The environmental impact of tourism is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) estimates that the tourism industry contributes about 8.0 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation, accommodation, and food services being the main contributors.
As countries and industries around the world work to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the urgency of sustainable tourism has never been more critical.
Kenya, a leading African tourism destination, has the opportunity to set the pace for implementing sustainable practices in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The adoption of eco-friendly initiatives in the industry can help balance environmental responsibility with economic growth while positioning Kenya as a model of sustainable tourism in the region.
Food waste is one of the most important environmental challenges in the tourism and hospitality sector. Globally, more than 931 million tons of food goes to waste each year, with hotels and restaurants being the main contributors.
In Kenya, the World Food Program reports that more than 30 percent of the food produced is lost or wasted. Addressing this issue is essential to reducing the environmental footprint of the tourism sector.
Many hospitality players are now adopting sustainable food waste management practices such as composting and reusing food by-products.
Simple but innovative solutions, such as turning food waste into new culinary creations or using compost to support on-site gardens, can help reduce methane emissions from landfills while promoting a circular economy.
These initiatives, if adopted more widely, will not only reduce waste but also create a positive environmental impact in line with the global drive for sustainability.
Hospitality businesses that prioritize these measures can help create a more sustainable future while demonstrating that reducing food waste can coexist with quality service.
Another critical aspect of sustainable tourism is addressing carbon emissions from transportation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport accounts for nearly a quarter of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
In the tourism sector, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for the transfer of guests is emerging as an innovative way to reduce these impacts.
Electric vehicles, which emit about half the CO2 of conventional cars over their lifetime, provide an environmentally friendly alternative that fits the sustainability goals of many tourism operators.
Globally, EV adoption is accelerating, with the IEA projecting that EVs could save 1.5 gigatons of CO2 per year by 2030.
Integrating electric mobility into the guest experience not only reduces emissions but also enhances the hotel’s green credentials.
As travelers increasingly seek environmentally responsible accommodations, offering environmentally friendly transportation solutions can increase guest satisfaction and loyalty.
The global travel landscape is changing, with sustainability becoming a key deciding factor for many tourists.
According to the 2023 Sustainable Travel Report by Booking.com, 76 percent of travelers want to make more sustainable travel choices, and 68 percent prefer to choose accommodations with clear sustainability certification.
This shift presents a unique opportunity for the Kenyan hospitality industry to attract a new segment of environmentally conscious travelers.
By implementing sustainability in areas such as waste management and green energy, hotels and resorts can attract environmentally conscious guests while reducing operational costs.
Furthermore, sustainability certification and eco-labels not only benefit the environment but also improve the property’s marketability.
This demand underscores the need for the industry to adopt sustainable practices and use them as a competitive advantage.
Sustainability in tourism goes beyond individual initiativesāit requires a collective commitment within the industry to environmentally responsible practices.
By integrating sustainable solutions into their core operations, tourism operators in Kenya can help conserve the country’s natural resources while positioning the industry for long-term success.
The adoption of these practices can have significant ripple effects. For one, it creates jobs and green innovation, providing new economic opportunities for local communities. Second, it sets the stage for Kenya to become a global leader in sustainable tourism.
With growing global awareness of the need for climate action, the hospitality sector must be at the forefront of implementing environmentally responsible solutions.
The future of tourism is undeniably green. As environmental awareness increases globally, the hospitality sector must meet the challenge by implementing sustainable practices in waste management, energy use, and transportation.
By taking bold steps now, Kenya’s tourism industry can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future while continuing to offer world-class experiences.
Russel Storey, Radisson Blu Hotel Upperhill General Manager