Awareness and implementation of green practices : a case study of MICE operators in Phuket, Thailand

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the gap between green practices awareness and implementation among the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Operators in the case study of Phuket (Thailand) as a tourism destination, Globally, the Tourism and Events industries are both growing and recognized to have negative impacts on the environment. In this context, an increasing number of green practices guidelines are developed from public, private and public-private organizations to help the MICE Industry minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Phuket beingone of the most popular destinations in Thailand, the purpose of this research is to appraise green practices awareness and implementation among MICE Operators. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from August to October 2017 in Phuket. A sample of 15 informants from the Phuket MICE industry answered the interview questions. Two populations were identified between the 13 Phuket MICE Operators: (1) MICE Organizers and (2) Accommodations with MICE services. The results reveal that Phuket MICE Operators are rather aware of and do implement green practices, but a gap exists between awareness and implementation because of several obstacles, among which clients' request, external lack of awareness and costs. The result of this survey is intended as a tool to help both planners and suppliers integrate sustainable practices within an organization's operations and regular event plans. Through this research, a better understanding about environmental, social and economic sustainability issues and their implication on the events organized is gained.