The importance of water management in hotels: a framework for sustainability through innovation

    Authors

    A. Kasim; D. Gursoy; F. Okumus;A. Wong

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Sustain. Tour.

    Keywords

    corporate environmentalism; responsible tourism; hotel management; SOCIAL-RESPONSIBILITY; USE EFFICIENCY; TOURISM; CONSUMPTION; PROGRAMS; INDUSTRY; FOCUS; Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism

    Abstract

    This paper highlights the global phenomenon of the crisis in the quality and quantity of water supplies and how tourism generally and hotels specifically may have contributed to the situation. The major internal and external barriers for Small Medium Enterprises adopting Environmental Management Systems, including water, are listed. The paper proposes a water management framework for hotels and other types of accommodation that leverages on the concept of innovation. Taking into account the various levels of knowledge and technological capabilities in water management, the framework is developed based on the commonly known 3R approach in environmental management, with the addition of another R (Reaching). It is proposed that hotels can innovate and enhance their water management approaches under these 4Rs: Innovative Reducing, Innovative Reusing, Innovative Reaching and Innovative Recycling. The framework offers examples and strategies about how hotels of different sizes, with differing financial, technical, knowledge and managerial capacities could address the challenge of implementing water management and obtain commercial benefit. A detailed case study is provided of a gray and black water recycling system in a Malaysian resort. Other examples of a range of water management methods are also discussed.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Sustainable Tourism

    Volume

    22

    Issue/Number

    7

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    1090

    Last Page

    1107

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000338200400008

    ISSN

    0966-9582

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