Sustainability in hospatility

SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN HOSPITALITY SECTOR 


The hospitality industry, a key global economic sector, faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to environmental concerns, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer expectations. Sustainable hospitality aims to balance environmental, economic, and social sustainability, ensuring long-term competitiveness. This study examines the integration and impact of sustainable hospitality practices (SHPs) in India's hotel industry, focusing on different star-category hotels.

The research begins with a literature review emphasizing the need for sustainability in the hospitality sector, particularly in India, and introduces the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, which addresses economic, environmental, and social responsibilities. The methodology includes hypothesis development, conceptual models, and the creation of a structured questionnaire, validated through a pilot study. Data is analyzed using factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore relationships between SHPs, stakeholder commitment, sustainable performance measures (SPMs), and sustainable service competitiveness and business excellence (SCBE).

An extensive survey of 279 hotels across India collects data for analysis, with statistical tools like IBM SPSS used to assess sustainability practices. Comparative analyses and case studies of four hotels highlight the practical implementation of SHPs, challenges faced, and strategies for success. The study presents a comprehensive framework for SHPs, including energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable procurement, and introduces quantifiable metrics for assessing environmental, economic, and social impacts.

Key contributions of the research include a holistic SHP framework, actionable recommendations for hotel managers and policymakers, and the integration of TBL, Resource-Based View, and Stakeholder Theory. The study offers valuable insights into sustainable practices in the Indian hospitality industry, providing a foundation for future research and helping to guide the sector toward a more sustainable future.