Improving Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry

Over the past few years the hospitality industry has become a lot more sustainable than it used to be. However, the industry’s contribution to the sustainable development of our societies is still significantly smaller than it could be. This book specifically addresses the links between operations, tactics and strategy from a sustainable development perspective and moves beyond describing what is to reflect on what could be or even what should be, thus providing students with a concise guide for improving sustainability concepts and businesses in the hospitality industry.Each chapter uses specific cases and examples to reflect on different ways in which sustainability principles can be used for revisiting the host–guest relationship and improving the industry’s business processes and models. In doing so, the book provides current and future professionals with guidelines, inspiration and a call for action to take sustainability within the hospitality industry to the next level, based on inclusiveness, equality and a sustainable relationship with our natural environment.

‘Writing in a style that is accessible to many, Melissen and Sauer break down sustainability into some innovative yet understandable concepts and insights. By bringing such a comprehensive approach to sustainability in the hospitality sector, this book will have a positive impact on both business and society.’ Lars Moratis, Antwerp Management School, Belgium‘This is a welcome addition to the sustainable hospitality literature. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of business owners, hospitality professionals, guests, communities and social networks in achieving greater sustainability. In light of the mounting environmental and socio-economic challenges, this is much more than a review of the status quo, it is a call to action’. Willy Legrand, IUBH International University, Germany

Frans Melissen is a Professor of Sustainable Business Models/Sustainable Experience Design at the Academy of Hotel Management of the Breda University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands.Lieke Sauer is a Lecturer of Sustainable Business Models at the Academy of Hotel Management of the Breda University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands.