Analyse and evaluate environmentally friendly practices in large hotels and customize to adapt these environmentally friendly practices for small to medium sized hotels

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my dissertation supervisor who has always shown confidence in me. Here I would also like to mention my parents who have always believed in me for all my hard work. My family, including my parents, brother and sister has endlessly supported me during my life and academics. This has helped me in making positive decisions for my life. I am also grateful towards my University and my Department, the administrators, faculty members and fellow students for their support throughout this study.

DECLARATION

I declare that the material stated in this dissertation is original and does not present work of any other scholar or research study conducted in the past. Material in this study is not partially or completely published elsewhere and collected only for the purpose of this study. I also acknowledge that I have complete understanding of the requirements, guidelines, regulations and procedures of the University with respect to the endowment of higher education degree and my research work. Here, I would also like to take the opportunity to declare that I have exclusively followed the requirements, guidelines, regulations and procedures of the University regarding this research study.

ABSTRACT

The main focus of this research study is to examine the environmentally friendly practices in large hotels and customise to adapt these environmentally friendly practices for small to medium sized hotels in New Zealand. The increase in consumer awareness of environmental issues can be attributed to media reporting of global warming and climate change backed by evidence of melting Artic ice caps and increasing sea levels. There is also consistent coverage of natural disasters such as the March 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and New Zealand's 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquake which all point to the fragility of our environment. As a result, consumers need to feel that they can make a difference; this “empowerment” is one of the reasons why consumers buy “greener” products. As a result, an in depth analysis and evaluation will be conducted on the topic of environmental practices. To be explored are its impact on the hotel industry, the advantages and disadvantages of environmental practices and the consumers view on environmental issues and the role consumers play towards hoteliers decision to go “green.” This research study will conclude with recommendations whether customised adoptions of environmental practices, for small to medium sized hotel operations, are feasible in terms of practicality and cost. The findings of this research study indicate that the environment friendly practices which have been adopted New Zealand hotels have a significant impact on the environment. On the other hand, these practices are quite successful in attracting and retaining customers. The environmental friendly practices which have been followed by New Zealand hotels are effective in enhancing the corporate social responsibility status of the hotels but also augment their ...