Silvia Ombellini and her husband Simone Riccardi were inspired to create a website dedicated to sustainable tourism after struggling to find environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip to an Italian city. This led to the creation of Ecobnb, a website where travelers can search for eco-friendly hotels, home rentals, and other forms of accommodation. To be featured on the site, accommodation providers must meet at least five out of ten sustainability standards. Ecobnb has seen a significant increase in users, with 2.8 million travelers using the platform in 2021, up from 780,000 in 2018.

The demand for sustainable travel options is growing, with 69% of travelers actively seeking sustainable options according to a recent study. Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands is a chain of eco hotels that prioritize renewable energy, sustainably sourced furniture, and vegetarian food. Byway Travel, a flight-free travel company, has also seen an increase in demand for its services. The company organizes individual trips for people and focuses on combating over-tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations.

While many in the travel industry are implementing sustainability measures such as solar energy and recycling, it is important to consider other aspects of sustainability such as fair pay and equality policies. Greenwashing, where accommodations falsely portray their green credentials, is also a concern. Marina Novelli, a professor of tourism and international development, emphasizes the responsibility of travelers to research and ask the right questions to ensure the sustainability claims are genuine.

Although Ecobnb promotes sustainability, the impact of flights on the environment is a valid concern. Ms. Ombellini acknowledges this and encourages the promotion of staycations and exploring one’s own country to reduce the reliance on flights. Despite this challenge, she remains optimistic about the future of green travel, as more people are interested in adopting green lifestyles and making sustainable choices during their holidays. These small choices can contribute to positive change and create a more sustainable world.

Original news source: Tourists are rethinking their relationship with Earth’ (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Working individually, students will write a brief summary of the article in their own words, focusing on the main points. They should aim for a concise paragraph of no more than 100 words. Afterward, they will share their summaries with a partner to compare and discuss any differences in what they perceived to be the main points.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and have them create a simple opinion poll related to sustainable tourism. Example questions could include: “How important is it for you to stay in eco-friendly accommodations?” or “Would you be willing to pay more for sustainable travel options?” Each group will survey their classmates, tally the results, and then present their findings to the class, leading to a discussion on the importance of sustainability in travel.

– Mind Map
Instructions: Ask students to create a mind map on sustainable tourism using key information from the article. They should include the main idea in the center and branch out with sub-topics such as ‘Ecobnb’, ‘sustainability standards’, ‘conscious hotels’, ‘greenwashing’, etc. Encourage creativity and the use of images or symbols along with words. Once completed, they will present their mind map to the class, explaining how each element relates to sustainable tourism.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss and make predictions about the future of sustainable travel based on the article. They should consider questions like: “What new sustainability standards might emerge in the future?” or “How will the growth of sustainable travel options impact traditional tourism?” Each group will then share their predictions with the class, and together they can discuss the likelihood and potential impact of these predictions.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article related to sustainable tourism on separate pieces of paper (e.g., ‘renewable energy’, ‘greenwashing’, ‘flight-free’, ‘sustainability standards’). Divide the class into two teams. Players take turns drawing a word for their team to guess within a time limit. No letters or verbal clues are allowed. The team with the most correctly guessed words wins. This activity will reinforce new vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What inspired Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi to create Ecobnb?
2. What criteria must accommodation providers meet to be featured on Ecobnb?
3. How many travelers used the Ecobnb platform in 2021, and how does this compare to the number in 2018?
4. What percentage of travelers are actively seeking sustainable options according to a recent study?
5. What are some of the sustainability measures prioritized by Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands?
6. What is the focus of Byway Travel, and how does it contribute to sustainable tourism?
7. What does Marina Novelli suggest travelers should do to ensure the sustainability claims of accommodations are genuine?
8. How does Ms. Ombellini suggest reducing the environmental impact of flights in the context of sustainable tourism?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Silvia Ombellini and her husband Simone Riccardi were inspired to create a website dedicated to sustainable tourism after (1)______ to find environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip to an Italian city. This led to the (2)______ of Ecobnb, a website where travelers can search for eco-friendly hotels, home rentals, and other forms of accommodation. To be featured on the site, accommodation providers must meet at least five out of ten (3)______ standards. Ecobnb has seen a significant (4)______ in users, with 2.8 million (5)______ using the platform in 2021, up from 780,000 in 2018.

The (6)______ for (7)______ travel options is growing, with 69% of travelers actively seeking sustainable options according to a recent study. Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands is a chain of eco hotels that prioritize renewable energy, sustainably sourced furniture, and vegetarian food. Byway Travel, a flight-free travel company, has also seen an increase in demand for its services. The company organizes individual (8)______ for people and focuses on combating over-tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations.

