A study on the influence of Bottled Water consumption in the Hotel Industry- Reference to Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The hotels choose to use bottled water for drinking purpose related to various reasons such as health and safety, convenience, taste, brand recognition, reasonable price and consumer preference. The geographical locations too influence the distributional pattern of bottled water in the means of urbanization and tourism. However, the growth and popularity represent success for the bottled water industry; it forces a serious impact upon the environment. A survey was designed to study the influence of different aspects and its relationship in the hotel management in choosing bottled water in order to fulfil their customers' drinking water need and the geographical influence in the consumption pattern in the hotels of Batticaloa District. Perceptional study was conducted to evaluate the attitude of the respondents towards the bottled water. The Study was conducted in selected 6 Divisional Secretariat Divisions which are well known for its urban and tourist activities. Among the respondents, around 93% use bottled water for the drinking purpose for the ceremonies, professional programs and official meetings held in hotels. The consumption was adapted due to the reasonable price (13%), no need to carry (20%), hardness of the source water (13%) and taste better (13%). However, 73.3% of the hotels have the alternative water sources for their drinking purposes including private well (73.3%), tube well (46.7%) and water supply (13.3%). Correlational studies revealed that, a positive relationship can be observed in some factors influencing the bottled water consumption in hotels. Using chi square test in the perceptional studies, results indicated that there was no significant association in the use of alternative water sources, environmental concerns and taste with overall perception in consumption of bottled water. However, strong association was obtained between perception of health and safety and price and convenience in the consumption of bottled water in hotel industry.