ABSTRACT
The massive positive impacts through tourism on a country’s economy and environment are often understated and neglected. Despite the possible benefits, tourism development has been heavily criticized for its negative impacts on destinations. However, compared with other sectors, tourism has the ability to reach millions of diverse audiences from different countries annually for positive change. It has the capacity to create harmony in diversity. It brings everyone together on a common mission for a better future with a mindset of oneness and solidarity. The potential for positive environmental change is exponential. The needs and wants for travel and tourism continue to grow, and it would be intelligent to use this sector as a tool for positive change through multi-stakeholder dialogues and involvement. This chapter aims at exploring how a tourism operator has implemented a robust environmental initiative to align with the Paris Agreement and local environmental policies. The researchers use a case study approach of a major hotel group in Mauritius, LUX* Resorts & Hotels, comprising 10 hotels within the destinations Mauritius, Réunion Island, Maldives Island, China and Turkey. The chapter examines how the hotel group has implemented “Tread Lightly by LUX*” for environmental protection in its hotels and resorts. Opportunities and challenges in achieving successful implementation of the Tread Lightly by LUX* initiative are discussed. This chapter offers insights to practitioners and academics on how to view tourism as a tool for positive environmental change, with scope for future research.
