Every host has had that moment: your place is spotless, the photos are sharp… and the calendar still looks suspiciously empty. What’s really happening is simple. Guests aren’t just comparing bedrooms and balconies anymore.
They’re comparing values. Sustainable travel has moved from “nice idea” to “quiet deal-breaker” for a growing slice of the market — especially families, professional couples, and longer-stay guests who don’t want to feel wasteful for a week.
The good news: you don’t need solar panels and a composting lecture to win bookings. Start with the upgrades that save money and signal care:
Start with the upgrades that save money and signal care:
- LED lighting (lower power bills, better ambience in photos)
- Clear recycling setup (labelled bins, a one-line note in the house manual)
- Local, refillable toiletries (think shampoo/soap in dispensers from a nearby maker)
- Eco cleaning products (better for guests with sensitivities—and your surfaces)
- EV-friendly charging (a simple, standard 3‑pin power point in the garage or driveway can be enough for guests who just need a top-up overnight—add clear instructions and a dedicated socket)
Then, talk about it properly in your listing. Not with a manifesto—just practical proof.
Try lines like:
- “Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout for a bright, cosy stay.
- “Easy, clearly labelled recycling station in the kitchen.”
- “Refillable local toiletries—less plastic, more ‘holiday spa’.”
- “EV charging available via standard power point in the garage—ideal for overnight top-ups.”
Add one photo: the toiletries neatly styled, or the recycling station done well. Guests love what they can see.
Sustainability works best when it’s frictionless: it reduces operating costs, lifts trust, and gives guests one more reason to choose you over the identical apartment next door.