%N 3
%D 2016
%V 11
%J International Journal of Applied Environmental Sciences 
%T The Case For Green Hotels: An Investigation Into The Outlook Of South African Business Travellers
%P 809-824
%A K.C. Ijasan
%A M. O. Ajibola
%A K. Gaibee
%L eprints9033
%X This study investigates the outlook of business travellers within South Africa towards green hotels. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which greenness affects consumers in South Africa. This was achieved by reviewing literature related to green hotels and consumers’ attitudes towards green products and its competitiveness in the market. A questionnaire was compiled based on existing literature. Data was collected by means of an online survey and the data are herein descriptively presented. The findings indicate that respondents have a positive attitude towards ‘green hotels’ but there is a dearth of knowledge as to what standards there are regarding what makes a hotel ‘green’.
The surveyed guests believed that a standard should be set for green hotels and that if a conventional and green hotel served the same function, the green hotel would be the preferred choice. It is seen that it might be important for green hotels to consider incorporating a premium into their bills as results show that there exists an appetite for environmentally friendly products in South Africa. Future research is suggested to establish a model that green hotels can adopt to include a premium in the pricing of their facilities. The potential benefits of this study is contained in its opening up of a debate on the connection of sustainability within the hotel industry in South Africa. It also seeks to create awareness among hotel facilities operators on the myriad of benefits attributable to being green.