Asian Eco-Trend: “Green” Hotels

Jennifer Conlin of The New York Times reported recently on a global trend already sweeping through Asia and the Pacific -- the green hotel.   It was just a matter of time before environmentally-friendly practices and the business “bottom line” struck up what looks to be a promising long-term relationship.  Add growing consumer interest, combined with the cost savings realized through energy-saving and conservation strategies, and we have the makings of an eco-boom in tourism.  Case in point:  the eight-room Old Bangkok Inn, which uses solar energy to heat the hot water for the entire hotel, room sensors to shut down lights and appliances when a guest leaves the room, and features locally produced furnishings for the rooms, as well as local food specialties for every breakfast.

The three-year-old EnvironmentallyFriendlyHotels.com lists more than 2,800 green hotels (so far) around the world, rating them by 29 green criteria such as alternative energy and gray-water recycling.  Playing with their handy search feature reveals 41 green hotels in China, 3 in Cambodia, 9 in Fiji, 15 in Indonesia, 1 in Lao, 11 in Malaysia, 1 in Mongolia, 8 in the Philippines, 4 in Seychelles, 7 in Singapore, 82 in Thailand, and 2 in Vietnam.