Evaluation of Sustainable Tourism Practices and Their Adoption Among Hotels in Ondo State, South West Nigeria

This study evaluates the extent of sustainable tourism practice adoption among hotels in Ondo State, South West Nigeria, a state with significant natural assets including the Idanre Hills and Owo River Forest Reserve. Sustainable hospitality has become a global priority, with environmental performance increasingly influencing both consumer choices and regulatory requirements. A mixed-method research design is adopted with questionnaires administered to facility managers and general managers of 20 registered hotels in Akure, the state capital, complemented by direct observation checklists covering environmental, social, and economic sustainability indicators. Findings reveal a wide spectrum of sustainability engagement, with larger hotels demonstrating significantly more structured approaches compared to small and medium-scale properties. Energy conservation measures, including LED lighting replacement and solar water heating, are the most commonly adopted practices, reported by 65 percent of hotels. Community sourcing and local employment commitments are practised in moderate form by approximately 48 percent. Waste reduction and water conservation systems are adopted by fewer than 30 percent of sampled properties. The study finds that sustainability adoption is largely motivated by cost reduction rather than strategic environmental commitment. It recommends mandatory environmental reporting requirements for hotel licensing in Ondo State, tax incentives for certified sustainable hotels, and collaboration with Ondo State Tourism Board for destination-level sustainability coordination. Keywords: sustainable tourism, hotel sustainability, environmental practices, Ondo State, green hospitality