Toolkit for Phasing out Single-use Plastics in the Pacific Tourism Industry
May 2025
Tourism businesses around the world are implementing innovative strategies to reduce single-use plastics (SUPs) and promote sustainability. Here are some best practices and case studies that can inspire and guide businesses in the Pacific Islands:
Best Practices
- Plastic-Free Tours: Offering tours that minimize or eliminate the use of SUPs. This can include providing reusable water bottles, utensils, and bags, as well as partnering with restaurants and other businesses that are committed to reducing plastic waste.
- Environmental Education: Incorporating environmental education into tour programs, raising awareness among guests about the impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of conservation.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with local communities to organize beach cleanups or other environmental initiatives. This can help to build relationships with the community and promote responsible tourism practices.
- Sustainable Transportation: Using fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles or electric vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable tourism.
- Bulk Dispensers for Toiletries: Replacing single-use shampoo, conditioner, and soap bottles with refillable bulk dispensers. This significantly reduces plastic waste and can also lead to cost savings.
- Water Refill Stations: Installing water refill stations throughout the property to encourage guests to use reusable water bottles. Providing guests with reusable water bottles upon arrival can further support this initiative.
- Reusable Food Containers: Using reusable containers for takeaway meals or providing guests with incentives to use their own containers.
- Partnerships with Local Suppliers: Sourcing food and other products from local suppliers who use minimal packaging or offer reusable packaging options. This supports the local economy and reduces transportation-related emissions.
- Waste Reduction Programs: Implementing comprehensive waste reduction programs that include composting, recycling, and waste segregation. Training staff and educating guests on proper waste disposal are crucial components of these programs.
- Reusable Tableware: Replacing single-use plates, cutlery, and cups with reusable alternatives.
- Eliminating Plastic Straws and Stirrers: Offering straws and stirrers only upon request or providing reusable alternatives.
- Sustainable Packaging for Takeaway: Using compostable or reusable containers for takeaway food.
- Bulk Purchasing: Buying ingredients and other supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
- Composting Food Waste: Implementing composting programs to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Working with other businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and community groups to promote SUP reduction and sustainable tourism.
- Staff Training and Education: Providing staff with the knowledge and skills they need to implement SUP reduction initiatives effectively.
- Guest Communication and Engagement: Educating guests about the importance of SUP reduction and encouraging them to participate in sustainability efforts.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking progress in SUP reduction and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of implemented initiatives.
- Innovation and Technology: Exploring new technologies and innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste, such as alternative packaging materials or waste-to-energy systems.
Case Studies
IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow Initiative is a 10-year action plan with commitments to make a positive difference for the people, communities and planet. The Fiji-based resort has a Litter for a Latte component as part of the initiative dedicated to beach cleanups with a mission to combat plastic pollution’s detrimental impact on our oceans. Additionally, the initiative has a ‘Supporting Local Products’ component dedicated to boosting the local economy by sourcing products and services from nearby small businesses, including a company bottling plant that runs on 100% solar energy, while eco-friendly glass packaging replaces stickers for a waste-free approach.
This social enterprise launched a project in 2024 in Vanuatu with the aim of reducing the use of plastic water bottles by visitors in the tourism value chain. Implemented in three hotels in Vanuatu (Ramada by Wyndham, Eratap Beach Resort, and Breakas Beach Resort Vanuatu), Blue Pacific World provides re-usable bottles that tourists and operators can purchase as alternatives to single-use plastic drinking bottles. The hotels will also provide drinking water refills for the duration of the visitors’ stay.
Highlighting its dedication to the environment, Mailelani introduced a refilling station for its cosmetic bottles and recently launched a refill service for all its offerings. The packaging for all Mailelani products is recyclable, and the handmade production process minimises electricity use and eliminates fossil fuels, contributing to increased job opportunities for Samoans.
This luxury resort is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including eliminating single-use plastics, using renewable energy, and implementing a comprehensive waste management program.
These best practices and case studies demonstrate that it is possible for tourism businesses to significantly reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and contribute to a more sustainable future. By implementing these strategies and working together, businesses in the Pacific Islands can protect their natural resources, enhance their competitiveness, and create a more resilient tourism industry.
