The perspectives for environmental management in small and medium accommodation units. The case of Braşov, Romania

This article presents the findings of a research conducted with small and medium accommodation managers in Brasov, Romania, with the purpose of investigating their environmental responsibility and attitudes towards environmental management. Based on a qualitative exploration of their perceptions and experiences, the general understanding of the sustainable tourism concept is examined; the practical application of different voluntary environmental instruments is analyzed as well as managers’ interest in environmental policies. The research findings show that the studied accommodation units have low performance on water conservation, responsible waste management, environmental awareness, necessary knowledge about and interest in the environmental protection and environmental policy. The interviewed managers’ environmental initiatives arise mostly from immediate economic gains that result from minimizing expenses by means of cost reduction measures. Based on the outcomes of the study, a series of recommendations are mentioned in order to promote the adoption of environmental management in small and medium accommodation units from the studied destination.