As vocational training centers, ASSET-H&C members are a major source of influence, through the youth and adults they train, to drive large-scale and long-term changes.
In 2017, at the request of members, the network launched the Ecospitality initiative which comprised two main components:
In collaboration with Artelia Engineering, ASSET-H&C conducted environmental audits in 10 member schools to assess their environmental footprint, identify good practices, and provide guidance on taking concrete and easy-to-implement actions to reduce electricity and water consumption as well as to improve waste management.
Good practices drawn from the observations and recommendations of Artelia were then compiled into an Eco- Guide for Hospitality Businesses and Schools to leverage the outcomes of this process. This publication is geared towards all interested tourism stakeholders willing to increase their environmental sustainability.
An environmental awareness and sustainable development training curriculum was created in collaboration with PSE-Institute, an ASSET-H&C member in Cambodia, and Cam Conscious Tourism to educate and train students on environmental challenges and on how to perform in a more responsible way in their future job.
A global issue affecting everyone, and particularly young people in the Global South.
Today’s extreme weather events clearly show that climate change is here and is real.
Some two billion young people globally have been born and will grow up under global warming. They are destined to spend the rest of their lives confronting its mounting negative impacts on food production, water supplies, and health. This is particularly true for youth living in the Global
South, where a larger proportion of the economic activity is concentrated in sectors sensitive to climate, with less capacity to adapt.
Environmental issues have a broad impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, and vice versa.
The tourism and hospitality industry depends on a healthy global ecosystem. Destinations’ natural environment is a major reason for travelling, and therefore an essential part of tourism products. In addition, the industry is particularly vulnerable to environmental damage such as drought and inadequate water supply, hurricanes and cyclones, flooding, rising sea levels and higher mean temperatures.
At the same time, the industry has a major impact on the environment due to excessive carbon emission, use of resources, waste production, and other unsustainable practices.
The sector, which is increasingly held accountable by consumers, has to better address these challenges. As tourism and hospitality is a labor-extensive industry, it is indisputable that human resources are essential to convert into action any sustainability strategy or policy.
As vocational training centers, ASSET-H&C members are a major source of influence through the youth and adults they train. Equipping them with awareness and good practices through training and frequent monitoring will drive large-scale and long-term changes to contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable tourism industry.