Theorising the anchors of green tourism practice for the hotel sector in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The study sought to determine the pillarsupon which the green tourism strategy in Zimbabwe can be anchored on. Hotels in Zimbabwe are implementing various green tourism strategies. This is a mitigatory measure for the negative impacts brought by the tourism industry. However, theexact green tourism practices hotels in Zimbabwe should concentrate their resources on when implementing green tourism have not been fullytheorised. Empirical studies on the anchors of green tourism are widely missing in literature. Devoid of such knowledge, hospitality and tourism operators in the country concentrate on implementing green tourism initiatives which they do not have the capacity or technical knowhow in implementing such practices. To minimise wastage of resources in the implementation of green tourism, it is important to determine the anchors upon which hospitality and tourism in Zimbabwe should concentrate on. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, through the use of structured interviews and non-participatory observations. Purposive sampling and a descriptive research design were employed for this study. Data was presented in pie charts, tables and diagrams. Pictures taken during observations were also used for data presentation.A thematic approach was used to analyse the data.Findings of this study indicate that some green tourism practices being implemented by hotels in Zimbabwe do not give them maximum benefits. Such practices include the use of liquid petroleum gas in kitchens to save energy, use of energy saving appliances, utilisation of low flow shower heads and low flash toilets to save water. For waste management resort hotels rot their biodegradable waste by composting whilst city centre hotels throw away their refuse due to limited space. The findings revealed that hotels in Zimbabwe should anchor their green tourism strategy on: solar energy, biogas production, rain-water harvesting, re-using re-usable materials and composting of biodegradable waste. The study recommended the following strategies in order to enhance the implementation of green tourism practices in the hotel sector:green awareness campaigns, green certification, research, innovation and development, making use of green tourism rewards, introducing a sustainable policy framework, and requesting patrons to participate in green tourism training programs. The study concludes that hospitality and tourism operators have the potential to practice green tourism at a low cost if they concentrate on practices that are easy to implement and the resources are readily available in the country