OYO Hotels & Homes places immense trust in its 9,000+ strong hotel partner community spread across nearly 260 cities in India. With a vision to empower its entrepreneurial network, OYO has invested thousands of crores in CapEx, appointed hundreds of General Managers to enhance customer experience, and established over 27 training institutes to bring consistency and global standards to hospitality.
As India’s travel and tourism sector continues its upward trajectory—contributing significantly to the global economy—there is a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2018 research, the sector contributed $8.8 trillion and 319 million jobs to the world economy, growing at 3.9% annually. But with this rapid growth comes the urgent need for sustainability.
This World Environment Day, Here's How OYO and the Hospitality Sector Are Embracing Sustainability
Smart Energy Usage
Energy consumption accounts for a large part of a hotel’s carbon footprint. While transitioning to renewable energy like solar may require significant investment, many hotels are taking smaller, smarter steps:
Timer switches and thermostatic radiator valves to optimize heating systems
Low-energy lighting, including LED lamps and T5 tubes
Water Recycling & Conservation
Water conservation has become a core focus for sustainable operations. In Shimla, under its CSR initiative ‘OYO Reach’, OYO has equipped 83% of its properties with rainwater harvesting systems. This initiative alone can save up to 81,000 litres of water, a critical intervention in a tourist-heavy hill station.
Eco-Friendly In-House Practices
Hotels are implementing a variety of low-impact, eco-conscious changes, such as:
Switching to glass water bottles instead of single-use plastics
Using reusable dispensers for hygiene amenities
Encouraging guests to reuse towels and bed linens for 2–3 days
Incorporating indoor plants for better air quality
Using key-card power switches to turn off electrical devices when not in use
Encouraging Responsible Tourism
The onus of sustainability also lies with travelers. Responsible choices by tourists include:
Practicing eco-friendly habits during their stay
Respecting heritage sites and maintaining cleanliness
Using public transport, cycling, or walking when exploring destinations
Choosing vehicles powered by natural gas
Carrying recyclable bags and avoiding littering
Overcoming the Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles in implementing these practices is mixed customer feedback. While many embrace sustainability, others are resistant to change. This highlights the need for broader mindset shifts—from hotel operators to guests alike.
The Road Ahead: Adapting for Impact
Sustainable tourism is not a one-time effort—it’s a continuous journey. It involves:
Adapting and realigning operational goals
Balancing customer comfort with ecological responsibility
Regularly monitoring and course-correcting sustainability efforts
As we continue to explore the world, we must remember:
“Your vacation destination is someone’s home.”
Let's preserve it—with respect, responsibility, and care.
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