New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- Hotels that include sustainable practices in operations, help cut costs, reduce environmental impact, and increase customer safety and security, according to a new study by the government.
The research shows that green technologies, responsible tourism practices, guest satisfaction and perception of safety are linked. Sustainability in hotels helps to improve customer trust.
The study by the tourism ministry entitled 'The Impact of Green Technology on Guest Safety: The Mediating Roles of Responsible Tourism Practices and Guest Satisfaction' looks into the impact of using sustainable technologies in hotels on the perceived safety of guests. It was found that Green Technology does have a positive impact on perceived safety; however, this is largely due to the mediating roles of responsible tourism behaviour and overall guest satisfaction. The results further show that Green Technology itself does not have a positive impact on increased perceived safety. Rather the increased perceived safety is due to the hotel being able to ensure the practice of responsible tourism and provide a positive guest experience. If guests perceive the hotel to be responsible, well managed and caring then they are more likely to feel safe.
Also, sustainability is becoming an important factor within the tourism and hospitality sector. Hotels are increasingly implementing eco-friendly improvements such as energy-efficient lighting, intelligent heating systems, low-flow water systems, waste management improvements and air quality monitoring.
This research shows that these improvements should not just be seen as a way to save money and improve hotel ratings but they can be used to increase customer confidence and improve the overall guest experience.
The research provides evidence for hotels to incorporate sustainability into an overall guest experience strategy. It suggests hotels should look into conducting an Environmental Audit to see how much they are currently doing. Also, hotels should incorporate energy-efficient systems while ensuring they do not affect guest comfort. Waste management should be implemented with real processes.
Sustainable sourcing from local suppliers can help improve the supply chain and benefit local communities. Training staff and educating guests on sustainable practices is also an important step in creating a sustainable Hospitality environment.
However, the research has shown that having Green Technology will not necessarily improve perceived safety for hotel guests. Sustainable infrastructure must be combined with caring service. Although having smart systems and eco-friendly facilities can improve efficiency, the human aspect of the hospitality industry is still important.
The findings can also have implications for Tourism policy makers and Universities. There is little research into how hotel guests are psychologically and behaviourally affected by environmental practices in the Hospitality Industry in India. Further studies can show how sustainable practices within the hospitality industry affect consumers.
On September 18, the Hotel Association of India held their seventh Hoteliers' Conclave at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The event was supported by the Ministry of Tourism and had over 300 delegates from the Hospitality Industry and related sectors. The event had the theme 'Re-engineering Hospitality'.
Delegates discussed the changes in consumer behaviour, changes in regulations and the increase of technology within the Hospitality Industry. There was a large focus on sustainability along with AI, inclusivity and guest safety. This shows how the Hospitality Industry is recognising the link between being responsible, using innovative technology and increasing customer confidence.
This study was co-authored by Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Tourism & Chief Executive Officer in the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Government of India and Dr Pratik Ghosh, Head of Department in Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering and Nutrition, Chandigarh.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.