In the dynamic landscape of luxury hospitality, we’ve seen a profound shift with travelers demanding more than just opulence and comfort—they are craving experiences that align with their values. Survey data from Visa suggests that nearly half of luxury travelers actively seek out sustainable travel options, signaling a growing demand for eco-conscious choices.
Hotels that adopt green practices aren't just ticking boxes and doing what’s right—they are tapping into a powerful market opportunity. By showcasing our genuine commitment to the planet and local communities, hotels attract a loyal base of eco-conscious travelers and do our part in paving the way for a sustainable future.
Given the hotel sector's significant environmental impact—accounting for approximately 1 percent of global carbon emissions according to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance—hotels are uniquely positioned to lead the charge toward a greener future. Each hotel, regardless of its scale or location, must proactively manage its environmental footprint and implement a robust sustainability plan to reduce carbon emissions and protect ecosystems while building lasting relationships with guests who value ethical practices—and who often carry them on when they return home.
Here are three actionable strategies that hospitality leaders can take to leave a sustainable legacy:
1. Set Bold, Clear Sustainability Goals
For hotels to truly excel in sustainability, setting bold yet achievable goals is essential. It is not enough to simply announce your environmental commitments—these promises must come alive in every facet of your operations. Clear, ambitious goals serve as a strategic blueprint, channeling efforts and resources toward tangible environmental milestones.
At Le Barthélemy, we have tackled this challenge with relentless enthusiasm and innovation from everyone on the team. We are on a mission to measurably cut our already low waste volume by 15 percent by 2025 and super-tune our resource usage, and we’re leaving no stone unturned to achieve this. Our approach includes collaborating with eco-conscious suppliers, launching our own cutting-edge desalination station, installing solar panels to power 100 percent of our hot water needs, and transitioning to electric vehicles for airport transfers.
By prioritizing sustainability in everything we do, from reducing food waste to assisting in the regeneration of local coral reefs, the results of our efforts speak for themselves. Recently, the hotel became a certified member of the Green Globe Certification, which acknowledges that the hotel met all requisite criteria within the Green Globe Standard for Travel & Tourism including 44 criteria over 380 compliance indicators within key themes, including Sustainable Management; Social/Economic; Cultural/Heritage and Environmental.
2. Foster a Culture of Responsibility
When corporate social responsibility is woven into the very fabric of your company’s values, it sparks a transformative movement where every employee becomes a champion for sustainability. This deep-rooted commitment not only cultivates a strong sense of personal ownership but also drives change throughout both the community and the environment.
Leaders play a crucial role by creating opportunities for team members to lead and contribute, whether within the organization or the broader community. When employees are empowered to pursue passion projects—be it championing a green initiative at work or spearheading a community outreach program—their motivation and energy soar, inspiring them to dream even bigger and make an even greater impact.
For example, since the launch of Le Barthélemy Hotel on St Barth Island in 2016, our Green Team—a group of volunteers across departments—has played a pivotal role in driving our environmental initiatives. This team is at the forefront of advancing our CSR practices, from cutting down on plastic waste and organizing impactful beach cleanups to pioneering innovative water conservation techniques. We take pride in witnessing our employees unleash their full potential, embracing these goals with genuine enthusiasm and dedication. This is supported and applauded by leadership but conducted by teammates who care deeply about its success.
3. Provide Guest Experiences with Purpose
Exceptional hospitality is about creating lasting memories that stay with guests long after they leave. This means crafting experiences that engage their senses, enrich their lives, and make a positive impact on the world. By thoughtfully integrating eco-friendly initiatives into these experiences, hotels can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while offering guests something unique and meaningful.
The entire team at Le Barthélemy is dedicated to embedding this philosophy into the hotel’s operations. One notable example is the hotel’s collaboration with the Coral Restoration Foundation, which was spearheaded by Le Barthélemy’s Green Team. Through this initiative, guests can join guided scuba dives in the crystal-clear waters surrounding of St. Jean’s Bay, where they contribute directly to the restoration of coral reefs. These dives not only help to revive the marine ecosystem but also allow guests to engage deeply with the environment, fostering a greater appreciation for St. Barth’s stunning yet delicate natural world. By offering this hands-on experience, we enable our guests to make a tangible difference, turning their stay into a contribution to the preservation of this beautiful island and they take home this experience and this value of sustainability.
We also offer immersive zero-waste cooking classes led by our passionate Chef Jérémy Czaplickil. During this culinary exploration, guests learn to create delectable dishes while minimizing their environmental impact, discovering the full potential of each ingredient to reduce waste. It is an experience that engages the senses and sparks creativity while demonstrating the possibilities of sustainable cuisine. Again, this is a practice guests may continue when they leave the island and go home.
These are just a couple of examples of how we strive to create a unique and meaningful experience that inspires guests to indulge in sustainability and leave with a deeper connection to what they can do to support the preservation of nature.
Good hospitality isn’t about meeting today’s standards, it is about shaping tomorrow’s expectations. By embracing visionary leadership, daring innovation and an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, you can transform your brand into a leader in sustainability, set new standards and leave a lasting legacy for the goodness of our planet.
Denise Dupré is the founder and managing partner of Champagne Hospitality, a luxury hotel design and development company.