5 initiatives to inspire guests to protect the oceans

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Content in collaboration with Bioscore Sustainability, a sustainability consultancy for tourism companies.

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The world's oceans are an invaluable resource that provides a variety of benefits, from food to oxygen. However, increasing pollution and overfishing are threatening their health and biodiversity.

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Coastal tourism can have a significant negative impact on the oceans if not managed sustainably. 

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In this sense, the hotel sector has the capacity to implement sustainable practices, such as the efficient management of water and energy, and to promote responsible tourism to minimize the negative impact on the oceans.

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June 8th is World Oceans Day, and as a hotel owner, you have the opportunity to make a difference and motivate your guests to protect the oceans. Here are five sustainable initiatives you can implement to inspire your guests to take action.

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1- Create a marine conservation program

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Establishing a marine conservation program is an excellent way to educate your guests about the importance of protecting the oceans. 

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How to take action? By collaborating with local organizations and experts in marine conservation to offer educational activities, such as talks, workshops, and excursions to protected marine areas.

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In addition, you can promote the adoption of practices, such as responsible diving and awareness programs to encourage the non-collection of corals and marine species.

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2 - Say goodbye to single-use plastics

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Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges facing the oceans today. It is estimated that around 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year. 

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As a hotelier, you can play a crucial role in reducing this figure by eliminating single-use plastics from your facilities and promoting sustainable alternatives. Replace plastic bottles with water filtration systems and provide reusable bottles to your guests.

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Another change you can make is to offer biodegradable packaging options in your restaurant, as well as minimize the use of plastic bags in common areas. As small as these details may seem, you are able to sow the change that the world needs in your guests.

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3 - Support sustainable fishing

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According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 33% of fish populations are being exploited at unsustainable levels.

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Overfishing is a serious threat to marine life and ocean ecosystems. Encourage your guests to support sustainable fishing by promoting fish and seafood certified with sustainability seals, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). 

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You can also organize themed events focused on sustainable seafood cuisine and offer menus that highlight seasonal seafood products from the region.

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4 - Carry out an annual beach cleanup program

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Regularly organizing beach cleanup days is an effective way to involve your guests in protecting the oceans. 

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Provide biodegradable trash bags and gloves to your guests and promote active participation in collecting waste on nearby beaches. Be sure to raise awareness about the negative impact of waste on the oceans and highlight the importance of keeping beaches clean.

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5 - A basic: carbon offsetting

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The carbon footprint of travel is an important factor in climate change and indirectly affects the health of the oceans.

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Implementing a carbon offset program at your hotel can help your guests reduce their environmental impact. It is also in your hands to offer options for them to offset the carbon emissions generated during their stay through investment in renewable energy or reforestation projects.

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As you know, carrying out an environmental audit and opting for a sustainability system such as Bioscore will help you invest your resources in aspects that help you obtain the recognition your hotel deserves.

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In short, as a hotelier you have the opportunity to influence your guests and motivate them to take action to protect the oceans. The range is very wide, from the implementation of sustainable initiatives, such as marine conservation programs, the elimination of single-use plastics, promotion of sustainable fishing, beach cleaning programs and carbon offsetting. All of this inspires your guests to be agents of change in the preservation of our valuable oceans. 

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Remember that every little action counts and that together we can make a difference to ensure a sustainable future for the oceans and generations to come.

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