Business Sustainability of the Department Of Tourism Accredited Hotels and Resorts in Aurora ProvincePhilippines
Feliciano KT
Published on: 2023-08-03
Abstract
This study aims to describe the current situation of the Department of Tourism accredited hotels and resorts in Aurora Province Philippines, evaluating it in terms of business sustainability. The author used the Input-Process-Output (IPO) paradigm for business operations assessment. The study used descriptive research involving one hundred twenty-nine (129) Department of Tourism-accredited establishments. A four-point Likert scale method was employed. The study results revealed that there should be trustworthiness among employees, encourage high work ethics, foster harmonious relationships among employees, provide opportunities for growth and development, provide good customer service, keep with market trends, making sure that equipment and facilities are accessible and modern and be financially healthy. The Provincial Government of Aurora, stakeholders and the accommodation industry may adopt the recommendations of the study.
Keywords
Business sustainability; Accredited hotels and resorts; Tourism; Management; Persons with disabilityIntroduction
The purpose of the research is to determine the status of the 129 Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited hotels and resorts industry in Aurora Province in terms of commercial stability. Aurora is a province with an abundance of tourist attractions. Tourism is a major industry of the province and there are many resorts and hotels all trough out the province, especially in the seven coastal municipalities. Its natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking are only some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora. Coastal municipalities of the province are Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, and San Luis. These hotels and resorts play an important role in the local economy. They provide jobs for the local people and generate revenue for the government. However, the tourism industry is also a major contributor to environmental degradation. The construction of hotels and resorts can lead to deforestation, pollution, and the displacement of local communities. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry in Aurora Province, it is important for DOT-accredited hotels and resorts to adopt sustainable practices. The objective of this study is to assess the business sustainability of Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited hotels and resorts in Aurora province. The study focuses on financial sustainability, operational sustainability and environmental sustainability. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of DOT accredited hotels and resorts, and in-depth interviews with hotel and resort managers. The findings of the study will be used to develop recommendations for improving the business sustainability of DOT accredited hotels and resorts in the Philippines. It will be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders, including hotel and resort owners and managers, government officials, tourism industry associations, and investors. It will help to identify best practices that can be adopted to improve their sustainability. The study is expected to make a significant contribution to the field of tourism research, and it will help to promote the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the Philippines.
The local hospitality industry in the tourist destination sites plays a very vital role in boosting the tourism sector, the people and the local economy, assesses the quality of facilities, amenities and services of the hospitality establishments. It is still strongly recommended to adopt a sustainable development plan to develop more and to penetrate more prospective local and international markets [1]. The overwhelming influx of tourists to the beautiful and pristine beaches has brought enormous contributions to the economic and social development of local communities, however, it does not come without any cost to the environment. As such, beach resort owners were confronted with pressing issues relating to sustainable design and implementation [2]. Environmental sustainability is, increasingly, considered one of the most important functions of the hotel business, as well as communication and marketing, which attracts a larger number of guests. Some of the key aspects of hotel environmental sustainability are performance and environmental sustainability indicators, as well as hotel management of environmental performance to establish efficiency in that process [3]. The massive positive impacts of tourism on a country’s economy and environment are often understated and neglected. Despite the possible benefits, tourism development has been heavily criticized for its negative impacts on destinations [4]. Resorts operation in developing economies has provided a visible contribution towards improving the economy through tourists’ spending and countless social transformation. However, in any economic growth, environmental integrity has always been compromised by its future viability. The employees and guests strongly agreed that preservation and sanitation are practices in managing a sustainable resort-hotel and agreed on conservation, monitoring process, rules and regulations, and environmental knowledge. There is significant relationship between solid waste management practices and managing sustainable resort-hotel based on the observation of the employees [5]. The utilization of solar energy, rainwater harvesting, waste recycling & management and use of LED lights have all led to decreasing carbon footprints of the resorts for improved environmental conditions and healthier population [6]. The study found that the level of business practices of the hotels and resorts in Khrabi Province, Thailand is “High”. The outcome of the business practices of the hotels and resorts in Khrabi Province, Thailand is “High”. There is a significant relationship between the outcome and the business practices of the hotels and resorts in Khrabi Province Thailand there is a significant relationship between the outcome and the status of hotels and resorts [7]. Another study discerns that the disproportion between capital and return on investments and the guests' lodging behaviour influences the resorts' green technology practices and investments [8]. As an important agent for economic development, sectors in tourism are enjoined to contribute to inclusive growth, as mandated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 20130 [9]. Despite the very negative impact of the Covid19, these private resorts remained optimistic about their businesses' future. Based on the findings, the researcher proposed survivability and sustainability innovations [10].
