Managerial Perspectives on the Use of Environmentally Friendly Energy in Accommodation Facilities in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

This study focuses on the importance of sustainability in the tourism and accommodation sector in terms of energy use. Energy, which is one of the biggest cost components in accommodation facilities, not only brings a financial burden but also leads to environmental degradation through significant carbon emissions. On the other hand, as environmental awareness increases globally, the number of environmentally sensitive travellers increases and accommodations that stand out with sustainable practices and use renewable energy sources are preferred. There is a lack of comprehensive research on this subject in Northern Cyprus. This study is a preliminary study for a more comprehensive study. Due to the key role of managers in the transition to sustainable energy use in accommodation facilities, their opinions are very important in determining the situation. Therefore, the study aims to learn the evaluations of hotel managers in order to determine the status of sustainable energy practices in accommodation facilities. Our findings indicate that although hotel managers in Northern Cyprus are aware of holistic energy management, legal and infrastructural barriers significantly hinder the practical implementation of environmentally friendly energy practices.

1. Introduction

Tourism is a social, cultural, and economic phenomenon that involves people traveling to countries or places outside their normal environment for personal, professional, or commercial reasons. It directly affects the development of many sectors such as agriculture and transportation by including them in supply networks [1]. It strengthens its place among the sectors that gain priority every day due to the economic and social added values it creates. The increasing attractiveness of tourism necessitates competition with developed tourist destinations. In addition, due to the emergence of new and dynamic destinations every day, accommodation facilities are forced to develop various strategies and environmentally friendly practices in order to create competitive advantages. As Galdini also stated, it helps to develop the social and cultural aspects of cities and improve urban areas [2]. It has an important place in development plans due to the direct input and service-based employment it provides. Moreover, it brings different groups of people closer together due to the increase in intercultural interaction. It provides economic benefits by increasing the importance of local identities and cultures [3] Tourism is a complex, multifaceted industry that provides jobs for seasonal, unskilled workers, and professionals in a variety of occupations. The ever-expanding labour pool provides stability in changing economic conditions. As tourism continues to grow in importance, opportunities for professionals in planning and development areas also increase [4].

In small island countries, the “tourism industry” constitutes a significant part of economic activities and competitiveness [5]. Since Northern Cyprus is a part of the island of Cyprus and has limited resources, tourism is very important in economic terms [6]. With the addition of education, health, and casino tourism to the attraction created by the “Sun-Sand-Sea”, this sector has become the locomotive of the economy. This situation is valid for all small and developing small island states where tourism has become the dominant sector and the government aims to attract direct foreign investment and increase tax revenues [7].

The competitiveness in the tourism sector is directly related to how attractive and sustainable the marketed sector is. In accommodation facilities, the decisions of the business owner and/or general manager are important and completely effective in determining new strategies to be implemented and properly managing resources to provide guests with enjoyable travel experiences. Moreover, the willingness of accommodation facilities to implement environmentally friendly practices improves natural resource management, which is vital for the long-term sustainability of tourism activities [8].

Regardless of the size of tourism businesses, good marketing, good service, and branding plans are important to make their position more competitive in the global market. In order to create a different identity, it is necessary to focus on a clear brand story that connects with the target audience. This idea is supported by the fact that cultural uniqueness helps tourism businesses to be successful. It will give the business an advantage by allowing marketing to adapt to changing tourist needs and make strategic changes. By combining these aspects, destinations can create brand loyalty and attract visitors. Undoubtedly, stability in branding is possible with environmental sensitivity [9]. Branding that is not environmentally sensitive is a candidate to create serious problems in terms of sustainability [10].

Uncontrolled tourism driven by profit can harm local lifestyles, cultural identity, and economic equality. It may lower residents’ quality of life through rising costs and social tension, while also overusing natural resources, polluting ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation [11]. Tourism growth must be managed responsibly to protect environmental health while ensuring economic benefits. Sustainable tourism requires collaboration among policymakers and stakeholders, focusing on minimizing harm and enhancing positive impacts on local communities. Emphasizing a holistic approach—economic, social, and environmental—sustainability aims to balance ecosystem preservation with local development [12]. In this context, eco-friendly energy production is increasingly adopted to reduce costs and support sustainable practices in accommodation facilities and support local communities [13].

Investments in environmentally friendly practices are becoming an advantage as more and more people care about the environment. Security of energy supply is a fundamental element of sustainable development. The tourism industry’s energy use accounts for almost half of the total costs. Traditional energy sources increase greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere (carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and chlorofluorocarbons) while also raising surface temperatures and sea levels [14]. Therefore, the development of alternative energy solutions is of great importance to reduce environmental problems [12]. For example, many studies have shown that the use of solar energy systems helps reduce fossil fuel use and improve visitor experiences [15]. This method not only addresses energy use but also supports broader sustainability goals, provides economic benefits through potential savings, and makes tourist destinations more attractive.

