Analysis of the website of hotels with sustainable tourism certificate: The case of Türkiye

Abstract

The aim of the research is to examine the sustainability practices of hotels with sustainable tourism certificates. For this goal, between the dates of 06.01.2023 and 11.03.2023, a content analysis was conducted on the websites of 119 accommodation establishments that hold a Tourism Operation Certificate from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, which are listed on the website of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency. As a result of the content analysis, a total of 4 main categories and 32 subcategories were identified, which are sustainable management, support for social and economic benefits of the local community, cultural heritage, and environmental policies. It was determined that the accommodation establishments with sustainable tourism certification are mainly located in Antalya (73), Istanbul (17), and Muğla (14). As a result of the research, it was determined that most of the hotels with sustainable tourism certification did not provide any information on their websites regarding being a sustainable hotel. In addition, it was found that the hotels' websites mostly emphasized equal opportunities for employees, involvement of staff in the implementation and development of sustainability policies, providing various training to personnel regarding their responsibilities, energy conservation, preservation of biodiversity and resources, water conservation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and implementation of social service activities.