HBX Group Expands Single Use Plastic-Free Hotel Portfolio to Over 5,500 Through 'Sustainable Waves' Campaign 

At HBX Group, we are thrilled to share the latest update on our "Single-Use Plastics-Free" movement within the Sustainability Wave initiative.

In this recent campaign, we achieved a 4.7% increase in the number of hotels that have eliminated single-use plastics, now exceeding 5,500 establishments.

These hotels are dedicated to tackling one of the most pressing environmental issues: plastic waste and pollution. 

By obtaining a sustainability certification through our Sustainable Hotels Programme, hotels gain exclusive positioning in our booking engine and receive tailored support for their sustainability efforts. This program has now grown to include 40,000 properties. 

We have studied the performance of these hotels, and the data shows that they are outperforming non-sustainable accommodation options,  seeing a 9% YoY growth in trading volumes and 26% YoY growth in search demand - compared to 19% for non-sustainable hotels. 

Moreover, our recent marketing campaign for the “Single-Use Plastic-Free” initiative also achieved impressive results. Last year the emails reached 92,217 professionals in the sector and this year they reached 200,776, which represents an increase of 188%, demonstrating our greater reach and improved message visibility.

The Palma Aquarium Foundation has been an essential partner in our campaign to eliminate plastics from the hospitality industry. Dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystem, the Foundation has worked with us to raise awareness about reducing plastic usage. 

Debora Morrison, the Foundation’s Director, has addressed the impact of plastics on our oceans in an informative video we've released. Under the slogan "Let’s Be Pioneers," we aim not only to increase the number of plastic-free hotels but also to inspire a collective commitment to sustainability. 

The goal of the "Sustainability Wave" campaigns is to promote a more sustainable model within the tourism value chain. This year, we've launched three campaigns under the "Making the Difference" banner, each with a distinct focus: 

• Creating Specific Labels: These help filter properties based on their sustainable practices, making it easier for travelers to choose more responsible options.

• Broad Sustainability Initiatives: We aim to identify, profile, and support properties with high sustainability levels while assisting those beginning their journey toward sustainability. This includes increasing the number of properties in our sustainability programs, such as those that are single-use plastic-free. 

• Plastic-Free Campaign: This specific campaign targets the elimination of single-use plastics, raising awareness about their impact, and providing tools to help properties transition away from them. 

These diverse campaigns collectively advance our goal of a more sustainable tourism industry. 

Making changes to your properties, whether they are small boutiques or large hotel chains, demands time and effort, but the rewards are significant. 

• Growing Demand:  According to HBX Group's 2023 ESG report, there has been a 30% increase in travelers looking for properties on our platform that are free of single-use plastic and are more socially and environmentally responsible.

• Increased Visibility: By adopting sustainable practices like reducing single-use plastics, your hotel could qualify for our Sustainable Hotels Programme. This will boost your visibility among over 55,000 distributors and their clients looking for eco-conscious properties. We’ll cover the benefits and how to join later in this article. 

• Competitive Edge: A well-defined sustainability plan can set your hotel apart from the competition. Achieving sustainability certification will enhance your property’s position and attract a broader range of traveler segments. 

• Regulatory Compliance: More countries and regions are enacting sustainability regulations. Stay updated on the requirements and expectations in each area to ensure compliance. 

If your hotel has not yet eliminated single-use plastics, now is the perfect time to join the Single-Use Plastic-Free Movement. Here's how: 

• Register on Maxiroom: Mark your hotel as Single-Use Plastic-Freeon the platform to gain additional visibility Registro como hotel libre de plásticos. 

• Join the Sustainable Hotels Programme: By doing so, your hotel will be visible to over 71,000 travel advisors and their clients. 

• Update Your Information on the Extranet: Log in, select ‘Hotel Info,’ and check the ‘Single-Use Plastic Free’ box. 

This will not only give you additional visibility in our booking engine, but will also allow you to participate in our future sustainability campaigns, such as the ‘Green Wave’.