Sustainability is not just a fad, it is here to stay. And it can become one of tourism's main allies, by prioritizing more aware and informed travelers.

A recent study by TravelBI highlighted that 90% of tourists look for sustainable options when traveling. However, opposition to mass tourism and commitment to sustainable tourism does not only constitute a competitive advantage for business. 

It also allows the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, the creation of jobs and the stimulation of the economy in local communities.

Sustainable tourism is an opportunity for businesses to meet tourists' high expectations and increase their competitiveness.

What is sustainable tourism?

Did you know that tourism is responsible for around 8% of total carbon emissions in the world, according to a study by Nature Climate Change?

Sustainable tourism is a type of tourism that seeks to minimize the negative impact on the environment, culture and local communities. It aims to preserve current resources and destinations to ensure the long-term functioning of the sector.

To achieve this, it reconciles the interests and collaboration of tourists, host communities and the global agenda, creating benefits for everyone.

Why is sustainable tourism important for business?

Comply with good practices defined by the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) It is important for an entity to be approved as sustainable, socially conscious and correctly governed.

But the benefits go beyond simple recognition. There are the financial, social and promotional benefits of sustainable tourism, such as:

A cost reduction with investment in management and production methods that avoid waste and are more efficient;

•  The increase in employee retention, because more than the salary, nowadays it is also important to believe in the purpose and values of the company you work for;
  
  
• A reputation improvement between consumers and stakeholders, who are willing to support sustainable tourism and create a positive impact;
  
  
• A customer attraction and loyalty who seek sustainable experiences and identify with the offer generated by companies;
  
  
• And obtaining financial support, such as the creation of special credit lines for businesses with good environmental, social and management ratings.

What financial support is available?

Currently, 3,540 million euros in public funds are available until 2030 for companies to invest in sustainable tourism. Some of the public support you can apply for include:

PPR (Recovery and Resilience Plan): This support is financed by European funds and has around €8.4 billion to encourage companies in the transition to a more digital and environmentally friendly activity.

Transform Tourism Program: Turismo de Portugal has two support lines “Intelligent Territories” and “Regenerate Territories”, with an allocation of €4 M and €16 M, respectively. It aims to support public and private investment in qualifying Portugal as a sustainable, responsible and intelligent tourist destination. 

Portugal 2030: It results from a partnership agreement that provides €2,840 M in support that can be used by companies in tourism. Support takes the form of a grant or a combination of non-refundable subsidies with support from financial instruments.

7 sustainable tourism strategies for your business

Follow these steps to embrace sustainable tourism, create new opportunities and ensure the sustainable growth of your business! Investing in sustainability is investing in the future.

1. Reduce water, energy and plastic consumption

There are several small actions you can implement To reduce your carbon footprint:

- Do not waste water: Install low-flow taps and showers, use reusable towels, repair water leaks without delay, optimize the irrigation system, invest in rainwater collection systems and explore water treatment options.

– Save energy: Replace your equipment with more efficient LED bulbs and appliances, use motion sensors and timers, explore renewable energy options like solar panels or wind power, and perform energy audits to identify savings opportunities.

– Avoid plastic waste: Eliminate disposable plastic products, such as bottles, cotton swabs and packaging, offer reusable alternatives, choose to buy in bulk, encourage the use of reusable mugs and bottles by guests, promote awareness campaigns about plastic pollution.

2. Make less waste, more recycling

The objective is not only to contribute to less waste, but also to move towards a circular economy, under the principle of “Reduction, Reuse, Recovery and Recycling” of products, materials and resources. 

– Reduce the amount of waste: Avoid buying larger quantities if they end up going to waste later; choose local suppliers to restrict the use of transport for deliveries; compost food scraps; use biodegradable cleaning products; create seasonal menus.

– Recycle: Obey the rules for separating waste by color/signage, provide containers for different types of materials, encourage recycling by guests, use recycled materials in the decoration and products of your business.

3. Invest in renewable energy and electric mobility

For greater efficiency and reduced emissions, you can put into practice some sustainable tourism recommendations:

- Renewable energy: Invest in solar panels, wind turbines or other renewable energy sources to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, encourage the use of renewable energy among your local community partners.

– Electric Mobility: Use environmentally friendly vehicles, offer your guests electric transport options, such as bicycles or scooters; install charging points for electric vehicles; partner with electric vehicle rental companies.

4. Support the local community

It is equally important to maintain an active role of social responsibility. In this sense, it must contribute to the well-being of the local community, all the more so as the importance of these communities for the success of tourism businesses is recognized.

Some good sustainable tourism practices include prioritizing the purchase of products and services from local suppliers, encouraging guests to compare regional products, promoting local culture and traditions or supporting local events and festivals.

5. Create more sustainable jobs

A more sustainable business model involves employee satisfaction. To this end, you can start by investing in the requalification of unemployed workers, offering fixed contracts throughout the year, and guarantee of better working conditions.

Many of the European funds for tourism are intended to encourage job creation, professional training and balance between professional and personal life. Remember that people are the effective engine of change towards sustainable tourism. 

6. Ensure greater accessibility

Sustainable tourism development focuses on managing tourism to ensure long-term economic, social and environmental benefits for all. For this reason, it is so important make tourist destinations accessible.

It is simultaneously an act of social responsibility and a business opportunity, as it allows the universe of visitors to be diversified and, thus, increased revenue and the competitiveness of the tourist destination.

To offer greater accessibility not only to people with disabilities, but to pregnant women, families with children and seniors, you can:

• Eliminate physical barriers, such as steps or narrow doors;
  
  
• Provide informative materials in different formats, Braille, audio, video and text; 
  
  
• Train your employees to meet the needs of people with disabilities;
  
  
• Create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

7. Move towards digitalization

Finally, don't forget to opt for digital resources to store information, communicate with your target audience and customers, and process reservations or payments. This way, you prevent your documents from getting lost and unnecessary paper costs.

You can implement strategies such as using an online reservation system, allowing online check-in and check-out, sharing information about your services, the region and activities available on your website, and using social media to promote your business.

Walk towards a +Sustainable Job offer

Are you looking for qualified, competent and motivated professionals? Is recruiting and hiring new talent a headache for your business?

A Bolsa de Empregabilidade specializes in tourism recruitment, whether online or offline, so you have access to a complete and diverse universe of candidates.

Participate in our job fairs and meet the ideal candidate in person. Alternatively, you can use our Digital platform when you need to meet an unexpected hiring need.

Create the team of professionals you always dreamed of and go further!