The role of accommodation enterprises in sustainable tourism development: A research in Alanya

Today, the widespread tourism activities and the increasing negative impacts of tourism requires that tourism be managed within the sustainable approach in all destinations. In this study, it is aimed to determine the responsibilities, sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility activities of accommodation enterprises within the scope of the role of accommodation enterprises in sustainable tourism development. Qualitative research methodology was used in this study. The study was conducted with senior managers of accommodation enterprises with environmental friendly certificates in Alanya region. The semi-structured interview form was prepared within the framework of the meaning of the concepts of sustainable development and sustainable tourism, the impacts of accommodation businesses in the region, their responsibilities, sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility activities. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the MAXQDA qualitative data analysis program. As a result of the research, it was determined that the managers of accommodation enterprises included in the research in the Alanya region have a high environmental awareness and have significant contributions to the sustainable development of tourism with their responsibilities and practices. However, it has emerged that accommodation business managers should pay more attention to the planning issue which is among the principles of sustainable tourism concept. In addition, it is emphasized that the sustainable tourism development in the destination cannot be achieved only by the practices of the accommodation enterprises and it is necessary to establish an effective governance system that will cover all the stakeholders.