Introduction

Tourism is one of the leading growth sectors of the global economy, bringing in billions of dollars
annually in developing countries and transporting millions of people internationally. But the tourism
industry's growth through the years has created an increasing amount of stress on the environment.
Ecotourism is nature-oriented and environmentally focused and is growing rapidly.
Ecotourism aside, many in the hotel industry have recognized the negative impact their business
activities have on the environment and have taken action to alleviate those impacts. Environmentally
responsible business practices dovetail well with the newfound popularity of ecotourism. They
harmonize tourism and environmental sustainability.
Eco-hotels are a name given to represent a hotel or an accommodation that has made the
surroundings improvements to its structure so as to reduce its impact on the environment. This is
known also known as green hotel which are environmentally-responsible accommodation that follow
practices of green living. To be considered as environmentally responsible these hotels have to be
certified as green' by an independent third-party or by the state they are located in. Traditionally,
these hotels are qualified as Eco Hotels because of their location, their design inspired by the use of
traditional building and the eco activities they offer.

Chapter 1
Literature Review
1.0 Criteria for eco-hotel:
An eco-hotel must as a rule meet the following criteria:

Rely on the natural environment

Environmental sustainability
Should be able to safeguard the ecology
Should sensitize people about the environmental training programs
Should be able to bring intercultural exchange
Should be able to increase the country's revenue
Maintaining the organization building by using non-hazardous cleaning agents and laundry
detergent
100%organic cottonsheets, towels and mattresses
Non-smoking atmosphere
Renewable power sources like solar or wind energy
Bulk natural soap and facilities as an alternative of individual packages to reduce waste
Guest room and hotel lobby recycling bins
Towel and sheet re-use (guests can tell housekeeping to leave these slightly used items to
reduce water utilization)
Energy-efficient lighting
On-site transportation with green vehicles
Serve natural and local-grown food
Non-disposable dishware
Offers a fresh-air exchange structure
 Gray water recycling, which can be used in the kitchen, bath and laundry water for garden
and landscaping
Newspaper recycling plan

1.1 Hotels having this Criteria

Copenhagen: No.1 Green hotel in the World.
Eco star: 1
Stars: 4
Location: Europe
Country: Denmark
Copenhagen Towers in line with the Green Building Standard is the first hotel in Denmark that has
got linked with the UN's Global Compact. It has been considered that the building can saved about
1.373 tons of carbon dioxide annually and it has also been awarded the golden nail for being the
most pioneering eco-friendly building. The Crowne Plaza Towers was constructed in 2009 using the
most modern renewable and most sustainable resources. According to the president of Copenhagen
Hotel Management, Sandeep Sander, the notion used by the hotel was to be more sustainable first
to produce most of the energy used and to save as much energy as possible.
One of the key power saving initiatives is the mechanism of a groundwater based system, is based
on the idea of recycling energy, and provides both heating and cooling to all 366 hotel rooms, the
conference room section, kitchen, restaurant, and the ancillary office building.Actions such as
intelligence control of lightning and low-energy light sources have been taken to guarantee that the
consumption is kept low. The majority of the part of the hotel's IT infrastructure were used on
foundation of energy saving and renewability.
Managing director for Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers, Allan L. Agerholm acknowledged: The
bikes invite the guests to move in new habits that benefits their personal health and wellbeing as
well as the environment in general. The guests plainly provide the energy in the hotel. On one hand,
the biking might represents an emblematic sustainable act. Yet on the other it also presents that the
socio-eco-awareness now also apply for the service area.
The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen has used this new concept- green concept- for the interests of the
hotel, its employees and the guests. the prominent Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, the Hotel Nikko
Hongkong occupies one of the city's choicest locations in Tsimshatsui East...ISO 14001 plus other
awards.
Eco star: 2
Stars: 5
Location: Asia
Country: Hong Kong
In line with ISO 14001, Hotel Nikko Hong Kong has dedicated itself to the ecological shield. Its
purpose has been to give environment-friendly services in their industry so as to be distinctive
competitive as compared to others. Its aim is to provide good biodegradable services for its guests.
It has also committed itself into taking appropriate techniques to stay away from pollution and
towards the preservation of resources. To sponsor tourism marketing, Hotel Nikko has joined
Friends of the Earth's 2008-09 as a Saturn corporate member, the second highest contribution tier.
The hotel management and staffs also helps to support environmental services to the guests so as
to diminish wastage of natural resources and pollution done to the environment. To encourage its
employees, the Green Innovator Award was the mechanism used to award the most innovative
and convenient environment initiatives anticipated by the hotel. The concept used by Hotel Nikko
Hong Kong is the 6R. The 6R concept consist of the following aspects: Reduce, Reuse, Replace,
Repair, Refill and Recycle. The hotel has used this concept to control waste water organization. It is
done in the safest way.