Top management green commitment and green intellectual capital had a direct impact on green human resource management and hotel environmental performance [11]. Challenges encountered by the stakeholders in the operations of beach resorts in terms of ensuring economic growth were poor service quality, decreases in guests’ loyalty, lack of transparency in the financial report, local guests outnumbering foreign visitors, marketing disadvantages due to inaccessible location, unstable employment, and failure to comply legal obligations and fishing ban. In contrast, the challenges in attaining social development were negative intercultural adaptation, culture and heritage disturbance, inequalities of resources, lack of community involvement, and low public health protection. Further, the challenges in ascertaining environmental protection of the beach resorts’ existence in the locality were weak environmental monitoring and enforcement, rejecting environmental policy, additional burden, minimal financial growth opportunities and excessive fees discouraging tourists from returning. Customer relationship management (CRM) can be used to build relationships with customers and consistently acquire, retain, and create extra value for customers, even when a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic has occurred. The study found that the social media network was the most utilized customer relationship management strategy in the acquisition of potential customers. The marketing incentives were most used in retaining the customers. Lastly, most respondents utilized multiple channel supports to create extra value for customers [12]. Management of ecotourism in the Philippines is currently fragmented and many stressors inhibit successful implementation, including the high rates of poverty and corruption that the country faces. The Philippines is also extremely vulnerable to the effects of the impending climate crisis, which further exacerbates environmental issues in the country and threatens the developing country’s growth [13]. Publicly listed hotels were not widely held by public investors, the presence of the RPTs that can be classified as financial assistance to entities other than wholly owned subsidiary companies, the need for improvements of environmentally friendly value chains, the no publication of relevant information on training and development programs for its employees, and the nondisclosure of the attendance of members of the board of directors in their meetings. prevailing green practices inside the hotels of Metro Manila are the use of key card, provision of training programs for operation and management staff on environmental management, use of mechanisms to prevent water contamination and reduce waste water generation, hazardous waste handling and disposal practices in hotel- training of staffs on the hazardous waste management handling and designation of smoking and non-smoking area [14]. Innovative legislation and policies, capacity building, deposit refund systems, technological innovations, and community-based approaches to minimize, capture, and process marine litter are some of the key areas that it will tackle in the hope of contributing to the global practices of sustainable tourism in island economies [15].
It was analysed that tourism advantages were revealed by the significant presence of six tourism components such as tourist attractions and activities, accommodation, transportation, institutional elements, other tourist facilities and services, and other infrastructure. The development opportunities for tourism were also identified on different levels from global, national, and regional local perspectives [16]. The major contribution of this paper is twofold. First, it recognizes that the solutions to the great sustainability challenges ahead involve the active participation of the hospitality industry in establishing partnerships with stakeholders. Second, it offers an ambitious roadmap for hospitality firms to identify local issues specific to sustainable management actions committed to advancing the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability [17].
The extent of resort management practices are moderately practiced. It indicates that island resort incorporates good management practices by incorporating sustainable initiatives that can positively influence its business operations and external environment [18].
Job satisfaction among managers in the hospitality industry has a direct correlation to the ability of hotels to increase guest Satisfaction and improve services. Middle managers are satisfied with their jobs, while the top and lower-level managers are very satisfied with their jobs. Managers in the front offices have a higher level of satisfaction than the support departments. The varying levels of job satisfaction among managers are dictated by several factors other than the job. In ranking the most dominant factor that affects the level of satisfaction of hospitality managers, salaries and wages, promotion chances, and company policies emerged as the top three factors [19]. Tourist developers and
Tourist developers and LGUs have often failed to embody the social components into development plans and policies promoting tourist activity. The result provides basis for both planners and regulators to determine demands and developments and help assess businesses and building permits. The results can, however, be influenced by other corrective factors such as the recreational infrastructure, visitor attitudes, and sociocultural norms are considered very useful for developers and LGUs to support not only resort management but also planners and decision-makers in Baler, and other coastal areas [20,21].

