As a valued BLLA Vendor Partner, Hotels for Trees is playing a pivotal role in the boutique hospitality industry’s ongoing shift toward sustainability. Edwin Schaerlaeckens, the Tree Planting Officer and Regional Manager for North America at Hotels for Trees, offers key insights into the trends shaping this transformation and how boutique hotels are leading the charge.
The Push for Sustainability in Response to Climate Change
Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword in the boutique hospitality industry—it’s a necessity, driven by the stark realities of climate change. With summer here, we have seen record high temperatures and heatwaves again in Europe, Asia, and the US, says Schaerlaeckens. He notes that many previously sought-after tourist destinations are now struggling with extreme heat, prompting both hoteliers and guests to rethink their travel habits. There is a growing awareness we need to curb this trend, and planting trees is a great, first easy step to do so. Boutique hotels are often at the forefront of taking action by implementing pragmatic improvements.
This shift is being mirrored in guest expectations. More travelers are now prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations, which is where Hotels for Trees steps in with innovative solutions. Schaerlaeckens highlights their latest offering: Our latest concept offers guests that are booking online the option to plant a tree at check-out, next to existing choices such as selecting breakfast or a bottle of champagne. It’s a minor expense but changes the guest’s perception of the hotel in a very positive way.
Meeting and Exceeding Guest Expectations
Sustainability is naturally aligned with the values of boutique hotel guests, who often seek authentic, home-like experiences. Schaerlaeckens emphasizes that these guests are more than willing to forgo daily housekeeping in exchange for contributing to environmental conservation. The typical guest doesn’t change towels and linens at home each day and is perfectly fine opting out of housekeeping as well, especially when there’s a fun and thoughtful ‘reward’ like planting a tree, he explains.
This approach has resonated strongly within the boutique hotel sector, with 80%-85% of Hotels for Trees’ 220 partners being independent boutique properties. This trend reflects a broader shift in the industry, where sustainability is not just an add-on but an integral part of the guest experience.
Innovation in Sustainability Practices
Hotels for Trees partners are not just adopting sustainability practices; they’re innovating. Schaerlaeckens shares examples of how these hotels are creatively reducing their environmental impact. There are so many very creative ways our partner hotels have been innovative, in ways to save water and electricity usage, and reduce food waste and use of plastic, he says. He also points to the role of technology, particularly through their strategic partner MEWS, which helps hotels become more efficient with energy management systems like motion sensors for lights and limits on air conditioning usage.
These measures, while beneficial for the planet, also contribute to significant cost savings, demonstrating that sustainability can be both eco-friendly and economically viable.
Educating and Empowering the Boutique Hospitality Sector
Education is a cornerstone of Hotels for Trees’ mission. Schaerlaeckens underscores the importance of staying informed about the latest sustainability trends. “Check out our website or follow us on social media outlets like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram; we frequently post updates, news, and articles and participate in podcasts and interviews as well,” he advises.
One notable initiative is their partnership with a hospitality university in the Netherlands, where a tree is planted for every graduating student—an effort they aim to replicate in the U.S. Additionally, their “Meetings for Trees” program, which plants a tree for every attendee at an event held at a partner hotel, offers a unique way to offset the environmental impact of business travel.
The Future of Sustainable Boutique Hospitality
Looking ahead, Schaerlaeckens sees both challenges and opportunities for boutique hotels. We already are starting to see increased legislation and the introduction of fees and taxes on the hospitality industry; I believe we will continue to see more of that, he predicts. However, he also believes that boutique hotels are well-positioned to adapt. The trick, and the opportunity, is to stay ahead of the curve, and I believe boutique hotels are nimble and responsive enough to do so.
As the industry approaches a tipping point where sustainability is no longer optional, Schaerlaeckens is optimistic about the role Hotels for Trees will play. Hotels for Trees will be there to help fund reforestation projects, together with our partners, he says, pointing to collaborations with organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation and One Tree Planted, which are spearheading large-scale tree-planting initiatives globally.
As a BLLA Vendor Partner, Hotels for Trees exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking, impactful collaboration that is shaping the future of boutique hospitality—where sustainability is not just embraced but celebrated.
About BLLA
The official organization for the world’s independent boutique lifestyle hotels and leaders who are entrepreneurs themselves, promoting capital, resources, connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, BLLA’s boutique community currently extends to more than 10,000 verified boutique and lifestyle hotels. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, exactly what today’s traveler is embracing. BLLA.org / Stay-Boutique.com. BLLA is also a capital/partner matchmaker via its Boutique Money Group division.
The corporate manifesto is: Experience the intention behind the brand.
Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA)BLLA
View source
