The tourism industry is witnessing a pivotal transformation towards sustainability in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This shift is not just a trend but a necessity for resilience and environmental stewardship. Recent research led by Dr. Pavla Vrabcová from the Technical University of Liberec, alongside Dr. Petr Scholz, Dr. Ivica Linderová, and Dr. Hana Kotoučková from the College of Polytechnics Jihlava, examines the rise of eco-friendly hotels and guesthouses in the Czech Republic, highlighting their potential to enhance resilience and sustainability in the hospitality sector. This work was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
The researchers analyzed the implementation of environmental management practices across various types of accommodation facilities in the Czech Republic, including hotels, guesthouses, and other lodging options. Their findings indicate that the number of environmental measures implemented was relatively consistent across different types of accommodations, regardless of their star ratings. The results reveal that devices to reduce electricity consumption and separate waste were among the most commonly adopted measures, with almost all hotels and guesthouses using them. On the other hand, less commonly adopted measures included reducing chemical consumption and promoting environmental education among employees and guests.
Dr. Vrabcová emphasized the research’s significance, stating, “Our research provides novel insights into the current state of eco-friendly practices in Czech accommodation facilities. This is the first comprehensive analysis of its kind in the Czech Republic, aiming to fill the knowledge gap and stimulate further research and practical discussions on sustainable tourism.”
The research involved a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. A survey was conducted with a substantial number of accommodation facilities across the Czech Republic, followed by focus group interviews with top management from selected hotels and guesthouses. The survey assessed the application of various environmental management measures, while the focus groups provided deeper insights into the motivations and challenges faced by these establishments in implementing sustainable practices.
The research found that the star rating of accommodation facilities was not a critical factor in determining their environmental impact. Both high-end hotels and modest guesthouses showed a strong commitment to sustainability. The most commonly implemented environmental measures included devices to reduce electricity consumption, waste separation, and water consumption reduction. However, measures such as reducing chemical usage and promoting environmental education were less frequently adopted.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted that smaller accommodations, such as guesthouses, often showed a higher number of implemented environmental measures compared to larger hotels. This finding suggests that smaller establishments may be more agile in adopting sustainable practices, potentially due to lower operational complexities.
One of the key takeaways from the research is the importance of environmental education and communication. Despite the high adoption rates of certain measures, the researchers found that many establishments did not sufficiently educate their employees and guests about their environmental efforts. This gap presents an opportunity for the hospitality sector to enhance its sustainability initiatives through better communication and training.
Dr. Vrabcová remarked, “While it is encouraging to see widespread adoption of basic environmental measures, there is still much room for improvement in areas such as chemical usage and environmental education. Our findings suggest that better communication and training could significantly enhance the overall impact of these initiatives.”
The findings align with global trends in the hospitality industry, where sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are becoming increasingly important. The adoption of sustainable practices not only helps reduce operational costs in the long run but also enhances the social status of businesses, making them more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers.
The team recommends that future research should focus on the long-term impacts of these environmental measures on both the operational efficiency and financial performance of accommodation facilities. Additionally, there is a need for more comprehensive data collection and analysis to better understand the dynamics and outcomes of eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry.
In conclusion, Dr. Vrabcová and her research team underscore the potential of eco-friendly hotels and guesthouses to contribute significantly to sustainable tourism in the Czech Republic. By adopting and promoting environmental management practices, these establishments can not only enhance their resilience but also play a crucial role in protecting the environment and supporting local communities. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, sustainability will undoubtedly remain a key driver of innovation and growth.
Journal Reference
Vrabcová, P., Scholz, P., Linderová, I., & Kotoučková, H. (2024). Eco-friendly hotels and guesthouses as a new opportunity for resilience and sustainability: Evidence from the Czech Republic. PLOS ONE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301936
About The Authors
Pavla Vrabcová focuses on the bioeconomy within the sustainable development framework, emphasizing voluntary management system tools for sustainable businesses, focusing on social responsibility and environmental management systems. She is actively involved in advisory roles within organizations such as the Quality Council of the Czech Republic, the Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Czech Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the Platform for Bioeconomy of the Czech Republic. She holds memberships in several editorial boards and program/organizing committees of scientific conferences. Pavla Vrabcová has authored over 60 scientific articles and is engaged in scientific research projects while also serving as an evaluator for selected agencies. In 2023, she became the vice-dean for science and research at the Faculty of Economics of the Technical University in Liberec.
Petr Scholz has graduated from the Matej Bel University, Slovakia, specialization in Tourism and from the Masaryk University, Czechia, specialization in Kinantropology. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at the College of Polytechnics Jihlava, Czechia and holds the position of Editor-in-chief of Studia Turistica and Editor of Studia Sportiva journals. His research focus on guests’ satisfaction, accommodation facilities, and eco-friendly accommodation facilities in tourism. He is also interested in contemporary issues of sports spectatorship. He is the author and co-author of numerous articles published in the database Web of Science and SCOPUS.
Ivica Linderová has graduated from the Matej Bel University, Slovakia with specialization in Tourism. Currently, she is the Head of the Travel and Tourism Department at the College of Polytechnics Jihlava, Czechia. She is personally interested in issues related to tourism for all and the activities of destination management organizations in the Czechia and Slovakia. She was and is a co-investigator of several scientific projects and projects for practice. She is the author and co-author of various articles published in database Web of Science and SCOPUS, specialized monographs, and textbooks.
Hana Kotoučková has graduated from the Masaryk University, where she focused on the history of robust statistical methods in her doctoral thesis. She also studied System Engineering and Informatics at the Faculty of Informatics at the University of Hradec Králové. HK has been a lecturer at the College of Polytechnics Jihlava since 2007. She previously taught at the Faculty of Management of the University of Economics and Business, Prague. She teaches mathematical and statistical subjects. HK collaborates with colleagues from other departments and processes statistical data, primarily in economic and tourism areas. In her research, she processes data for medical fields and explores the possibilities of using artificial intelligence in statistics education.
