An expert in sustainable tourism has been appointed as the new chairman of a leading organisation in hospitality CSR and sustainability, taking over from John Firrell MIH who steps down after 25 years involvement with Considerate Hoteliers.
Professor Graham Miller, who holds a chair in sustainability in business at the University of Surrey and is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, has taken up the appointment at Considerate Hoteliers.
He will act as a sounding board for Considerate Hoteliers and help steer the team as they press ahead with their strategy of providing support to hotels so they can reduce their environmental impact without negatively impacting the bottom line.
Professor Miller is a leading figure worldwide within sustainable tourism. As well as co-editing the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, his recent work has included a large project to develop indicators of sustainability for tourism destinations across Europe which led to the creation of the European Tourism Indicator System.
Considerate Hoteliers is currently helping over 150 UK and international hotels overcome CSR challenges by providing support on topics ranging from waste management to stablishing local volunteer projects. The organisation has also created a data management tool, Con-Serve ™ which enables hotels to measure, monitor and benchmark outputs such as electricity and see their impact on the cost per room night.
Outgoing chairman John Firrell said: “To the new chairman, Professor Graham Miller, I pass a baton loaded with a formidable history with my very best wishes. I am sure that our industry, students and Considerate Hoteliers will benefit hugely with his guidance and ability to positively influence those in the hospitality profession.
Prof. Miller adds: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking on this role. I have long been impressed by the work done by Considerate Hoteliers, which is driven by data in addition to their remarkable experience and caring.”
Xenia zu Hohenlohe, joint partner for Considerate Hoteliers comments: “It is an honour as well as an enrichment to the company to have Graham on-board as our new chairman. His experience and insight will be invaluable at the very time there’s greater scrutiny being placed on the environmental impact of everything from energy and waste through to the local communities.”
