Sustainable Practices in International Chain Hotels in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of the study were to analyze the sustainable practices adopted by international chain hotel brands in Muscat; to analyze and find out the extent of the sustainable practices affecting guest satisfaction in international chain hotels in Muscat and to determine the barriers and challenges faced by international hotel chain brands in Muscat.

Design/methodology/approach: Forty questionnaires were distributed to two chain hotels’ employees in different job positions. In-depth interviews were also used to gather qualitative information from human resources departments and corporate social responsibility specialists to discuss the current trends in sustainable practices in international chain hotel brands in Muscat. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS and Qualitative tools.

Findings: The study reveals that the hotels’ sustainability initiatives had an effective impact on cost savings and helps to reduce waste, and resource wastage. It was also found that guests are willing to pay more at the hotel to support their green initiatives and the guests were satisfied with the innovation towards the sustainability initiatives undertaken and felt their stay a memorable one.
Research implications: It was observed that there is a strong relationship between sustainable green practices and guest satisfaction and so maintain the sustainable practices to raise the guest expectations. Some of the guests were not aware of the sustainable practices and the employees and the creation of awareness is a must.

Social implications: Awareness within the staff and the community can be raised only through proper education and training.

Originality/Value: The study confines to international chain hotels located in Muscat, the capital of Sultanate of Oman. The study excludes the economic and social aspects of sustainability as the entire focus was on the environmental aspects of sustainable practices only.