The discovery of renewable energy potential in Northern Cyprus highlights not only its strategic importance but also its role in promoting regional cooperation and economic resilience. This research is particularly important in the tourism sector, which is a driving force of the economy. As the Mediterranean region grapples with environmental challenges, a transition to sustainable energy sources in Northern Cyprus could serve as a model for surrounding regions, encouraging collective initiatives and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The region’s unique institutional framework offers both opportunities and obstacles to effectively implement renewable energy strategies. Finally, considering the region’s unique energy infrastructure challenges, abundant solar potential, and the current gap in academic research specific to this geographical context, focusing our study on Northern Cyprus would be beneficial both as an example for small island economies and in terms of developing regional cooperation. Therefore, examining the perspectives of hotel managers who play a leading role in the implementation of renewable energy sources in accommodation facilities in Northern Cyprus is of critical importance in guiding governments in both academic and economic planning.

The study serves as preliminary research aiming to reveal the holistic approaches of hotel managers acting as change agents in the hospitality sector towards the adoption of environmentally friendly energy practices. By examining their perspectives, the study attempts to understand not only the level of awareness and willingness of managers to implement renewable energy sources, but also the systemic, infrastructural, and regulatory barriers they face. As a result, the study aims to identify the key factors affecting managerial decision-making in energy transitions and to provide a basis for future research and policy development in this critical area.

Hotel managers play a central role in the integration of green energy practices, significantly contributing to the sustainability goals of the hospitality industry (Figure 1). Their proactive adoption of renewable energy technologies enhances both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Continuous professional development is essential to empower managers as agents of change and to equip them with the necessary competencies for implementing sustainable practices. Moreover, collaboration with local governments and stakeholders is critical to fostering an environment that supports the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

2. Literature Review

Sustainability culture created by hotel managers and owners: As climate change increases global environmental concerns, the tourism and hospitality industries are now under great pressure to adopt green practices. While early studies focused on the technical aspects of adopting green energy, less attention has been paid to the positions of managers who drive these changes. In the hospitality industry, managers who prioritize sustainability are truly important. Acting as change agents: These managers push for new sustainable technologies and practices that research has shown can significantly reduce energy consumption. When businesses focus on achieving an “eco-advantage,” they go beyond simply following the rules and instead proactively seek sustainability that can improve their reputation and market position. The result is a culture of continuous improvement, with managers acquiring skills and encouraging a commitment to sustainability across the company [16]. Research shows that the size of the hotel and what hoteliers value influences how they manage environmental practices [17,18].

Transition to green energy in accommodation: Accommodation industry managers cannot remain indifferent to the environmentally friendly image of accommodation. The transition to green energy in accommodation has gained significant momentum in recent years, reflecting the increasing awareness of sustainability among consumers and businesses. This transition is characterized by the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies designed to minimize environmental impact. Hotels are increasingly aligning their practices with environmental standards, attracting environmentally conscious travellers who prioritize sustainability in their choices. This transformation has been shown to increase loyalty, profits, and overall market position by making guests happier. These developments are pushing hoteliers to rethink and update their energy strategies [16,17,19,20].

External factors such as institutional theory, regulatory rules, and societal expectations play a major role in shaping managerial decisions on environmental practices [18,19]. This view is balanced by a resource-based perspective that argues that environmentally friendly energy solutions can provide a real competitive advantage and ensure long-term sustainability for accommodation providers [20].

Hotels adding green energy initiatives are a strategic move to handle both the demands of the market and ethical considerations [18,21]. Balancing environmental sustainability with good hospitality management reveals a kind of “resource-paradox.” The desire for travel and tourism both encourages resource use and makes it harder to protect the environment. It has been shown that these green moves reduce energy use, but they also cut operating costs in the long run. For example, putting money into renewed energy like solar can provide notable savings on utility costs—enhancing income and potentially boosting overall financial results [22].

Involving employees in sustainability processes in order for strategic thinking is crucial to building a workplace culture that values environmental care. Keeping employees in the loop with frequent updates on sustainability targets and educating them continuously can help managers to meet their new expectations. Research has pointed out how a manager’s own caring values can boost environmental efforts and can improve company performance in sustainability [18]. Additionally, research in Malaysia reveals that strong leadership and everyone’s participation are needed to make sustainable changes, meaning comprehensive plans are needed for positive change [20].

