Let's face it – travelers today care more about their environmental impact than ever before. After speaking with many property owners around Australia, I've watched sustainability shift from a marketing bullet point to a genuine guest expectation. The good news? Going green doesn't just help the planet – it can dramatically enhance guest experience and boost your bottom line.
Energy Conservation That Actually Works
Smart Tech That Pays for Itself
Smart thermostats have been a game-changer for many vacation rental managers. No more air conditioning running all day in empty rooms! One property manager shared her favorite moment: receiving a notification that a guest had left windows open while the AC was running – the system alerted them automatically, saving energy and preventing an awkward conversation.
Water Conservation Without Sacrificing Comfort
Many property owners are skeptical about low-flow fixtures until they actually install them. Modern designs have come a long way – guests literally can't tell the difference, but water bills typically drop by 20-25% in the first quarter. One TheyStay user told me her guests actually complimented the rainfall-style low-flow showerhead, having no idea it was using 40% less water.
Ditching Single-Use Plastics (Without Annoying Your Guests)
Remember those tiny shampoo bottles guests used to collect? They're quickly becoming relics of the past. When properties replace them with stylish refillable dispensers filled with locally-made products, owners often brace for complaints. Instead, guests mention them positively in reviews, appreciating both the environmental consideration and the higher quality products.
I’ve seen 1 property provide branded reusable bottles as welcome gifts. Guests use them throughout their stay and take them home – free advertising and goodwill that keeps paying dividends.
Local Sourcing That Creates Memorable Experiences
Working with local producers isn't just sustainable – it creates stories guests remember. The homemade jam from the farm down the road, the handcrafted soap from the artisan in town – these details transform a standard stay into something worth talking about.
TheyStay's local area deals modules and pre-arrival kiosk is perfect for showcasing these partnerships and allowing guests to pre-order local items before their stay. One of our clients connected with a local winery to offer exclusive tastings to guests show up with their TheyStay digital concierge. The winery gained customers, guests enjoyed a premium experience, and our client earned both goodwill and a small commission – a win for everyone involved.
The Digital Guidebook Revolution
Ask yourself how much your printing budget is for welcome packets - $50 per month, $100 per month? I have seen estimates in some larger providers of $400-$500 per month . After implementing TheyStay's digital guidebook, this cost is entirely eliminated.
Beyond cost savings, digital guidebooks dramatically reduce paper waste. One resort calculated they were using over 30,000 sheets of paper annually just for in-stay information! Their digital transition not only eliminated this waste but allowed them to update information instantly when needed.
Making Sustainability Visible Without Being Preachy
The key to successful eco-initiatives is making them visible without being preachy. Nobody wants a guilt trip on vacation. We've found that briefly mentioning sustainability features in your TheyStay digital guidebook works wonders – "Our solar panels generate enough electricity to power all guest rooms" or "By using our refillable water station, you're helping us eliminate over 10,000 plastic bottles annually."
These callouts help environmentally-conscious guests feel good about their choice to stay with you, without alienating those who might be less focused on green initiatives.
Going Green Is Good Business
After working with dozens of properties implementing sustainability measures through our platform, we've seen the numbers. Energy-efficient properties save an average of 23% on utility costs. Properties with visible green initiatives save on operating expenses and receive more positive reviews mentioning sustainable features. And increasingly, eco-certified properties can command premium rates from travelers willing to pay more for sustainable options.
By combining thoughtful environmental practices with a comprehensive digital concierge like TheyStay, you're not just reducing your carbon footprint – you're creating a more efficient, more profitable business that resonates with today's conscious travelers.
