Sustainability is no longer a trend; it is the standard. Even within the leisure industry, sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important. But how do you make these sustainable choices not only internally effective, but also visible to your guests? We take you along inspiring examples, smart solutions and tools with which you can turn your green ambitions into results.
Guests are increasingly looking for unique and environmentally conscious accommodations. Combine these two and you're on the right track. Take, for example, the Wikkelhouses at De Klepperstee and Beerze Bulten vacation parks. Sustainable design cottages made from recycled cardboard.
Planning a new building? Think beyond comfort. Opt for gas-free construction, solar energy, heat pumps, smart thermostats and water-saving faucets and showerheads. Many of these solutions are provided by I.C.Y. Need inspiration? Check out the homes at Brinckerduyn or Park Berkenrhode. The use of ecological materials is also becoming increasingly popular, as applied by EuroParcs IJsselmeer, Oesterdam Resort and Wilsumer Berge.
The Green Key is the best-known sustainability label in the recreation sector. With a bronze, silver or gold certificate, you show that your company takes sustainability seriously. Without guests compromising on comfort, quality or experience.
From energy and water to mobility and corporate social responsibility: the hallmark sets clear requirements. Several Booking Experts users have already achieved the Green Key, such as Vakantiepark Ackersate, Beerze Bulten. Moreover, several users are also in the race for this beautiful certification.
Sustainable thinking doesn't stop at the front door. You can also make a difference in your facilities:
Even existing facilities can easily be made more sustainable. Think of heating swimming pools with a heat pump or reusing rainwater for toilets. The possibilities for making your recreation company more sustainable are endless.
A sustainable park is valuable, but if you don't show it, those efforts often pass your guests by. And that's a shame. Because more and more guests are actively looking for a vacation rental that matches their values. So make it easy for them to find and understand your sustainable story.
Make sure you have a clear sustainability page on your website. Preferably, clearly visible in the navigation or footer. Add information on the accommodation pages themselves, for example, about solar panels, gas-free heating or the use of ecological materials. Let sustainable choices also be reflected on social media, where you show in posts and stories what you are doing, from small improvements to larger investments. And do you work with a search and book module? Then a filter option for eco-friendly stays is a valuable addition. External platforms also increasingly offer opportunities to showcase your sustainable nature directly to guests.
Visibility doesn't have to be complicated. It is often in the details: tell about the choices you make, use recognisable examples and show that your sustainability is not only on paper, but also tangible at the park.
Would you like to make your sustainable initiatives more visible?
At Booking Experts, we are happy to think along with you. Schedule an informal meeting with one of our specialists and discover how you can strengthen your sustainable story online.