The announcement of the creation of the ESG Committee comes as a result of the association’s latest Annual General Meeting, as a means to endorse its commitment to developing sustainable tourism.
PARIS/FRANCE – Decebmer 15, 2023 – Europe’s Famous Hostels
Europe’s Famous Hostels is taking further steps to underline its commitment to sustainability and sustainable tourism. In line with the association’s principles, the network inaugurated the establishment of its own ESG Committee.
During the regional conference in Paris, Vinícius Alkmim, General Manager at Europe’s Famous Hostels, unveiled the ESG Committee project as a strategic guideline to drive members on the path of sustainable tourism.
“Sustainability is no longer merely a choice; it is a mandatory step for the future of tourism, and a compelling opportunity for our industry”; remarked the General Manager. Mr. Alkmim emphasized that embracing the ESG Committee would help hostels in their journey to sustainability, and protect their assets and destinations.
The association agreed to create a committee to oversee the activities of the association in regards to Environmental and Social Governance, who will be operating to support its 45 members on their progress.
AGM Paris from Europe’s Famous Hostels
The committee was formed by some of the outstanding examples in the community, and it includes Valentina Rodoni, chief of sustainability at the recently added Hyve Hostel in Basel, Linda Hribar, from Celica Hostel in Ljubljana, Ophir El from Israel’s Abraham Hostels, Stephen Wise from St. Christophers Hostels e Zoe Bowthorpe from Hostel Doctor, a consulting company specialized in tourism.
The presentation in Paris was enriched by an outstanding presentation address by Ms Carine Bonnejean from Christie & Co, who endorsed the importance of sustainability for the future of tourism, and the potential of the hostel industry, that is globally recognized by its outstanding lower impact to the environment.
Why an ESG committee
ESG Committee Europe’s Famous Hostels
The Famous Hostels Association’s foundation aims to create programs to support its members and to set a quality pattern within the industry. Their driving force is to set up authentic guest experiences with local and environmental impact. This vision aligns with the institution of the ESG Committee as a tangible body that encompasses the organisation’s values.
Establishing an Environmental, Sustainable and Governmental Committee is vital for promoting sustainability efforts. Given the increasing demand for sustainable facilities and practices, as well as the undeniable reality of climate change, staying current is crucial in the ever-evolving world.
To accomplish this, the ESG committee is necessary to effectively engage with both partners and the community. By doing so, the organisation aims to work towards implementing concrete, feasible, and measurable sustainable practices.
An ongoing sustainable engagement
The network has already showcased its commitment towards more sustainable tourism by inaugurating its Eco Wanderer Campaign.
In partnership with Eurail, they introduced the Carbon Emissions calculator—a game-changer that allowed travellers to harness their eco-conscious choices by opting for trains over planes, transforming these actions into direct discounts at their partnered hostels.
The estimated reduction of saved CO2 amounts to 209 tonnes thanks to the project.
This is an outstanding testimony to the network’s deep-rooted dedication to fostering sustainable tourism and empowering travellers to make responsible choices.
Eco Wanderer Explained
Famous Hostels will issue Sustainable reports to its members
The ESG committee will be also in charge of delivering regular reports to its members about their evolution and examples within the community. With that, it hopes to keep its members updated with the most recent sustainable trends in the industry and to provide members with fresh ideas and urge them towards achievable sustainable changes.
Lastly, the committee is actively reporting public and private funding opportunities as a way of making changes viable for its members.
The committee represents a competitive advantage for Europe’s Famous Hostel Members, In times when consumer preferences are driven by sustainable actions, and reinforces the communitarian approach of the association.
What to expect next from the ESG Committee
The ESG Committee will be in charge of conducting a survey on the current practices of its members, ensuring transparency and progress through regular meetings, guiding the decision makers towards attainable priorities and helping in achieving its goals. This marks a commitment to responsible businesses and environmental practices, alongside social engagement.