While many in the travel industry are implementing sustainability (9)______ such as solar (10)______ and recycling, it is important to consider other aspects of sustainability such as fair pay and equality policies. Greenwashing, where accommodations falsely portray their (11)______ credentials, is also a concern. Marina Novelli, a professor of tourism and (12)______ development, emphasizes the responsibility of travelers to research and ask the right questions to ensure the sustainability claims are genuine.

Although Ecobnb promotes sustainability, the impact of (13)______ on the environment is a (14)______ concern. Ms. Ombellini acknowledges this and encourages the promotion of staycations and exploring one’s own country to reduce the reliance on flights. Despite this (15)______, she remains optimistic about the future of green travel, as more people are interested in adopting green (16)______ and making sustainable choices during their holidays. These small choices can contribute to positive change and create a more sustainable world.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think defines “sustainable tourism” and why is it important?
2. Have you ever stayed in an eco-friendly hotel or accommodation? How was your experience?
3. How would you feel if you discovered a place you stayed at was “greenwashing” instead of truly being sustainable?
4. Do you think that sustainable travel options should be more expensive than traditional ones? Why or why not?
5. What are some ways you believe the travel industry can combat over-tourism?
6. How do you think the promotion of staycations can impact the tourism industry?
7. In your opinion, what are the most important sustainability standards that accommodations should meet?
8. Do you think travelers have a responsibility to research the sustainability claims of accommodations? Why or why not?
9. Can you think of any sustainable practices you would like to see more hotels and accommodations adopt?
10. How would you feel about taking a flight-free vacation organized by a company like Byway Travel?
11. Do you believe that the choices you make while on holiday can contribute to creating a more sustainable world? In what ways?
12. What is your opinion on the importance of fair pay and equality policies within the sustainability measures of the travel industry?
13. Do you think the increase in demand for sustainable travel options is a trend or a lasting change in traveler behavior?
14. How do you like to balance the environmental impact of your travels with the desire to explore new places?
15. Do you think technology and websites like Ecobnb make it easier for travelers to make sustainable choices? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. sustainable
2. accommodation
3. demand
4. travelers
5. options
6. sustainability
7. greenwashing
8. flights

Meanings:
(a) The practice of using resources in a way that does not deplete or harm the environment
(b) Places to stay or live temporarily
(c) Able to be maintained or continued over time
(d) The act of falsely presenting something as environmentally friendly
(e) Choices or alternatives
(f) Journeys made by air, typically on an airplane
(g) People who are journeying or going on a trip
(h) The desire or need for something
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What inspired Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi to create Ecobnb?
(a) A desire to create a website dedicated to sustainable tourism
(b) A love for travel and exploring new places
(c) Struggling to find environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip
(d) A recommendation from a friend to start a business

2. How many sustainability standards must accommodation providers meet to be featured on Ecobnb?
(a) Five
(b) Ten
(c) Two
(d) Eight

3. How many travelers used Ecobnb in 2021?
(a) 780,000
(b) 2.8 million
(c) 69%
(d) 10 million

4. What percentage of travelers actively seek sustainable options?
(a) 50%
(b) 30%
(c) 90%
(d) 69%

5. What does Conscious Hotels prioritize in their eco hotels?
(a) Luxury amenities and high-end services
(b) Low prices and budget-friendly options
(c) Renewable energy, sustainably sourced furniture, and vegetarian food
(d) Traditional and cultural experiences

6. What does Byway Travel focus on in their flight-free trips?
(a) Providing luxury accommodations and high-end experiences
(b) Promoting lesser-known destinations and combating over-tourism
(c) Offering discounted flights and package deals
(d) Organizing large group tours and excursions

7. What is greenwashing?
(a) The process of recycling and using solar energy
(b) The promotion of staycations and exploring one’s own country
(c) The responsibility of travelers to research and ask the right questions
(d) When accommodations falsely portray their green credentials

8. What does Silvia Ombellini encourage to reduce the reliance on flights?
(a) Staycations and exploring one’s own country
(b) Promoting sustainable travel options
(c) Implementing solar energy and recycling measures
(d) Researching and asking the right questions

