Amid rising concerns about climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity, there’s an ever-growing realization that each individual and business must play a part in protecting our planet. This is evident in various industries, and the hospitality sector is no exception.
Travelers Want to Travel Sustainably
For short term rental hosts, embracing sustainability goes beyond the moral aspects. It’s becoming a pragmatic choice for their business. A 2018 Booking.com study found that a stunning 87% of global travelers stated they wanted to travel sustainably, with nearly 4 in 10 confirming they often or always manage to do so.
This trend has shown no signs of slowing down. Especially with the younger demographic, there’s a heightened sense of responsibility towards choosing accommodations that align with their eco-conscious values. Millennials and Gen Z, who are quickly becoming the primary groups of travelers, prioritize sustainable travel options more than their older counterparts.
By offering sustainable lodgings, short term rental hosts are effectively catering to the preferences of this massive and growing segment of travelers.
The Sustainable Travel Report commissioned by Airbnb in 2018 suggests that Airbnb’s model of hosting itself promotes sustainable travel. It found that Airbnb guests in North America use 63% less energy than hotel guests, resulting in enough energy savings to power 19,000 homes for one year.
The Business Case for Greening Your Short Term Rental
As the global push for green practices grows, governments around the world are introducing incentives for sustainable businesses.
In some regions, hosts could benefit from tax reductions or rebates for implementing energy-efficient systems or for reducing their overall carbon footprint. On the flip side, not adapting might soon result in fines or added taxes for those who lag in sustainability.
From a marketing perspective, being sustainable gives hosts a unique selling proposition. As competition on platforms like Airbnb becomes fierce with an ever-increasing number of listings, having a “green badge” could be the differentiator that draws in a guest.
It also paves the way for potential collaborations with eco-tours, organic local markets, and other green businesses, further enhancing the guest experience and the hosts’ network.
For short term rental hosts, integrating sustainable practices into your offerings is not just about being trendy or riding the wave. The evolving traveler mindset, the demonstrable environmental benefits, the potential financial incentives, and the distinct competitive advantage make sustainability an imperative.
