Consumers are increasingly driving the conversation around sustainability, making choices based on their morality. For the attractions and tourism industry, the demand is clear. According to the 2022 Sustainable Travel Report, 53% more travelers are determined to make sustainable choices than in 2021.
Amusement parks can take steps to deliver a sustainable experience across planning, organization, venue, and execution. How can organizations in these spaces adjust to meet consumer demands and become more sustainable while ensuring businesses remain protected with adequate insurance coverage?
Is change really needed?
There are two factors driving consumers to make more ethical choices:
- Making purchasing choices that reduce avoidable harm
- Saving money by purchasing goods and services that are environmentally responsible
This means that today’s consumers are not just more ethical; they are also conscious of their spending due to inflationary pressures. These two pressures on businesses in the attractions industry also create a clear opportunity to cater directly to these consumers by providing sustainable choices. Providing options in amusement parks will help alleviate consumer concerns about both the environment and their wallets.
Additionally, consumers considering two attraction venues may make decisions based on their level of sustainability. There is an additional opportunity to cater to these consumers and differentiate from competitors, helping to make the choice for them.
Also read: Augmented and Virtual Reality Amusement Parks: The Future of Thrills
Who’s leading the charge on sustainable amusement parks?
Brands seeking guidance on implementing a sustainability plan for their attractions need to look no further than the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) resources. IAAPA promotes and encourages sustainability, providing resources to help as brands adjust to consumer demands.
For instance, IAAPA’s 2021 trends outlined some small steps brands can take to begin creating sustainable amusement parks, such as:
- Switch to LED lighting to improve efficiency
- Use dual-flush toilets to reduce water waste
- Install sensor-controlled lights and taps to limit electricity consumption
- Use alternative power generation such as solar or hydro-electric instead of gas or coal
- Recycle inorganic waste
- Compost organic waste
- Plant vegetation to capture carbon and provide clean irrigation
- Sell local food to reduce food miles
- Adopt electric vehicles (EVs) to replace petrol and diesel fleet cars when fleet vehicle leases are due to expire
- Reduce plastic in areas such as food and beverages, as well as in prizes and other items such as plushies
- Partner with environmentally conscious vendors that are already engaging in sustainable practices
- Explore new technology, such as online booking systems to help with resourcing, visitor flow, and waste management
Ultimately, it’s up to attraction companies to research and discover innovations that will help their venues become more sustainable.
Are sustainable amusement parks already out there?
Amusement parks worldwide are embracing sustainable practices to elevate their environmental standards. Sustainable amusement parks are implementing comprehensive sustainability measures, including composting food waste, responsibly sourcing food, and reducing or eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible.
A standout example is Six Flags, which has implemented a solar-powered initiative that harnesses the sun’s energy to operate rides, significantly impacting its carbon footprint.
In 2019, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey became one of the world’s first solar-powered theme parks. The theme park implemented nearly 60,000 solar panels to provide 98% of the power needed to keep the entire theme park running.
Also read: Keeping Your Amusement Park Accessible and Compliant with ADA Guidelines
The time is now
In the face of a changing consumer landscape, the attractions industry must prioritize sustainability. From adopting green initiatives to educating visitors and partnering with organizations like IAAPA, the path towards sustainability is clear. Amusement parks can set themselves apart by embracing eco-friendly practices, meeting consumer demands, and ensuring the longevity of their operations.
However, as the industry adapts to consumer demands and creates increasingly sustainable amusement parks, they need comprehensive insurance coverage to safeguard their operations. Comprehensive insurance coverage provides amusement parks and venues with peace of mind as they deliver new services and make lasting changes to existing operations.
Amusement & Entertainment Insurance from McGowan Program Administrators
McGowan Program Administrators offers specialized Amusement & Entertainment Insurance designed to address the specific risks associated with amusement parks. This coverage ensures that companies are protected from potential challenges as they change to create more sustainable amusement parks—allowing them to focus on creating memorable and environmentally responsible visitor experiences.
Secure insurance for a wide variety of businesses in the attractions industry, such as:
- Amusement Parks
- Water Parks
- Family Entertainment Centres
- Go Kart Tracks
- Miniature Golf Courses
- Bowling Alleys
- Roller Skating Rinks
- Fairs
- Festivals or Rodeo
Contact us today to learn more about how comprehensive Amusement & Entertainment Insurance can help you on your journey to improved sustainability.
