— Welcome, Ms. Olena! How did Apart Hotel Shelter begin its journey towards sustainable development? When did you realise that this was important for you?
Greetings, and thank you for having me. It all started with the values instilled by my parents. They taught me to care for nature, protect it, avoid harming the environment and be environmentally conscious. After all, we are not merely guests on this planet – we are part of its ecosystem. In hospitality, it is important to remember that destroying nature means destroying our own home and the future of recreation. When the environment suffers, the true meaning of tourism is lost as well.
We have a deep connection with nature. Being located in the mountains, surrounded by quiet forests and fresh air, obliges us to take care of this place. The understanding that sustainable development is essential did not come overnight. Watching the impact that hotels and guests can have on the environment, we initially simply tried to avoid unnecessary things: plastic, excessive energy consumption and waste. But the more deeply I immersed myself in the topic of sustainability, the more clearly I realised that we could become more than just a hotel – we could set an example for others. That is how our vision emerged: Shelter Apart Hotel is not simply a place to stay, but a space where comfort and awareness go hand in hand.
"HOTEL'S SUSTAINABILITY CASES"
— Ms. Olena, could you tell us about the environmental and social practices you've introduced, are introducing or plan to implement?
To obtain the Green Key certificate, I personally studied all the requirements and developed a roadmap for the hotel's development. Before the audit preparation, I began putting this plan into practice.
Our journey started with small but confident steps:
- informing staff and guests about responsible consumption. This was our first step. Employee training, information signs and descriptions of our initiatives on the website were among the simplest yet most important measures;
- replacing cleaning products by switching to professional eco-friendly detergents and installing special dosing systems;
- updating hotel cosmetics. This proved to be a real challenge. Finding certified eco-products that combined high quality, attractive design and pleasant fragrances was not easy;
- abandoning plastic bottles. We stopped cooperating with bottled water suppliers using plastic and commissioned custom-branded glass bottles instead;
- launching our own solar power station. Today, the installation and connection of 60 kW of solar panels and 100 kW of batteries have been fully completed. This will significantly reduce electricity consumption, especially during the summer season;
- opening an eco-shop, where guests can purchase products from local producers and support the regional economy.
Our next goal is to install waste-sorting containers directly in the apartments. Waste management is one of the greatest challenges of the hospitality industry, but we are ready to tackle it together with our guests.
"BUKOVEL SHOULD ALWAYS SET AN EXAMPLE"
— Ms. Olena, what is your take on responsible tourism?
I believe that responsible tourism is not a trend but the only right path for development. Tourism should not deplete local resources or damage nature and cultural authenticity. On the contrary, it should support, strengthen and inspire.
For us at Shelter Apart Hotel, responsible tourism means:
- respect for nature through reducing environmental impact, introducing waste sorting and implementing energy-efficient solutions;
- supporting local communities by choosing local suppliers and manufacturers, contributing to region's development and understanding the importance of mutual support within the community;
- honest communication with guests by explaining how conscious tourism works and how it benefits everyone;
- creating experiences rather than simply providing services. People should not only relax, but also reflect, find inspiration and return home with a new perspective.
Unfortunately, many people were never taught these values by their families, schools or society. Our country did not raise an environmentally conscious generation, which is why many people still do not fully understand how important this issue is. If we can help change people's mindset and become an example for our guests, that would be my greatest personal achievement.
I believe that the resort carries a great responsibility, being constantly in the spotlight and subject to criticism and public attention. That is why it must lead by example. If Bukovel is to remain attractive not only today but also in 20 or 30 years, it must become a model of smart development – one that protects nature, supports communities and strengthens the regional economy.
I would like to highlight several key priorities.
1. Nature conservation
- water management through efficient use of water resources, wastewater treatment and rainwater utilisation;
- sustainable transport, including electric service vehicles, developed pedestrian infrastructure and cycling routes across the resort.
2. Environmentally focused infrastructure
- green construction, ensuring that new facilities comply with energy-efficiency standards;
- energy transition through investments in renewable energy sources;
- smart waste management, including comprehensive sorting systems, recycling stations and the elimination of single-use plastics.
3. Social dimension
- charitable initiatives such as competitions, tournaments and festivals aimed at supporting military personnel and wounded veterans;
- preserving cultural heritage by integrating Hutsul traditions into the tourism product;
- accessibility for everyone, ensuring that the resort is welcoming to people with disabilities, families with children and cyclists;
- inclusiveness, meaning that every guest should have access to every corner of the resort and be able to enjoy all attractions. Today, this issue is more important than ever.
4. Tourism diversification
- year-round development of hiking, eco, cycling, gastronomic and ethnographic routes;
- large-scale environmental projects, positioning Bukovel as a sustainable tourism centre, a knowledge-sharing hub and a venue for festivals, lectures and children's camps;
- environmental education through interactive information boards, QR codes and nature awareness signs.
Bukovel should become a socially responsible resort and a model of a sustainable mountain region. This is beneficial, modern and necessary. Shelter Apart Hotel alone cannot change everything, but we can inspire others, become an example of transformation, and together with other hotels we can shape a new culture of tourism in the Carpathians.
"WE ARE OPEN TO DIALOGUE AND JOINT ACTION"
— How do you communicate with the resort?
Regional development is a team effort. That is why we positively assess any initiatives aimed at the long-term and responsible development of the Carpathians, especially when they come from such an influential player as Bukovel.
At Shelter Apart Hotel, we are open to dialogue and joint action because we understand that when a major resort assumes responsibility for environmental protection, communities and infrastructure, it sets an example and creates opportunities for others to move in the same direction.
I hope that this cooperation will become more systematic and that every property in the region – from large hotels to small chalets – will feel part of a common purpose.
— How do you assess the creation of Bukovel's Sustainable Development Office?
The establishment of Bukovel's Sustainable Development Office in January 2025 was an extremely important and timely step. The very fact that a dedicated institution was created to focus on sustainability demonstrates a shift in thinking. I see it as a platform for partnerships, expert discussions and successful projects.
The key thing is for the Office to remain active and open, implementing real changes together with businesses, communities and tourists.
— What is your opinion on Bukovel's ambition to become the first certified tourism destination in Ukraine?
This is a decision we fully support. The new vision revolves around business and seasonality, environment and culture, authenticity and sustainability.
If Bukovel becomes the first certified destination in Ukraine, it will not only be recognition but also a real opportunity to establish standards for the whole country:
- how to treat nature;
- how to work with tourists;
- how to involve local communities;
- how to build the future without destroying the present.
We believe that we share a common goal – to make the Carpathians a place people return to not only for their beauty, but also for their atmosphere of responsibility, awareness and care. And if Bukovel is ready to follow this path, we will stand alongside it.