Hospitality leaders flag multiple ESG issues
The latest research into hospitality sector leaders’ views on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues has highlighted multiple concerns around the implementation of ESG measures.
There are also regional differences in priorities, according to views collated by King’s Business School and the Energy and Environment Alliance.
Over 250 hospitality leaders shared their thoughts on ESG issues as part of a major study.
The research has informed the development of an ESG Executive Education Hospitality Programme, which is now opening to its second cohort of participants.
Among the barriers to progress and investment identified were:
The proliferation of different reporting standards
Other stakeholders’ scepticism and lack of engagement with ESG
Concerns over the reaction of guests
A lack of skills and knowledge both within the industry and among potential advisors
One research participant wrote: “It’s hard to measure and compare performance and assess value. This makes it complicated to align key stakeholders and to convince others with an appropriate calculation on payback”.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of leaders identified reporting and benchmarking as one of the top three areas that they would like ESG education to focus on.
Others raised the issues of conflicting priorities among the industry’s stakeholders.
According to one interviewee: “Most hospitality brands are focused on guest satisfaction and dissatisfaction, not looking at sustainability.”
Many leaders were concerned at the quality of ESG advice available to them.
“It’s sometimes difficult to find the right advisors who are knowledgeable and able to help companies think holistically, as opposed to focusing on a certain subject or on certifications or labels,” one research participant said.
The research also indicated regional differences in priorities, with European leaders emphasising energy related initiatives more than in other regions.
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the Energy and Environment Alliance said: “Leaders in the sector are well aware of the urgency of ESG questions and are clear that a common approach will be a major driver of change.”
“Building a rigorous understanding of the issues is a critical part of that change process.”
Dr Marc Lepere, Head of ESG & Sustainability for Executive Education, Kings Business School added: “The common theme of our research was the desire to cut through confusion and contradiction.
“We are delighted to be working with the EEA that will ultimately result in better-informed and more focused conversation and collaboration.”
Related News Stories: Mass tourism as addiction Nobu Hotels to open in Chicago New carrier Riyadh Air outlines ambitions Accor Group Music travel specialist joins Tzell Partner Zone Industry leader tells summit UK should try harder in run up to Games … TravelMole – Travel industry community since 1999 FAA plans to fine Lufthansa USD6.4 million for unauthorized flights … Thai Airways launches new Istanbul flights
Related News Stories: ESG Leadership in the Global Hospitality Industry - EEA Energy & Environment Alliance Ltd EEA News Sustainable Investing: ESG Ratings - MSCI Scope 3 Inventory Guidance | US EPA ESG Ratings Methodology | MSCI Towards Sustainable Investment & Operations Making Progress ... ESG and deals: Six orange flags for dealmakers | PwC Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond Takes on ESG, Emissions, and ... 2023 Real Estate Reference Guide
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season