The orchid- ECOTEL licensed by HVS Eco Services

website has a wealth of good information...
Eco star: 3
Stars: 5
Location: Asia
Country: India
"A tree always grows from its roots; every building needs a strong base"
The Orchid Hotel is found in Mumbai and it is Asia's first qualified environmental friendly five-star
hotel and it has been approved the ISO 14001. They just think in having a sustainable development
which can build up an experience where:
"Deluxe need not disturb, Comfort need not compromise and Enjoyment need not be insensitive."
The creation itself was designed particularly in such a way that is eco-friendly and even the
resources used are sustainable and can be conserved. For the civil work, they have used:

Cement - They have opted for the PPC (Portland Pozzalana Cement) which hold 15-20% fly
ash, as compared to OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement)
Their internal partitions were built from wall panels made of compost waste and they can be
reusable later.
AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete)
Water conservation by adopting the 6R theory
Aerators/flow restrictors
Sewage management plant
Drip irrigation
Drinking water treatment (aquazone)
Rubber wood
Medium thickness fibre wood
Reused wood
Triple glazed windows

1.2 Environmental Management

In the 1980s and 1990s environment pressures has greatly affected the various industries and
nowadays it has become such an important thing that it is not only affecting the outputs but even the
inputs and process. Hotel industry has provided a major benefit to local and national economies; its
growth has also put in danger the environment and socio-cultural area of where it's developing.
David Kirk (1981) argue that the hospitality sector is more affected as most hotels restaurant are
situated near beauty and historic places where the need to protect is greater and even more vital.
The addition of services to attract more tourists has already affected such places and thus more
constrains crops up when building such facilities.
Moreover tourists don't care about their action which contributes to the degradation of the
environment. They expect to be pampered and don't pay attention to lashings of hot water, long time
showers, and huge amount of supply of towels, copious food and more the need to be taken to the
airport in limousines. We can say that nothing can be done to reduce the amount of waste without
the help of the tourists, even if manager applies new ways of doing in the management of waste
guests' plays an important role.
Environmental management is such a broad concept that it encloses aesthetic, cultural, ecological
and social. There is a whole big work that should be done to educate people about the importance of
a proper management of them.
The hotel industry is one that consumes a lot of energy as a huge amount is to provide comfort and
service to guest that are ready to pay for a unique treatment and entertainment. The amount of
energy varies from Hotels due to their size and volume of guests. In the investigation of Paulina
Bohdanowicz (2001) she finds out that Heating and air conditioning represent the highest energy
consumption and is even consuming twice as catering which can be found at the second position.
There is a wide misconception in the hotel industry about reduction of energy use. Tourism is not
giving an important consideration to this aspect as there is no proper planning to directly influence
the output of energy consumption.
Local resources could be used like solar, wind, hydro these are excellent source of alternative
energy as they have low impact over the environment. As tourism is a growing and evolving industry
eco-(sustainable) tourism represent a currently small market but with time it may become the leading
industry with millions of environmentalists and more consumers aware of environmental issues.
Unfortunately more developers, planners believe that doing a sustainable development cost more
and take more time. It will also provide less profits as more investment and less services will be
available.
It is true that green building offer many advantages like better economic opportunities, more
comfort and convenience, better working and enhanced working environment, competitive
advantage through the marketing and technology advancement, greater profits as building green
cost less if it is correctly control and operated, offer an increase product and asset value as it
represent the new era.
The slogan think globally, act locally has been around in green politics for a long time but it is still
very relevant. Problems are created at a local level through the business, leisure and activities
provided by hotels. Robert F. Bruner (2004) clearly states that when you look around, it as if as
economy has gone global, each one is copying on others ways of doing. These activities may result
in effects on the environment at a local level and collectively at a national and global level therefore
to change global trend one must change locally.
Tourism objective is to offer service entertainment, comfort and luxury as well as a numerous range
of services in an aggressive competitive market. There is a must to consume more energy to provide
such services. The only way to control the production of such services is to get in close cooperation
with all the stakeholders involved right at the beginning of the planning stage.

1.3 Some Important events in Environmental

management:
1956: Clean Air Act;
1970: Department of Environment established;
1972: publication of Limits to Growth;
1973: formation of Green Party;
1974: Control of Pollution Act;
1987: Montreal Protocol (CFC emissions);
1987: Treaty of Rome;
1987: Bruntland Report (sustainable development);
1987: HM Inspectorate of Pollution;
1990: European Environmental Agency;
1990: White Paper on Environmental Strategy;
1992: Rio Earth Summit Conference;
1993: UK National Sustainability Plan.
Environmental management was given more importance with the rise of health problem due to
pollution from industries. Industries expanding themselves caused great damage to environment
with the massive pollution they were doing. Without the interest of the highest level of an
organization it is less likely that a company will involve itself in environmental management.
Therefore to be able to do such thing there should be the participation of everyone in a company so
that ideas develop flourish.
The first step is to have a vision and to transform them into objective and targets with clear
monitoring so as to have control and communication being done for everyone to go into the same
direction. The next step is to conduct an environmental audit into the company so as to identify
areas to be made targets.
Environmental Management touches sector like purchasing policies, waste management and waste
disposal in a company. A department should be created in order to fulfill those required task so as to
enhance and to show a real endeavor towards environment protection.

