The effects of sustainable development through green key hotels and boutiques in Malta : customer motivational factors for choosing these hotels and boutiques

Abstract

The Green Hotels Association (2008) articulates the concept of a green hotel and boutique well, stating that "Green Accommodations are environmentally conscious whose managers are eager to establish initiatives that save water, save energy, and decrease solid waste—while saving money—to preserve our one and only earth!" This statement incorporates fundamental environmentally-friendly procedures in the hotel and boutique business, such as conserving water and energy, handling waste, and providing environmental education for guests. This dissertation investigates the sustainability practices at a local Green Key hotel and a local Boutique Hotel. The study explores the extent to which these hotels are assisting resident tourists and staff in becoming more conscious about sustainability issues, and how they are affecting the local community overall. Questionnaires were distributed among resident tourists, semi-structured interviews were conducted with hotel employees, and interviews were conducted with Nature Trust Malta. The findings show that sustainability is vital to the hotel and the boutique. Yet, while each of these establishments has a variety of sustainable practices, there generally seems to be a demand for more training for staff members to become more aware of and familiar with these methods. In addition, there is a considerable shortage of information provided to local tourists regarding the sustainable methods implemented in each of these establishments. Furthermore, while numerous hotels and boutiques contribute to sustainable practices in their communities, and more broadly throughout the Maltese and Gozitan Islands, travellers pick these establishments for their geographical position and amenities rather than their sustainability policies.