BehaviorSMART, a global frontrunner in promoting sustainable tourism through advanced behavioural economics strategies, has officially announced the international launch of its groundbreaking beSMART platform explicitly tailored for tour operators. Following an initial release aimed at tourism destinations in August, the platform now equips tour operators worldwide with the tools to effortlessly adopt sustainability practices while driving profitability and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Amid an escalating demand for eco-friendly travel solutions, the beSMART platform meets the needs of tour operators looking to adapt to the growing trend. Research shows that over 41% of travellers now prioritize eco-conscious accommodations, while 31% believe that sustainable businesses better serve local communities. Tour operators must adjust and thrive in this evolving landscape, and BehaviorSMART is leading the charge.
A New Era for Sustainable Tourism
“The beSMART platform for tour operators simplifies sustainability, making it easy to implement and beneficial for businesses,” explains Gergana Nikolova, co-founder of BehaviorSMART. “We aim to empower tour operators to align with sustainability demands while adding tangible value to their operations.”
Milena Nikolova, co-founder and behavioural economics expert, adds: “By transferring our extensive knowledge of human psychology, travel, and sustainability from our consultancy into a digital solution, we’ve created a platform that drives significant, scalable impact.”
This cutting-edge platform is the first of its kind, merging behavioural science with actionable sustainability practices to assist tour operators in meeting travellers’ growing expectations. By offering a seamless approach to sustainability, beSMART is a game changer in the travel industry, setting new standards for environmental responsibility while ensuring a competitive edge.
Industry-Endorsed Partnerships Paving the Way
Major industry stakeholders support the platform’s development, including the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and the Tourism Association of Vancouver Island (4VI Group). Both organizations have played instrumental roles in integrating beSMART into their respective networks, further underscoring its relevance and impact.
“We are thrilled to partner with BehaviorSMART to incorporate behavioral science insights into our sustainability strategy,” says Anthony Everett, Executive Chair & CEO of 4VI Social Enterprise Group. “The beSMART platform empowers businesses and communities to adopt sustainable practices that create lasting positive change. This partnership is vital for driving climate action within the tourism sector.”
ETOA’s Director General, Tim Fairhurst, echoes this sentiment: “Product development and diversification require informed decision-making. The beSMART platform enables us to mitigate issues like overcrowding and foster innovation through data-driven insights. ETOA is proud to collaborate with BehaviorSMART to ensure our sector leads the sustainability movement.”
These strategic partnerships underscore the transformative potential of beSMART in reshaping the tourism landscape for a greener future.
What Is the beSMART Platform?
The beSMART platform is a comprehensive digital tool designed to simplify sustainability integration for tour operators. It uses behavioural insights and neuroscience to guide professionals in adopting environmentally responsible practices that are practical, profitable, and scalable. The platform offers a range of structured learning paths, helping users implement strategies such as reducing carbon emissions, optimizing resource usage, and minimizing single-use plastics.
The beSMART platform doesn’t stop at implementation. It also empowers businesses to communicate their sustainability achievements effectively to customers, enhancing brand loyalty and attracting eco-conscious travellers. This dual approach of sustainability and marketing is a win-win for tour operators and the environment.
How Does the beSMART Platform Work?
The platform provides tour operators with a straightforward, step-by-step process for embedding sustainability into their operations:
- Behavioural Insights: The platform leverages behavioural science to recommend specific actions businesses can implement. For example, tour operators can use the platform to adopt simple waste-reduction practices or energy-saving measures.
- Guided Implementation: Users can set sustainability goals, such as cutting carbon emissions, reducing water consumption, or eliminating single-use plastics. The platform then provides tailored guidance to achieve these objectives at a pace that suits the business.
- Impact Measurement and Communication: Once practices are in place, the beSMART platform measures the results, allowing operators to track their environmental impact. This data can then be shared with customers and stakeholders, highlighting the operator’s commitment to sustainability.
Key Benefits of the beSMART Platform
The beSMART platform provides significant advantages to tour operators aiming to integrate sustainability without compromising profitability or operational efficiency. These include:
- Revenue Growth: As more travellers prioritize eco-friendly options, tour operators using the beSMART platform can attract a more extensive customer base.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Tour operators can improve customer satisfaction and retention by meeting the growing demand for sustainable travel.
- Cost Efficiency: Optimizing resource use, from water conservation to energy savings, reduces operational costs.
- Brand Differentiation: Positioning a brand as a sustainability leader builds long-term credibility and loyalty among eco-conscious travellers.
- Sustainability Goals: Tour operators can achieve tangible environmental goals, such as minimizing single-use plastics, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring sustainable interactions with local communities.
By making sustainability an integral part of their business strategy, tour operators can generate long-term value for themselves, their customers, and the planet.
Availability and Future Expansion
The beSMART platform is now available worldwide to tour operators, destinations, and activity providers. BehaviorSMART has plans to extend the platform’s capabilities to accommodate other sectors within the tourism industry, including accommodation providers and restaurants, shortly.
In conjunction with the launch, BehaviorSMART is hosting a series of exclusive webinars designed to help businesses unlock the full potential of the beSMART platform. These webinars will provide actionable insights into how tour operators can seamlessly incorporate sustainability into their daily operations while enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing revenue.
To learn more about how the beSMART platform can help your business, visit BehaviorSMART’s official site or email care@behavior-smart.com.
A Turning Point for Sustainable Travel
As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable for the travel industry, platforms like beSMART offer a way forward that balances environmental responsibility with economic growth. By empowering tour operators with the tools to integrate sustainability into their offerings easily, BehaviorSMART sets the stage for a more responsible, profitable, and customer-centric travel experience.
With growing support from key industry leaders and organizations, the beSMART platform is poised to improve tourism—one tour operator at a time.
Written by: My Thanh Pham