins and can actually contribute to saving.

Reclaiming the restaurant’s décor. This is a great strategy to be sustainable and trendy at same time. Not everything needs to be brand new. Used linens, dishware, wall decorations from closing businesses is also a great money-saving strategy.

Buying top-quality appliances. This is good for theenvironment as newer ppliances are more energy efficient and easier to repair if they break down, meaning they won’t need to be replaced any time soon. Consuming less water and electricity. It is possible to save on water and energy installing timers on lights and low-flow toilets and sinks in your restrooms. Although there is an upfront cost, savings on future energy and water bills offsets those costs.

Cutting down on waste. Throwing away expired food can be avoided with better inventories procedures, portion sizes can be reduced, leftover van be used for stocks and sauces. Joining a recycling program. Many options exist to support these initiatives. Some recycling programs are free, but some do cost small fees to join.

Ditching one-use plastics (as much as possible). First step is offering drinks in glasses only, and If they really need a straw then second step is providing recyclable and reusable straw alternatives like biodegradable paper, bamboo, pasta, or even metal.

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As stated by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism means “responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people”. What are some places that can be considered ecotourism destinations?

National Parks: By including these natural areas in our travelling, we support conservation of wild spaces and species

Marine Protected Areas: to protect biodiversity whenever possible visiting these areas as sometimes access is restricted

Sanctuaries: These sites exist to protect biodiversity and species. Through donations or volunteering and sharing we can help to attract more visitors

Cultural local events: When we offer incentives or donations, we help to keep traditions alive and support local communities

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As issues like climate change and plastic pollution are in the spotlight, diners are paying lots of attention to environmentally-friendly practices, food waste reduction, sustainability. Quality of food and atmosphere, service, value for the money are still important parameters when choosing a restaurant, but now people are also considering Corporate Social Responsibility as a factor which helps in taking the right decision.

Implementing environmentally friendly practices into a restaurant business or starting a transformation will generate a positive effect, as customers will notice these initiatives, and they’re likely to become more loyal as a result.

There are many changes to consider, with some ideas difficult to execute because requiring some time and others easy to integrate in daily operations in order to reduce the environmental footprint and support sustainability practices:

Reduce Water Consumption: Low-flow faucets or taps operating from a motion sensor can save thousands of liters of water;  water-efficient toilets and kitchen equipped with energy star-certified dishwashing machines, ice makers and steamers will help as well for sure

No Paper: Big blackboards, digital menus, more moments of interactions with guests are already replacing in part old style printed menus. Once a menu is in the restaurant's website, diners can be encouraged with proper signs to read it on their smartphones. A digital loyalty program with rewards points can easily replace plastic or paper cards in a program that in addition shows a digital receipt, easy to be accessed in the loyalty app

Support Local Farmers & Families: Businesses If a restaurant purchases locally, it gives a valuable contribution to reduce transportation impact and lower carbon emissions, compared to shipping or flying imported products. Another benefit comes from supporting small businesses that offer most probably fresh and organic produce, free of preservatives and other chemicals

No Waste: Food waste coming from the kitchen and from customers can be donated to local farmers for compost. Food left at the end of the day and not suitable for serving next day can be donated to charity organizations. Coffee grounds make great fertilizer, so eventually it can also be donated to guests to fertilize their gardens or to local farmers to fertilize their crops. Separate bins for food waste, glass, plastic, cardboard, and general rubbish should be in place Use Less Energy One of the easiest steps to take is replacing non-energy saving lightbulbs and monitoring on unnecessary overuse of air conditioning. Depending on the climate, a “1-hour on, 1-hour off” policy would literally cut in half the energy usage. Energy Star-rated microwaves, ovens, exhaust fans and all the appliances should be given priority when purchasing equipment

No Chemical-based Cleaning Products: When considering ways for eco-friendly solutions, we sometimes overlook an important area, which is cleaning. It is important to switch to environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning products free of chemicals. Eco-friendly hand soap for the restrooms can be purchased in bulk and should fill existing dispensers Recycle Old Furniture and Décor If considering to open a new restaurant, we should choose sustainable products as more as possible, including loose furniture. Reclaimed wood provides a trendy vibe as well as bamboo-based furniture. Table cloths and even cloth napkins can be washed and reused, just like real mugs, glasses and dishes to replace paper tissues and paper cups

Reduce as more as possible a negative impact on the environment:

a) Strict “no car” delivery policy; only pedestrian or bicycle deliveries for nearby delivery

b) Encourage staff to come to work riding a bicycle and offer incentives to follow this program

c) offer a bonus to employees who share a car to work

d) No plastic straws!. Bamboo, metal or paper straws are recommended

Get Your Staff On Board!: To create the right culture at work, during operations someone needs to be in charge of sustainable practices; a proper Tailor Made Training should be created; these initiatives needs to be put in place only if and when the whole team share all values and everyone is on is on the same page, sharing also the common goal

Get Your Customers On Board! Proper signs should make clear that the restaurant is embracing sustainable practices and customers should get involved as well through activities like donating 10% of sales to a good cause, or hosting events that ultimately increase awareness locking them into a commitment. Social media accounts to promote dedication to being an eco-friendly business should involve customers for ideas or feedback.

