Incentives and Challenges for Adopting Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry: A Majorcan Case Study

Ito, Kei (2007) Incentives and Challenges for Adopting Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry: A Majorcan Case Study. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Abstract

The literature on sustainable tourism has experienced an explosive interest in the last two decades. Research has mainly focused on destination sustainability; examining the macro incentives and challenges that a resort or country might face when striving to achieve sustainable development. However, little research has been done on the micro-businesses that operate within the wider tourism climate. Accommodation is the necessary pre-condition for any tourism activity and in the face of further booming expansion its impact on society is becoming increasingly visible.

This research set out to investigate which incentives and challenges exists that might induce or prohibit the adoption of sustainable development within the hotel industry. The research was designed as a case study which took place at a Scandinavian hotel located on Majorca, in the resort of Alcudia.

It was found that monetary benefits are the strongest motive for firms to adopt sustainable practices. These benefits can be derived from cost reductions in energy and water consumption or indirectly by gaining a higher market share. The study mostly confirmed previous research findings. However, the main contribution of the study involved the highlighting of the need for education and awareness if sustainability is to be a feasible aim. Moreover, it was argued that consumers are the most powerful external factor that has the ability to influence and demand practices, since governmental control and legislation is mostly absent in the industry. Therefore, the research calls for more media attention and work on environment and the industry in order for the business actors to find stronger incentives for going green.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords: tourism, hotel industry, sustainable development
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 10 Mar 2008
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2018 02:50
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/21557

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