Trends | Mar 27, 2024

Our Progress Towards a Model of Responsible Tourism

In recent years, at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, we've been dedicated to developing sustainable tourism practices, working to set the bar high for environmental responsibility in the global hospitality industry. As we reflect on our accomplishments in 2023, we are incredibly proud of the strides we have made towards a more sustainable future, but also acknowledge there is more to be done.

Decarbonization

At Iberostar, we are dedicated to reducing the impacts from climate change. We invest heavily in cutting emissions and managing risks. Our main goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we focus on high-quality projects to capture carbon. We're also working to offset 15% of emissions that can't be reduced directly.

Our ambitious decarbonization efforts are evident in the reduction of Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 12% globally compared to the 2019 baseline. This reduction signifies progress toward achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating our environmental impact. By reducing emissions, we contribute to global efforts to limit global warming and protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities from the adverse effects of climate change. 

As a result, the reduction of energy consumption is a pivotal goal for us, reflected in our reduction of Scope 1 kWh by 6.49% relative to the 2019 baseline. These achievements were made possible through various measures, including staff training and investment in energy-efficient technologies. Reducing energy consumption, not only lowers our carbon footprint but also demonstrates our commitment to mitigating climate change. 

Responsible Seafood

In 2023, we advanced our responsible seafood practices, resulting in an overall responsible seafood percentage of 83%. By sourcing seafood responsibly, we support the health of marine ecosystems, promote ethical fishing practices, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Responsible seafood sourcing also aligns with consumer preferences for sustainable products and works to ensure the long-term viability of seafood resources and safeguarding marine ecosystems.

Our dedication to responsible seafood isn't just about sustainable sourcing; it's a pledge to redefine our connection with the seas. 

Finding Solutions in Nature

We continue to work toward restoring ecosystem services for risk reduction, building on our work in previous years. We now have eight coral nurseries, four in the Dominican Republic, three in Mexico, and one in Jamaica, and are working to elevate coastal resilience through dune ecosystems. Through targeted dune restoration initiatives, we not only safeguard delicate ecosystems but also champion sustainable practices that seamlessly align with our world-class hospitality. This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to responsible tourism and the enduring well-being of coastal environments.

Waste to Landfill

In 2023, we surpassed our global waste sent to landfill per stay targets for the year, achieving a remarkable actual waste sent to landfill per stay rate of 0.69 kg/stay, lower than the targeted 0.71 kg/stay. 

This achievement underscores our commitment to exceeding sustainability goals and making a positive environmental impact. By reducing waste sent to landfill, we not only conserve natural resources but also minimize the strain on ecosystems affected by landfill waste. 

As we continue to drive positive change towards a more sustainable future, we remain committed to exceeding sustainability goals and making a positive environmental impact. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our teams for their incredible accomplishments in 2023 and look forward to what 2024 will bring. 

To learn more about our 2023 achievements and our ongoing sustainability efforts, please access our full 2023 Year in Review report.