Question

Write a research paper that seeks to establish the roles that Hospitality and Tourism Management plays in addressing any environmental issues of 2020

Answer 1

The hospitality and tourism sectors involve a large number of users consuming resources and generating waste daily. Environmentally friendly policies are therefore in much need in these industries. Traditionally, hotels/resorts etc. have been agencies that contribute largely to environmental issues such as higher carbon footprints, ineffective waste management, non-availability of reduce/recycle opportunities. However in recent years, with the advent of the wealth of information available to consumers about how the services they use are affecting the environment, the onus of creating and implementing environment-friendly and socially responsible strategies has shifted into the hospital and tourism management domain. Additional pressure from governments, legal, not-for-profit agencies have all lead to a significant redesign of policies and to hotels/transportation/location management etc. going 'green'.

Management in these industries now include key areas of environmental impacts and green initiatives to offset any negative impact they might have.

- Water usage : As potable water shortages hit the world, the usage by guests, hotel staff, kitchens etc. have all started to be reviewed by hotels. Most offer options for guests to choose to change sheets/towels daily or less frequently to reduce the laundry overheads. Water consumption in other areas is also strictly monitored for usage and possibilities for reduction.

- Food wastage : Where there are kitchens, there is bound to be wastage and a need for reducing wastage. Hospitality sector now has firm laws around re-using organic waste as compost or ensuring adequate organic waste disposal systems. As most hotels/resorts etc. usually have a garden the compost can be reused within the facility.

- Garbage management : Recycling and waste management are now key parts of hotel strategies to ensure compliance and to exploit potential cost savings and reducing the waste being sent to landfills. The recent laws banning plastic usage are also applied to the hospitality industry which are converting more and more to organic alternatives.

- Energy usage : This high resource usage area is now managed by most hotels by shifting to lower consumption bulbs, energy-efficient electric systems for heating/cooling that allow for lesser consumption, and can have the added advantage of lowering costs. This can make a significant difference to the environment by conserving resource.

(Hydrofinity, 2018)

- Food transport footprint : Hotels are partnering with local produce sellers, or even starting their own kitchen garden in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Local produce means more local community involvement that can lead to a more symbiotic relationship benefiting the economy. Sourcing from sustainable farming agencies can further help reduce their negative environmental impact.

- Clean air : Non-smoking hotel chains like Marriot and Westin are leading the way for others to join in to ensure better air quality. (Hasek, 2006)

- Extending participation to guests : Some hotels also include environment-friendly suggestions in hotel rooms for guests to apply - such as switching off lights before leaving, reusing towels, recycle bins in rooms/lobby etc.

- Paper usage : Enabling travellers to book tickets online (e-bookings/reservations) has cut down paper usage for all airlines, especially with the issuance of e-boarding passes.

- Reduced carbon footprint : Enabling more booking/reservation solutions online have cut down on the travel and hence the carbon footprint related to the booking hotels, flights, car rentals etc. As tourism increases yearly, this can mean a huge saving.

- Education about heritage sites, natural wonders and resources : Along with the advent and surge information on environmental changes and their causes, has come an appreciation of the natural wonders and resources of the world. Tourism especially has worked to build interest in locations that are non-traditional, and thereby raised awareness by providing information to guests on how to preserve and protect these natural wonders, re-inforcing the need for 'green' initiatives by the industry and everyone who uses it.

Embracing and implementing green initiatives like the one above have led to the hospitality and tourism industry having a positive and hopefully long lasting effect on the environment.

References :

Hasek, Glenn (2006) The Top 10 Environmental Issues Facing the Hospitality Industry in 2007. Green Lodging News.

Hydrofinity. (2018) 10 Ways Hotels Can Reduce Their Impact On The Environment.