Spectrum of Environment Management in Hospitality & Tourism Industry

Abstract

All the biotic and abiotic resources which are responsible for development of mankind constitute environment. The environmental pollution is a global problem and the environment is deteriorating due to mixing of natural and manmade pollutants. The human greed, injustice & quick gains have adversely affected the hospitality and tourism industries. But, with the aid of appropriate and benign technologies a vigorous effort can repair the damage. It is imperative to maintain a balance between environmental conditions and the need of high standards of hygiene in the hospitality and tourism industries. In these industries the main issues involved are: a) General environmental commitment and Management. b) Solid waste Management. c) Water conservation and Management. d) Energy Management etc. In recent years, the ECOTEL certification is given to hotels that maintain a very high level of Environmental responsibility. Although the ECOTEL hotels and some of the Intercontinental hotels and the Resorts maintain Environmental requirements, but many of them still do not maintain the standard norms. Tourism may cause degradation of the habitat by polluting waterways, accumulation of garbage, overharvesting of flora etc and the influx of tourist and entrepreneurs can cause social and cultural degradation of the local population. Due to industrialisation, urbanisation, population growth and global warming, the issue of threats to environment will go a long way. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate the concept of environmental stewardship into everyday business of hospitality and tourism industries.

Keywords: Environment, management

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