News article

From booking to experience: learning about eco-friendly supply chains in tourism

The tourism business is becoming more environmentally supportive. This change happened because more people want to travel in a way that doesn't hurt the environment. According to Booking.com's 2024 Sustainability Travel Research Report, 45% of travellers think that sustainable travel is important. But when they book a trip, it's not their main worry.
People are becoming more interested in sustainability, which means we need to make travel better for the environment and for everyone at large.

Important points

  • The tourism industry is becoming more sustainable.
  • More and more travellers are thinking about how their travel choices affect the environment.
  • In the tourism industry, supply chains that are good for the environment are becoming more important.
  • More and more travellers are choosing verdant ways to get around.
  • Consumer demand is what is making the industry move towards sustainability.
ecologically compatible supply chains in tourism
Greenwashing Ideology

What does it mean for a supply chain to be transparent?

For tourism to be sustainable, it's important to understand how supply chains work. Travellers want to know where things come from because they care more about their impact. This makes them want clear information about the supply chain.

What is supply chain transparency?

Being honest about where things come from and how they are made is what supply chain transparency means. In tourism, it's important to show where things come from, how local suppliers work, and how workers are treated.

Significance in the travel industry

Clear supply chains are very good for the tourism industry. Studies show that 71% of travellers want to leave places better than they found them. This shows that we need to take actions that will last.
Tourism businesses can show they care about people and the planet by having clear supply chains. This makes people trust them more and makes them look better.
Here are some important parts of making the tourism supply chain more open:

  • Clear explanation of responsible sourcing practices
  • Seeing how workers are treated and how they work
  • Being open about how things affect the environment and how to fix them

Tourism companies can earn respect by being honest about their supply chains. They can also help the industry last longer.

Why it's important for tourism to use sustainable practices

In tourism, sustainable practices are very important because they protect the environment and local communities. There are many ways that tourism affects the environment. This includes the carbon emissions from travel and the stress that tourists put on local resources.

Effect on people and the environment

Tourism has a lot less of an effect on the environment when it uses sustainable methods. This includes verdant supply chains that use fewer non-renewable resources and waste less. Ideal sourcing methods also help make sure that goods and services are bought in ways that respect local cultures and help the economy grow.

  • Cutting down on carbon emissions by making transport systems more efficient
  • Using waste management systems to cut down on the amount of trash that goes to landfills
  • Helping local economies by using fair trade practices

More and more travellers are choosing verdant tourism options. For instance, 62% of travellers say they feel their best when they travel in an environmentally supportive way. This shift in how people shop shows how important it is to have sustainable procurement strategies that make travel better and help the environment.

Making travel better

Sustainable tourism is good for the environment, the people who live there, and the trip itself. Travellers can have more meaningful and enriching experiences if they interact with local cultures and environments in a responsible way.

  • Doing eco-tourism activities that help with conservation efforts
  • Staying in places that follow low-impact rules
  • Taking part in tourism projects that help the community

Tourism businesses can stand out and attract eco-friendly travellers by using environmentally supportive methods. This not only helps protect tourist spots, but it also makes the tourism industry stronger and more responsible.

Supply trucks and networking

Key parts of supply chains that are good for the environment

A mix of practices is needed for supply chains to be truly sustainable. Their goal is to help people be more responsible and protect the environment.

Good ways to get things

Sustainable supply chains depend on efficient sourcing. It means picking materials that are sourced in a way that is ideal. This makes sure that goods and services don't hurt the environment or take advantage of people in the area.

  • Putting in place policies for verdant purchasing.
  • Choosing suppliers based on how well they have done in the past in terms of social and environmental issues.
  • Encouraging the use of materials that can be recycled or reused.

Marriott International is an example of a company that shows the benefits of sustainable sourcing. They show that good supply chain management can save money and make a brand look better.

Fair labour practices

Fair labour practices are very important for supply chains that last. It's important to make sure that workers are safe and treat them fairly. This helps keep the brand's good name and follows international labour laws.

  • Doing regular audits to make sure that labour laws are being followed.
  • Giving workers chances to learn and grow.
  • Encouraging a diverse and welcoming workplace.