Source: Hackman, 1987
The research paradigm on the input process output for the assessment of hotels and resorts towards business sustainability and policy recommendations is a systematic approach to evaluating the sustainability performance of hotels and resorts. The study paradigm used the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, as shown in Figure 1. The first step is to identify the relevant assessment inputs of hotels and resorts in Aurora Province. Characteristics of the accommodation sector industry were described in terms of location, capacity, ownership, type, service and amenities. The assessment of the accommodation sector industry for business operation was done in terms of organization and management, marketing, technical operation, finance, compliance with environmental laws and the impact of the accommodation sector on economic growth. The research paradigm on the input process output for the assessment of hotels and resorts toward business sustainability and policy recommendations is a valuable tool for improving the sustainability performance of the hospitality industry. It can help hotels and resorts identify areas where they can improve their environmental and social performance, and it can also help policymakers develop more effective regulations and incentives for sustainable tourism.
Methodology
Data Collection Method Analysis
The study used descriptive research in Aurora province as the tourism destination in Central Luzon, Philippines for March-May 2023. It involved one hundred twenty-nine (129) respondents as the owners, administrators, managers and senior technical staff of the business establishments of different hotels and resorts. This survey’s participants are exclusive to the Department of Tourism accredited establishments. It used one set of questionnaires for respondents to gather data. Part one of the survey describes the accommodation sector for location, capacity, ownership, classification, accommodation type, years of operation, services, and amenities. Part 2 includes assessing business operations and compliance with environmental laws. Business operations embrace organization management, marketing, technical and finance. Part 3 is devoted to the impact of economic growth.
Instrument Validated
The respondents were given a questionnaire and asked to rate each question on the extent to which it was measured and intended for. A four-point Likert scale was used to evaluate its clarity, objectivity, and administrability. Weighted means for each component were utilized. Experts from the Municipal Tourism of Baler and Aurora Provincial Tourism Office, the members of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management under the School of Arts and Sciences of Aurora State College of Technology and an ecological expert from the same school validated the instrument. After incorporating suggestions and recommendations, the overall mean of validity is 4.43, described as “Excellent.” Weighted means for each component were utilized. In addition, it was tested for reliability on 20 Department of Tourism - accredited accommodation establishments. Finally, Cronbach’s alpha was determined to establish the test’s internal reliability using SPSS (Table 1).
Table 1: Questionnaire’s Cronbach Alpha Scale for Internal Consistency.
|
Cronbach’s Alpha |
Internal Consistency | |
|
Organization and Management |
0.713 |
Acceptable |
|
Marketing |
0.813 |
Good |
|
Technical |
0.815 |
Good |
|
Finance |
0.782 |
Acceptable |
|
Compliance to environmental laws |
0.869 |
Good |
|
Economic Growth |
0.853 |
Good |
Results
The results are summarized in the tables presented below.
Table 2: Location of accommodations.
|
Location Of Accommodation |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Seaside |
97 |
75 |
|
In Town Proper |
32 |
25 |
|
Total |
129 |
In Table 2, the majority of hotels are located at the seaside with easy access to beaches and water activities such as swimming, surfing, boating and snorkelling. There are scenic views that are a major draw for tourists. The atmosphere is more relaxed and the presence of fresh air and sunshine in the coastal areas.
Table 3: The capacity of accommodation establishments.
|
Number of Rooms |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Rank |
|
1-10 Rooms |
71 |
55 |
1 |
|
11 – 20 Rooms |
41 |
32 |
2 |
|
21 – 30 Rooms |
11 |
11.5 |
3 |
|
31 – 40 Rooms |
2 |
0.5 |
5 |
|
41 – 50 Rooms |
2 |
0.5 |
5 |
|
More than 51 Rooms |
2 |
0.5 |
5 |
|
Total |
129 |
100 |
|
It can be seen from Table 3 above that fifty-five percent (55%) of accommodation establishments have a 1 – 10 room capacity. The accommodation sector industry in Baler is just starting to grow. Most establishments cannot cater to a significant volume of guests to conduct large conferences and big events. They collaborate with other hotels to accommodate guests for having prominent participants at important events. Reasons why the majority of hotels and resorts have a room capacity of 1-10 rooms. Some jurisdictions have regulations that limit the number of rooms that can be in a hotel or resort. This is often done to protect the environment or to preserve the character of a community. It is more expensive to build and operate a large hotel or resort than a small one. This is because large hotels and resorts require more land, more staff, and more amenities. There is a growing demand for small, boutique hotels and resorts. These hotels offer a more personalized experience than large hotels and resorts. Many small hotels and resorts are owned by families or individuals. These owners prefer to keep their hotels small in order to maintain control over the operation.
