Showering Smartly. A Field Experiment Using Water-saving Technology to Foster Pro-environmental Behaviour among Hotel Guests

Authors

  • Pablo Pereira-Doel School of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Surrey
  • Xavier Font School of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Surrey
  • Kayleigh Wyles School of Psychology University of Surrey
  • Jorge Pereira-Moliner Business Management Department University of Alicante

Keywords:

smart technology, real-time feedback, water, energy, pro-environmental behavior, field experiment

Abstract

Hotel guests’ behaviour is crucial to reduce water depletion, energy use and carbon emissions. In this covert field experiment we assessed the effectiveness of real-time feedback provided by smart water-saving technology in fostering hotel guests to shorten their showers. A 12,06% reduction in showering time (N=1,962) confirms that real-time feedback is effective in eliciting pro-environmental behaviour, even in hedonic contexts. Moreover, results suggest that even with no real-time feedback, the regular shower in a hotel may be shorter than at home. Tourism can be a force for good and the use of technology can shape pro-environmental behaviour among the public.

Author Biographies

  • Pablo Pereira-Doel, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Surrey

    Pablo Pereira-Doel is PhD Researcher at the SHTM, University of Surrey. His research focuses on eliciting pro-environmental behavioural change through smart technology-mediated experiences and behavioural economics in the context of hospitality.

  • Xavier Font, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Surrey

    Xavier Font is Professor in Sustainability Marketing at the SHTM, University of Surrey. His research focuses on developing creative methods of sustainable tourism production and consumption for the tourism and hospitality industries.

  • Kayleigh Wyles, School of Psychology University of Surrey

    Kayleigh Wyles is Lecturer in Environmental Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Surrey. Her research focuses on understanding the drivers of (pro-environmental) behaviour and developing appropriate and effective behaviour change interventions.

  • Jorge Pereira-Moliner, Business Management Department University of Alicante

    Jorge Pereira-Moliner is Associate Professor in Business Management at the University of Alicante, Spain. His research focuses on strategic management, quality and environmental management in tourism and hospitality industries.

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Published

2019-12-12

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2019)

Section

Articles

License

e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR) is an international electronic bulletin for tourism research (ISSN:1941-5842). It comprises current tourism research articles, commentaries and reviews by industry professionals. The materials are provided for the personal noncommercial use of registered users of the eRTR, free to individuals and institutions. Copies of articles may be distributed for research or educational purpose, free of charge and without permission. However, commercial use of the eRTR or the articles contained herein is expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

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How to Cite

“Showering Smartly. A Field Experiment Using Water-saving Technology to Foster Pro-environmental Behaviour among Hotel Guests” (2019) e-Review of Tourism Research, 17(3). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/525 (Accessed: 18 September 2024).

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