At a time when climate change and environmental protection are becoming more present & important, sustainable travel is also gaining in importance. Travellers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint and make a positive contribution to the preservation of our planet. For us, the topic of sustainability already plays an essential role. The most recent example of this is our sustainable construction, alternative energy generation and an exciting ecotainment concept for children at our Hotel Montafon.
But how can our guests also contribute to our sustainability strategy? Here are some tips on how you can support us as a guest:
1. Choice of destination
People often travel long distances to relax on exotic beaches or climb majestic mountains. When this desire is paramount, a holiday “on your own doorstep” can be just as tempting. Instead of flying long distance for a beach holiday to the Maldives or Mexico, you could explore the enchanting bays of Sardinia or the crystal clear waters of the Croatian coast, for example.
A hiking holiday doesn’t necessarily have to be to Nepal or the Andes. How about the impressive mountain landscapes in Austria or South Tyrol instead, which are virtually “right on your doorstep”?
However, if a flight (even a short one) cannot be avoided, you can at least use compensation options:
- Ecopassenger or the CO2 calculator of the German Federal Environment Agency: calculates the ecological footprint of the trip.
- Gold Standard: A seal of approval developed in close cooperation with the WWF and numerous other NGOs: The Gold Standard combines emission reductions with the UN’s sustainability goals. Here you can offset your calculated CO2 emissions.
2. environmentally friendly transport & arrival and departure
Getting to the hotel is often a point where many emissions occur. If possible, you should switch to public transport or carpool.
The Falkensteiner hotels are well connected to public transport, and offer shuttle services from bus and train stations. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of your journey. Some Falkensteiner hotels offer electric vehicles or e-bikes, so take the opportunity to try out these environmentally friendly means of transport. This is not only an environmentally friendly alternative, but also an interesting experience. If you already have an e-car yourself, we offer our own e-charging stations in the hotels.
We also offer a variety of recreational activities that not only allow you to explore the surroundings, but also protect the environment at the same time. Walking, hiking, cycling or environmentally friendly water sports (swimming, stand-up paddle) are not only healthy but also help to protect natural resources.
3. conscious consumption of resources
As a guest, you can support this by using water, electricity and other resources only when really necessary.
- Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
- Be careful with towels and bed linen. For example, do not change towels every day.
- Have your room cleaned only every second day.
- Close the windows and only switch on the air conditioning/heating when you are in the room.
- Have your own water bottle refilled in the hotel.
- Take less at the buffet and go more often to avoid wasting food.
- Bring your own bathing shoes.
- Take home used toiletries or bring your own toiletries to the hotel.
4. enjoy regional cuisine
A large part of the environmental impact of hotels arises from the procurement of food and its transport. Falkensteiner hotels place great emphasis on regional cuisine and like to use local products. This is probably the easiest tip for you guests: enjoy the regional food and drinks we select & support more sustainable choices. This not only reduces CO2 emissions, but also supports the local economy.
5. Sensitive treatment of nature
When doing outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring nature, make sure to respect the environment. Stay on marked trails, avoid picking plants or disturbing animals and take your rubbish with you to keep the environment clean.
6. sustainable souvenirs
When buying souvenirs or gifts, make sure to choose environmentally friendly products. Avoid products made from endangered species or protected plants. Instead, choose sustainably produced, local or handmade products.
7. digital detox
Use your stay to recover from constant digitalisation. Refrain from excessive use of smartphones and tablets. Instead, spend time in nature, read a book or enjoy conversations with other guests. This not only promotes your well-being, but also saves energy.
8. Yoga & wellness with natural products
Ask our colleagues at the spa about treatments that use natural and local ingredients. This could include massages with regional oils, facials with organic products or even yoga classes in the great outdoors.
Switching to more sustainable travel does not require drastic lifestyle changes, but rather conscious actions and choices in everyday life. By taking these extra little tips into account, you can make an even bigger contribution to sustainability and set a positive example of environmentally conscious behaviour at the same time.
To help you do this right from the start, you can save up to 10% by booking our Green Rate https://www.falkensteiner.com/angebote/green-rate. Here, bed linen and towels are automatically changed only every 4 days. If you arrive by electric vehicle or public transport, you will receive an additional 30€ on your hotel bill.
