Sustainable Energy Solutions for Minnesota Resorts Andrea Schuweiler Graduate Research Assistant University of Minnesota October 15, 2008 Thanks to Carlson Chair of Travel, Tourism & Hospitality for project support
Overview
Introduction
Purpose & Objectives
Background Literature
Methods
Conclusion
Future Research
Introduction: Growth of Sustainable tourism
World:
growing 20-34% per year since the 1990s & sustainable tourism could grow to 25% of the world’s travel market by 2012 (TIES, 2006)
U.S.:
a $77 billion market in US (TIES, 2006) > 75% of US travelers believe it is important that their visit does not damage the environment > 33% would pay more to protect the environment (TIES, 2006)
Introduction: Sustainable Tourism in Minnesota
Tourism is a $10.5 billion industry in MN (Explore Minnesota, 2008) Opportunities to improve sustainable practices (UMN Tourism Center, Schneider, 2007 & 2008) In 2007, Legislation passed to explore a Travel Green Program in MN
Specifically access to sustainable tourism education was recommended
Purpose & Objectives The Sustainable Energy Solutions Guide for Minnesota Resorts was developed to: Educate resort owners about the connection „ between sustainable energy practices & profitability, & Increase awareness of & implementation of „ energy efficiency, conservation & renewable energy practices among resort owners
Background Literature „
Defining Sustainable Tourism
„
Motivations to implement environmentally sustainable practices
„
Constraints towards implementing sustainable practices
Background Literature: Defining Sustainable Tourism „
Tourism development that meets the needs of present tourists & host regions while protecting & enhancing opportunities for the future (World Tourism Organization, 1999)
„
Applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations (World Tourism Organization, 2004)
Motivations to implementation
Economic Benefits
Consumer Demand
Environmental ethic Product preservation
Regulations and Incentives
Stated Willingness To Pay Greater in Domestic tourists
Natural Resource Preservation
Cost savings Competitive advantage
Prior to regulation Savings with incentives
Business Size Advantage
Bigger is easier
Constraints to implementation
Lack of Knowledge
Lack of Time
MN industry 77.1%
Initial Investment
MN industry 63.5%
MN industry 78.7%
Negative Impacts Towards Tourists’ Experience
MN industry 20.1%
Methods
Study Setting
Approach
Source Book Content
Distribution
Methods: Setting Minnesota
900 Resorts
Vary from luxury accommodations to simple cabins Often located on lake shore property Often family operated 1.3 million unit nights sold $872.6 million spent by tourists in 2005-2007 76% of guests from MN
Methods: Approach
Literature Review
Compilation of Book & Web Resources
Review Team
Methods: Content overview
Motivations Cost Savings Payback Periods
CFLs Saves $44.87 or 79% over its lifetime Payback period of about 4 months Disposal Uncertainties & Mercury
Methods: Content overview Constraints
Educational tool Decrease research time Low cost suggestions
Solar Electricity 2 kW
10 kW
Cost per Watt
$10
$9
Cost for Installation
$20,000
$90,000
Net Cost after MN rebate & federal tax credit
$10,760
$46,800
Average Annual Utility Savings
$279
$1584
Payback Period
23 years
18 years
Payback Period including property appreciation
17 years
12 years
Approximate Lifetime
20 years
20 years
Methods: Distribution Available online at: http://www.tourism.umn.edu/
MN Travel Green Website
Community Tourism Development Guide
Advertised at Conferences
Conclusion
The source book meets MN resorts’ need for increased sustainability Uses a literature review to find motivations & constraints.
Cost savings & payback periods Education, saves time, minimizes investment costs
Review team directs the source book to MN needs
Future opportunities
Motivations & constraints
Specifically MN Resort Owners
MN Resort tourist visitor profiles
Sourcebook effectiveness
Thank You!
Questions? Andrea Schuweiler schu1211@umn.edu (612) 625-0298