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BSR Insight | How Sustainability Can Transform the Travel and Tourism Sector

About the Author(s)

Kara Hurst, Former Vice President

Publication Date

May 11, 2010

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In the past, social responsibility in the travel and tourism sector was equated with “ecotourism.” However, companies such as Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Starwood are now implementing innovative solutions that also reduce the environmental impact of their operations, save money, and benefit local economic development.

Through our work in this sector, we believe there are vast opportunities for companies to build on this progress through initiatives that:

  • Calculate and analyze environmental impact to reduce energy and water consumption.
  • Drive strategy by reporting on sustainability performance and establishing a corporate responsibility committee at the board level.
  • Design environmental sustainability policies that conserve natural resources, minimize waste and pollution, and enhance indoor environmental quality.
  • Contribute to local economic development by investing in infrastructure, addressing human rights and immigration issues, and supporting local communities.

For more information on our work in this sector, contact Kara Hurst.

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    About the Author(s)

    Kara Hurst

    Kara Hurst, Former Vice President

    Topics

    Economic Development, Environment, Human Rights, Labor Migration, Strategy & Integration, Travel & Tourism

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