SPAIN: Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has published its 2023 Year in Review, detailing efforts made through its responsible tourism movement Wave of Change.
The report covers the five key pillars of circular economy, blue foods, nature-based solutions, climate action and destination stewardship.
The Mallorcan group, which operates more than 100 hotels across 16 countries, achieved a global reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions of 12 per cent last year compared to 2019. In the EMEA region the reduction was as high as 32 per cent.
Iberostar also reported a 6.5 per cent reduction in energy consumption in 2023 compared to 2019 – four of its hotels are already fully electric, with two more properties set to convert this year, and a further eight set to be partially electrified.
The group recorded a 56 per cent reduction in waste sent to landfill in 2023 relative to the 2021 baseline, and it has a goal of 100 per cent of its fish and seafood coming from responsible sources, achieving a level of 83 per cent in 2023, five percentage points above the previous year.
Last year we reported how Iberostar is reducing food waste through a partnership with Winnow Solutions, saving 735,000 meals between January and June 2023.
The group incorporated two new coral nurseries in the Dominican Republic in 2023, and has now planted more than 16,100 mangroves in the Caribbean country since 2021. Iberostar Group recently announced a partnership with non-profit organisation Planeterra, to promote community tourism initiatives in destinations including Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Iberostar partners with Planeterra to promote community tourism
The group is targeting carbon neutrality by 2030, and has identified near-term goals, including offsetting remaining emissions that are not easily achievable through decarbonization through carbon capture projects, with a focus on blue carbon initiatives.
It also wants to create “quality partnerships throughout the value chain to continue to reduce Scope 3 emissions”, and to encourage collaboration and innovation with other companies “to jointly address environmental challenges in order to build strong connections that allow us to maximise our impact at the destination”.
Gloria Fluxà, vice-chairman and chief sustainability officer, Iberostar Group, said: “Our commitment to responsible tourism leads our business on a transformative journey. The successful implementation of our vision requires a 360-degree approach, embedding sustainability within every process, aligning with nature, and mitigating risks.
“For instance, implementing Nature-Based Solutions like restoring coral reefs or mangroves to mitigate hurricane impact. Collaborations such as these, can aid in developing proactive solutions, partnering with local governments can address major infrastructure challenges, and involving local communities can further holistic tourism.
“Through collective collaboration, our aim is to inspire positive change, so that we create a future where people and the environment flourish.”
To read our recent Q&A with Megan Morikawa, global sustainability office director, Iberostar Group, see:
Q&A: Megan Morikawa, global sustainability office director, Iberostar Group
Image supplied by Iberostar.