Abstract
The circular economy (CE) is considered a possible solution to problems, such as the increasing global demand for resources, climate change and worldwide pollution. CE can help to transform the hospitality industry from its current linear model of production to a circular one. However, there is a lack of research on circular tourism, therefore, this paper’s main purpose is to shed light on CE strategies—reduction, reuse, recycle, redesign, replace and rethink—developed in the tourism sector, as well as the tourism sector’s CE initiatives by means of a business case analysis method. This qualitative multicase analysis allows us to comprehend the CE practices deployed by large hotel chains, thus identifying the CE strategies and best practices. The results show that the main strategies adopted are the reduction, recycle and reuse, in this order. Nevertheless, the remaining strategies have yet to be adopted in the mainstream. This research emphasises the need to promote the CE in the hospitality industry, especially among independent hotels.
Highlights
Tourism industries have been worried about sustainability for decades
NH Hotel Group was created in 1978 by Antonio Catalán with the opening of the Hotel Ciudad de Pamplona. It belongs to Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) and is the second largest Spanish hotel chain counting, as of 31 December 2018, 350 hotels distributed in 28 countries, with an offer of 54,374 rooms and employing 54,374 people
Concern regarding sustainability is the reason for changes in the current linear production system, changes that are necessary in order to try to stop climate change and other environmental problems
Summary
Tourism industries have been worried about sustainability for decades. Since the beginning of the 21st century, researchers have demonstrated that the hospitality industry adopts eco-friendly practices [1]. Tourism is responsible for approximately 5% of global CO2 emissions [5], mainly due to transportation, followed by the hospitality industry. Work favouring more sustainable tourism and tourism industries are one of the main objectives of tourism enunciated in the Paris Tourism Agreement [9] This agreement aims to limit climate change through a global commitment and collaboration among all stakeholders. It advises adopting more sustainable patterns of production within tourism industries [3]. 68) enunciated circular tourism as “a model able to create a virtuous circle producing goals and services without wasting the limited resources of the planet that are raw materials, water and energy”. Individual and comparative analyses are discussed and, some conclusions and recommendations for practice are presented
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