Table 4: Ownership and Classification.
|
Ownership and Classification |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Rank |
|
Single Proprietorship |
103 |
80 |
1 |
|
Partnership |
12 |
9 |
3 |
|
Corporation |
14 |
11 |
2 |
|
Total |
129 |
100 |
|
The data in Table 4 revealed that eighty percent (80%) of the type of ownership is a single proprietorship. It is inexpensive and easy to form compared to partnerships and corporations. The necessary licenses and other requirements are simple and minimal. Easier and less expensive to start than other types of businesses, such as corporations or partnerships. Single proprietors do not have to file any special paperwork or pay any additional fees. Subject to less regulation than other types of businesses. Single proprietors have more freedom to operate their businesses as they see fit. Have more control over their businesses than other types of business owners. They are the only decision-makers in their businesses. They deduct many of their business expenses from their income taxes. This can save a significant amount of money.
Table 5: Years of Operation.
|
Number of Years |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Rank |
|
6-10 Years |
58 |
45 |
1 |
|
Less than 5 Years |
53 |
41 |
2 |
|
11 – 15 Years |
11 |
9 |
3 |
|
21 Years Above |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Table 5 reveals that forty-five percent (45%) of the number of years of operation is 6-10 years. The tourism industry in the province is just starting, and which majority of hotels and resorts are just six to ten years of operation. Effective management is essential for the long-term success of any hotel or resort.
Table 6: Services Offered.
|
Air-Conditioned Rooms |
124 |
96 |
1 |
|
Parking Area |
117 |
91 |
2 |
|
Kitchen |
106 |
82 |
3 |
|
CCTV Camera |
87 |
67 |
4.5 |
|
GCash Payment Method |
87 |
67 |
4.5 |
|
Free WIFI |
81 |
63 |
6.5 |
|
Housekeeping |
81 |
63 |
6.5 |
|
Function Hall Meeting Rooms |
73 |
57 |
8 |
|
Swimming Pools |
69 |
53 |
9 |
|
Hot and Cold Shower |
56 |
43 |
10 |
|
Life Guards |
55 |
42 |
11.5 |
|
Luggage Storage Rooms |
54 |
42 |
11.5 |
|
Tour Guides |
50 |
39 |
13.5 |
|
Security Guard/s |
50 |
39 |
13.5 |
|
Safety Cash Vault |
47 |
36 |
15 |
|
Laundry Services |
38 |
29 |
16.5 |
|
Restaurant |
37 |
29 |
16.5 |
|
Free Breakfast |
36 |
28 |
18.5 |
|
Surf Guides |
36 |
28 |
18.5 |
|
Souvenir Shops |
33 |
26 |
20 |
|
Transportation Services |
21 |
16 |
21 |
|
Surf Shop |
20 |
15 |
22 |
|
Pay Maya |
18 |
14 |
23 |
|
Gym |
15 |
12 |
24 |
|
SPA |
4 |
3 |
25 |
|
Salon Beauty Parlor |
3 |
2 |
26 |
Compliance with Services and Amenities
Table 6 showed the percentage and ranking of the services and amenities offered by the different hotels and resorts. Air conditioning is a must-have for many travellers, especially in hot or humid climates. It can make a big difference in the comfort of a stay, and improve the quality of sleep. Parking is a convenience that many travellers appreciate, especially if they are traveling by car. It can be a hassle to find parking in some cities, so having a dedicated parking area can be a big selling point for a hotel or resort. A kitchen can be a great amenity for families or travellers who want to save money by cooking their meals. It can also be a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring. CCTV cameras can provide a sense of security for guests and staff. They can also be used to deter crime and to investigate any incidents that do occur. GCASH is a popular mobile payment method in the Philippines. Offering this payment method can make it easier for guests to book and pay for their stay. Free WIFI is a must-have for many travellers, especially in the age of smartphones and tablets. It can be used to stay connected with friends and family, to do work, or to simply relax and browse the internet. Housekeeping is a service that many guests appreciate. It can help to keep the room clean and tidy, and it can also provide fresh towels and linens. Function halls and meeting rooms can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business meetings, weddings, or parties. They can be a valuable amenity for hotels and resorts that cater to business travellers or groups. Hot and cold showers are a basic amenity that many travellers expect. They can be used to freshen up after a long day or to relax and unwind before bed. Lifeguards are a safety feature that is often found at hotels and resorts that have swimming pools or beaches. They can help to prevent accidents and to ensure the safety of guests. Tour guides provide guests with information about the local area and can help them to plan their activities. They can also be a great way to learn about the history and culture of the province. Security guards provide a sense of security for guests and staff. They can also be used to deter crime and to investigate any incidents that do occur. Laundry services can be a convenience for guests who are traveling for an extended period. A way to save money on laundry costs. A restaurant is a convenient amenity for guests who do not want to cook their meals. A great place to meet other travellers and to experience the local cuisine. Surf guides provide guests with instruction and assistance in surfing. They help guests to find good waves and to avoid dangerous areas.