1.4 Environmental management in the hospitality industry

Not much interest was put in the hospitality sector until the creation of the International Hotels
Environment Initiative, which was launched by the Prince of Wales. The first main objective was to
create a manual on environmental management for hotels.
The Hotel Catering & Institutional Management Association (HCIMA) and the World Travel and
Tourism Council have established an initiative on environmental management awareness. The
programme, known as Green Globe, has as its main objective the aim to provide practical and low-
cost means by which hospitality companies can follow rules to undertake environment improvements
base on international guidelines.

1.5 Policies and Standards set for Eco-Hotels

There are several places in the world whereby green hotels/ eco hotels are now being practiced. In
most cases, by setting up several laws and regulations on hotel construction, government has forced
the hotels builder in constructing eco-hotels. There are also several associations which are fighting
for a more eco-friendly buildings and hotels.
A few key building environmental assessment tools presently in use comprise of:

Canada: LEED Canada / Green Globes

China: GBAS
India: Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) / GRIHA
Japan: CASBEE
United States: LEED / Living Building Challenge / Green Globes / Build it Green / NAHB
NGBS / International Green Construction Code International Green Construction Code
(IGCC)
United Kingdom: BREEAM

A few key building environmental assessment tools such as BREEAM (United Kingdom), and
CASBEE (Japan) are a great help for the consumers in determining a structure's aim and level of the
environmental accomplishment. They reward credits for optional construction features which sustain
green model in categories such as the site location and upholding of building site, conservation of
water, etc. The stage of achievements are then determined through the number of credits.
Governments have begun to command a reduction in the use of energy and emissions. In US in the
construction industry, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design also known as LEED, is
being developed as a widely-accepted standard. The LEED certification has been modified by the
U.S. Green Building Council to give facilities to all buildings to earn points in many categories,
helping thus the hotel operators to be able to obtain certification for their existing services.
They thus earn points by being sustainable in:

1. The low energy use which reduces the release of air pollutants and greenhouse gases
2. By reducing water consumption by 30%
3. The use of recycle products to renovate.
4. The use of innovative technologies that help in reducing energy usage thus achieving other
types of sustainability.

There is on about 1,200 LEED-certified buildings till the end of 2008, most of which are new instead
of renovated buildings.
The government also plays a very significant role in the industry's eco- environment, not only by
creating environmental resources to help the industry. The government officials also shared their
acquired experience on ecological work with the practitioners.
According to the United Nations Environmental Program, 2001, the French Ministry of Spatial
Planning and Environment along with some hotels has been sponsoring the making of teaching
materials for environmental issues. The Hong Kong and French government also shows the
importance of pursuing sustainable tourism by funding two cases.
Referring to: Hotels' environmental management systems (ISO 14001) by Wilco W. Chan and Kenny
Ho we can see the chart with the different departments and its aims. Introduced in China during the
year 2003 with the publication of China Hotel Association's standards for green hotels, it was
targeted to build and develop 10,000 green hotels by 2010.
In May 2007, URBN Hotels & Resorts, a hotel situated in Shanghai, entered into an accord with
Emissions Zero, a company which sells offsets greenhouse gas emissions. URBN plans was to
calculate the hotel s total amount of energy consumed, to then purchase credits in order to reduce
its footprint by investing In the local green projects.
In the islands where tourism industry is backbone for economic growth, due to the fear of losing
developers, there is often a lack of regulations. Two examples are Barbados and Jamaica, whereby
they utilize funds raised to coordinating the Plan for a Sustainable Tourism and the Tourism Product
Development Company. They have developed curriculums concerning sustainable practices for the
different hoteliers.
The Government initiatives for examples such as Energy Conservation Building Code 2007 are
mostly focused on how to preserve environment. A new code had been launched June 2007 clearly
specified that only the energy performance requirements for all commercial buildings will constructed
in India.

1.6 IPD Environment Code

In February 2008 the IPD Environment Code, which was supposed to be a good practice global
standard, has been launched. The Code was introduces in order to measure the environmental
performance of corporate buildings. Its aim is to accurately assess, evaluate and deal with the
environmental impacts of commercial buildings. The Code covers a broad array of building types
which have as aims to:

environmental plan creation

Communicating a responsibility to the improvement of the environment.
Create performance targets
Environmental improvement plans
Life cycle assessments

United Nations (UN) has introduces an Agenda 21 which is connected to sustainable development, a
blueprint of action. It is supposed to be taken internationally, on a national scale and locally by
different types of organizations of the UN, governments, and major groups that is in every part in
which the humans has an effect on the environment.
A great number of organizations, due to the increasing interest in eco-building concepts, are now
developing the different standards and rating systems which are encouraging the government's
regulators as well as the construction professional in adopting eco-buildings with more conviction.
There are also different codes being written which are now being adopted by the government in
order to reduce the different environmental impacts of all the buildings.

