The environmental impact of tourism is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. The United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) estimates that the tourism industry contributes about 8.0 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transport, accommodation, and food services being major contributors.
As countries and industries worldwide work towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the urgency for sustainable tourism has never been more critical.
Kenya, a leading African tourist destination, has an opportunity to set the pace in implementing sustainable practices across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The adoption of eco-friendly initiatives within the industry can help balance environmental responsibility with economic growth while positioning Kenya as a model for sustainable tourism in the region.
Food waste is one of the most significant environmental challenges in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Globally, over 931 million tonnes of food go to waste annually, with hotels and restaurants among the key contributors.
In Kenya, the World Food Programme reports that over 30 percent of food produced is lost or wasted. Tackling this issue is vital to reducing the tourism sector's environmental footprint.
Many hospitality players are now embracing sustainable food waste management practices such as composting and reusing food byproducts.
Simple yet innovative solutions, like turning food waste into new culinary creations or using compost to support on-site gardens, can help reduce methane emissions from landfills while promoting a circular economy.
These initiatives, when adopted more widely, not only cut down waste but also create a positive environmental impact that aligns with the global push for sustainability.
Hospitality businesses that prioritise these measures can help shape a more sustainable future while demonstrating that reducing food waste can coexist with delivering high-quality services.
Another critical aspect of sustainable tourism is addressing carbon emissions from transportation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport accounts for nearly one-quarter of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
In the tourism sector, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for guest transfers is emerging as an innovative way to reduce this impact.
Electric vehicles, which emit about half the CO2 of conventional cars over their lifetime, provide an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with the sustainability goals of many tourism operators.
Globally, the adoption of EVs is accelerating, with the IEA projecting that EVs could save 1.5 gigatonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.
Incorporating electric mobility into guest experiences not only reduces emissions but also enhances a hotel’s green credentials.
As travelers increasingly seek out environmentally responsible accommodations, offering eco-friendly transport solutions can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
The global travel landscape is changing, with sustainability becoming a major deciding factor for many tourists.
According to the 2023 Sustainable Travel Report by Booking.com, 76 percent of travellers are looking to make more sustainable travel choices, and 68 percent are more likely to select accommodations with clear sustainability certifications.
This shift presents a unique opportunity for Kenya’s hospitality industry to appeal to a new segment of eco-conscious travellers.
By embracing sustainability in areas such as waste management and green energy, hotels and resorts can attract a growing base of environmentally aware guests while simultaneously reducing their operational costs.
Furthermore, sustainability certifications and eco-labels not only benefit the environment but also enhance a property's marketability.
This demand underscores the need for the industry to prioritise sustainable practices and leverage them as a competitive advantage.
Sustainability in tourism goes beyond individual initiatives—it requires a collective, industry-wide commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
By integrating sustainable solutions into their core operations, tourism operators in Kenya can help preserve the country’s natural resources while positioning the industry for long-term success.
The adoption of these practices can have significant ripple effects. For one, it fosters green jobs and innovation, providing new economic opportunities for local communities. Secondly, it sets the stage for Kenya to become a global leader in sustainable tourism.
With growing global awareness of the need for climate action, the hospitality sector must be at the forefront of implementing environmentally responsible solutions.
The future of tourism is undeniably green. As environmental consciousness rises globally, the hospitality sector must step up to the challenge by implementing sustainable practices in waste management, energy use, and transportation.
By taking bold steps today, Kenya’s tourism industry can lead the way in shaping a more sustainable, eco-conscious future while continuing to offer world-class experiences.
Russel Storey, Radisson Blu Hotel Upperhill General Manager
