By Annie Davidson, Director, Account Management for the Luxury Segment at Avendra. Published in Luxury Hoteliers Magazine.

Procurement Service Providers can help luxury operators’ source eco-friendly products that meet travelers’ demands and create authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences.

Environmental responsibility and sustainability are driving hotel guests and restaurant patrons to be hyper-aware of the sourcing behind the meals they are eating, accommodations they are choosing and solutions they use during travel (i.e. water bottles, cutlery). In a recent article titled “The Next 5 Years: Future Hospitality Industry Trends You Need to Know,” Diana Verde Nieto, co-founder and CEO of Positive Luxury, said “Millennials – who have officially bypassed Baby Boomers in the workforce – are twice as likely to support hotel brands with strong management of their sustainability and social goals.” For them, sustainability plays an important role and is a differentiator in the future of hotels.

According to the Top Trends in Hospitality 2019 report, “one of the biggest challenges facing luxury brands is becoming and staying relevant for a new generation of clients.” The study predicts that consumers under 35 will account for more than half of the global personal luxury goods purchased in the market by 2025. For the luxury hotel segment to become and remain relevant to this group of reigning travelers who will be instrumental in driving revenues through 2034, operators should consider doing more than just providing lavish hotel accommodations and serving trendy dishes. Delivering authentic experiences not found elsewhere will go a long way towards attracting and retaining new guests. That means filling each stay with localized food and beverage items and one-of-a-kind amenities to elevate the overall experience. But that is just the first step.

To truly separate one luxury destination from the next in the minds of Millennials, operators can choose to source responsibly from suppliers who enforce humane practices and ensure the highest standards for human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption are being met. Operating more efficiently is possible by reducing food waste (possibly growing food onsite or sourcing food locally), requesting eco-friendly packaging, eliminating plastics, moving to plant-based proteins and offering healthy food options made from scratch.

Implementing these practices may be a challenge for hoteliers to go alone, but thankfully, operators of luxury accommodations can turn to their Procurement Services Providers (PSPs) for support, guidance and other value-added services. A PSP will not just help properties save money on core products; they can also assist with sourcing and contracting suppliers offering sustainably sourced food products and sustainable amenities that define the experiences desired.