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Why Regenerative Travel Requires a 360 Approach - Marriott International Leading the Way
As World Environment Day approaches, Marriott International, a global leader in the hospitality industry, presents a compelling story angle: "Why regenerative travel requires a 360 approach?" In a recent study conducted by Booking.com, it was revealed that 76% of travelers express a desire to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months, with 66% aiming to leave the places they visit in a better condition than when they arrived. However, the path to sustainable travel is often hindered by perceived barriers, such as the belief that sustainable options are too expensive (49% of respondents) and a lack of knowledge regarding where to find such options (56% of respondents).
Recognizing these challenges, Marriott International advocates for a comprehensive approach to regenerative travel, making sustainability accessible and actionable for hotel guests. The company has distilled their approach into key areas, as highlighted below.
- Setting Clear and Measurable Sustainability Targets: Marriott International's sustainability and social impact platform, Serve360: Doing Good in Every Direction, serves as a comprehensive framework for the company's sustainable efforts. Committed to reducing its global carbon, water, and waste footprints, Marriott International has established ambitious 2025 targets. Moreover, the company has made a significant commitment to set science-based targets and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, further reinforcing its sustainability initiatives.
- Integrating Sustainability into Hotel Operations: Sustainability lies at the core of Marriott International's business strategy, permeating every aspect from hotel design to the guest experience. Demonstrating this commitment, the Marriott Bonvoy™ portfolio of resorts in Maldives implements numerous environmental, oceanic, and community initiatives. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, for instance, has implemented a water bottling plant, waste management and composting systems, and a thriving JW Garden that also welcomes guests. The resort employs 100% organic fertilizer produced on the island and utilizes a manual irrigation system. At Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa the hydroponic gardens and a thriving greenhouse program encourages guests to witness and engage with the beauty of nature and learn about the resort’s efforts to protect it, followed by a unique dining experience featuring freshly harvested ingredients. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort boasts a unique eco-design of the resort itself with upcycled art and décor pieces as well as design inspiration to highlight the diverse marine life of the Maldives. The resort also boasts its own designated recycling plant, reducing the amount of waste produced and is also home to its own diesel generation plant closely monitoring the use and consumption of diesel and fuel. W Maldives has partnered with cutting-edge Hong Kong swimwear label Mazu Resortwear to create exclusive prints with a bold message in mind. Made out of salvaged plastic bottles, the limited edition swimwear collection is stealing the scene in style and is inspired by the team’s commitment to save the ocean since 2021. In addition all of Marriott Bonvoy’s seven resorts in Maldives have implemented refillable bath amenities, to reduce plastic waste.
- Empowering Guests to Make a Positive Impact: Marriott International leads the way in Asia Pacific with the innovative program "Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™." This program enables guests to engage in meaningful travel experiences across three distinct pillars: Environmental Protection, Community Engagement, and Marine Conservation. With close to 100 participating hotels, the initiative allows guests to contribute meaningfully to the destinations they visit. For example, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers guests the opportunity to support and promote the traditional art of lacquer, helping preserve the cultural heritage of Liyelaa Jehun. At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, guests can participate in the Adopt a Coral initiative, engaging in coral-fragment plantation activities to support reef habitats. Committed to environmental education, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Ambassadors of the Environment program led by Jean-Michel Cousteau, a team of marine naturalists and leading global scientists, provides unique experiences for both adults and children with the preservation of our planet at its core.
- Cultivating a Culture of Giving Back: "Serve Our World" represents one of Marriott International's core values, and the company is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where it operates. Marriott's hotels and associates worldwide actively engage in volunteerism, fundraising, cash and in-kind donations to support local causes. Recently, the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). This program aims to train and develop the youth of Maldives, providing them with opportunities in the hospitality industry. To further foster sustainability, Marriott International challenges its hotels to establish internal sustainability committees, creating a culture of accountability and driving positive change.
By adopting a 360 approach to regenerative travel, Marriott International demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, empowering guests to make a positive impact and contributing to the communities it serves. As the world celebrates World Environment Day, Marriott International encourages travelers and industry stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices and collectively build a better future.
To know more about the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com