1. The Impact of Hotels on the Environment A General Introduction Dr. Mairna Mustafa Hashemite University

2. Although of the great importance of hotels in the tourism industry as a main provider of services to tourists, and a great generator of income and job opportunities; the negative impacts they cause can not be ignored:

3. Hotels in general overuse fresh water sources for its pools, golf courses and for irrigating their green areas (if existed). Hotels in general overuse fresh water sources for the personal use of guests. Hotels also contribute to the generation of waste water and solid waste. In some cases, hotels result in producing toxic waste because of overusing chemicals in some operations, as in laundry.

5. Some hotels on sea shores highly contribute to the damage of coral reefs and marine life; and might cause degradation of landscape through their construction if it was not planned in a sustainable manner. Hotels in wildlife areas highly cause the disturbance to their species. When hotels are located near to historical and archaeological sites, they might increase the opportunity for their degradation. Another important issue is the high contribution to the overuse of energy sources (such as electricity)

6. The following illustration is showing the different impacts of hotels on the environment and their sources:

7. The Relation between Hotels and Environment (Bohdanowicz 2004)

8. So how and when do such impacts take place?

9. There are 3 stages … Planning Stage Construction Stage Operation, maintenance, and demolition stage

14. Factors affecting Impact of Hotels (a) Facility Characteristics including: Type of facility “ urban hotels, vocational villages, restaurants, etc ”, Facility category (1-5 stars), and size (number of guest rooms) and the facility area.

15. (b) The facility site, the location of the tourist facility mainly affects: Climatic conditions, consequently the peak load time and the level of energy consumption particularly for space climatization, and water heating. It also affects the types of the available energy supply options on or nearby the site.

16. (c) The facility zoning areas, a hotel can be divided to three distinct zones all serving distinctly different purposes and utilizing different forms and level of resources: The Guest rooms area: includes (bedrooms/ bathrooms), individual spaces, which are often with varying energy loads according to occupancy rate and type of guests. The Public area (reception hall, loopy, restaurants, meeting/ banquette rooms, swimming pool, health clubs or gyms, etc.), with a high rate of heat exchange with the outdoor environment (high thermal losses) and high internal loads (occupants, appliances/equipment, and lighting). The Service area (kitchen, offices, store rooms, laundry facilities, machine rooms, elevators and escalators) – energy-intensive areas typically requiring advanced air handling (Ventilation, cooling, heating).

18. Well … Let ’ s say that you are not that much concerned about environment!!! But … Why is it important to consider the issue of impacts????

19. Reduced resource consumption and reduced costs. Customer loyalty and enhanced public image. Attracting and retaining dedicated staff. Avoid sanctions from environmental authorities. Improve competitiveness in the world markets. Long-term business benefits. Governments need to understand what is important to tourists if they are to influence their behavior effectively.

20. It has been suggested that tourists are not generally interested in the sustainability of the trips they take, and that this is a major constraint on the pursuit of more sustainable tourism.

21. For example, although studies of the ecotourism market (e.g. those carried out by the WTO) have concluded that this is indeed a small (albeit growing) niche market, such surveys attempted specifically to identify tourists and tour operators that were looking for, or selling, special interest holidays involving nature observation and concern for conservation as a primary motivation for the trip.

22. Wider surveys that have attempted to assess the degree to which general consumers are interested in the interrelationship between their activities as tourists and the environment and host communities (rather than their response to the concept of sustainability as a whole) suggest a far wider relevance in the market place. They point to:

23. Very high levels of concern for environment and society in destinations, where the issue is likely to directly affect the tourist ’ s own wellbeing (e.g. cleanness of the water and levels of safety). High and growing levels of interest by tourists in visiting natural and cultural sites during their holidays, and the authenticity and educational value of such experiences. This applies to general holidaymakers as well as to those with a specialist interest. Large numbers of tourists expressing concern about the impact of their traveling, both through their own actions and in their choice of tour operator or service provider. Considerable willingness to pay more to support local environments and communities.

24. Some of the main results by WTO surveys (2004/2005) are as follows: (Take in consideration that most of these are niche markets in international tourism as well as for tourism in Jordan)

25. a) Anxieties about visitors ’ own wellbeing 83 per cent of British package holidaymakers say that a dirty beach or polluted sea matter a great deal to them when choosing a destination. 74 per cent are similarly influenced by levels of crime, and 62 per cent by incidence of local illness. 60 per cent of German tourists are concerned about litter, 51 per cent about noise pollution and 46 per cent about good nature protection in the destination.

26. b) Interest in a diversified experience 61 per cent of US tourists are looking for travel experiences involving well-preserved natural, historical or cultural sites. 53 per cent agree that they have a better travel experience when they learn as much as possible about their destination ’ s customs, geography and culture. Three in four British tourists agree that their trip should include experiences of local culture and food.

27. c) Concern for the impact of their actions Three-quarters of US travelers feel that it is important that their visits do not damage the environment. 51 per cent of British tourists say that food or water shortages for local residents matter a great deal to them in their choice of destination. 65 per cent of British tourists feel that the reputation of the holiday company on environmental issues is important. 82 per cent of Dutch tourists believe that integrating environmental information into travel brochures is a good idea.

28. d) Willingness to pay more 53 per cent of British tourists would be prepared to pay more for their holiday in order that workers in the destination could be guaranteed good wages and working conditions. 45 per cent would be prepared to do so to support preservation of the local environment and reverse the negative environmental effects of tourism. The average additional sum indicated is about 5 per cent of the holiday price. 69 per cent of Danish tourists staying in eco labeled hotels are willing to pay more for such hotels owing to their environmental designation.

29. Despite this positive feedback, it is important to be realistic about the balance of influences on holiday choice. Visitor surveys and practical experience suggest that overall perceived attractiveness of a destination, climate, convenience, quality of facilities, and price still far outweigh concerns for the impact of travel. It also appears that tourists are more likely to be concerned about impacts on the local environment and the quality of life of their hosts than about global issues.

30. The previous information show how important it is to consider the positive environmental performance of tourism facilities (including hotels) if you want the long survival of your business. Next presentations will give you more information about the environmental performance of hotels in Jordan and the approach to enhance it.

31. Please take care of the environment …it is ours too, it is our right to live in a beautiful world!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!