ANNOUNCEMENTS
Solid waste management is a key aspect of the environmental management of establishments belonging to the hospitality sector. The scarcity of land due to urbanization and rise in population is directly proportional to the increase in the consumption of resources and mismanagement of the waste generated. Due to the scarcity of raw materials, there is a growing realization that waste could be resource too. This study focuses on the waste management in the hospitality-tourism sectors and focuses mainly on waste prevention and minimization.
A simple waste assessment framework has been developed that would help the SMEs identify their waste streams and waste hotspots and take necessary actions with respect to each.
It would be an opportunity for them to identify areas in which they would be able to minimize the use of resources and help in cost savings.
The consumer behaviour survey about the waste minimization strategies that could be implemented by the enterprises show that the consumers are willing to pay extra to dine/stay in environment friendly restaurants/hotels. The consumers collectively showed positive behaviour towards the implementation of waste minimization activities in the enterprise.
There has not been much research conducted in this area. More studies need to be carried out on the implementation of sustainable waste management for the hospitality industry and the challenges and opportunities involved.
Keywords: Solid waste management, Small and Medium sized enterprises, tourism-hospitality sector, resource-cost savings, consumer behaviour.
