It is summer and for most of us this means it is holiday time. I have already been on holiday in Spring but I have to say that I have come increasingly across critical views on holiday trips.

The article by Ethical Corporation: “Water shortages – Greedy tourists bring drought” points to some worrying facts: The increasing amount of tourists in different parts of Europe has negative side effects like water shortages… Did you know that Barcelona has to import water? This is alarming. It is sad to see that the nicest time of the year can lead to such burdensome results… .

Leo Hickman summarized his experiences in 11 of the world’s most popular holiday destinations and points to the ethical aspects of going on holiday. It should come at no surprise that what we do impacts one way or the other the environment. Like in the Information Technology Industry and in other industries the demand for green increases.

I heard about a sustainable tourism certification in the United Kingdom: Green Tourism Business Scheme. This certification honors those businesses like hotels, corporate offices or tourism attractions for their effort in engaging in sustainable tourism activities. Did you know that hotels offer solar heated hot water, wood chip boilers, water turbines for energy savings or use heat from the earth?

It is interesting to see what the tourism industry already offers. I have to admit I was not aware of all of those opportunities. Are you aware of any others? Of course there is much more to be done and offered but for the most part it is important that we as tourists acknowledge these sustainable opportunities and start to make our holidays more green. 

Jeannette Weisschuh, Head of Corporate Affairs, HP EMEA