This research study unravels the concept of wastage in the hospitality industry in a holistic view. The overall purpose of the research study is to scrutinize and establish what challenges the hospitality industry is facing regarding wastage in their establishments and what impact waste has on their environment. The secondary purpose that follows the first one is to examine what the current waste management solutions are in the industry and if they are effective in the current environmental quandary the industry is facing. The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the largest industries of the world. It contributes 10.3 percent to the global gross domestic product (GDP) and it elevates a total of 8.7 percent of the unemployment epidemic worldwide by providing 234 million jobs globally. The hospitality industry has shown impressive and significant growth levels since the industry began decades ago, which proves to have a great positive effect on its economic contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) not only in South Africa but across the globe. This industry creates jobs and generates prosperity worldwide. However this fast growing industry with all its positivity also has detrimental effects on the environment and its natural resources which is a major concern in a global perspective. The industry uses excessive amounts of natural resources and thus creates a detrimental impact on its environment and surroundings. The concerns with hoteliers’ relationship with environmental challenges and social responsibility have reached high levels on the public agenda. The Substantial press coverage of degradation, high pollution levels and polarization of the environment are increasing every year. The hospitality industry is working in partnership with government and private organizations to try and minimise to the very least the negative effect pollution and miss use of the natural resources such as energy and water but it is not enough. The industry is ever evolving and has established a customer orientated program that makes their guest receive the best and freshest product but this has had a direct effect on wastage in a holistic view. Hoteliers have also introduced ‘greening’ to their daily tasks but this has also proven not to combat wastage in its totality.
Waste Management, Pollution, Environmental Sustainability, Greening, Eco-Tourism, Gross Domestic Product, social responsibility, pollution, waste management, and greening.