Sustainable Tourism in Hungary : Where the travellers expectations and providers interests meet

Abstract

Tourism is the third largest industry in the world, with annual turnover of 1.4 trillion dollars, accounts for 10 percent of the entire world's GDP. One out of every ten jobs is connected to tourism, and tourism is also responsible for five percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, of which hotels and other types of accommodation account for one percent. In recent years, the issue of environmental protection measures to be implemented by hotels has become more and more important, which has an increasing impact on customer decisions. Our study examines the possible aspects of sustainable tourism from two sides. Our questionnaire research is based on a survey of consumer habits. We searched for answers to questions that help determine the travel habits of different social groups, as well as the extent of their commitment to sustainability. Our research also covers whether there is a connection between an individual's everyday environmental decisions and travel habits. On the other hand, we followed the transformation of a hotel located in the downtown of a small Hungarian rural town, where they are trying to reduce their energy consumption with solar panels, heat pumps and many other smart solutions, such a way that the guest’s sense of comfort should decrease as little as possible. The aim of the study is to find the common points where the interest of the service provider and the expectations of the consumer meet.