Table 7: Assessment of Business Operation for Organization and Management.
| Organization and Management | Weighted Mean | Verbal Interpretation | Rank |
| There is trustworthiness in employees | 3.36 | Strongly Agree | 1 |
| There is high work ethics among employees | 3.33 | Strongly Agree | 2 |
| There is a harmonious relationship between employees | 3.26 | Strongly Agree | 3.5 |
| The work function of employees is just proper and well-defined | 3.26 | Strongly Agree | 3.5 |
| There is capacity building for employees | 3.08 | Agree | 5 |
| There are maintained competencies among employees | 3.04 | Agree | 6 |
| There is easy recruitment of employees | 3.01 | Agree | 7 |
| There is a low replacement of employees | 2.87 | Agree | 8 |
| Average Weighted Mean | 3.17 | Agree |
Table 7 shows the assessment of business operations for organization and management the following, which have the verbal interpretation of “Strongly Agree”. Trustworthiness allows employees to feel confident that they can rely on each other and their management. This is essential for creating a positive work environment and providing excellent customer service. High work ethics ensure that employees are committed to their work and are willing to go the extra mile. This is essential for providing a high level of service and for ensuring that the hotel or resort is running smoothly. Harmonious relationships between employees create a positive and productive work environment. When employees get along, they are more likely to be happy and motivated at work, which leads to better performance. Well-defined work functions ensure that everyone knows that they are responsible. How their work contributes to the overall success of the hotel or resort? This helps to avoid confusion and conflict, and it also helps to ensure that the hotel or resort is operating efficiently. It creates a strong foundation for the successful operation of a hotel or resort.
Table 8: Assessment of Business Operation for Marketing.
| Marketing | Weighted Mean | Verbal Interpretation | Rank |
| Good customer service | 3.47 | Strongly Agree | 1 |
| Available online reviews and social media marketing | 3.25 | Agree | 2 |
| Able to keep up with market trends | 3.22 | Agree | 3 |
| There is an appropriate response to changing guests’ preferences and expectations | 3.19 | Agree | 4 |
| There is an increasing level of competition | 3.12 | Agree | 5 |
| Average Weighted Mean | 3.25 | Agree |
Table 8 shows that good customer service has the highest ranking with the verbal interpretation of “Strongly Agree”. Good customer service can lead to increased sales. When customers have a positive experience with a business, they are more likely to return and make repeat visits. They are also more likely to recommend the business to their friends and family. When customers feel like they are valued by a business, they are more likely to continue doing business with that business even when there are other options available. When customers have a positive experience with a business, they are more likely to say positive things about the business to others. This can help to attract new customers and improve the business's bottom line. It helps to improve employee morale and productivity. When businesses provide excellent customer service, they can reap a number of benefits, including increased sales, brand loyalty, and a positive reputation.
Businesses need to be able to keep up with market trends and increasing levels of competition to survive and thrive. Here are some ways that businesses can do this: Stay up-to-date on industry trends. Businesses need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their industry to know what their customers are looking for. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending trade shows, and networking with other businesses in the industry. Businesses need to use data to make decisions about their marketing campaigns. This data can be used to track the effectiveness of their marketing efforts, identify new opportunities, and target their marketing messages to the right audience. Experiment with new marketing channels. This could include using social media, email marketing, or paid advertising.
Create a strong brand identity. Businesses need to create a strong brand identity that will set them apart from their competitors, by developing a unique brand voice, creating a memorable logo, and developing a strong visual identity. Businesses need to provide excellent customers service to build loyalty and encourage repeat business. This can be done by responding to customer inquiries promptly, resolving customer issues quickly, and going the extra mile to make sure that customers are happy. Businesses can keep up with market trends and increasing levels of competition.
