Eco-tourism has become an increasingly important sector of the hospitality industry. A study commissioned by Small Luxury Hotels of the World found that a majority of American, Australian, and British tourists view hotels as having a responsibility to the environment and communities in which they operate. What's more, an increasing numbers of tourists are also interested in having an authentic cultural experience.
Hotels, resorts, and outdoor adventure and other hospitality-related companies are responding to these new demands, offering accommodations and activities that support environmental preservation and the local economy.
Hospitality Jobs with a Social Conscious
In a career as an eco-tour guide or manager, you might work for an African tourism company, taking vacationers on tours of ecosystems in the rain forests of Madagascar, the Serengeti, or the Kalahari Desert. You might also assume a job with an organization that promotes ecotourism, such as The International Ecotourism Society or Ecotourism Australia, helping hotels, resorts, and tourism companies develop and implement ecotourism policies and practices.Eco-Spas: Careers in Pampering and Educating Tourists
There are also career opportunities for environmentally-conscious hospitality professionals in the United States. Spas like El Monte Sagrado in Taos, New Mexico provide guests with all the pampering that comes with a resort that garners anywhere from $250 to more than $1,000 per night for a room. Guests can visit an aromatherapy cave and enjoy the resort's elaborate waterfall construction that runs on an eco-friendly water purification system.Part of the mission of some eco-spas is to provide visitors with information about environmental practices. For example, a resort may feature exquisite meals prepared with organically grown ingredients. Their buildings may be designed in an environmentally-friendly way, incorporating recycled products, biodegradable materials, and energy efficient power systems.
