How Hotels Can Stay Resilient in the Face of Climate Change

A photo of a plant-filled hotel lobby.
by Tessa Perkins
Content Manager

As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident—dominating news headlines and affecting millions worldwide each year—the hospitality industry faces significant challenges. From extreme weather events to shifting travel patterns, hotels must adapt to survive and thrive in an evolving landscape. By focusing on resilience, hotels can not only mitigate risks but also enhance their offerings and strengthen community ties. 

What is Climate Change?

The United Nations refers to climate change as “long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns” primarily characterized by human involvement in generating greenhouse gas emissions through activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels. This phenomenon has resulted in intensifying weather events, rising sea levels and more, posing significant challenges not only to natural ecosystems but also to various sectors, including the hospitality industry. Understanding climate change is essential for industries reliant on a stable environment—like hospitality—to anticipate future challenges effectively.

How Does Climate Change Affect the Hospitality Industry?

The hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Increased temperatures, changing weather patterns and extreme weather events can disrupt operations, damage infrastructure and impact guest experiences. For example, rising sea levels threaten coastal hotels, and warmer temperatures significantly disrupt operations for hotels and resorts that are reliant on winter activities, like skiing, to attract guests. More frequent natural disasters, like hurricanes, also lead to temporary closures, physical damage and loss of revenue. 

Moreover, an increase in consumer awareness of climate change and a shift in preference toward sustainability are influencing travelers’ choices. In 2023, we collaborated with Future Partners on our annual State of the American Traveler report and found that 59% of American travelers state shifting weather patterns caused by climate change will play a part in their destination choices over the next five years. We also found that, in acknowledgment of the role human activity plays in climate change, over a quarter of American travelers are willing to pay more to stay in a hotel with a commitment to sustainability.

A graphic showcasing how climate change affects travel habits.

How Can the Hospitality Industry Adapt and Become Resilient in the Face of Climate Change?

To thrive amidst the challenges posed by climate change, hotels must adopt proactive strategies that foster resilience and sustainability. Here are several critical approaches that can help the hospitality sector navigate climate change effectively.

Develop a Comprehensive Sustainability Plan 

Hotels should commit to a clear sustainability strategy that acts as a roadmap and outlines their goals and action steps. This plan should include measurable objectives for reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices. As mentioned in our Guide to Action on Climate Change, the Glasgow Declaration emphasizes the importance of these commitments, encouraging the hospitality sector to take a calculated approach to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Adopting a sustainability plan helps create a unified framework for tackling goals like this. 

A photo of our Guide to Action on Climate Change.

Organizations like Coraggio Group and The Travel Foundation provide strategic guidance for developing a sustainability master plan. Hotels can also reference our toolkit with best practices for crafting a sustainability strategy or explore the wealth of resources available through the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

Implement or Support Nature-Based Solutions

Engaging in Nature-Based Solutions, or NbS, can help hotels mitigate climate impacts while enhancing biodiversity. Initiatives like coral or wetland restoration not only capture carbon but also improve local ecosystems, making destinations more attractive to visitors. According to our Guide to Action on Climate Change, integrating NbS into business operations can yield significant benefits for both the environment and local communities​. 

Opal Collection’s Reefhouse Resort & Marina supports coral reef restoration and educates guests by housing an on-site, interactive satellite nursery and laboratory for growing and replenishing the area’s coral reef. 

A photo of an aquarium worker showcasing a plant.

Even if a hotel doesn’t have open access to its local ecosystem, it can support local organizations that do. For example, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina regularly partners with Captains for Clear Water, a non-profit dedicated to protecting Florida’s waterways.

Engage in Sustainable Tourism Marketing and Programming 

Educating travelers about responsible travel practices is crucial. Hotels can highlight their sustainability efforts in marketing materials, encouraging guests to make eco-friendly choices during their stay​. This not only attracts eco-conscious consumers but also fosters a sense of community involvement. An evergreen example of this is Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina’s sustainability page on their website, detailing their commitment to sustainability. 

Additionally, as outlined in our Guide to Action on Climate Change, programming can be adapted or created to further enhance a hotel’s appeal to the growing demographic of conscious travelers. For example, instead of pushing frequent travel in a loyalty program, consider rewarding environmentally friendly actions.

Enhance Energy Efficiency 

Enhancing energy efficiency is a crucial strategy for hotels aiming to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. By upgrading energy systems, hotels can significantly reduce their operational costs and environmental footprint. Implementing energy-efficient technologies such as smart thermostats, LED lighting and high-efficiency appliances not only conserves energy but also minimizes dependence on fossil fuels. Energy-efficient buildings are also better equipped to handle disruptions caused by extreme weather events, such as power outages, as they often utilize less energy and can rely on renewable energy sources more effectively. Furthermore, by integrating energy management systems that monitor and optimize energy use, hotels can better prepare for future climate-related challenges, ensuring that they remain operational and sustainable in the face of an uncertain climate landscape.

For more information on green building standards, energy management systems and certifications, consult with the LEED rating system, the European Union’s (EU) Energy Policy, or the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Building Standards and guide to energy efficiency for hotels

Create a Crisis Communication Guide

Establishing a robust crisis communication plan allows hotels to navigate the complexities of potential crises, including those caused by climate change or weather events, effectively. These plans  detail clear protocols for timely and transparent communication internally and with guests during emergencies, addressing various scenarios that may impact operations and guest safety. According to the Crisis Readiness Report by the World Travel & Tourism Council, effective communication can foster trust and facilitate quicker recovery from crises by providing guests and stakeholders with accurate and timely information. The report emphasizes the importance of taking  control of the narrative by delivering consistent messages and engaging credible spokespersons. This strategic communication approach is essential not only for managing immediate crises but also for safeguarding the hotel’s reputation in the long term.

A customized communication strategy that aligns with the hotel’s overall crisis management plan will ensure that staff are well-prepared and that messaging is coherent and empathetic during challenging times. If you’re not sure how to begin creating your own resource, this article, written by Forbes Communication Council Member Victoria Zelenky, provides step-by-step instructions for creating a crisis communications guide.

Key Takeaways & Resources

Climate change presents significant challenges to the hospitality industry, but it also offers opportunities for innovation and growth. By adopting a proactive approach that emphasizes preparedness, collaboration and communication, hotels can not only adapt to these changes but also emerge stronger and more resilient. The path to resilience is not merely about weathering the storm; it is about transforming challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable future in hospitality.

For more information on climate change, its impacts on the tourism industry and how to take action, the following resources provide research and guidance: 

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