Table 9: Assessment of Business Operation for Technical Operation.
|
Technical Operation |
Weighted Mean |
Verbal Interpretation | Rank |
|
There are available quality services provided at the highest level |
3.12 | Agree | 1 |
|
There are available facilities that are friendly to PWDs and senior citizens |
3.05 |
Agree |
2 |
|
There are available water filtration systems for pools and sewerage systems |
2.97 |
Agree |
3 |
|
There are accessible modern equipment and facilities |
2.94 |
Agree |
4 |
|
Average Weighted Mean |
3.13 |
Agree |
|
Assessment Of Business Operation For Finance
Table 10 shows that a business needs to have sufficient funds to operate and to grow to have enough money to cover expenses, pay taxes, and invest in new opportunities. Expenses and operating costs should be reasonable and justified, necessary for the business to operate and should not be excessive. The tax system should be simple and easy to understand. This will make it easier for businesses to comply with tax laws and regulations. Budget management should be efficient and effective. Businesses should be able to track their income and expenses. Make sure that they are spending money wisely. Accounting should be effective, clear, and standard. Businesses should be able to keep accurate records of their financial transactions and these records should be easily understood by both internal and external users. Businesses should have sufficient cash flow to support their operations and to fund future growth. They should be able to generate enough revenue to cover their expenses and have enough money left over to invest in new opportunities. Recommendations for improving a business's financial operations are the following: set financial goals and track your progress, create a budget and stick to it, invest in your business, and don't just save money; invest it in your business and get professional help.
Table 10: Assessment of Business Operation for Finance.
|
|
Weighted Mean |
Verbal Interpretation |
Rank |
|
There is sufficient fund for the business |
3.18 |
Agree |
2 |
|
Expenses and operating costs are just proper |
3.18 |
Agree |
2 |
|
There is simplicity of tax process |
3.18 |
Agree |
2 |
|
There is an efficient budget management |
3.16 |
Agree |
4 |
|
There is an effective, clear and standard accounting system |
3.15 |
Agree |
5 |
|
There is sufficient cash flow for business expansion |
3.09 |
Agree |
6 |
|
Average Weighted Mean |
3.16 |
Agree |
|
Compliance with Environmental Laws
Table 11 demonstrated that the highest ranking in this table is that staff are dedicated to environmental laws and regulations. This is the most important factor in assessing the compliance of hotels and resorts with environmental laws. It is important to ensure that all staff are aware of the environmental laws and regulations that apply to their work. They are committed to complying with them. The second is that management and staff have environmental knowledge and skill. In addition to being aware of the environmental laws and regulations, it is also important for management and staff to have the knowledge and skills necessary to comply with them. This includes knowledge of environmental best practices, and the skills necessary to implement these practices. Third is that hotel guests support environmental laws. The support of hotel guests is also important in ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Guests can encourage hotels and resorts to comply with environmental laws by choosing to stay at hotels that have a strong environmental commitment. Fourth is that there are internal environmental programs and policies. Hotels and resorts should have internal environmental programs and policies in place. These programs and policies should outline the hotel's commitment to environmental protection, and should set out the steps that the hotel will take to comply with environmental laws. Fifth, there is government assistance to environmental programs. Governments can assist hotels and resorts in their efforts to comply with environmental laws. This assistance can take the form of financial assistance, technical assistance, or regulatory relief. Sixth, there is a budget allotted for environmental concerns. Hotels and resorts should allocate a budget for environmental concerns. This budget should be used to implement the hotel's environmental programs and policies, to pay for the costs of complying with environmental laws. The commitment of staff is the most important factor in ensuring compliance with environmental laws. If staff are not committed to complying with the laws, then it is unlikely that the hotel will be able to comply with them.
Table 11: Assessment in Compliance with Environmental Laws.
|
Compliance with Environmental Laws |
Weighted Mean |
Verbal Interpretation |
Rank |
|
Staff are dedicated in observance to environmental laws and regulations |
3.36 |
Strongly Agree |
1 |
|
Management and staff have environmental knowledge and skills |
3.33 |
Strongly Agree |
2 |
|
Hotel guests support environmental laws |
3.31 |
Strongly Agree |
3 |
|
There are internal environmental programs and policies |
3.14 |
Agree |
4 |
|
There is government assistance to environmental programs |
3.13 |
Agree |
5 |
|
There is budget allotted for environmental concerns |
3.12 |
Agree |
6 |
|
Average Weighted Mean |
3.23 |
Agree |
|
Economic Growth Impact
Table 12 shows that the average weighted mean for impact on economic growth is 3.27, with a verbal interpretation of Strong Impact. This indicates that tourism is a major industry in the province. There is higher output in production and higher expenditure that circulates within the local economy and adjacent municipalities and provinces like Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya. The hotel and resort industry has a strong impact on the economy of a province. Hotels and resorts generate revenue from tourists, which is then spent on local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and transportation. This increased spending helps boost the local economy and create jobs. The hotel and resort industry is a major employer in many municipalities. Hotels and resorts need staff to operate, such as housekeepers, cooks, wait staff, and front desk clerks. This employment helps to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents. The hotel and resort industry attracts investment from businesses that provide goods and services to the industry, such as food and beverage suppliers, construction companies, and technology companies. This investment helps to create jobs and boost the local economy. The hotel and resort industry has a moderate impact on investment in infrastructure. Hotels and resorts often require new roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to be built to accommodate their guests. This investment helps improve the local economy and make it more attractive. The hotel and resort industry have a moderate impact on the development of telecommunication. Hotels and resorts often require high-speed internet and other telecommunications services to operate. This investment help to improve the local economy and make it more attractive to businesses and residents. This table shows that the economic impact of the hotel and resort industry is greatest in terms of its contribution to the local economy. The industry also has a significant impact on employment and investment, but its impact on infrastructure and telecommunications is more moderate as indicated in the result of ranking in Table 12.
