Environmental sustainability in hotels and the role of employees in implementing green practices

The Case of Meliá Braga Hotel & Spa

Abstract

This study investigates the importance of implementing ecological practices in hotels from the perspective of employees, having a luxury hotel - Meliá Braga Hotel & Spa - as a case study. More specific, it is explored the relationship between the employees' perception of the hotel's environmental performance and its ecological behavior. A mixed methodology was applied, based on qualitative and quantitative research. To develop deeper understanding of the hotel’s environmental performance, a structured interview was conducted to the hotel’s assistant director, which was complemented by data collected via survey from 53 Meliá Braga Hotel & Spa employees. The findings reveal uncertainty and lack of knowledge of employees’ environmental management in the hotel. The poor perception of the hotel's environmental performance in some way affects its behavior. Thus, by improving this perception, it will be possible to see more ecological behavior, since the intention of the employees is high.