Green has become the new black, and it seems nearly impossible to watch television or read a magazine without seeing something related to the "green" movement. Businesses across every industry are striving to become more environmentally friendly and the travel industry is no different.
Certain travel verticals have been focused on environmental impact from their very earliest stages, while others are slow to change. Graduate students from New York University's Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management program recently conducted preliminary research in support of the upcoming PhoCusWright Special Report, Going Green: The Business Impact of Environmental Awareness on Travel. In their research findings, cruise lines distinguished themselves as the most advanced of the industry in their focus on minimizing environmental impact. Major "green" initiatives launched or being launched by cruise lines include:*
- An on-board recycling plant that recycles 100% of all solid waste products in addition to an onboard wastewater treatment plant
- Satellite positioning systems that guide the ship to prevent dropping anchors on sea beds and coral
- The ability to run on green diesel as well as the installation of special engine seals to prevent oil leakage
- On board desalinization units that turn salt water into fresh water
- Use of salt water in on board swimming pools to avoid the usage of chemicals like chlorine
- LED lighting that uses 50% less energy than regular lighting and reduces carbon footprint by 70%
- State-of-the-art washing machines that use sound waves and less water (10 gallons versus 60 gallons)
- Use of only biodegradable cleaning supplies on board
- Reduction of fuel consumption and air emissions by using "shore-power"—ships plug into a power source on the shore where they are docked, which allows them to turn their engines off and reduce air emissions by 30%
The nature of cruise product—being a self contained system, part transportation and part lodging—creates increased pressure on the vertical in comparison to others. That is certainly not to say that other travel verticals can ignore the importance of incorporating environmentally responsible practices. One of the key difficulties facing travel companies is understanding the business impact that green initiatives will have, and consequently how to deploy them appropriately.
Become a sponsor in this upcoming research to shape the questions that will be asked of travel suppliers, influencers and consumers to examine the business impact of green in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. More details—including benefits and deliverables—are available on our Web site or by contacting PhoCusWright Sales by phone (+1 860 350-4084 x501) or email.
*Based on public information from various Web sites.
