Green Business: Entrepreneurial Initiatives Addressing Sargassum
Every day, we become more vulnerable and impacted by the effects of climate change, which significantly affects countries and their economies. A prime example is the sargassum seaweed problem, a global issue that has greatly impacted tourism and the economies of various regions, particularly in coastal areas such as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
A clear illustration of the risk sargassum poses to the economy and tourism is Quintana Roo, Mexico. In 2019, its tourism activities saw a reduction of between 2.2% and 5% due to the arrival of sargassum. The impact on tourism is mainly due to the foul odors and unattractive appearance caused by the accumulation of sargassum, making it less appealing to tourists and local community. This situation also creates blockages and an obstacle for recreational activities such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Consequently, these factors negatively affect the economy by reducing the revenue generated from tourism-related visits and activities. Moreover, the investment in cleanup efforts involves significant and recurring costs to keep the area clean and appealing.
Additionally, local fishing and businesses are affected due to fewer visits to restaurants, hotels, and shops nearby. In the Caribbean region, sargassum also poses a barrier to those engaged in commercial fishing.
Given this context, in recent years, several business initiatives and startups have emerged, turning this problem into a business opportunity. A standout example of transforming environmental crises into business opportunities is SOS Carbon, a startup founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the Mechanical Engineering Department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). SOS Carbon leverages its innovative technology to capture carbon by sequestering sargassum in deep waters and has developed a cost-effective, low-impact system called the Littoral Collection Module (LCM). This system can be installed on artisanal boats to collect sargassum before it reaches the sea coast. Through strategic partnerships with public, private, and academic sectors, SOS Carbon leads with sustainable solutions that not only protect the environment but also create social impact while addressing the challenges of climate change.
The Best Cities to Enjoy MICHELIN Restaurants
As Confucius once said, “to know how to eat is to know how to live,” a phrase that invites us to appreciate food both for the pleasure of enjoying a great dish and for the nutritional benefits it provides. Without a doubt, eating is a pleasure for many, so much so that the tourism sector has a category dedicated exclusively to it: gastronomic tourism. For travelers, gastronomic tourism is a strong motivation when considering a destination. According to a report by La República, a survey conducted by the travel website Booking revealed that 88% of respondents consider tasting local cuisine as one of the main reasons for choosing a destination. If traveling is on your agenda for the rest of the year, here are some top cities you might consider for a unique culinary experience, as they are renowned for their gastronomic offerings centered around Michelin-starred restaurants, which have gained much popularity. According to the latest figures published last year, Tokyo leads with 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, with ratings ranging from 1 to 3 stars. Following this, 9,706 km away, Paris has 130 Michelin stars. And to not leave it there, I also want to share two restaurants in each destination that, may
The Impact of the Orange Economy on the Development of Emerging Tourist Destinations
In recent years, I have witnessed the growth and significance of the orange economy, which has made a substantial contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of various countries. This is particularly notable in Latin America, where growth is evident in areas such as job creation and exports. Mexico is a standout example; according to a report published by Wortev Capital a few years ago, this industry accounted for 3.1% of national employment. Before continuing, it is essential to briefly review that when we refer to the “orange economy,” we are talking about creative and cultural industries that drive economic growth through job creation and social development while promoting creativity, innovation, art, and artistic expression. According to UNESCO, these industries represent 3% of the global GDP. The orange economy has a significant impact on tourist destinations, serving as a diversification mechanism that reduces reliance on traditional sectors. Among the emerging tourist destinations fostering this industry is Colombia, which has developed tourism routes in cities like Medellín and Bogotá, where urban areas have been revitalized, jobs were created, and local urban art, music, and cuisine have served as an attraction to international tourists. Another notable country is Brazil, where the orange economy is prominently
Investing in Wellness: How Hotels are Integrating Health and Wellness Spaces to Attract New Clients
In recent years, wellness and health have become crucial and non-negotiable factors globally, driving a growing trend in tourism and hospitality. According to a McKinsey study, 79% of respondents view their wellness as a top priority. This article will briefly explore the rise of health and wellness in the sector and how the hotel industry is capitalizing on this trend. Beyond creating new business opportunities and profitability, hotels aim to be a key destination for those seeking relaxation with wellness as a main focus. When we talk about wellness tourism, it’s essential to highlight that this concept involves people traveling to various destinations with purposes beyond just vacation. These travelers seek to care for their mental and emotional health while enjoying their stay. This type of tourism accounts for about 17% of global tourism spending. According to research from RunRepeat, the global wellness tourism sector is expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027. This makes it crucial for businesses in this sector to adapt to these trends to ensure their continued success and relevance in the market. A successful case of this integration is Hyatt Hotels, an international chain known for offering unique wellness-focused experiences. One notable example is the Grand Hyatt Playa