Ovolo Hotels will further commit to building a better world with the launch of its sustainability initiative, Do Good, Feel Good.
Ovolo Group CEO, Dave Baswal, shared how the effects of the pandemic deepened his desire to be a force for good: “At Ovolo, sustainability has for a long time been part of our DNA, and we want to encourage our guests, teams, suppliers, and investors to Do Good, Feel Good. Our commitments go beyond environmental indicators and include issues such as celebrating diversity and inclusion, supporting children and schools, sourcing locally and building hotels that give back to their communities in a meaningful way.
“We want to make better choices for ourselves and the planet and play our part in ensuring a better future for all.”
Ovolo’s commitment comprises two key pillars – planet and people. Planet’s highlights include the new Green Perk where a tree will be planted for every direct booking at any Ovolo or By Ovolo Hotels; working with EarthCheck to ensure all actions are science-backed, strategic and sustainable; the Plant’d Pledge which promotes vegetarian and plant-based cuisine across Ovolo Hotels restaurants and bars; reducing food waste by by 2030 to 50 per cent; eliminating single-use plastics by 2023; and managing carbon emissions, water, waste, and energy consumption.
For people, Ovolo aims to protect the mental and physical well-being of employees and increasing development and learning opportunities for all; provide education, nutrition, and healthcare for disadvantaged children in Indonesia and Hong Kong; help thousands of children complete school, find employment, and improve their lives and the life of their community by partnering with Bali Children’s Foundation; ensuring 50/50 women and men are in management positions by 2025; and promoting local art, culture, and history to support local communities.
From November 1, Ovolo will partner Eden Reforestation Projects, an NGO that works with local communities to restore their environment and economy, by planting sustainable trees that provide food, income, and shelter, while mitigating the impacts of climate change and carbon emissions. Ovolo will plant trees in Nepal to reduce the impact of soil erosion, floods, and landslides, which have a detrimental effect on farmlands and homes.
Whenever guests book directly with Ovolo, they will receive a message after their stay to show them where their tree has been planted and information on the impact on the environment planting this tree has, so that they can continue to feel a connection to the land, long after they have gone home.
“Transparency and alignment with initiatives and sustainability development goals is key for us – we don’t just want to talk the talk, but we want to be held accountable to walk the walk too,” Baswal concluded.
