What is an eco-hotel or eco-resort?
Every eco-hotel has its own set of facilities and features that give it the ‘eco’ status. There are three types of eco-hotels and resorts. That are one with nature in their location and promote nature related activities. Others that ensure their property leaves as few footprints on the environment as possible by having water recycling plants, undertaking rainwater harvesting measures and other methods of conserving electricity and water. A few others that go the extra distance by sustaining the environment, people and the ethos of the city they are in.
The Orchid - Mumbai, a five-star hotel started 12 years ago as an ecotel, it was constructed as an ‘economy hotel’. The concept of an environment-friendly hotel was absolutely alien to Indian travellers then. Today, it is the first hotel in Asia to be certified as an eco-friendly five-star hotel. After campaigning for advance locality management, saying no to cut flowers, beach clean-ups and its anti plastic stance and incorporating an architectural design that promotes a green revolution right from its eco-friendly foundation stone, it takes pride in being the world’s only ‘ecotel’ to be certified with the ISO 14001.
Most eco-hotels and resorts fall in the four to five star category. Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is rated by The Guardian - UK as one of the 30 best green places to stay in the world and The Dune EcoVillage & Spa - Pondicherry is an internationally known eco-destination.
The very fact that there are eco Web sites for travellers to India with plenty of options for eco-tours, eco-activities, eco-packages and eco-resorts is proof of the growing curiosity among travellers for eco-friendly tours. There are many hotels that fall in category that focus on promoting nature and its pleasures by setting up recycled wooden cottages amidst the greens, organising nature trails or forest camps, encouraging bird watching and eco-adventure activities such as trekking and white water rafting.
National Parks and sanctuaries that house resorts are popular options. Camel safaris in Rajasthan and houseboat cruises in backwaters of Kerala are a few.
The marketing strategy of these properties is simple as Once the eco tag is included, it attracts those who believe in the concept of responsible tourism.
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