Sustainable Tourism Increasingly Important Amid Rising Public Environmental Awareness
Sustainable tourism development has become a key focus for the global hospitality industry as awareness grows over the environmental and social impacts of tourism. This concept is considered vital not only for preserving natural ecosystems but also for empowering local communities and creating a more responsible tourism ecosystem in the long term.
Sustainable tourism practices are also seen to help preserve biodiversity, reduce environmental strain, and generate more equitable economic benefits for local communities. Meanwhile, this approach is increasingly relevant as travellers now consider sustainability factors when choosing accommodation and destinations.
Amid this trend, Bobobox has implemented a nature-based hospitality approach with environmental and social sustainability principles through its Bobocabin Signature Sukawana property.
Located in Sukawana, West Bandung, the property successfully offers accommodation that minimises environmental impact. Operations include cabin designs that preserve natural landscapes, water absorption area management, and operational controls to avoid disturbing local flora and fauna in the forest area.
Beyond environmental aspects, the property engages local communities through hiring local staff and collaborating with nearby suppliers and SMEs. This approach is crucial in creating broader economic and social benefits for the local community.
This commitment led Bobocabin Signature Sukawana to earn the Green Choice Sustainable Tourism Standard certification from Control Union Indonesia, an internationally accredited body recognised under global schemes including the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
This achievement makes Bobocabin Signature Sukawana the first property in Asia and second globally to receive the Green Choice Sustainable Tourism Standard certification.
Co-Founder and CEO of Bobobox, Indra Gunawan, stated that from the outset, the company believed nature-based accommodation experiences must be built with responsibility towards the environment and local communities.
‘From the start, we believed that nature-based accommodation experiences must also be built with responsibility towards the environment and local communities. This certification serves as a reminder for us to maintain this commitment in Bobobox’s future development and operations,’ said Indra.
The Green Choice certification was granted following an independent audit by Control Union Indonesia across various operational and management aspects. The assessment covered environmental sustainability practices, biodiversity protection, social and economic impacts on local communities, and compliance with international sustainable tourism regulations and principles.
Gayan Wijesiriwardana, Managing Director of Control Union Indonesia, said the achievement demonstrates that sustainability principles can be practically applied in hospitality operations.
‘Bobocabin Signature Sukawana’s achievement as the first property in Asia and second globally to receive the Green Choice certification shows how sustainability can be practically integrated into hospitality operations. We appreciate and will continue to support Bobobox’s commitment to promoting more responsible tourism practices,’ said Gayan.
This achievement marks a significant step for Bobobox in reinforcing its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices amid growing demand for environmentally friendly tourism that positively impacts local communities.