Circular economy and tourism: A multicase study in the hotel sector of the route of emotions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse the possible adopted practices of Circular Economy (CE) in the hotel sector located in the cities that participate in the Route of Emotions. Methodologically, this research used the multiple case study method over three hotel developments. Its analysis was carried out through data triangulation from the perspective of intra-case and inter-case. The main results were a weak perception of the CE theme in the hotel tourism sector; hotel managers are more used to sustainability practices, such as: reuse of products, components and/or materials, selective collection, organic products, renewable energies, with a predominant use of solar energy. Therefore, it is observed that, overall, on the macro-level, hotel managers carried out assiduous adoptions and implementations of CE practices in their respective daily processes in their respective businesses. So, it is beneficial that not only hotel managers learn more about CE practices, but also society, to concomitantly expand and strengthen its adoption and effectiveness, directly impacting more sustainable tourism in the region of the Route of Emotions.