Tourists’ vision about the implementation of sustainable development practices in the hospitality industry in Romania

Abstract

It has been shown that the development of tourism brings many benefits to the areas where this activity takes place (jobs, incomes for the community and for individuals, etc.), but it also has some shortcomings, such as the environmental degradation and the negative impact on local traditions. In order to stop these negative effects, the concept of sustainable development must be applied. This paper wants to identify the extent to which tourists are familiar with the term of „sustainability” and how they perceive the implementation of sustainable practices in the tourism sector in Romania. The research also wanted to reveal whether the application of sustainable development practices in this sector influenced tourists in choosing a specific economic agent. The authors have conducted a qualitative marketing research, and interviewed tourists who have used tourist services in Romania for the last 5 years. The research was based on the semi-structured depth interview method. The results show that most of the interviewees do not have a very clear idea about the concept of „sustainability” and that of the implementation of consistent practices in the hospitality industry. Therefore, they do not consider the application of these practices when choosing a certain economic agent for spending their free time. The results of this research can be the basis of some governmental and nongovernmental programs for educating potential tourists regarding the impact of tourism on the environment and the need for sustainable development of this sector. Also, these results can be useful to the economic operators in the tourism industry, to consider participating in the sustainable development of the sector and to take measures to promote the sustainable practices that they have applied.

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“…A starting point for future research is to investigate tourists' perceptions of sustainable tourism and the practices implemented in the hospitality industry (Madar & Neaşu, 2020 ). Additionally, upcoming research is critically needed to examine the effect of consumers' demographics, such as education and gender, on the perceptions of sustainability in hotels (Olya et al, 2021 ).…”

“…It is also advisable for the government to organize programs to increase potential tourists' awareness of the effect of tourism on the environment and the need for sustainable development of this sector. In addition, it is critical for local authorities to provide the economic agents working in tourism, and also tourists, with sustainable development practices applicable in tourism through consultancy activities and educational programs (Madar & Neaşu, 2020 ).…”

“… Purchasing organic certified food/products. Akhtar and Najar ( 2020 ); Jang and Zheng ( 2020 ); Madar and Neaşu ( 2020 ); Maynard et al ( 2020 ); Modica et al ( 2020 ); Niederle and Schubert ( 2020 ); Shi and Tsai ( 2020 ); Pereira et al ( 2021 ); Ocampo et al ( 2021 ) a . Implementing practices to reconcile work and family life.…”

“…Revenue growth Using solar power instead of fuel. Madar and Neaşu ( 2020 ); Modica et al ( 2020 ); Amatulli et al ( 2021 ); Calisto et al ( 2021 ); Olya et al ( 2021 ). High dividend payment.…”

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“…Tourists visiting Romania consider it necessary to implement the principles of sustainable development in society and in the field of tourism, taking into account the following reasons: conservation of resources, reducing the effects of pollution, finding solutions for activities that are not friendly to the environment, ensuring prosperity for future generations (Madar and Neacșu, 2020). In other words, tourists are aware that tourism also has disadvantages, and that sustainable development is the solution to eradicate these disadvantages.…”