Start Date

7-1-2011 2:30 PM

End Date

7-1-2011 3:15 PM

Track

2. Track 2 - Poster Session

Subject Area

Travel and Tourism

Faculty Member

Dr. Kelly Phelan, kelly.phelan@ttu.edu

Abstract

Eco-Sustainability is a growing and firmly recognized spectrum in the hospitality field. Recent data indicates eco-sustainable tourism accounts for a growing percentage of total worldwide tourism receipts. The economic influence, leveraged with the positive environmental implications associated with sustainability practices, has resulted in the emergence of eco-sustainability as an up and coming area of study. Further research implies consumers are willing to seek out eco-sustainable businesses. Additionally, the data suggests these travelers are inclined to pay extra for such businesses.

This study aims to examine whether or not tourists who employ eco-sustainable practices in their daily routines also maintain these practices while traveling for pleasure. The research will essentially bridge the gap between conflicting research which indicates a willingness to pay more, and studies which exhibit price sensitivity in relation to travelers green practices. While tourists may indicate they are environmentally-conscious in their personal lives, research scrutinizing the extent to which these habits are applied during travel will be valuable to businesses seeking to identify themselves as eco-sustainable. Furthermore, this study will help to ascertain whether tourists seek out environmentally-friendly hotels and restaurants, or whether these entities are viewed as simply a convenience while travelling. This research is unique in its approach, since it will examine which traits consumers are looking for in a green hospitality business, and whether these firms will benefit financially from increased demand if environmentally conscious policies are adopted.

Keywords

Eco-Sustainability, Tourist Behavior, Green Tourism, Preservation, Protection

Share

COinS
 
Jan 7th, 2:30 PM Jan 7th, 3:15 PM

Tourists’ Perceptions of Eco-Sustainable Practices While Traveling

Eco-Sustainability is a growing and firmly recognized spectrum in the hospitality field. Recent data indicates eco-sustainable tourism accounts for a growing percentage of total worldwide tourism receipts. The economic influence, leveraged with the positive environmental implications associated with sustainability practices, has resulted in the emergence of eco-sustainability as an up and coming area of study. Further research implies consumers are willing to seek out eco-sustainable businesses. Additionally, the data suggests these travelers are inclined to pay extra for such businesses.

This study aims to examine whether or not tourists who employ eco-sustainable practices in their daily routines also maintain these practices while traveling for pleasure. The research will essentially bridge the gap between conflicting research which indicates a willingness to pay more, and studies which exhibit price sensitivity in relation to travelers green practices. While tourists may indicate they are environmentally-conscious in their personal lives, research scrutinizing the extent to which these habits are applied during travel will be valuable to businesses seeking to identify themselves as eco-sustainable. Furthermore, this study will help to ascertain whether tourists seek out environmentally-friendly hotels and restaurants, or whether these entities are viewed as simply a convenience while travelling. This research is unique in its approach, since it will examine which traits consumers are looking for in a green hospitality business, and whether these firms will benefit financially from increased demand if environmentally conscious policies are adopted.