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Ecobnb is a website that restricts travelers from searching for eco-friendly hotels and other forms of sustainable accommodation.
2. Accommodation providers featured on Ecobnb must meet at least five out of ten sustainability standards.
3. Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi created Ecobnb after struggling to find environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip.
4. Ecobnb has experienced a significant increase in users, with 2.8 million travelers using the platform in 2021.
5. According to a recent study, 69% of travelers actively avoid sustainable travel options.
6. Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands prioritize non-renewable energy, non-sustainably sourced furniture, and non-vegetarian food.
7. Byway Travel is a flight-free travel company that has seen an increase in demand for its services.
8. Marina Novelli, a professor of tourism and international development, emphasizes that travelers have no responsibility to research and ask the right questions to ensure the sustainability claims of accommodations are genuine.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What was the primary motivation behind Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi creating Ecobnb?
2. What criteria must accommodation providers meet to be featured on the Ecobnb platform?
3. How has the user base of Ecobnb changed from 2018 to 2021?
4. What are some of the sustainability measures implemented by Conscious Hotels and Byway Travel?
5. What concerns does Marina Novelli raise about the responsibility of travelers in the context of sustainable tourism?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What inspired Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi to create Ecobnb?
Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi were inspired to create Ecobnb after they had difficulty finding environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip to an Italian city.

2. What criteria must accommodation providers meet to be featured on Ecobnb?
Accommodation providers must meet at least five out of ten sustainability standards to be featured on Ecobnb.

3. How many travelers used the Ecobnb platform in 2021, and how does this compare to the number in 2018?
2.8 million travelers used the Ecobnb platform in 2021, up from 780,000 in 2018.

4. What percentage of travelers are actively seeking sustainable options according to a recent study?
69% of travelers are actively seeking sustainable options according to a recent study.

5. What are some of the sustainability measures prioritized by Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands?
Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands prioritize renewable energy, sustainably sourced furniture, and vegetarian food.

6. What is the focus of Byway Travel, and how does it contribute to sustainable tourism?
Byway Travel is a flight-free travel company that organizes individual trips for people and combats over-tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations.

7. What does Marina Novelli suggest travelers should do to ensure the sustainability claims of accommodations are genuine?
Marina Novelli suggests that travelers should research and ask the right questions to ensure the sustainability claims of accommodations are genuine.

8. How does Ms. Ombellini suggest reducing the environmental impact of flights in the context of sustainable tourism?
Ms. Ombellini suggests promoting staycations and exploring one’s own country to reduce the reliance on flights in the context of sustainable tourism.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) struggling
(2) creation
(3) sustainability
(4) increase
(5) travelers
(6) demand
(7) sustainable
(8) trips
(9) measures
(10) energy
(11) green
(12) international
(13) flights
(14) valid
(15) challenge
(16) lifestyles
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. sustainable
Answer: (c) Able to be maintained or continued over time

2. accommodation
Answer: (b) Places to stay or live temporarily

3. demand
Answer: (h) The desire or need for something

4. travelers
Answer: (g) People who are journeying or going on a trip

5. options
Answer: (e) Choices or alternatives

6. sustainability
Answer: (a) The practice of using resources in a way that does not deplete or harm the environment

7. greenwashing
Answer: (d) The act of falsely presenting something as environmentally friendly

8. flights
Answer: (f) Journeys made by air, typically on an airplane
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What inspired Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi to create Ecobnb?
Answer: (c) Struggling to find environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip

2. How many sustainability standards must accommodation providers meet to be featured on Ecobnb?
Answer: (a) Five

3. How many travelers used Ecobnb in 2021?
Answer: (b) 2.8 million

4. What percentage of travelers actively seek sustainable options?
Answer: (d) 69%

5. What does Conscious Hotels prioritize in their eco hotels?
Answer: (c) Renewable energy, sustainably sourced furniture, and vegetarian food

6. What does Byway Travel focus on in their flight-free trips?
Answer: (b) Promoting lesser-known destinations and combating over-tourism

7. What is greenwashing?
Answer: (d) When accommodations falsely portray their green credentials

8. What does Silvia Ombellini encourage to reduce the reliance on flights?
Answer: (a) Staycations and exploring one’s own country
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Ecobnb is a website that restricts travelers from searching for eco-friendly hotels and other forms of sustainable accommodation. (Answer: False)
2. Accommodation providers featured on Ecobnb must meet at least five out of ten sustainability standards. (Answer: True)
3. Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi created Ecobnb after struggling to find environmentally-friendly accommodation during a work trip. (Answer: True)
4. Ecobnb has experienced a significant increase in users, with 2.8 million travelers using the platform in 2021. (Answer: True)
5. According to a recent study, 69% of travelers actively avoid sustainable travel options. (Answer: False)
6. Conscious Hotels in the Netherlands prioritize non-renewable energy, non-sustainably sourced furniture, and non-vegetarian food. (Answer: False)
7. Byway Travel is a flight-free travel company that has seen an increase in demand for its services. (Answer: True)
8. Marina Novelli, a professor of tourism and international development, emphasizes that travelers have no responsibility to research and ask the right questions to ensure the sustainability claims of accommodations are genuine. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