Diseño De Un Modelo De Gestión De Sostenibilidad Ambiental Para El Hotel Loma Nevada De Minca: Un Enfoque Hacia La Conservación Y Competitividad En Áreas De Reserva Natural

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.