Abstract (150 Words)
With the push towards more sustainable living, hotel leaders need to consider how they can make their operations more sustainable. While the general business line of “growth at all costs” is rapidly giving way to a view that supports sustainability as good business practice; hotel leaders who seek to make their businesses, and by extension their communities, more sustainable need to use business models that support environmental, economic, and social sustainability. It is incontestable that the primary goalof commercial businesses is profit and that hotel leaders must meet goals and targets focused on improving shareholder returns. I contend, however, that strategic planning focused on sustainability may be effective in achieving profit targets in a way that effectively integratessocial, economic, and environmental imperatives. This article will explore concepts from the literature on sustainable community development and sustainable hospitality as well as discuss preliminary research results from one site.
Beyond Towel Recycling: Sustainability as Hotel Business Strategy
With the push towards more sustainable living, hotel leaders need to consider how they can make their operations more sustainable. While the general business line of “growth at all costs” is rapidly giving way to a view that supports sustainability as good business practice; hotel leaders who seek to make their businesses, and by extension their communities, more sustainable need to use business models that support environmental, economic, and social sustainability. It is incontestable that the primary goalof commercial businesses is profit and that hotel leaders must meet goals and targets focused on improving shareholder returns. I contend, however, that strategic planning focused on sustainability may be effective in achieving profit targets in a way that effectively integratessocial, economic, and environmental imperatives. This article will explore concepts from the literature on sustainable community development and sustainable hospitality as well as discuss preliminary research results from one site.
