| dc.description.abstract | Environmental management has become an important issue of concern in the tourism industry particularly the hotel sector. The sector consumes large amounts of non-durable products, water and energy due to its functions, operating characteristics and services provided. Consequently, hotels have been encouraged by stakeholders such as governments, policy makers and guests to invest their resources on environmental management practices. However, Implication of EMPs on the financial performance remains to be in question. The current study therefore, focused on investigating the linkage between EMPs and financial performance. Specific objectives of the study were to; (a) identify energy conservation practices implemented by three to five star hotels in Kenya (b) identify water conservation practices implemented by hotels in Kenya (c) identify waste management practices implemented by hotels in Kenya (d) assess the financial performance of the hotels and (e) investigate the linkage between environmental management practices and financial performance of the hotels. A cross-sectional census survey research design was used to gather data using structured questionnaire administered online. Study population consisted of 210 hotel managers drawn from 70 hotels classified as three to five stars in Kenya (compiled in reference to Tourism regulatory authority, 2018). The study targeted three respondents per hotel bearing the following positions: general manager, operations and maintenance manager or their assistants. Out of the 210 targeted hotel managers, 125 responded to the questionnaire (representing 60% response rate). The study used descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations and percentages to identify EMPs implemented and assess the financial performance of the hotels. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to determine the linkage between environmental management practices and financial performance of hotels. The study established that reviewing and monitoring energy bills was the most implemented energy conservation practice (M=4.640; %mean=92.800), while, calculating energy consumption cost was least implemented (M=3.090; %mean=61.800). Determing monthly water consumption and cost was highly implemented water conservation practice (M=4.290; %mean=85.800), while, bedclothes and towel reuse program was indicated as least implemented (M=3.310; %mean=66.700). Lastly, Ensuring fresh and perishable products are stored appropriately was the most implemented waste management practice (M=4.300; %mean=86.000), while, monitoring and reporting waste generation and collection was least implemented (M=3.200; % mean=64.000). In terms of financial performance the study established high Net profit attained by the hotels (M=4.09; % mean=4.090) whereas, average daily room rate (M=3.53; % mean=70.600) was indicated as the least financial performance indicator. The study further established that energy conservation practices had the highest statistical significance and contribution on the financial performance (β=0.441, t=5.978, P<.001)followed by waste management practices (β=0.269, t=3.831, P<.001)then water conservation practices (β=0.216, t=2.905, P<.004).Finally, the study revealed that EMP variables explains 41.9% variation in the financial performance .The current study has theoretical implication as it contributes to the field of environmental management in the hotel sector in the Kenya. At practice level, the findings provide support for the linkage between EMPs and financial performance. This provides insight for managers to consider pro-active engagement of EMPs in order to improve their financial performance. | en_US |
