Title: Barriers towards implementing green practices in Thai boutique hotels: a hotel manager's perspective

Authors: Kevin Fuchs; Dongqi Shi

Addresses: Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, 80 Moo 1 Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand ' Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, 80 Moo 1 Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand

Abstract: This study explores the barriers to implementing green practices in Thai boutique hotels. This is a crucial issue given the growing environmental challenges the tourism sector faces. The research aims to understand the key obstacles hotel managers encounter when adopting sustainable initiatives. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 hotel managers in Phuket, providing in-depth insights into their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed five key barriers: financial constraints, lack of knowledge and awareness, operational challenges, limited government support, and cultural and market influences. These findings suggest the need for more substantial government incentives, industry collaboration, and capacity-building programs to support sustainability efforts. This study offers a perspective on the challenges faced by boutique hotels, which are often overlooked in broader discussions of sustainability in hospitality. The results of the research contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable tourism by highlighting context-specific barriers and proposing practical solutions.

Keywords: sustainability; green practices; sustainable tourism; boutique hotels; environmental barriers; hotel management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.146027

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2025 Vol.15 No.2, pp.133 - 148

Received: 16 Nov 2024
Accepted: 12 Jan 2025
Published online: 01 May 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article