I decided to search the blogosphere again for posts that add to my travel knowledge and will augment the content of my blog. I noted that a current issue people are facing is finding affordable ways to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle during a declining economy. Living an eco-friendly life has become a trend in today's society. Followers are conscious of the affect they have on the environment and the ways in which they can help maintain it. They eat organic food, use modes of transportation that emit less toxins, and vacation at eco-friendly hotels. With this in mind, I figured it would be beneficial to my readers to be introduced to posts relating to this topic, especially the thought of staying at eco-friendly hotels. I found two intriguing posts that offer information on my topic of interest this week. The first post, entitled "Eco-Necessity for the Hospitality Industry," delves into the importance of companies building their "green market share." This post is written by Chelsea Orth who writes for the KWE Group, Inc. Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Trends blog. The KWE Group strives to connect readers with luxury travel and lifestyle trends. The second post comes from a blog entitled "Best Luxury Travel Blog," where the writter, Mike-the-travel freak, contributed information about "Eco Friendly Luxury Hotels." Both posts are offer insightful information about the truths to traveling Green. I have commented on both blogs and invite my readers to follow the links below; the comments can also be read below the respective links for convenience.
Eco-Necessity for the Hospitality Industry
Thank you again for writing such an interesting post. I appreciate your opinions about the hospitality industry and the importance for them to cater to eco-friendly customers. I agree that initiatives have been visible for awhile with certain hotel chains, "car rental companies, and airlines introducing programs to attract attention." In order to keep up with the competition, it is crucial for existing hotels to convert to an eco-friendly mindset. A very difficult question that I have come across is how to remain ecologically conscious in the current state of the economy. For example, organic foods and green travel choices are usually more expensive than regular. I like how you write that catering to this lifestyle is a necessity and I personally feel that the more brands start offering eco-friendly options will cause prices to decrease. This seems logical because the supply of such products will increase which should result in more competition and thus, lower costs. I agree that the younger generations are more environmentally aware because we have been exposed that mentality for most of our lives. The public elementary school I attended prided itself on being an environmentally friendly school; we would sing songs about recycling and watch videos about the importance in keeping our planet clean. Schools, like this one, contribute a great deal to instilling an environmentally conscious mindset and lifestyle. My parents have taken the initiative to use and support only eco-friendly products and companies. Since living on my own during college, I have found it increasingly more difficult to choose green products because of the price difference. Cost is a major deciding factor on the brands college students purchase. This being said, I know I will not continue to use discounted brands once I have a full-time job. Also, the place where I currently intern takes a step further and uses only eco-friendly products along with ordering lunch from eco-friendly restaurants. From a business standpoint, brand loyalty is a crucial element to revenues of differentiated businesses. Brands are increasingly being expected to be eco-friendly which is why I agree that it is necessary for hotels to provide green services. It is really interesting that, as you put it, "'green hotels' is one of the most popularly searched terms in the industry, showing that" the hotel industry is expected to take initiatives to carrying out a green lifestyle. What are the ways, do you think, that hotels can become more eco-friendly? I have seen a lot of hotels decrease the amount they wash towels and sheets, but I am curious as to how else green hotels differentiate. Thank you again for your compelling post, and I look forward to reading your blog in the future.
I am extremely delighted that you wrote a post that is an exact fit to what I was looking for this week, answering the question how can a luxury hotel be both eco-friendly and affordable? Thank you so much the the information that you provide. I agree that in the past luxury hotels seem to have taken every initiative to make the guest more comfortable but at the price of compromising the environment. I find the Telkonet SmartEnergy management system interesting because from my experience, I have noticed how people my age rarely consider energy conservation which staying at a luxury hotels. This system that helps to decrease energy usage without guests even realizing a difference is a great way for luxury hotels to conserve energy without compromising the level of comfort that they offer. I love the fact that the "Hyatt Regency is another luxury hotel chain that is striving to be more environmentally friendly." Hyatt Regency hotels offer a vast amount of amenities and are a very enjoyable way to vacation. You wrote that this chain is taking initiatives by using energy efficient light bulbs, strategically placing recycling bins and using water conserving shower heads and toilets. What other ways do you feel hotels can become more eco-friendly? I just spent a weekend in Las Vegas and noticed how they are not reducing lighting the outside of the hotels, do you think that Vegas will ever comply with initiative to decrease impact on the environment? I personally feel that it will take that city the longest to become eco-friendly. I believe that it has to happen eventially because consumers are increasingly creating brand loyalty based on environmentally friendly options. I also was able to find a website that allows you to search for a specific hotel or region and shows you the environmentally conscious effort the hotels are making, the site is called Environmentally Friendly Hotels. Thank you again for providing information on this subject, and I look forward to reading you posts in the future. If you would like to view my blog about the business of travel you may do so at http://jennifer-phillips.blogspot.com/