Table 12: Impact on Economic Growth.
|
Impact on Economic Growth |
Weighted Mean |
Verbal Interpretation |
Rank |
|
Contributes significant income to the province |
3.4 |
Strong Impact |
1 |
|
Gives significant employment to the locality |
3.35 |
Strong Impact |
2 |
|
Increase investments in business |
3.28 |
Strong Impact |
3 |
|
Significant improvements in infrastructure |
3.16 |
Moderate Impact |
4.5 |
|
There are major developments in telecommunication because of this industry |
3.16 |
Moderate Impact |
4.5 |
|
Average Weighted Mean |
3.27 |
Strong Impact |
|
Discussion
Prior studies on this kind of research show that the growing concern about business sustainability influences consumer demand and business operations. Clients are more environmentally aware, and they demand friendly products and services. Businesses strive to implement ecologically friendly and socially responsible practices to gain a good advantage while preserving commercial achievement. There is a need to make a more robust execution of environmental laws and policies by the government. Strong coordination with accommodation sector stakeholders and local government units is needed. The results of this study revealed the following peculiarities, which may have practical value. When there is the low replacement for employees, it means that employees are staying with the company for a long time. This can be beneficial for businesses because it can help to build a strong team of experienced employees. Businesses encourage employees to stay with the company by good customer service is essential for any business that wants to succeed. When customers are happy with the service they receive, they are more likely to return and do business with the company again. Online reviews and social media marketing are two important marketing tools that businesses can use to reach potential customers and help businesses to build trust and credibility with potential customers. Social media marketing help businesses to reach a wider audience and to engage with potential customers in a more personal way. In today's ever-changing marketplace, businesses need to be able to keep up with market trends. Aware of the latest products and services that are available, the latest technologies, and the latest customer preferences. Guest preferences and expectations are constantly changing. Businesses need to be able to adapt to these changes to remain competitive. There are several things that businesses can do to adapt to changing guest preferences and expectations. These include regularly survey guests, conduct market research and being flexible in order to meet the needs of their guests. There are several things that businesses can do to be more proactive in the face of increasing competition, such as offer unique products and services, provide excellent customer service and be innovative. Businesses need to be innovative and willing to try new things to stay ahead of the competition. When a business provides quality services at the highest level, it means that the business is committed to providing excellent customer service. When a business has facilities that are friendly to people with disabilities and senior citizens, it means that the business is committed to providing equal access to its services for all people. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and a more inclusive environment. There are several things that businesses can do to make their facilities friendlier to people with disabilities and senior citizens. Make sure that all areas of the business are accessible including ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Provide accessible parking. Offer accessible services such as sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, and other services that may be needed by people with disabilities. Train staff on how to interact with people with disabilities. When a business has a water filtration system for its pools and sewerage systems, it means that the business is committed to providing clean and safe water for its customers. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and a reduced risk of health problems. When a business has accessible modern equipment and facilities, the business is committed to providing its customers with the best possible experience. This lead to increased customer satisfaction and a more efficient business operation. By providing quality services at the highest level, making their facilities accessible to people with disabilities and senior citizens, having a water filtration system for their pools and sewerage systems, and having accessible modern equipment and facilities, businesses can create a positive work environment that is conducive to success. The business has enough money to cover its expenses and grow. The business is not spending more money than it needs to and it is managing its expenses in a responsible manner. The tax process is straightforward to understand. Has a system in place for tracking its income and expenses and for making sure that it is not spending more money than it is bringing in. Having a system in place for tracking its financial transactions and for generating financial reports. Has enough money to invest in new projects or to expand its operations. The staff are committed to following environmental laws and regulations and they are taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of the business. Management and staff are knowledgeable about environmental issues and that they have the skills to implement environmental programs and policies. Hotel guests are aware of environmental issues and that they are willing to make changes to their behavior to reduce their environmental impact. The business has a system in place for managing its environmental impact. The government is providing financial or technical assistance to businesses that are trying to reduce their environmental impact. By having dedicated staff, knowledgeable management and staff, supportive guests, internal environmental programs and policies, government assistance, and a budget for environmental concerns, businesses