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We have seen many trends within the hospitality industry in past few years, but one in particular most probably will stay as it will generate a long term impact on the sector as well on the transformation in terms of a greater sustainability the industry needs to face.

How to explain in few words “circular economy”

A circular economy model implements strategies and processes that generate a significant reduction in the need for new materials and in the need for disposal; existing products are altered to facilitate reuse, minimizing the need for the harvesting of natural resources and reducing waste to protect environment while drawing awareness to ‘green’ and eco-friendly processes. Circular economy is not the end of production, but goods and services have now to be designed to minimize resources needed, to last and more importantly to be reusable or recyclable. On one hand, in the new economy approach, production may decrease given that goods are reused, but on the other hand the goods produced may incorporate more value added to satisfy new consumption patterns.

Circular hospitality

Recycling and sustainability is now a focus within the hospitality sector; new directions to follow are in place. Replacing plastic straws with recyclable paper or reusable stainless steel options or moving away from paper towels to washable fabrics, show that by taking small steps such as these, waste could be reduced up to 16 percent. At same time solar panels are becoming more popular as well as recycling food waste to provide nutrients to the hotel’s greenhouse plants. As more and more organizations in the hospitality sector embrace the concept of reusability, the indication now is that circular economy could be implemented in the whole tourism industry.

Circular economy in the tourism sector

There are good reasons to believe that firms within the tourism sector have a strong interest to adapt their production process. In the food & beverage industry, it is said that 60% of food that is thrown away can be easily avoided. A hotel or restaurant, when aiming at producing zero waste, increases its chances to prosper in the coming years and if steps towards circular economy are taken properly, costs do not increase. Even if costs slightly increase, they will be offset by the higher turnover the firm will be able to make. As competitors will adapt as well to comply with circular tourism and prices will probably decrease a little, not adapting to the new models of consumption will lead to a business collapse. Very soon consumers will reject the idea of consuming goods & services unhealthy for our environment. Changes do not have to be radical; the goal is showing the consumers that what they want and need is seriously considered and great efforts are in place in daily activities to achieve this result.

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Ecotourism is a form of responsible travel to natural areas that help in conserving the environment, sustaining the well-being of the local people, and involving interpretation and educational activities. It builds cultural and environmental awareness and encourages positive experience for visitors as well as hosts. At same time it minimizes the impact of tourism on the environment.

The 4 Pillars of eco-tourism:

Environmental Stewardship: protecting the environment by implementing conservation and sustainable practices; committing to the protection and responsible use of the surroundings for future enjoyment.

Ecological Connection: full engagement with land, flora or fauna in the environment.

Community Empowerment: having a direct socioeconomic impact by diversifying, donating or employing locals.

Cross-Cultural Engagement: interacting with the culture of the surrounding by learning new skills, history or sharing as more a spossible with local families. Cross-cultural engagement with another culture has a long lasting impact.

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Restaurants are sustainable when they reduce their waste streams and are also practicing sustainable principles, minimizing their impact on the environment. While we are seeing a decline of our planet’s natural resources as well as an increase in demand for transparency and in consumer expectations, restaurants businesses are facing numerous challenges, such as growing costs, slow growth, employees retention or high turnover and ultimately a need to attract a younger demographic target. As consumers, according to recent statistics, are willing to pay more for sustainable services and products, restaurants should consider more commitment to sustainability, as this would be an important marketing strategy to address all issues above. Here some important steps for restaurants businesses willing to start their “sustainable” journey:

Engaging stakeholders: to start the process in the more efficient way it is important to receive support, suggestions and input from as many stakeholders affected by the business as possible; employees, suppliers, corporate, local communities, private and public organizations should be involved from the very beginning.

Operations assessment: it is recommended to study in depth all major issues such as employee’s retention and turnover rate, relationship with suppliers and local communities, where most of the money is spent, how the company is known in the market and what can be done to improve.

Sustainability Metrics Tracking System: once a sustainability tracking system is developed and updated regularly, metrics like water consumption, energy use, waste and others can be kept under tight control and analyzed in depth in order to identify trends and opportunities from improvement. This analysis will create a system in which monitoring on performance and benchmarks will help in consolidating best practices. Targets and goals should be realistic and not impossible to achieve; at same time they should create the right level of excitement to keep all stakeholders engaged during the journey.

New technologies, programs and policies: understanding what is available in the market for improvement of business and operations is extremely important as there are always new trends emerging and new practices to embrace. Consultants can help and support in this stage.

Implementation: After identifying new technologies, policies and practices, it is time to implement. Employees and stakeholders need to be informed during the journey as these initiatives can motivate them and keep them engaged.

A never ending journey: The goal is to continually improve practices, continue to reduce costs day by day, continue to build bridges with stakeholders and continue to contribute to a better world for everyone.

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