Sudeep Sharma, General Manager, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

Future of Hospitality – eco-friendly and sustainable hotels

The future of hospitality is likely to be heavily influenced by the growing trend of eco-friendliness and sustainability. As awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment continues to grow, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to reduce their environmental footprint, and this is reflected in their travel choices as well. As a result, there is an increasing demand for sustainable hotels that promote responsible tourism practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, and supporting local communities.

In addition, sustainable hotels are likely to embrace innovative technologies that reduce their environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience. The Westin Pune has implemented green cleaning practices that minimize the use of harmful chemicals and use of wind energy for power generation amongst others practices.

Current Industry Trends & Tips – Sustainable Tourism

With the goal of minimizing negative impacts on the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting economic and social sustainability, the implementation of sustainable practices in the operations and management of day to day activities in hotels has become increasingly popular in the last couple of years.

The Westin Pune and a host of hotels have adopted basic sustainable tips to reduce energy and water consumption by implementing energy-efficient appliances and low-flow fixtures, use of renewable energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize waste by implementing recycling and composting programs and reducing packaging at the restaurants and other areas.

I strongly believe in supporting the local communities by partnering with local suppliers and organizations and use locally sourced and organic food products in restaurants and room service. Staying true to Westin’s Eat Well philosophy, the hotel also uses ingredients from the home-grown micro-herb garden in the hotel.

Holistic Wellness at Hotels

Referring to an approach that focuses on the overall wellbeing of guests, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Hotels focus on providing guests with experiences and resources that promote balance, vitality, and inner harmony during their travel.

Hotels can promote holistic wellness by providing a range of services and amenities that support the different aspects of wellness. This can include dedicating spaces for fitness, yoga and meditation classes, nature walks, and other customized physical activities like the global runWestin program. A well-balanced meal goes a long way, and adding dining options that include fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients to support guests’ nutritional needs and preferences help restore mind and body balance.

In addition to these offerings, hotels can also create an environment that promotes holistic wellness. This can include using natural materials, incorporating soothing colors and scents, and offering spaces for reflection and contemplation.

Overall, promoting holistic wellness at hotels involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being to provide guests with a transformative experience that supports their overall health and vitality.

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