can create a positive environmental impact. Hotels and resorts generate a significant amount of revenue for the province. This revenue can be used to fund public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Hotels and resorts provide jobs for residents of the locality. This help reduces unemployment and poverty in the area. It attracts investment from businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Investment help to create jobs and boost the local economy. This industry improves the infrastructure of the area, such as roads, bridges, and airports. Making it easier for people to travel to and from the area, which boosts tourism and economic growth. The telecommunications infrastructure of the area is improving, such as by installing high-speed internet and cell phone towers. Easier for people to stay connected. Contributing significant income to the province, giving significant employment to the locality, increasing investment in the business, improving infrastructure, and developing telecommunications, hotels and resorts can have a strong impact on the economic growth of a region. Hotels and resorts can also take the following steps to boost the local economy such as support local businesses, volunteer their time and resources, and advocate for policies that support economic growth.
Conclusion
increased tourist arrival, especially since the pandemic has ended. The tourists prefer to stay on the beachfront, wherein this area is famous for. Regarding business operations, there is a need to improve the marketing strategies of the accommodation businesses. The management should prioritize upgrading the skills and competencies of staff by giving training and seminars. The additional privileges provided to staff would enhance their productivity, loyalty and a lower overall turnover of employees. Assessment of business operations in terms of management, financial and technical operations still has to be performed. Inefficient use of resources could also affect the further shortage and, ultimately, condition climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and poor health. There are several things that businesses can do to foster trustworthiness in their employees. These include setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, creating a culture of respect and encouraging open communication. High work ethics can lead to several benefits for businesses such as increased productivity, improved customer service and reduced turnover. Employees with high work ethics are less likely to leave their jobs. They are more likely to be satisfied with their work and they are more likely to see a future with the company. Employees with high work ethics can help businesses to increase their profitability. They can help to reduce costs, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction. There are a number of things that businesses can do to encourage high work ethics in their employees. These include: setting clear goals and expectations. Provide regular feedback. Recognize and reward good work and create a positive work environment. There are several things that businesses can do to foster harmonious relationships between employees. These include, open communication, resolving conflict quickly and fairly and creating opportunities for social interaction. Successes in the hotel and resort business can be done by fostering trustworthiness, high work ethics, and harmonious relationships between employees. Businesses can help employees maintain their competencies through a variety of methods such as: continuing education, job rotation and cross-training. This program allows employees to learn about different aspects of the business. This can help employees be more effective in their current roles and can also make them more marketable if they decide to leave the company. Trustworthiness is essential for any successful business. When employees are trustworthy, it creates a positive work environment where employees feel comfortable and safe. This can lead to increased productivity, improved customer service, and reduced turnover. Provides a competitive salary and benefits package. Creating a positive work environment. Providing opportunities for growth and development. There are several things that businesses can do to provide good customer service. These include the following: friendly, helpful, responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive. There are several things that businesses can do to make the most of online reviews and social media marketing. These include, encouragement for customers to review your business, respond to online reviews, and use social media to engage with customers: Businesses can use social media to engage with potential customers by sharing news and updates about the business. There are several things that businesses can do to keep up with market trends. These include reading industry publications, attending industry events and doing market research. There are several things that businesses can do to provide quality services at the highest level. These include hiring qualified and experienced staff, providing training and development opportunities, setting high standards, monitoring customer satisfaction and responding to customer’s feedback. There are several things that businesses can do to ensure that their water is clean and safe. These include installing a water filtration system, testing the water regularly and maintaining the water filtration system. There are several things that businesses can do to make sure that their equipment and facilities are accessible and modern. These include the following: purchasing new equipment, maintaining equipment and facilities and training staff on how to use the equipment and facilities. In terms of financial health, the following are recommended: set financial goals and track progress, create a budget and stick to it, invest wisely and be prepared for unexpected expenses. These factors for businesses can create a positive work environment that is conducive to total success.
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