Tourism companies can improve their supply chain visibility by paying attention to these areas. They can also use low-impact logistics solutions. This is good for the environment and their bottom line.

How technology helps with transparency

Technology is making tourism that is good for the environment better. It's making it easier to see supply chains. Digital tools are helping the tourism industry be more open and honest.

Blockchain in the management of the supply chain

People are looking at blockchain to make supply chains easier to understand. It keeps a record that can't be changed. This helps keep track of where things come from and where they go.

  • Improves authenticity and traceability
  • Decreases the chance of mistakes and fraud
  • Increases trust between stakeholders

Using data to make tourism more sustainable

Data analysis is very important for sustainable tourism. It studies how people act, how things are made, and how they change the world. This helps companies choose options that are better for the planet.

  • Helps find places where things aren't working well
  • Helps create targeted sustainability programs
  • Improves the experience of all travellers

The tourism industry can clearly show its supply chains with these tools. This helps the future last longer.

Problems with sustainable supply chains

The tourism industry is working towards being more environmentally cautious, but it has a lot of problems to deal with. It's hard to make supply chains adherent to sustainable standards.

What businesses will have to pay for

It costs a lot to start using sustainable methods. A lot of businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), have a big problem with this. They can't afford to go verdant most of the time.
The high cost of going ecologically supportive is a big problem, according to research., but being environmentally conscious can help a brand's image and save money in the long run.

Global supply networks that are complicated

The supply chains in the tourism industry are very complicated. These involve a lot of people from different places. It's hard to keep these networks going.
It is challenging to ensure that all of your suppliers are operating in an environmentally friendly manner. This means putting in place strong systems for monitoring and auditing. Since these systems use a lot of resources, businesses can start small to deal with these problems. They can start with a few key suppliers and then add more. This method can help make supply chains that are good for the environment easier to handle.

Examples of successful sustainable supply chains

The tourism industry is becoming more sustainable. Marriott International and Intrepid Travel are two companies that are setting the standard. Their main goals are to lessen their impact on the environment and make travel more real and community-oriented.

Marriott international's eco-friendly ways

Marriott International is at the top of the list when it comes to sustainable practices. They use sustainable logistics to cut down on waste and use less energy. This is good for their supply chain.

  • Cutting down on single-use plastics in all of its hotels
  • Putting in lighting and HVAC systems that use less energy
  • Working with local suppliers to cut down on emissions from transport

"The goal of our Chief Procurement Officer is to make our supply chain more sustainable," said Marriott. "It helps our business and the communities we serve."
"Sustainability is not only the right thing to do; it's also good for business. By making our supply chain more sustainable, we're not only helping the environment, but we're also making more money."
The Chief Procurement Officer for Marriott International

How intrepid travel works to be sustainable

Intrepid Travel is a tour company that works to make the supply chain more visible. They work closely with people and businesses in the area. This helps local economies and makes sure that travellers have real experiences.

  • Building partnerships with local businesses to make travel more interesting
  • Putting money into community projects that help the cultures and environments of the area
  • Encouraging its travellers and suppliers to be more sustainable

Intrepid Travel cares about the environment. They keep an eye on their supply chain practices and make them better. This helps them stay true to their mission and values.

Ways to put sustainable practices into action

Tourism companies need to use conscientious buying strategies to lessen their impact on the environment. This means making smart choices about materials and services.

Working with local suppliers

A verdant supply chain needs to work with local suppliers. They give visitors one-of-a-kind, real experiences and help the local economy.

  • Cut down on your carbon footprint by cutting down on your need for transportation.
  • Help communities and economies in your area
  • Make tourist experiences more real

Tourism companies can also help with ideal sourcing by working with local suppliers. This makes sure that materials and services are bought in a responsible way.

Teaching and informing consumers

For the industry to become more sustainable, it is important to teach people about verdant tourism. You can do this by using social media, websites, and information that is available on site.

  • Give clear information about how to live sustainably
  • Encourage people who travel to do things that are good for the environment
  • Make the effects of sustainable choices clear

Tourism businesses can get travellers to choose verdant options by teaching them and making them more aware. This helps the supply chain be better for the environment.

