A guide to sustainable holidays

Summer is here, bringing with it the urge to unwind, travel and enjoy the good weather. If you’re thinking about your next holiday, you’re probably picturing amazing beaches, outdoor activities, culture and, most importantly, rest and relaxation. However, modern tourism comes with an added requirement: travelling more consciously. Sustainable tourism is no longer just a fad; it has become a necessity.

 

Want amazing yet sustainable holidays? Yes, it’s possible. 

 

Travelling responsibly doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. At THB hotels, we firmly believe that enjoying a relaxing break and protecting the environment can go hand in hand. In fact, all our hotels hold environmental certifications that demonstrate that we use resources more efficiently, reflecting our commitment to responsible tourism and the circular economy.

 

Want to start packing your suitcase with sustainability in mind? Check out our article: 10 keys to a sustainable trip: enjoy your holiday without leaving a trace

 

Practical tips for being a sustainable traveller this summer

 

Real change doesn’t just come from hotels, it also depends on the small decisions we make every day when we’re travelling. Here are some simple ideas you can put into practice without too much hassle:
 

1. Choose emission-free travel and protect the air

Whenever possible, opt for public transport, walking or cycling. It’s the best way to cut emissions and, at the same time, explore your destination at a more leisurely pace. If you need a car, it’s best if it’s electric, hybrid or fuel-efficient. 

 

2. Save resources in your hotel room

We can still be responsible while we’re on holiday. Switch off lights and air conditioning when you leave the room, reuse towels and take part in initiatives such as our “1 Song, 1 Shower” campaign to reduce water consumption but still have fun. 

 

3. Zero waste on beaches and mountains

If you visit coves, mountains or trails, try to leave everything as you found it. Bring a reusable bottle, use cloth bags and always make sure you pick up your rubbish. It might seem trivial, but it makes a huge difference. 

 

4. Respect marine and land biodiversity

Summer is perfect for activities like snorkelling or kayaking, but always tread carefully Be respectful of seagrass meadows and avoid touching or disturbing marine life. On land, stick to marked paths and don’t take plants, stones or shells as souvenirs. 

 

If you’d like to learn more simple ways to protect the environment in your daily life and travels, we recommend reading: 15 actions for blue skies and clean air

 

How do we look after the planet at THB hotels? Environmentally certified practices

 

Choosing hotels with eco-certifications helps to reduce the impact of your stay on the destination. At our hotels, we implement practical measures to move towards a more sustainable, low-waste model:

• Efficient water management: we have implemented water control, conservation and reuse systems across all our facilities. From installing low-flow taps and showers to collecting and treating greywater, we strive to reduce our consumption of this precious resource. 
• Reducing our carbon footprint: we focus on cutting our CO2 emissions by using renewable energy and optimising our operational processes. As it’s impossible to completely eliminate our emissions, we offset them through certified tree-planting schemes in Spanish forests, working alongside Retree. 
• Say goodbye to single-use plastics: we have eliminated single-use plastics from all our hotels. We have replaced plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable and reusable materials, helping to reduce plastic waste in the environment. 
• Zero-mile food and the circular economy: in our restaurants, we support local consumption by using locally sourced ingredients, teas and wines from the area. This cuts transport emissions and directly supports the regional economy.
• Partnerships with a social impact: we work actively with the Deixalles Foundation to manage and recycle textile and furniture waste, promoting the circular economy and helping vulnerable groups into work. We also support the Tursiops association in its efforts to conserve cetaceans in the Mediterranean.

 

Enjoying a sustainable summer doesn’t mean missing out on fun or your usual holidays. It’s more about travelling with a little more awareness, supporting local businesses and taking good care of the places we visit.

 

That’s why choosing the right place to stay also matters. At THB hotels, we have hotels in prime locations with environmental certifications that reflect our commitment to more responsible travel.

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