Iordanis Katemliadis, Efstathios Stathis Kolongou and Philipos Drousiotis
This paper aims to examine the rising sustainability standards on the island of Cyprus and more specifically the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative and how this organization…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the rising sustainability standards on the island of Cyprus and more specifically the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative and how this organization helped to make the case for sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a qualitative approach using interviews to collect data from primary research.
Findings
Although Cyprus is a well-developed tourism destination, its sustainability standards have lagged behind. Tour operators initially encouraged the hospitality industry to commit to sustainability standards and the majority of the industry has done so. Yet there is still a gap between theory and practice and the industry needs to step up its efforts.
Research limitations/implications
The study was time limited and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed difficulties in terms of accessing interviewees and conducing the interviews.
Practical implications
The study reveals the current state of sustainability standards in Cyprus and the effort needed to address the future challenges.
Social implications
Sustainability is not a catch word but a way to offset the negative implications of human activity. Tourism and hospitality is an important economic activity and needs to play its role in protecting and improving environmental and social standards.
Originality/value
This is the first study to focus on sustainability standards in the hospitality industry in relation to the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI).