Clean the World’s Austin Eaton, Head of Marketing for Clean the World Europe and UK, has been featured in Sustainable Hotel News’ end-of-year insights.
This recognition highlights Clean the World UK’s continued efforts to drive key industry discussions, catalyse meaningful sustainability initiatives, and support the hotel industry’s journey towards more responsible practices.
Expert Insight: Reflecting on 2024 – What Could the Industry Have Done Better?
Rather than a typical trends piece for the upcoming year, Sustainable Hotel News chose to reflect on what the hospitality industry could have done better in 2024. While many hotels, suppliers, and organisations have made notable strides in sustainability, there has been less focus on the lessons learned and areas that still require improvement.
In the end-of-year roundup, Sustainable Hotel News gathered insights from leading voices across the travel, hotel, and sustainability sectors, including:
- Glenn Mandziuk – CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
- Amber Westerborg – Director of Sustainability & Impact, The Social Hub
- Austin Eaton – Clean the World
- Randy Durband – CEO, GSTC
- Sarah Habsburg – Sustainability Consultant, Responsible Hospitality and Training for SMEs
- Joanne Taylor-Stagg – General Manager, The Athenaeum, London
- Kai Parfitt – ESG Manager, The Athenaeum, London
- Bryan Oknyansky – Senior Architect & Head of Sustainability, Studio Moren
- Tinu Mathur – Founder and Chief Creative, Mathur & Co
- Debbie Hindle – Chair, International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global
- Natalie Campbell MBE – CEO, Belu
Clean the World is honoured to be featured alongside these individuals and organisations, whose work is shaping the future of sustainable hospitality.
A Year of Conversations and Action
This recognition follows Clean the World’s active involvement in key conversations throughout the year, including Tommie Eaton’s participation in HOSPA’s Industry Leaders event in October, where the pressing question—“Which is more important to achieve responsible living—net zero or a circular economy?”—was discussed. Tommie also contributed to a roundtable hosted by Sustainable Hotel News at Hyatt Place London City East, which brought together passionate sustainability advocates such as:
- Joanne Taylor-Stagg MSc MI FIH, The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences
- Bryan Oknyansky, Studio Moren
- Debbie Hindle, International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global
- Juliane Caillouette Noble, Sustainable Restaurant Group
- Michael Mason-Shaw, Cycas Hospitality
The roundtable focused on the importance of circularity as a key driver for inspiring tangible action, with Clean the World’s Global Hospitality Recycling Program highlighted as an example of how the sector can create positive, lasting change.
Looking Back and Moving Forward: Insights from Austin Eaton
Reflecting on the year, Austin Eaton commented on the continued progress in sustainability within the UK hospitality sector, but also pointed out the barriers that hinder full implementation. ““While there has certainly been an increased focus on sustainability within the UK hospitality industry this year, translating words and intentions into meaningful action remains a key area for improvement in 2025. Too many conversations lack follow-through due to limited time, resources, and a failure to recognise the true value of sustainability.
“At Clean the World, we conducted an analysis this year to better understand guest expectations and values surrounding sustainability during their stay. The results revealed a significant gap between guests’ desires for sustainable travel and their confidence in hotels’ environmental commitments highlighting a crucial point: integrating sustainable initiatives is no longer a luxury but a necessity. “
As we look towards 2025, Austin’s advice for hoteliers is simple yet impactful:
“Ask the right questions, seek practical solutions, and most importantly, take action. Starting with that first step will help build momentum for real, long-term change.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Clean the World celebrates its 16th year in 2025, we remain fully committed to supporting the hospitality industry with actionable, sustainable solutions. For those interested in taking tangible steps towards sustainability, we encourage you to download our Sustainability Guide, which offers a range of practical, easy-to-implement initiatives designed to support your hotel’s sustainability journey.
Together, we can make the world a better place.
