Green issues are a major consideration for consumers when choosing a hotel, according to new research.

Almost a third (29%) of the 5,000 respondents in a survey by OnePoll commissioned by Samsung Electronics Europe, would choose an eco-friendly hotel if it was offered by an online booking system. 

Guests are now increasingly expecting strong eco-credentials from their hotels with 65% saying that all hotels should install low-flow toilets to save water, while 54% say sustainable energy sources, such as wind, solar or hydro-electric power, should be used.  Almost half (48%) say hotels should use more efficient electrical appliances, such as flat screen energy-efficient TVs.

This demand for green credentials is matched by guests’ behaviour, with 88% switching off lights when they leave their hotel room, 63% reusing towels more than once and 59% switching electrical equipment off at the base.

“Environmental awareness is on the rise and playing an increasingly significant role in the hotel booking process,” said Pammi Mudhar, business-to-business sales and marketing director at Samsung Electronics Europe. “Hoteliers can appeal to the green consumer by responding to their expectations; putting in water-saving toilets, using sustainable energy or installing eco-friendly appliances like energy-efficient flat screen TVs.”

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By Janet Harmer

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