How tourism impacts the environment 

There’s plenty to be excited about for Ireland’s tourism industry, with it set to be worth €15 billion to the national economy by 2030 and employing up to 350,000 people. But if not managed, there can be a negative impact on destinations and communities. Ireland’s 7 million international annual tourists contribute to environmental degradation, cultural commodification, overtourism and economic leakage.  

It’s estimated that Ireland’s tourism industry is responsible for more than 4 MtCO2eq (million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), excluding international transport, 49% of which comes from accommodation and 10.5% from F&B. Tourism also contributes to the deterioration of local landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and The Giants Causeway which have experienced significant erosion and litter from their high volume of visitors. A surge in tourism can erode local cultures, transforming traditions into staged performances for visitors. This commodification risks stripping away the very authenticity that originally drew tourists in. 

We can see the impact in popular destinations like Dublin who experience overtourism, where excessive visitor numbers strain infrastructure and diminish residents' quality of life. Additionally, a significant portion of tourism revenue often benefits foreign-owned businesses, leaving local economies, and those independent hotels and local eateries we love the most, with minimal gains. This economic leakage undermines the benefits that tourism can bring to local communities. Sustainable tourism seeks to lessen these negative effects and promote responsible practices that preserve destinations and enhance local economies.  

How important is sustainability for consumers? 

Sustainability is increasingly a factor in choosing hotels, restaurants and hospitality services for consumers. Eco-conscious travellers prefer businesses that show a commitment to sustainability, such as hotels that promote energy efficiency, reduce water usage and minimise waste and restaurants that source local and organic ingredients and minimise the use of single use plastics.  

For Irish hospitality businesses that want to appeal to these consumers, integrating sustainable practices into their operations and providing guests with information about their sustainable initiatives is the way to go. Offering eco-friendly options to guests such as reusable water bottles and enabling online booking and check-ins to reduce paper waste are practical ways you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability in your operations. You might also consider how you can help you guests to be more sustainable, by facilitating recycling for waste or opting for towel re-use in hotels.  

Demonstrating your business’s commitment to sustainability not only attracts customers but also enhances the overall reputation of Irish tourism. With the assistance of initiatives such as the Green Hospitality Programme, operators can create a competitive advantage for themselves while also helping to preserve Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. 

What are businesses doing to contribute to sustainable tourism? 

Hotels, bars and restaurants all play a pivotal role in the sustainable tourism. These venues are often the first touchpoint for tourists and can significantly influence their sustainability journey.  

So, what are businesses doing to contribute to a more sustainable industry?  

• Hotels: Hotels can have a significant impact on the environment through high energy consumption, waste usage and waste generations. Sustainable practices include implementing energy-efficient systems, using renewable energy sources and promoting water conservation. The Castlerosse Park Resort in Killarney are a great example, having launched a Green Agenda, including a pledge on plastic, green energy installations and water conservation efforts. 
• Bars and restaurants: Sustainable practices for restaurants and bars are often good for the local economy as well as the environment through the sourcing of local and organic ingredients, reducing food waste and minimising single-use plastics. Businesses such as The Happy Pear in Greystones are a leader in sustainable food practices, offering menus centred around plant-based options and using ingredients from nearby farms. 
• Community engagement and cultural preservation: Demonstrating an authentic commitment to more sustainable business practices and promoting sustainable tourism means engaging with the local community and supporting local heritage and cultural initiatives. The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, do this by celebrating Irish art and history with a curated art collection and an ongoing collaboration with local cultural establishments. 

How Access can help with sustainability in the tourism industry   

At Access Hospitality Ireland, we’re passionate about helping hospitality businesses thrive sustainably. Our range of software solutions aim to streamline, digitise and automate manual and paper-based processes to create more efficient and cost-saving operations which are inherently more environmentally friendly.  

Our cloud-based solutions are all about smart management of resources. Here’s how we help: 

• Procure Wizard: Optimising your procurement process by vetting suppliers for sustainability and eliminating paper processes. Procure Wizard ensures that you're sourcing responsibly while reducing waste and saving costs. 
• Collins: Seamlessly integrating with POS systems, Access Collins reduces paper use through use of an online booking system and table management. It also collects valuable data on guest preferences, helping you tailor your services to meet their eco-friendly expectations. 
• Rotaready: Managing staff schedules can be complex, but Rotaready simplifies this by reducing labour costs and enhancing operational sustainability. Efficient staff management means less waste and a more streamlined operation. 

By implementing these advanced tools, hospitality businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Our solutions not only help you operate more efficiently but also position your business as a leader in the sustainable tourism movement. 

Is your business supporting sustainable tourism? 

Sustainable tourism is essential for the future of the travel industry. By integrating environmental, social and economic considerations, it offers a path to responsible and beneficial tourism. The hospitality sector, with the support of our hospitality-focused software solutions, can lead the way in promoting sustainability, ensuring that tourism development is inclusive and sustainable. Embracing sustainable tourism practices is not just an option but an imperative for preserving the beauty and cultural richness of destinations like Ireland for future generations. 

In this article, we’ve looked at how sustainable tourism is impacting hospitality and what operators are doing. If you’d like to learn more about adopting more sustainable operating processes, get in touch for a personalised consultation with our team.