Initiative eco-responsable et RSE

🌏 Loire-Atlantique développement released a guide for tourism professionals showcasing over 100 sustainable and responsible practices from local tourism actors in Loire-Atlantique. The guide, a result of collaboration with committed local stakeholders, emphasizes the necessity of responsible tourism and includes 106 concrete and innovative actions to adopt sustainable practices. It aims to inspire professionals to make responsible tourism a reality by illustrating that every action counts towards offering better public services and preserving local resources.

🚢 The first hybrid Batobus is now operating on the Seine, marking a significant step toward more sustainable river transport. Serving 9 stations connecting major Paris monuments, this Batobus combines innovation and performance to lessen its ecological footprint while meeting Seine navigation demands. It offers a quieter, more environmentally friendly, and pleasant passenger experience, with reduced engine noise and an updated space for more freedom.

🌎 In spring 2025, Booking's annual survey revealed for the first time that over 50% (53%) of travelers are aware of tourism's impact on the environment. The study, "Sustainable Report," involved 32,000 global participants. While 57% see tourism positively affecting their regions, only 16% support limiting visitor numbers, favoring local infrastructure investments instead. Approximately 73% want their spending to benefit local communities, and 69% aim to leave destinations better than found. A significant 84% consider sustainable travel important, and 93% want to make responsible travel choices. Since 2016, traveler awareness has more than doubled from 42%. Actions include reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and choosing off-peak travel times. The practice of turning off air conditioning or heating when leaving a room increased from 43% in 2020 to 67% in 2023.

💧 On the 2nd anniversary of the "plan Eau", Nathalie Delattre, the French Deputy Minister for Tourism, signed water sobriety plans by tourist federations to address climate change impacts and water scarcity. The sector's commitment aims for sustainable management of water, vital for activities like mountain resorts, golf courses, campings, and outdoor activities; a strategy shaped by drought events and resilience.

🛑 In 2021, CCI Hérault launched the "Maguelone" initiative in Montpellier, responding to local merchants' concerns about street harassment. The program offered refuge in participating stores displaying the "Maguelone, operation against street harassment" logo for threatened individuals. By November 2024, Montpellier's initiative rebranded to "Demandez Angela," aligning with the English-born safety campaign. Merchants can display the sticker after a two-hour training provided by CCI, merchant associations, and a women's anti-violence group. The "Demandez Angela" protocol includes a welcoming, safe space, listening, reassurance, and calling for assistance if necessary.

🍴 Le Normandie, a prestigious French restaurant in Thailand, will welcome Anne-Sophie Pic—world's most starred French female chef—by the end of Q3 2025. Anne-Sophie Pic, known for her Suffusion culinary philosophy, has earned international acclaim, including the Best Chef in France award from The Best Chef Award. Her restaurant, Maison Pic*** in Valence, has held three Michelin stars annually since 2007 and was named the Best Restaurant in the World in TripAdvisor's Best 2024 Ranking. The collaboration between Groupe Pic and Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, is set to revolutionize Bangkok's culinary scene, reflecting a shared vision of excellence and a unique lifestyle, blending tradition and contemporary audacity.

🔒 ADA Cosmetics, founded in 1979 by Andreas Dahlmeyer, pioneered the personalization of luxury hygiene products in hotel bathrooms. Their "press + wash" system, launched in 1990, became a standard in luxury hotels globally, merging luxury cosmetics, hygiene, and eco-responsibility. The German brand remains committed to sustainability and innovation within the hotel cosmetics industry.

🏨 Accor opened the Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, enhancing its presence with a blend of local culture and modern sustainability. The hotel, located in the restored Pensão Central landmark, offers 75 rooms, two outdoor pools, a spa, and meeting rooms for up to 60 people. Guests at the Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores experience São Miguel's rich history and authentic local culture, with highlights like the Bruma Bar serving local cocktails and dishes. The hotel promotes an authentic Azorean experience with local recommendations, including visits to the Porto Formoso tea factory.

🏨 Dalian Wanda, a former Chinese real estate and entertainment giant, now heavily indebted, is selling its hotel management subsidiary to Tongcheng Travel, a tech player backed by Tencent and Trip.com. The transaction of 2.5 billion RMB (approximately 302 million euros) includes the takeover of 204 managed hotels (over 40,000 rooms) and 376 development projects. This strategic pivot aids Wanda's debt relief and Tongcheng's upscale market penetration. Tongcheng and Wanda have partnered for over a decade, including a 2016 travel agency acquisition. Tongcheng Travel is the 3rd largest Online Travel Agency (OTA) in China.

🌏 On Earth Day, Kerzner International joined the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, which includes over 100 organizations and represents more than 66,000 hotels, 300 brands, and 8 million rooms worldwide. The Alliance aims for an industry that gives back to the planet more than it takes. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Alliance, welcomed Kerzner's commitment to sharing best practices for a sustainable future.