Abstract:
The available literature suggests that there has been a rise in green consumerism not only
among general consumers but tourists. This has provided the impetus for the ‘greening’ of
hotels as hotel guests have indicated their preference for hotels that ‘take care of the
environment’. Ironically, the environmental impacts of hotels especially with regards to the
consumption of energy and water are more likely to be exacerbated by their guests. In spite of
this, most studies on environmental management in hotels have centred on programmes and
initiatives undertaken by management with little focus on the attitudes and behaviour of
guests. This study sought to assess international tourists’ environmental attitude towards
hotels in Accra and the implications for environmental management by hotels. A sample of 343
international tourists was surveyed at major tourist attraction sites in Accra. The results of the
study indicate that a majority of respondents generally held the view that hotels do not destroy
the environment but contribute to the global environmental problems. Most of them (83%)
were therefore willing to pay more to stay in a hotel with a responsible environmental attitude.
There was also a significant positive relationship between some socio-demographic
characteristics of tourist such age and sex and their environmental behaviour. The results of
this study have implications for environmental education of guests and the marketing of hotels.
