Responsible Hospitality: Carlson Rezidor

Abstract

The chapter analyses Carlson Rezidor, a global hotel group, quoted on the Stockholm Stock Exchange with the Radisson SAS, later Radisson Blue brand as a key asset. The company is an exemplary case in the travel and service industry. Its program of Responsible Business is aligned with the company’s 4D strategy (Develop Talent, Delight Guests, Drive the Business, and Deliver Results). The core of the program includes three dimensions: Think Planet—minimizing the company’s environmental footprint; Think People—taking care of the health and safety of guests and employees; and Think Together—respecting social and ethical issues in the company and the communities in which Carlson Rezidor operates. The global travel industry has a considerable impact on social, economic, and environmental conditions around the world, so there is an urgent need for a new mindset. If the tourism industry continues to operate in the way it does today, energy use and emissions will double by 2050, and water use will increase 2.5 times. Buildings are responsible for 30% of global energy consumption and use of energy savings technologies is needed. These are some of the challenges that need to be approached by the Rezidor Hotel Group’s management. The conservationist resource use and its employment in local communities of Carlson Rezidor can play a major role in initiating and leading the new mindset.