1.7 Eco activities offered to tourists by Eco-Hotels

Over the past years, the tourism industry has begun to promote and expand and some tourists
adopted and supported the concept of ecotourism, especially in coastal and marine locations (Miller,
1991; Miller & Auyong, 1991b; Grenier et al.,). Ecotourism dates to year 1965 when Hetzer required
a reconsidering of cultural education in tourism context and promoted ecological tourism (eco-
tourism). Today eco-tourism has become an international concept that makes up the principles of
preservation, conservation and sustainable development. According to Valentine (1991) in the
literature ecotourism is also recognised as adventure tourism,' 'nature-oriented tourism,' 'alternative
tourism,' 'appropriate tourism,' 'soft tourism', 'responsible tourism,' 'ethical tourism,' 'environment-
friendly travel,' 'green tourism,' 'sustainable tourism,' and 'nature tourism.' The list could be extended
with other alternatives like 'equality tourism,' 'ethnic tourism,' cultural tourism,' 'socio-ecological
tourism,' 'photo-safari tourism,' 'dive tourism' or 'surfing tourism'. A tourist activity, a private venture
or government service, and a guide for ethical conduct are some technical definitions given to
ecotourism. For Hetzer (1965), responsible 'eco-tourism' is assessed against four standards:

1. Minimum environmental impact;

2. Minimum impact on-- and maximum respect for-- host cultures;
 3. Maximum economic benefits to the host country's 'grassroots; and
4. Maximum recreational satisfaction to participating tourists.

The Ecotourism Society, a non-profit organisation created in 1990 to serve tour operators,
conservation professionals, protected area management specialists, researchers, and guides,
among others, defines ecotourism as responsible travel that conserves the environment and
sustains the well-being of local people. For example in Shanti Maurice hotel, along with the local
inhabitant, use composting for waste reduction. However, there is not yet any standard method to
quantify the amount of ecotourism. Bangs (1992) notes that, while generic tourism increases around
4% annually, ecotourism is growing at a rate of 30%. Lindberg (1991) stated that nature-based
tourism contributed between $2 and $12 billion in 1988 to the economies of developing nations.
According to Miller (1993), today, demand for travel shows greater deviation and magnitude than
ever before, so making the tourism industry the biggest business on the earth.
The increase in availability of public transport, car ownership, outbound travel, and new interests in
nature based ecotourism, with the increased leisure time implies a promising future to marine eco-
tourism. As a result more careful and detailed preparation and planning is necessary to
accommodate the estimated arrival of tourists to coastal areas. But still ecotourism is often
disadvantaged by limited access, lack of transport and poor resort facilities, including lodging
facilities. It is essential to achieve a good balance between the development of leisure and the
preservation of natural resources is to sustain the high quality of recreational activities.
The concept of the 3s (sea, sand, sun) tourism is changing to more sustainable tourism activities.
There are different eco hotels which offer different activities to tourists depending on their
surrounding environment. Hereunder is a list of eco hotels of different eco star ratings and the eco
activities they offer to the tourists.

