Water management practices in Euro-Mediterranean hotels and resorts

Abstract

The Mediterranean region, which is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, is vulnerable to climate change and impacted by human water demand. Tourism is recognized as a major water-consuming sector, and the growth in tourism establishments has been matched by a growth in water demand. Hotels represent the highest water consumption rates in the tourist sector. In this study, a survey was carried out in the Mediterranean region. Responses from 80 hotels of different categories and countries were gathered, discussed and compared regarding water supply, water consumption and monitoring, water-saving strategies, and environmental awareness and willingness for future improvements.