The contribution of small accommodations to a sustainable tourism industry

Given the central role of small accommodations to the tourism industry in Australia, this study investigated the drivers and challenges of small accommodation providers (SAPs) to engage in sustainability practices. In-depth interviews were undertaken with accommodation providers in the wine region of McLaren Vale in South Australia. The main drivers in implementing sustainability were identified as cost reduction competitiveness, societal legitimization and lifestyle-values. Key challenges included personal, financial and operational. Moreover, SAPs identified an opportunity to influence guests' sustainable behaviour, but their limited knowledge and a concern for a negative impact on guest experience prevented them from implementing relevant strategies. This research letter contributes to the literature on small accommodation lodgings and provides practical recommendations to local agencies wanting to support small accommodations in implementing sustainable practices.