COVID-19 changes how the world sees the travel industry. Sustainable tourism is a driving force, and people moderately consider eco-friendly things to do. So, sustainable tourism is on the rise nowadays. 

In 2017, the UN was declared the ‘Year of Sustainable Tourism,’ and this topic is still rolling on that nearly all people talk about it. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals by region are growing through the years. So, it is essential to educate travelers to be responsible when traveling.

The importance of sustainable tourism during the pandemic

In the light of the pandemic and the reductions we’ve seen in environmental impact during this time, travelers and travel companies seek opportunities to be better stewards of the planet. Banyan Tree Group started 27 years ago, rooted in sustainability, and took an exemplary role as a hospitality brand to take the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge (from now on “UNESCO Pledge”). 

The UNESCO Pledge promotes responsible practices such as environmental protection, community resilience, and heritage conservation, with the ultimate goal of changing the nature and impact of global tourism. Banyan Tree Group was built on sustainability practices and adds a unique contribution to establishing an international standard for a more sustainable travel future.

The participants are growing and still counting

Launched in 2019 with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), UNESCO, and Expedia Group, more than 4,000 hotels are committed to the UNESCO Pledge globally. Participating hotels support the reduction and elimination of single-use plastics and promote local economy and culture. They receive a ‘We signed the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge’ certificate, renew their commitment every year, and report on progress achieved. They also receive increased visibility with a badge on multiple travel booking sites across the Expedia Group marketplace, as the pandemic prompts eco-awareness among travelers.

“Banyan Tree Group, as part of our culture, is on a mission to amplify sustainability awareness and create impact by sharing our learnings and sustainability measures to help other hotels’ kick-start implementation,” said Dr Steve Newman, Assistant Vice President, Group Sustainability Director and Coordinating Director of Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF). He continued, as an industry, they have the ability and power to transform global inequity. 

“As a company, we are committed to helping our partners and industry colleagues become even more planet-aware and friendly, as we ‘build back better’ post-pandemic.” Newman revealed.

Banyan Tree Group has received recognition for its commitment 

Congrats to Banyan Tree Group for accepting their recall to environmental protection and community development through its non-profit arm. Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF) aligns the Group’s efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The hospitality company’s ‘Stay for Good’ program focuses on three core areas of environment, community, and responsibility, including a target to reduce resource consumption by 5% year over year. Centered on the belief that the business is a vehicle for societal betterment and transformation, the Group also recently awarded the Greater Good Grants to eight external organizations for community and environment projects that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Banyan Tree Group is in a unique position to help guide sustainability standards and practices moving forward, and we are pleased to have the Group joining our global effort today,” said Mr Ernesto Ottone R., Assistant Director-General for Culture, UNESCO. 

The crisis has shown us that we cannot continue in the same way as before. Together, we must join forces for a tourism recovery that supports communities, creates jobs, promotes culture, and protects heritage.