Towards circular hospitality: transforming the tourism system

Towards circular hospitality: transforming the tourism system

Towards circular hospitality: transforming the tourism system. Circle Economy, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts UN Tourism
Type
Author
Circle Economy
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
UN Tourism
Publication Date
January, 2026
Language for original content

This white paper provides one of the first action frameworks for the circular transition of the hospitality industry. It shows how circular strategies are both essential for the long-term wellbeing of the destinations, ecosystems and communities on which hospitality depends and a clear business imperative.

It identifies 10 key systemic barriers hindering progress, including the absence of a shared industry framework. In response, it focuses on 5 strategic opportunities through which circularity can help overcome these challenges: procurement, operations, built environment, business and guest culture, and destinations. To support wider adoption and scale impact, the paper also identifies 6 key enablers that can help unlock circularity across the whole value chain.