3 star Eco hotels

Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat(Central America-Costa Rica)
Guests learn about consequences of deforestation and its effects on biodiversity, climate and water
during their stay at Leaves and Lizards. Information is shared and discussed during guided tours,
through casual conversations and written material in guests' rooms.
Activities available there to tourists are horse riding, white water rafting, zip lines (Tyrolean traverse)
and canyoning.
Admiral's Inn-north (America- USA)
Information of all the local environmentally-friendly activities that are in the area, including beach
walking and hiking are given to guests.
Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa- (Africa-Egypt)
Al Tarfa is an adventure destination, offering daily activities such as guided walks in the desert, local
community experiences, camel or horse rides inthedunes or 4x4 visits to local pharaonic, as well as
Islamic ruins and natural hot springs. Other rewarding experiences can be arranged, including trips
to theadjacent Oases, theWhite Desert Protected Area and theGilf Kebir National Park.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge- (Africa-Tanzania)
This offers a number of specialist safaris as activities to guests.
Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill- (South Africa)
The aim of Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill is to provide a uniquely flexible safari experience
Club Afrodit- (Europe-Turkey)
This hotel provides various activities like morning gymnastics, nature walks, tennis, ping-pong,
aerobics, basketball, volleyball, darts, water polo.
Eco-Lodge Itoror- (South America-Brazil)
Eco-Lodge Itoror offers a range of activities from hiking tours to horseback riding and swimming in
the crystal-clear natural pool.
Ferme de Candeloup- (Europe-France)
This eco hotel also acts as a Yoga centre .During the Winter, a forty minute drive brings guests to
the nearest ski station, which is also just a short walk to the Spanish border. Whitewater rafting,
horse riding and many other activities can also be pursued in the neighbourhood. For those of a
more leisurely disposition, Candeloup is at the heart of the Juranon wine region, which begs to be
explored.
Finca del Buen Consejo- (South America-Ecuador)
They offer activities in many of the local beautiful sites such as waterfall visits, mountain climbing, fly
fishing, and pre Inca civilization ruins
Hotel Planinka- (Europe-Slovenia)
Activities organised by the hotel for the guests include mountain adventure park, paintball, hiking &
mountain biking, sledging, ice skating.
Best Western Kamloops- (North America-Canada)
In the area guests will find some of the finest golf courses in the country, horseback riding, mountain
biking, hiking, fossil exploring, and Western Heritage visit. For more winter activities nearby is the
excellent ski Sun Peaks Resort, which is quickly becoming one of the premier ski areas in the
country.
Hosteria Huechulafquen- (South America-Argentina)
Guests can enjoy different excursions with diverse difficulty levels like horseback riding, trekking,
mountain biking, long walks, kayaking, bird watching, scenery hiking, and the hotel specialises in
catch and release fishing.
Ibo Island Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago- (Africa-Mozambique)
Ibo Island Lodge provides turtle and hatching viewing opportunities to guests to the island.
Iglu-Dorf- (Europe-Switzerland and Germany)
Activities available there are snow show walking, igloo building and sculpting.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu- (South America-Peru)
Group eco-activities, such as bird watching or a guided orchid walk, are provided on their 12-acre
grounds.
Laguna del Lagarto Eco Lodge- (Central America-Costa Rica)
The Lodge is operated in harmony with nature following extensive ecological guidelines. It is a
perfect place for passionate bird-watchers and rain forest lovers. More than 10 km of well marked
rainforest trails make birding and exploring easy, whether guests prefer to go alone or with a
naturalist or birding guide.
Matemo Island- (Africa-Mozambique)
For guests who enjoy water sports, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and banana boats, these
activities are offered. Kayaks and snorkels are also available for guests to explore the island's clear
waters.
Rivertime resort and Ecolodge- (Asia-Laos)
Rivertime resort and Ecolodge provide river tours to guests. And Tours most fascinating temples,
monasteries, museums and many other sites of interest take guests to the city and local areas in the
resort's minibus.
Sosian Lodge-africa Kenya
Sosian offers a huge range of activities including walking, horse-riding, camel safaris, game-drives,
night-drives, fishing, bird-shooting, archery, tennis and swimming in the waterfalls behind the ranch
house.

4 star Eco hotels

Belvedere Bed & Breakfast- (Europe-Italy)
All sorts of activities, are provided at this hotel, like walking, trekking, mountaineering,
cycling, skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing or just relaxing surrounded by good food, wine
and beautiful scenery.
Brompton Lakes- (Europe-England)

The site is directly on the Coast to Coast long distance footpath and ideally placed for walking,
cycling and other outdoor activities. There is also a tennis court, free mountain bike hire and small
rowing boats on the lakes.
Cedar House Inn and Yurts- (North America-USA)
Cedar House Inn and Yurts provide horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, tubing down the Etowah
or Chestatee Rivers and swimming in Dicks Creek. Mountain biking on rugged trails or road bike on
the same mountainous route used by professional racers is also available.
Chem chem- (Africa-Tanzania)
Guests at Chem chem can experience unforgettable walking safaris and bird watching excursions.
Cotton Tree Lodge- (Central America-Belize)
All guest excursions are focused on the local environment and community. Guests visit waterfalls,
caves, Mayan ruins, wildlife reserves, and local homes and villages.
Dar Itrane Ecolodge- (Africa-Morocco)
Activities at this hotel are nature-based tourism activities like walking in the villages and hiking and
trekking in the surrounding mountains.
Desoto Inns- (North America-Florida)
Guests there can fish, swim, snorkel, do kayaking, boat tours and hiking.
Explora Rapa Nui- (South America-Chille)
They offer various explorations on foot, bicycle, boat or horseback.
Gaija Hostel- (Europe-Finland)
Gaija Hostel provides horseback-riding, kayaking and rowing boat and bicycles are available for rent.
Also hiking, snowshoeing and skiing can be arranged
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill- (Central America-Jamaica)
There are a range of activities to enjoy there like bird watching, hiking, cycling, snorkeling, diving or
guests can just lay in hammocks and watch emerald green hummingbirds dart from flower to flower.
Heron Island- (Australia-Oceania)
Heron Island is famous for its fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling.

