Sustainability is the goal, certification the means

Certification can very quickly cut operating costs for hotels and resorts and bring additional revenue and benefits asserted the head of Green Globe.

Speaking at the International Ecotourism Conference in Bonito, Brazil, Green Globe CEO Guido Bauer said certification can return an average of eight percent in operational savings and go as high as 22%.

However, he added, "Green Globe certified properties operated on 80% occupancy, or higher, after certification according to statistics collected."

Speaking to the premier international ecotourism gathering in the huge Pantanal wetlands which uses tourism for conservation, Bauer stressed that sustainability was the goal and certification was the means of attaining it.

With the current global level of consciousness surrounding the value of ecological responsibility, he contended, owners could expect a return on their investment within a year of completing certification.

Bauer concurred the total value of enhanced and certified responsibility was hard to measure, "but, you can imagine the benefits of 30% more clicks on properties’ web-pages and the positive public image generated by green certification."

Bauer pointed to a property in Belize whose owner estimated the positive image created by green certification would have cost over $800,000 while Green Globe certification and independent verification cost $10,000.

"The Belize property saw its bookings increase by 26% after the property was suddenly all over Internet because the operators loved what they do and the positive reviews were written by former guests, and articles, were written by independent journalists."

After making its mark in the hospitality and tourism market, Bauer reported sustainable practices have expanded to reach, " anything operational – banking, manufacturing, real estate, homeowners associations, even condos were putting together ‘green teams’".

As to advice for owners and operators planning to "go green", Bauer counselled them to, "budget for sustainability as far ahead of time as possible, and select one person to spearhead a team of dedicated staffers to ensure continued sustainability."

Then there were the added social benefits where, "employees are more motivated and consider the move to certification was made by owners to benefit staff – as a result employee retention rises by over 40%," he said.

LeLei Laulu

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