Structural Characteristics of the Hotel Industry and Their Effect on Adoption of Environmental Initiatives

Abstract: This study attempts to ask one question: are there structural characteristics of the hotel industry that has caused it to historically be reluctant in embracing environmental responsibility? To do so, the study draws on a number of different research areas in different disciplines, including business, management, and environmental management. It also attempts to draw upon industry sources like trade magazines and publications, as well as corporate information and primary interviews with industry stakeholders and insiders. Through a marriage of these sources, the study identifies four levels – property, brand, corporation, and industry – whose characteristics together define the hotel industry structure and have, and will continue to affect, the ability of hotels to implement environmental responsibility programs. The study also suggests how the conclusions and findings from the research contained herein can be applied for both future studies and applications in real-life,on-the-ground scenarios.