Accommodation facilities can generally reduce costs efficiently and gain a special place among other accommodation facilities by using green energy [23]. Holistic energy management requires a very comprehensive strategy that brings together various processes and systems. Its ultimate aim is to optimize the overall efficiency and sustainability within accommodation facilities. This view includes evaluating a series of processes, starting from the design of an accommodation facility according to wind and sun orientations, to the insulation material used in the construction process, how energy demand is managed, how resources are allocated, to how renewable energy sources are used. Research has shown that setting benchmarks for energy performance targets covering the entire building can be used throughout the facility operation [24]. Furthermore, this way of thinking emphasizes how important it is to consider the latest technology in renewable energy. To maximize energy performance, integrating these strategies with active systems and renewable energy sources is vital [25].

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Geographical Position of Northern Cyprus in Terms of Renewable Energy Resources

The significance of renewable energy resources has become increasingly paramount in addressing global energy needs, particularly in light of heightened environmental concerns. Nations worldwide are grappling with the urgent necessity to transition from traditional carbon-intensive energy sources to more sustainable alternatives to mitigate climate change impacts. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The island of Cyprus is located between 34°33′ and 35°42′ north latitude and 32°16′ and 34°36′ east longitude and is sunny for about 300 days of the year. In this context, Northern Cyprus, with its favourable geographical position, holds substantial potential to harness renewable energy, particularly solar resources, which can alleviate dependence on imported fossil fuels. Reports indicate that countries like Egypt, facing their own energy demands, must pivot toward renewable technologies to meet future targets while navigating environmental constraints, suggesting a regional trend that Northern Cyprus can leverage to fulfil its energy requirements sustainably [26].

Due to its geographical location, the island has a mild climate even in winter, which provides a number of advantages for visitors to choose this destination and also in terms of renewable energy use. However, a very significant portion of energy production in Northern Cyprus is obtained from fossil fuels. Such energy sources are both expensive and environmentally damaging. The use of energy, which is largely obtained through traditional methods, in the tourism sector causes environmental damage on the one hand, and on the other hand, reduces the brand value of the Northern Cyprus destination in the eyes of conscious visitors. Therefore, it is necessary to transform accommodation facilities with a holistic approach in terms of sustainable energy sources.

As depicted in Figure 2, Cyprus exhibits a high annual solar irradiation profile, averaging approximately 1950–2100 kWh/m²/year [27]. These abundant solar potential positions the island as a highly favourable location for the implementation of photovoltaic (PV) systems within accommodation facilities. Such climatic conditions contribute to shorter payback periods—often under six years for medium-scale PV installations—and enhance the overall return on investment (ROI) for renewable energy projects in the hospitality sector. Moreover, the integration of solar energy aligns with national goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (Directive (EU) 2018/2001) [28], which mandates increased reliance on renewables across member states.

3.2. Accommodation Facilities and Renewable Energy

Efforts to combat climate change are increasingly creating awareness and consciousness about how hotels and resorts use energy. The interest spans a wide spectrum, from how accommodations are designed to how they are built to how energy-friendly materials are used. Researchers are using both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how these places can be mor sustainable and less polluting. For example, quantitative studies are used to examine the energy savings provided by solar panels, while qualitative methods such as interviews and case studies are used to assess the sensitivity of hotel managers and employees to environmentally friendly energy [30]. A systematic review of the literature revealed that achieving linked goals such as sustainability and user satisfaction requires a multifaceted approach and the importance of using a variety of research methods, including both qualitative and quantitative data.

Accommodation facility managers were chosen as the subjects of the study because they are in the most advantageous position to implement environmentally friendly energy practices and to evaluate marketing and costs in the best way due to their positions. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to evaluate the managers’ perspectives. The qualitative study was used to define the approaches of hotel managers in energy management together with the literature review and to create the hypotheses of the study. Quantitative methods were used to test the hypotheses and collect and evaluate data. The quantitative data in the study was obtained from the survey forms filled out online after detailed interviews and explanations face-to-face or over the telephone. Hotel lists were obtained from the Northern Cyprus Tourism Planning Department.

The scenario of this study is 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels in Northern Cyprus because these three hotel groups (Group A) have 76.65% of all tourist bed capacity (

Table 1. Number of 3-, 4-, and 5- star hotels and bed capacity in Northern Cyprus. Source: The authors.

Types of Hotels	Number of Beds	%
5-star hotels	16,886	61.62
4-star hotels	1718	6.27
3-star hotels	2400	8.76
The Others	6400	23.35
TOTAL NUMBER	27,404	100
Groups of Hotels	Number of Beds	%
Group A	21,004	76.65
Group B	6400	23.35
TOTAL NUMBER	27,404	100

Group A consists of 5-star, 4-star, and 3-star hotels. Group B comprises alternative categories of accommodation facilities not included in Group A.

