SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN BULGARIA – REAL FACT OR NOT?
SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN BULGARIA – REAL FACT OR NOT?

Author(s): Petr Scholz
Subject(s): Economy, National Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies
Published by: Udruženje ekonomista i menadžera Balkana
Keywords: Eco-friendly accommodation facility;environmental measures;green management;hotel industry;services;
Summary/Abstract: Accommodation facilities are key tourism actors and therefore cause considerable impacts. Stakeholders get involved in various voluntary programs, where they seek appropriate measures by which to contribute to improving the environment at the local and national level. A lot of accommodation facilities are turning green at an increasing rate due to a single reason, which is not directly based on profitability, longevity, or sustainability. The green trend has come into the life of the hotel business and is enthusiastically accepted by a vast majority of guests, especially in western countries. On the other hand, accommodation facilities are trying to be environmentally friendly, but the economy is becoming more and more important to them. This paper deals with applying elements of green management in accommodation facilities in the city of Sofia, Bulgaria. It analyses the implementation of green management elements and the principles of sustainable development in accommodation services. It focuses on accommodation facilities and their use, and environmental measures. The primary survey was conducted from May until June 2018, and we used a questionnaire survey to obtain primary data. We used the methods of scientific work; and, i.e., the analysis method, a generalization method, mathematical, and statistical methods. A total of 247 accommodation facilities participated in this research, and they reached the best results with sorting containers, dual flush toilets, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamps. We state that the surveyed accommodation facilities should invest more funds in green initiatives and acquaint employees and guests with this philosophy. Anyway, in a few years, it is certain that environmental protection will become a legal obligation for accommodation facilities. In our opinion, be proactive already now and start from this moment on. It is time for the hotel industry to accept its environmental responsibilities to reduce the environmental impact of international tourism.

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