Deliberating supply strategies at the office
Tourist interactions in community setting

Building trust by being open

Clear supply chain practices are very important for building trust with customers now. Being open is very important in the tourism industry because actions have effects on the environment and society.

The good things about talking to each other

Being honest about how things are made builds trust and helps with good management. By talking about what they do, tourism companies show that they care about people and the environment.
This honesty makes them look better and more trustworthy. People choose a business over others when they know it is trying to be verdant and help the community.

  • Better trust from customers
  • Better reputation for the brand
  • More in line with what customers want

Effect on brand loyalty

Customers stay loyal when they know how things are made. People tell others about a business that is honest and tries to be verdant.
Being honest makes people stay with a brand, according to research. Customers stay loyal when they feel like they're helping a company be environmentally supportive.
"Being open isn't enough; you also have to be open in a way that matters to your customers."
Patagonia's commitment to the environment

Tourism businesses can build strong relationships with their customers by being open and honest. This makes success last.

How to tell if sustainable supply chains are working

Companies need to keep an eye on how well their efforts to make their supply chains more sustainable are going. They do this by keeping an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) and paying attention to what travellers say.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

These KPIs can help businesses see how well their sustainable supply chain is working:

  • Lessening the carbon footprint
  • Saving water
  • Managing and cutting down on waste
  • Suppliers following rules for sustainability
  • Getting involved with and helping the local community

These KPIs show everything a company is doing to be more environmentally compatible. They help you see where things could be better.

Feedback from travellers

It's important to hear from travellers about how to make the supply chain more sustainable. You can do this by:

  • Questionnaires and surveys
  • Watching social media
  • Reviews and ratings from customers

Businesses can change their verdant plans based on what travellers say. This improves the service they give to customers.
It's important to use verdant procurement and have a supply chain that is good for the planet. Companies can make smart choices and keep getting better by measuring these efforts.

supply vans in transit
overview of sustainable supply chains in tourism

The future of sustainable supply chains in tourism

Sustainable practices in the supply chain are important for the future of tourism. Tourism companies need to do something because more and more travellers care about the environment. They need to manage their supply chains and use sustainable logistics in a responsible way.
Experts say that "sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses in the tourism sector." This change is necessary because the supply chain needs to be clear. It makes sure that all parts of the chain use environmentally compatible methods.

New ideas and trends

New trends in tourism are all about being sustainable and creative. For instance, using renewable energy in hotels and on the road, this lowers the amount of carbon that is released into the air.
Better planning of routes also helps cut down on waste. And there are plans to set up programmes to cut down on waste.

  • Blockchain technology enhances the transparency of the supply chain.
  • The concepts of a circular economy are employed to reduce waste.
  • They employ environmentally compatible materials in the construction and operation of their products.

These new ideas are good for the planet and make travel more meaningful. They promote real experiences in the area.

What regulations and certifications do

For tourism to be sustainable, there need to be rules and certifications. ISO 14001 for the environment and Fair Trade for fair work are both very important.
"Certifications and rules are important for encouraging sustainable tourism practices. They give businesses a way to be held accountable and make sure that everyone knows what's going on."
— Expert in the field

Tourism businesses can do less damage to the environment by following these rules and practices. They also get more verdant travellers and improve their reputation.

How travellers can help sustainability by getting involved

Travellers are important for making tourism last longer. They can do a lot for the environment and local communities if they choose wisely.

Low-impact places to stay

It's a big deal to stay at hotels and resorts that care about the earth. These places buy materials in a responsible way and use sustainable methods. Find places that are committed to being verdant and getting their materials in a responsible way.

Helping local businesses

It's also important to connect with the cultures and economies of the area. Go to local markets, eat at restaurants run by families, and go on community tours. This is good for the economy and makes your trip better.
Travellers can have a big impact by picking options that are ecologically supportive and come from ideal sources. Their choices make businesses work harder to be more responsible as regards the environment as this helps the whole tourism industry get closer to a more verdant future.

How travellers can help sustainability by getting involved

Sign up. Be inspired. Get clicking.

Subscribe now to stay up to date with CarbonClick, carbon offsetting and climate action.

NZBN: 9429047450356
© 2025 CarbonClick Limited