5 star Ecohotels
Arenas del Mar- (Central America-Costa Rica)
This hotel provides various eco activities to tourists like whitewater rafting, mangrove kayak and boat
tours, guided rainforest hikes, ocean kayaking, catch and release sport fishing, horseback riding
excursions and activities organised by the Canopy Tours. The Canopy Tour offers exciting
opportunity to soar through the rain forest high above the forest floor to view jungle life.
Algonquin Eco Lodge- (North America-Canada)
Algonquin Eco Lodge provides skiing, dog sledding, hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking as
activity to their guests.
Balamku Inn on the Beach- (North America-Mexico)
Here guests can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, deep sea fishing, horseback riding,
birding and hiking and investigating Mayan ruins.
Black Sheep Inn- (South America-Ecuador)
This comfortable hotel provides a great base for day hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking,
acclimating and exploring indigenous markets.
Blancaneaux Lodge- (Central America-Belize)
Blancaneaux Lodge provides activities to discover the secrets of the forest. These activities are
dawn birding walks, jaguar tracking expeditions, treks to hill-top lookouts and secret waterfalls, and
exciting night walks tracking the jungle's nocturnal creatures.
Camp Jabulani- ( Africa- South Africa)
Activities at this eco hotel include daily elephant back safaris with expert grooms and handlers,
game drives in open safari vehicles, visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and simple
relaxation around the camp or in the Bush Spa. Additional activities which may be arranged include
early morning hot-air ballooning over the reserve and clay pigeon shooting.
Chumbe Island Coral Park- (Africa-Tanzania)
All guests receive environmental education through guided snorkelling, forest walks, intertidal walks
and much information material displayed in the Visitors' Centre on the island.
Couran Cove Island Resort- (Australia-Oceania)
Couran Cove Island Resort offers eco activities like biking (both kid's and adult bikes), trikes,
tandems and infant carriages. The unique environmental walks, hosted by the qualified environment
guides, will introduce you to the native plants and animals that share the beautiful island.
1.8 Good impacts of eco hotels
With the effects of global warming and constant climate change knocking at the doors, building of
eco building has become very important. Such buildings would help the world to recover quickly from
the damage of many years of environment abuse. More and more tourists are becoming ecofriendly.
Thus the demands for eco hotels have increased. Eco hotels have a good impact on the world's
environment. The growths of such hotels are increasing all around the world. The first impact that
the employees working in the eco hotels have to be eco friendly people. The relationship between
ecotourism and education is one which is concerned with ensuring that agencies deliver effective
interpretations of environmental, cultural and resource management values. In eco hotels,
ecotourism is practiced. Ecotourism offers a great opportunity for education as well as professional
and personal growth to the employees. It instills values to the hotel employees that will lead to
serious environment involvement in the future. When visiting eco hotels, guests are educated on eco
practices. They get to know how to protect the environment. They become educated towards how to
preserve the environment and what measures should be taken for a sustainable development of the
world.
Tourist accommodations can have large, expensive energy requirements, especially for space
heating and cooling systems. However, there are many options for conserving energy. Strategies
from designing for passive solar heating to something as simple as providing good insulation can
help reduce or eliminate the need for costly heating and cooling. Simply changing thermostat
settings can make a big difference. Eco Hotels worldwide are recognizing opportunities to implement
energy-efficient projects in space heating and cooling systems. For example, The Hyatt Regency
International Hotel in New Zealand understood that guests often left appliances and heating and
cooling systems on when they were out of their rooms. The hotel developed a project to link energy
use with room occupancy. Now when a guest leaves the room, all energy appliances shut down,
with the exception of refrigerators, alarm clocks, and other essential appliances. The project costs
were $16,000, while the payback period was only 14 months, with savings of $14,000 annually. Thus
the hotel made a big amount of profit for having adopted an eco friendly program.
Another impact which eco hotels have is that recycling is done in such hotels. When doing so they
benefits financially as they use the same product again and again. Recycling is the key component
in maintaining and improving environment. Not only does recycling make good economic sense, but
it also demonstrates to the guest and the employees a sense of good ethics. Natural resources
should be wisely used. Valuable materials such as water and paper are recycled instead of
discarded. In many water assessments, urinals and automatic flushing toilets are found to consume
a great deal of water. The THC Rotorua Hotel in New Zealand had urinals that flushed automatically
every nine minutes. The hotel then installed detectors that sense when the urinals are being used
and allow flushing to occur at a specified time after use. This program reduced water consumption in
the three urinals from 66 liters per hour to 40 liters during the day and 20 liters in the evening. They
have also installed the urinal sensors. As toilets and urinals are being recognized as high consumers
of water, options are becoming available that have lower flush volumes, and systems are being
introduced that separate solids from the fluids. Below is the picture of a water filtration which filters
out solids and oils from sources such as laundry waste water and allow the water to be reused.
When doing so not only does the hotel gain profit but it also contributes to the solution for solid
waste management. Eco hotels do not recycle but they also purchase materials with recycled
contents. Thus they make profit as the products are cheaper compared to non recycled products and
at the same time they are encouraging people from recycling.
These are not the only impacts eco hotels have. There are many others such as the use of non- and
low-toxic materials in the building and maintenance processes. It is low cost for the hotel
construction and maintenance cost is also reduced. Pollution is minimized during the life cycle of the
building site. After the construction it becomes a comfortable, healthy and kind place for its guests.
Less energy is consumed in eco hotels. They design the hotels with an abundance of windows, and
they bring natural light inside. It is believed that natural light enhances a sense of well being, and
studies confirm the use of natural light improves health and productivity. Studies show that proper
use of sunlight decrease occurancy of head ache, SAD and eyestrain ( Franta and Anstead 1994).
Stress is reduced by the presence of natural vegetation throughout the window. Thus hotel clients
would be happy and satisfied. There will be less complaint from the guests. Another important effect
that daylight could be is a better mood from employees. Increase job satisfaction, involvement,
motivation and lower absenteeism at work could result from improved mood. If employees are
happy, they will treat the guest in a better way this hotel will make good business.
According to the Alliance to Save Energy, fluorescent lamps produce four times as much light per
watt than incandescent lamps, and they can last eight to ten times longer. A compact fluorescent
light used in place of an incandescent light that is left on continuously for 12 months, all 8,760 hours
of the year, will pay for itself in less than one year. Some eco hotels have already adopted this
practice. An example is the The Sheraton Tacoma Hotel. It has developed a project to transition to
compact fluorescent light fixtures. They have replaced 2,000 incandescent light fixtures with
quadruple-tube compact fluorescent light bulbs in various areas of the hotel such as the guest rooms
and the lobby. The cost saving was calculated at up to $15,000 with a payback rate of 18 months.
Thus once again while making the use of eco practices, the hotel made a lot of profit.
In eco hotel tourism can significantly contribute to environmental protection, conservation and
sustainable use of natural resources. Since tourists are interested in the preservation of the
environment, eco friendly activities are done. Eco hotels are constructed around forests, near birds
and they help in the protection of the animals. Tourists like to observe animals in their natural
habitats thus because of that, many animals have been save from being extinct. They are protected
because eco tourists want to see them.

