The Awasi Iguazú resort in Argentina is a carbon-neutral property, and guests can participate in conservation work during their stay.They will find filtered water in carafes made from recycled wine bottles in each room, instead of bottled water. A five-minute hourglass timer in each bathroom encourages visitors to have shorter showers and conserve water. Room keys are made of recycled wood instead of plastic.
In addition, 58 per cent of travellers said they would pay more to travel responsibly if they know how funds are being used, compared with 31 per cent of respondents last year. While Arredondo says travellers are not yet requesting sustainable features outright, like a solar-powered hotel, gentle nudges from travel agents can still have an impact on consumer behaviour. A traveller choosing between two luxury resorts might end up selecting the one that has eliminated single-use plastics if it’s something they’re made aware of. “I can use my money to have a great holiday, but at the same time, I’m supporting these actions,” he explains.
“There are Black women running these lodges while, quite frankly, 20 years ago, safari lodges were all run by white South Africans, no matter what country you were in,” she says. “They have been training women from the bottom up because, in Africa, women typically get left behind. Wilderness Destinations are trying to empower women in the local communities.”