Delegates are prioritising the ethical treatment of people, actionable ecological measures and transparent communication when choosing accommodation, according to a new report from SaaS accommodation management company bnetwork.
Sustainable Hospitality: Understanding the Priorities of Today’s Event Attendees report provides insights into what attendees value most when choosing event accommodation and is based on input from nearly 700 cross-industry respondents.
The research highlights the rising demand for genuine, ethical and sustainable
practices in the hospitality sector, particularly in event accommodation.
"Today’s
event attendees expect more than promises — they are looking for meaningful
commitments and integrity from the hospitality sector," says Stéphane
Filone, co-founder of bnetwork. “The findings make it clear that prioritising
people, taking actionable steps towards environmental responsibility and
providing transparent communication are not only ethical imperatives but also
strategic opportunities for hotels and venues.”
The
survey respondents were reached through bnetwork’s own channels and their
affiliations with prominent industry organisers including RX Global, EASL
(European Association for the Study of the Liver), Vitafoods Europe, Integrated
Systems Europe, Diversified Communications and TFWA (Tax Free World
Association).
The
report reveals three core issues that matter most to event attendees:
- People-first priorities: Fair and ethical treatment of employees as well as
guests’ accessibility and inclusivity remain a top priority for attendees,
who see it as integral to building a brand’s credibility and fostering
trust.
- Meaningful ecological actions: Attendees are drawn to hotels and venues that go
beyond superficial sustainability claims, they are looking for impactful
initiatives in energy and water conservation, waste reduction and resource
preservation.
- Trust and transparency: Clear, honest communication around sustainability
practices is essential to avoiding the perception of greenwashing. More
than a third of respondents consider transparency a priority, directly
linking it to placing their trust in a brand.
For
venues and hotels seeking to align with the priorities of event attendees, the
report recommends a focus on transparent CSR communication, genuine ecological
action with measurable impacts, cost-effective sustainable practices and
prioritising comfort for guests while implementing sustainable initiatives.
To view the full report click here.
