Green initiatives in the lodging sector: Are properties putting their principles into practice?

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the role of good environmental management practices on the part of both tourism providers and consumers. But to what extent is this recognition translated into practice in daily operations and activities? This research note assesses the correspondence between the perceived importance of environmental management techniques and the actual adoption of these same initiatives among lodging property owners and managers in the US state of Michigan. Results showed sometimes substantial differences between the perceived importance of environmental initiatives and their actual adoption or implementation. In other words, the 217 properties surveyed appear to be failing to put their principles into practice in the case of most of the environmental management techniques assessed. The findings suggest a potential need for increased education regarding the practicalities of implementing such techniques, as well as further investigation of the barriers currently preventing higher levels of adoption.