The application of sustainable development principles in practical functioning of hotel establishments in Poland based on the example of Lower Silesia region

Piotr Gryszel

The general idea of sustainable development in tourism presents itself in such development which facilitates meeting the needs of tourists and, at the same time, ensures natural environment protection, as well as allows the inhabitants of tourism reception regions to carry out their economic objectives. It combines current and future needs of society members. It seems that the growing number of business entities actively join in this strategic stream and notice the problem of consequences which results from their functioning focused on environmental targets. This also refers to tourism companies, including hotels, of which owners or managers should especially incorporate, in their activities, the philosophy of social responsibility and the principle of sustainable environment. Many managers of hotel establishments declare the above attitude, however, the question arises whether it goes in line with practice? Do these entities actually implement sustainable oriented practices in their functioning? The scientific objective of the presented article is an attempt to provide a reply to the question at what stage of implementing the mentioned above concept do Polish hotel enterprises find themselves at present.