Bruntland Commission defines sustainable development as “the development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations to meet their
own needs.” In the recent years there is an emerging need for administration of
sustainability practices in a wide range of businesses around the world.
The aim of this dissertation was to point out the integrated sustainable practices in the
operations of five star hotels in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece from the perspective
of the managers. For the purposes of the study, questionnaires were distributed to all
(n=12) five star hotels of the area. Nine willingly participated in the research,
providing a consistent and acceptable sample.
High awareness of the administrated sustainability practices, characterized the
managers of the hotels. Implementation, or intention of doing so, of economic,
environmental and societal practices in the everyday operations of their units,
dominated their answers. The goal was the greater efficiency and the enhancement of
their customers’ loyalty. Despite the fact that these practices seem to financially
benefit their businesses in the long run, an unexpected result came up. Approximately
half of the managers responded that they do not provide their personnel with the
appropriate training in order to support sustainable development practices, leading to
reasonable consequences to the businesses’ philosophy and its financial situation,
given the current economic status of the country.
To sum up, five star hotels already have the willingness and the perspectives to
contribute to the economic, environmental and social development of Thessaloniki.
These two factors however; are not enough to improve the existing situation. It is the
managers’ responsibility to allocate their resources efficiently and effectively in order
to respond to the upcoming scheme of sustainable development, despite the current
economic stringency.
Collections
Show Collections
