Abstract:
The hotel sector located in nature reserve areas faces the challenge of balancing
tourism competitiveness with environmental conservation. However, existing
environmental management models are typically designed for large hotel chains,
making them difficult to implement in small-scale rural establishments. Given this
situation, the question arises: How can an environmental sustainability
management model be structured to promote the conservation of the natural
environment and strengthen tourism competitiveness in rural hotels located in
nature reserve areas?
To answer this, a mixed-methods, applied-design study was conducted within
the pragmatic paradigm. The case study focused on the Hotel Loma Nevada,
located in Minca, Colombia. Structured interviews, document analysis, and
direct observation were applied to four stakeholder groups (management,
VI
employees, customers, and the community) to assess environmental and social
performance. The results revealed significant gaps compared to international
standards such as ISO 14001, LEED, and EarthCheck, particularly in water
management, waste management, and operational control. Based on these
findings, an Environmental Sustainability Management Model (MGSA) was
designed, aligned with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and adapted to the
operational and financial capacities of the rural context. It is concluded that the
implementation of an adaptive model, focused on impact prevention and
continuous improvement, represents an effective strategy for integrating
sustainability into hotel operations, mitigating environmental risks, and
enhancing competitiveness in eco-friendly destinations.
