How to create an inclusive, sustainable travel experience for your hotel guests

These days, travelers are looking for more than a warm bed and Wi-Fi when booking a place to stay — they’re looking for businesses that make a difference. From sustainable practices to inclusivity, travelers want to support places that promote meaningful, impactful experiences.

Here’s how to create a more inclusive, sustainable travel experience for your guests (and why it’s important to).
 

Conscientious travel experiences are more important than ever

90% of consumers look for sustainable options when traveling.1 From opting for lower environmental impacts to supporting local economies, travelers are seeking to make an impact with their trips — and on average, people are willing to pay 38% more to make their travel more sustainable.

And, while sustainability is a key part of travelers’ decision making, so is inclusivity. In fact, 70% would make a travel choice that’s more inclusive to all travelers, even if it’s more expensive.2 Travelers want to support places and brands that commit to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility on their trips and in their lives, and they’re paying attention.

Capture more bookings as a sustainable, inclusive property

Wondering how to level up your own sustainability and inclusivity practices to capture more bookings and welcome more people to your property? Small, meaningful updates can make all the difference — so try out one (or all) of these in your listing.

1. Create a more sustainable travel experience

Seven in 10 people feel overwhelmed by starting the process of becoming a more sustainable traveler — so make it easy for them by promoting environmentally friendly choices at your property.2 Here are some ideas:

  • Provide bike or scooter rentals for a low-carbon way to see the world around your property.
  • Use Green Star appliances, energy-friendly lightbulbs, sustainable cleaning products, low-flow toilets, and water-efficient showerheads on your property.
  • Offer sustainable use practices for a greener stay (like the option for reduced housekeeping services).
  • Reduce single-use plastics within rooms and around your property.

2. Promote local recommendations around your property

64% of consumers are looking for options that support local cultures and communities when they’re traveling, which means that simple, intentional choices can make all the difference.2 Source from local providers in your property — think: local artists for décor and small businesses for post-stay cleaning — and inspire your guests to think locally when planning their stays.

Want to go the extra mile? Give guests a welcome guide full of local food recommendations, nearby cultural sites, and highlights of your go-to sightseeing favorites to promote an experience that gives back to the community.

3. Provide an accessible, safe place for all

Accessibility in travel is a big deal for almost all consumers — and 92% of them think it’s important for travel providers to meet the accessibility needs of all travelers.2 Highlight accessibility features at your listing, present accessibility features accurately and design your rooms and property to be equal parts welcoming and safe. Whether it’s ensuring that you have barrier-free entryways or designing doorways to be at least 36 inches wide, prioritizing accessibility can make all the difference for your guests.

4. Showcase inclusivity and sustainability in your listing

Less than 55% of people around the world have seen options accessible to all abilities or inclusive to all groups of travelers.2 By highlighting sustainable, inclusive features in your listing description and photos, you can attract travelers who value the importance of both — and create a more welcoming experience for each traveler that walks in your doors.

As travel continues to rebound and people across the country hit the skies, the roads, and everything in between, one thing is obvious: people want meaningful and mindful travel experiences. By creating an intentionally sustainable, inclusive travel experience and updating your amenities and listings to reflect what you offer, you can be a part of something important — travel as a force for good.

 

1 Expedia Group, Sustainable Travel Study, 2022
2 Expedia Group, Inclusive Travel Insights Report, 2022