Sustainability in the hotel industry is becoming an increasingly important topic. How does the Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo contribute to sustainable development and is it realistic to expect that the hotel industry in BiH will become fully sustainable in the future? How do you envision such a business?
As the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo Hotel, I am very pleased to see our progress in the area of sustainability. The hotel recognizes sustainability as a key aspect of its business and we implement various practices that contribute to reducing environmental impact. This year, we became the first hotel in Sarajevo to enter the Green Key certification process, which further confirms our commitment to environmentally friendly business.
Our steps include using energy-efficient systems, conducting energy audits, digitizing processes to reduce paper use, promoting environmentally friendly transportation options around the city, encouraging recycling through waste separation and using environmentally friendly cleaning products. We also contribute to raising awareness about sustainable tourism by encouraging guests to use resources responsibly. I believe that it is possible for the hospitality industry in BiH to become fully sustainable, but this requires cooperation, commitment and dedication from all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector and local communities.
Our vision for sustainable business includes further use of renewable energy sources, waste minimization, cooperation with local suppliers and active participation in nature conservation projects, such as the planned reforestation in the Homolje area.
The labor shortage is a major challenge for many industries, including the hospitality industry. How is Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo dealing with this challenge and what strategies do you implement to attract and retain qualified workers?
We are aware of the challenges related to the labor shortage, but we strive to find innovative solutions. We focus on creating a positive work environment that includes clearly defined opportunities for professional development, regular education and training, and clearly recognized opportunities for advancement.
We are particularly proud of the fact that more than 60% of our employees are women, and in 2024 we joined the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) initiative, led by UN Women and USAID. Our commitment to equality is also reflected in the implementation of programs that enable professional development and improve working conditions for women.
One of the key elements of our strategy is a partnership with local educational institutions to promote careers in the hospitality industry among young people. We also continuously invest in recognizing and rewarding exceptional results, which contributes to increasing employee loyalty.
What are the key goals of the Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo hotel in the next five years and how do you see the development of the hospitality industry in BiH?
Our main goals in the next five years are:
- To become a leader in the implementation of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry in the region.
- To constantly improve services to ensure an exceptional experience for our guests.
- To invest in digitalization to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
We are particularly proud of initiatives such as the Herzegovina Wine Road Ambassadorship, which contributes to the promotion of local values and traditions. We also plan to build a garden with indigenous plants on the hotel roof, as well as additional projects that support local producers.
I believe that the hospitality industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina has enormous potential for growth, especially in the segment of sustainable tourism and luxury experiences. Key factors for development will be infrastructure improvements, increased promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a tourist destination, and continuous education of the workforce. Our goal is to be an example of how quality service and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Looking towards 2025, I feel great energy and optimism. Our team is ready to complete the projects we have started and to provide our guests with an even better experience, with greater consideration for the environment and the community in which we work and live.
