New member Green Globe member Tasigo Hotels Eskişehir’s Stay in Harmony program is a unique sustainability approach that has not required any real investment by the hotel to implement yet has resulted in conscionable acceptance by guests. With the rise in importance of sustainability globally, guests are choosing to support green initiatives in principle and with their wallets.

Green Choices in Bathroom Amenities

Tasigo Hotels Eskişehir has launched two very different campaigns to tackle single-use amenity items in guest bathrooms. As part of its Stay in Harmony sustainability policy, a new Single-Use Items on Demand initiative was created where guests can request single-use amenities by calling Guest Relations staff.

Surprisingly, it was found that over a six month period, rather than falling as one would expect, occupancy rates instead increased by 8% from the first period (Before Request Cards were issued at 62%) to the second six month period (After Request Cards were introduced at 70%). Data clearly indicated that given the choice, guests preferred to act responsibly by opting to use fewer disposable items. The top 3 items listed were a 94% decrease in requests for pens, 89% decrease in comb requests and 84% drop in shower cap requests. Almost 80kg of plastic was saved with these three items alone.

Melike Karagöbek, Corporate Sustainability Executive at the hotel was happy to announce, “Thanks to this new system based on a total of 7 different single use amenity items, the hotel managed to reduce plastic waste by more than 350 kg.”

Boutique Beauty Eco-Baskets for Purchase

In 2020, Tasigo Hotels Eskişehir also introduced a strict zero-waste policy that targeted single-use personal care products. Zero plastic personal care items sourced from local boutique companies in Turkey were packaged in baskets and offered for sale to guests. The hotel’s decision to collaborate with and promote local businesses meant high quality products were more expensive and could not be available for free as is usually the case. By staying at a hotel with eco-conscious products, guests consume more responsibly with their support of long-term durable ecological products that replace single-use plastic items.

“By selling our eco-friendly personal care products, we began generating income from products that came at a cost in their single-use form. Our average monthly income from sales is ₺9,055 TL (€826 euro), which is equivalent to ₺108.669 TL (€10,000 euro, $11,500 USD) per year.

“Our example shows that it is possible to provide a high-standard of service at a five-star hotel while managing to reduce waste. Providing a more conscious consumption service also shows guests that you care about the environment and this in turn, attracts more customers,” concluded Ms. Karagöbek.

About Green Globe Certification

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit www.greenglobe.com

Contact

Melike Karagöbek
Corporate Sustainability Executive
Tasigo Hotels Eskisehir
Dede Mahallesi Haktanir Sokak
Suite No4, Odunpazari
Eskisehir
TURKEY
T: +90 222 211 03 00
E: mkaragobek@tasigo.com
W: www.tasigo.com