1.9 Drawbacks of eco hotels

The cost of the solar energy is indeed higher compared to those non-renewable effective supplied
electricity. Owing to the presence of clouds and air pollution the solar energy is influenced. Those
solar panels require large area for installation to acquire a worthy efficiency. Thus, there might be
spacing problem. Heavy metal for instance Cadmium using in PV panel might be difficult to recycle.
It has to take note that heat forces lose effectiveness as outdoor temperatures drop. Condensing
boilers might simply go wrong and might be expensive to maintain. The lifespan might be only a
partial that of an old-fashioned boiler. Unsuitable natural lighting leads to warm air uneasiness and
the rise of necessary heating and cooling are needed. The disadvantage is as that the material costs
are higher thus impact the product costs. The procedures used are expensive, complex and time
consuming, therefore, result to an adequate economics advantages. Generally, small hotels do not
completely establish a comprehensive environmental practice; neither are they environmental
friendly in other areas of energy, waste, sewage, discharge, solid waste and environmental
corporate issues. Moreover, small hotels are inefficient in their uses of properties and holders have a
low approach towards its preservation. Green buildings generally cost much more than standard
buildings. Times becomes drawback as green building project boost the use of reprocessed and
found material.
It is costly and most of the time, it causes more environmental destruction by manufacturing
apparently green products than consistent material. The natural resources are in the danger of
getting useless. In fact, it is an initial cost and takes time and energy. Since green building project is
newly developed, the demand for type of materials is very low. It is not easy to obtain the material
supply sources. Owing to lack of competition, there is increase in the level of price. There might be
as well a loss in space. It is also argued that outdoor air cause high heat losses. Time is a drawback
as to find the needed material may take additional time.
Inadequate design and implementation might be a problem. The use of light-colored surfaces
reflects sunlight and provides a decrease in ambient temperature. Owing to new machinery, it
replaced manual labor to redundancy. The need of more water for gardening might be a problem in
the future and fertilizers are expensive. Green roofs have more challenging operational standards.
Maintenance costs might be higher depending on the kind of roof. If find leakage on the roofs, it
becomes difficult to repair. Vegetation, soil and drainage have to get cleared to inspect the roof for
leaks.
Following renovation of the Trou aux Biches Hotel it is very disappointing to locals and non-hotel
visitors to discover the limited space available on the public beach in front of the hotel. We have lost
access to one of our favourite beach areas thanks to Beachcomber Hotels. We have lost our natural
resources where there has been cutting down of trees for the renovation.

Chapter 2
Methodology
The research method chosen for this study was the Structured Interview. The main persons involves
in green hotels were interviewed and they are three managers of different hotels. Due to ethical
consideration they didn't want their name to be published in the assignment.
Sometimes referred to as a patterned interview, the structured interview is very straightforward. The
interviewer has a pre-set of questions that are asked to the sample. This makes it easier for the
interviewer to evaluate and compare candidates fairly. The main purpose of a structured interview is
to pinpoint job skills that are essential to the position.
Developing thought-provoking questions involves a careful and thorough analysis of the position to
determine the core competencies required. The interviewer will probably collaborate with other
department heads to ensure important skills and qualifications are covered. These may include skills
such as verbal and written communication, decision-making, consensus-building, time management,
honesty, team-building, and interpersonal skills.

