Having recently expanded into Scandinavia with new office space in Gothenburg, we were very excited to attend a virtual webinar organised by the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and the Nordic Tourism Collective (NTC) that looked at sustainable tourism with a specific focus on Nordic accommodation.
Several international stakeholders participated in the webinar, all agreeing that sustainable travel doesn’t have to be 'budget or boring'. Hospitality businesses now offer immersive and purpose-driven experiences at all price levels. Two of the most important themes discussed during the webinar were:
1. Impact - what impact their stay had on the environment
2. Value - what value the unique experience brings to the customer
A recent report by Euromonitor International titled ‘Top Countries for Sustainable Tourism’, saw 66.4% of global consumers making their decisions based on how big of an impact it would have on the environment. The report further noted a recent change in sustainable tourism with stakeholders already “rallying together" to offer experiences that are unique but also bring value to the development of green tourism.
The webinar really got us excited about responsible tourism in the Nordics. Here are some of our favourites:
Renewable energies and waste separation have been a part of the bigger agenda for sustainable travel in the last year, and in 2021, the Nordic Choice Hotel Group decided to take things further.
House of Choice is the first Zero Energy Hotel in Scandinavia with the vision of producing more energy than what they consume. The hotel uses more than 2500 square metres of solar panels to cover 75% of the hotel's energy consumption and keep the 336 rooms, 88 apartments, and Swedish HQ of NCHG among the top in Scandinavia. Interestingly, 2,500 square metres of solar panels provide enough electricity in one year to drive an electric car more than 40 times around the world.
The Zero Energy agenda is based on its efficient building, including Kitchen power rooms, optimised windows, recycled materials and self-serviced elevators. The hotel rooms receive their warm climate from the heat generated in the kitchen and the optimised windows keep the cold out. Best of all, its sustainable partners, Food Loops and Too Good To Go, offer an additional option to normal food services.
Glamping is now a part of the top choices for travellers desiring close contact with nature. With Hvilepust focusing on intimacy with forest, panoramic views and a transcending waterfront, it is the perfect option if you want to explore responsible tourism closer to bigger cities in the south eastern part of Norway.
Travellers can choose from 360-transparent igloos in locations in four municipalities close to Oslo and Gardermoenm, while leaving minimal footprint on nature and maximum impression on the soul. Together with its recycled materials made from Sweden's famous ARLA plast, Hvilepust’s installed poles also allow space between the ground and the igloo for minimal footprint on nature.
The igloos have no electricity so you can try a famous hike in the eastern part of Norway, wake up gazing at impressive treetops and cook breakfast on the wood stove in the igloo, without leaving a single footprint.
Located at the foot of the breathtaking Svartisen glacier, the Six Senses Svart 2024 will be the first energy-positive hotel in the world, with a blueprint for sustainability while redefining luxury through extraordinary design and exceptional guest experience.
Unlike previous hotels, the 99-room circular building has its own two electric boats, a sustainable farm and an education centre; making it open to both overnight guests and the local community.
To reach the sustainability goals and Net Zero goal, SVART is collaborating with MIRIS, Snøhetta and Powerhouse to produce more energy than it uses. It will be fully off-grid with zero waste within five years of its opening. When creating the blueprint of the hotel, architects mapped out how solar radiation in the mountain region behaves throughout the seasons, for complete energy output.
Are you interested in learning more about trends, insights and how we work with sustainable companies? Check out our latest blog on 5 Travel Trends to Look Out for in 2023
To get in contact with the AM+A team, please reach out to Malin@welcometoama.com
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