Why Interview?
It is legitimate and reliable.
It controls the flow of the interview.
It addresses the employee's particular concerns.
It makes the interview the same for every interviewee, and this ensures equal opportunity.
Similar competencies are evaluated in each meeting, which controls reliability.
Questions are pre-written, reducing nervousness for the interviewer.
It maximizes the interviewer's time and company expense.

Chapter 3
Analysis
1. Are you for or against eco-hotel development in
Mauritius and why?
For our first question we found out that all three hotels gave a positive response to eco-hotel
development in Mauritius. We got two different ideas on the reason for why they are for eco-hotel.
The first reason was that it is more sustainable. The managers told us that with eco-hotel
development, the community will work toward sustainability as the eco-hotels' aim is to reduce the
use of resources. The second reason is that tourists no longer search for 3s they are instead looking
for new product. the tourists are ready to pay for it for the eco-hotels as they want to help in the
protection of the environment while enjoying the product and services.

2. If you are for, what can you propose in order to

introduce this concept in Mauritius?
The different managers gave several ideas upon the introduction of this concept in Mauritius. The
manager agrees that the notions of Eco-hotel should be abided. Through this implementation there
may be as well new strategies and new perceptions. Moreover, having an Eco-hotel development
may bring new market segmentation and strategies. According to the survey results, the managers
proposes to implement all eco-friendly equipment, as well as the use of renewable energy sources
for some equipments like for the water heater and the lighting facilities. One of the managers also
said that the tour operators should always inform the different hotels about the demands of the
tourists and only then the latter would be able to abide by them. He then said that the ways that we
can introduce eco-hotel concept here in Mauritius is through a better education about the
advantages of eco-hotels with all the managers. Another manager also said that the theme eco-hotel
is not really present in Mauritius but eco-products are present for the different lodges that exist in
several places in Mauritius.
We can in this case see to introduce this concept in Mauritius, it is possible but is very difficult,
especially for the small hotels .

3. Are there any eco-concept applied in your hotel? If yes,

what are they?
For this question, out of three people, two said that yes it is applied while one replied by negative.
For the ones answering yes, they said that firstly for small hotels it is quite difficult to apply all types
of eco-concepts to the organization as it does cost money to make the significant environmental
improvements to the organization. But they said that they try upon their capacity to apply it. They use
renewable energy sources like solar energy for the lighting and for the water heater. They also said
that they do composting with the different waste products from the kitchen. One of them also said
that they were recycling plastic bottles before, and then for some unknown reason the company
offering recycling facilities stopped coming. So we can see that from their part, they are trying as
they can to apply, on small basis, the concept of eco-hotel.

4. What do you think are the purposes and the usefulness

of the eco-concept when applied to hotels?
Eco-hotel is the new trend in the tourism sector. To be environment friendly in their consumption is
becoming more and more famous for the tourists so to apply this concept it would mean a good
image for the organization while at the same time attract the environment lovers as a new market.
This would also be a good way in reducing costs as they will use their recycle products as well as
the renewable source energy as well. So on the long run they will reduce expenses and will make
more profit.

5. From your point of view what are the disadvantages of

eco-hotels?
The disadvantage of eco-hotels, from the point of view of all the three managers are that in the
beginning it costs a lot of money. And for small hotels, beyond small application of the concept, it is
not possible. And this we can see is very disappointing as they could have attract new customers
with the eco-concept but due to the cost of its application, they are unable to do so. And thus they
lose part of the market that is the eco-based tourists.

3.1 Discussion
Overall feedback, it is noticed that the managers definitely agree with the introduction of Eco-hotel
concepts. Through this notions, it will bring new perception on the meaning of Eco-hotels; thus it
may be helped to educate people both local and foreigners. As far as their opinion, they stated that
there is not really any Eco-hotel in Mauritius but there are facilities such as lodges. There are many
such lodges in Mauritius that are eco-friendly. If ever there is the opportunity to have new Eco-hotels
there may be new strategies in implementing such concept.

Recommendation:
Should create awareness of Eco-hotels to all people whether they are tour operator, the
tourists, the hotel managers, and the local community.
Make them understand the meaning and how to introduce the concept of Eco-hotels
Make them see the advantages of eco-hotels, and try to overlook the negative aspects.

Conclusions
An Eco-hotel is a picture that uses nature friendly resources for everything from construction to
cleaning products. These hotels also refuse many of their items and try to maximize their ecological
impacts as much as possible. Eco-hotels typically have a focus on learning new ways to live on
appreciating the natural surroundings. There is no such practice of Eco-hotels concepts in Mauritius.
It is found that in this study that there are both positives and negatives impacts derived from the Eco-
hotels. According to the analysis made it shows that the managers are agreed with such concepts as
it provides new market segmentations, strategies, implementations and developments. Now that the
trend for responsible tourism has increased, the demand for Eco-hotels has increased and education
on sustainability is being focused to create awareness.