). These hotels are naturally the group with the highest financial strength and the means to carry out eco-energy change. As presented in Table 1, 76.65% of the total bed capacity in Northern Cyprus is comprised of establishments classified as 5-, 4- and 3- star hotels. This shows that the accommodation infrastructure is significantly concentrated in the upper and middle segments of the accommodation sector.

There are twenty-four 5-star, five 4-star, and seventeen 3-star hotels in Northern Cyprus. As shown in Figure 3, the 5-star hotels have a bed capacity of 16,686, the 4-star hotels have a bed capacity of 1718, and the 3-star hotels have a bed capacity of 2400. The bed capacity of Northern Cyprus is 27,404 [6].

The following 5-point Likert scale mini-survey consisting of seven questions was prepared. A previously constructed survey was narrowed down and permission was obtained from the survey owners [31] and the ethics committee of the European University of Lefke. The use of the 5-point Likert scale is common in survey research. It helps us understand how strongly people feel about something, such as a statement or question. The scale usually goes from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” and provides a detailed view of opinions. This scale is not only useful for measuring attitudes and perceptions but it also makes surveys more reliable. In management strategy studies, Cronbach’s Alpha is one of the main indicators used to demonstrate the reliability of a scale by showing how well it captures its data [32,33]. Generally speaking, if you obtain a Cronbach’s Alpha above 0.70, that is a good sign.

As can be seen from the survey form below, a 5-point Likert scale was used as the data collection tool. The survey consists of seven questions and is a preliminary study in preparation for more detailed research. Seven questions were prepared to evaluate sustainable energy practices in the design phase, construction phase and operation phase of the accommodation facility. The novelty of this study is that Likert items are used to evaluate ordinal data instead of interval data, which is a less commonly used approach in tourism research [34]. The survey form allows us to score as much as “1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree”. The target group in the sample is 3-, 4-, and 5-stars hotel managers in Northern Cyprus. Purposeful sampling was used as the sampling method. The sample size was targeted as 30% and above the total number of groups, which is 46. Fifteen samples participated in our study. As presented in

Table 2. Number of 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels in Northern Cyprus, along with number and percentage of participants in survey. Source: The authors.

Types of Hotels	Numbers	Number of Respondents	Response Percentage
3-Star	17	4	23.52
4-Star	5	1	20
5-Star	24	10	41.66
Totals	46	15	32.6

, this number corresponds to approximately 32.6% of the total group.

The Jumavi 2.6 statistics program was used to analyse data in the study.

In qualitative research, it is really important to make sure the findings are reliable because this kind of research uses non-numerical data. Now, in quantitative studies, things like statistical measures are often used to assess reliability. Cronbach’s Alpha is, basically, key in psychometrics; it measures the internal consistency of items in a test or questionnaire. The Cronbach’s α (Alpha) test is used to evaluate the internal consistency of a scale or test. In other words, it tests how compatible multiple questions that are assumed to measure the same structure or characteristic are with each other. Cronbach’s α is used to measure the reliability of scales used in psychological, social, or educational tests and to look at item consistency in multi-item surveys (such as Likert-type questions). The test also determines whether more than one item/question measures the same argument (e.g., anxiety, satisfaction, attitude, success, etc.) during scale development. The reliability of the study was tested with Cronbach’s Alpha. If the Cronbach’s Alpha value is above Cronbach’s α > 0.7, it is acceptable. In this study, the Cronbach’s α = 0.921 produced by Jumavi 2.6, which shows the reliability of the question structure used. Similar values were produced separately for each question.

Validity is about how accurate our research instruments are and making sure they actually measure what we think they measure. Construct validity is about how well a test or instrument measures what it is supposed to measure, that is, the concept it is built upon. It is about making sure that the way we operationally define things actually matches the underlying ideas [35]. Now, internal validity is more about how well a study can tease out cause and effect without skewing the results. It confirms that the study’s methodology is sound and confirms the specific findings in the study. Then comes external validity. This is about how well the results of the study can be applied to other situations or people and shows that the findings are important beyond just the group being studied [36].

Bartlett and KMO tests provide a basis for justifying factor analysis, especially in fields such as social sciences and agriculture. On the other hand, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure calculates the proportion of variance that can be shared among variables by checking whether the sample size is sufficient. These tests verify the suitability of the data for analysis and increase the reliability of the results. For the Bartlett Test of Sphericity, a value of p < 0.05 means that there is a significant relationship between the variables and factor analysis can be performed. In this study, Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity produced by Jumavi 2.6 is p < 0.001. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy is 0.714 as produced by Jumavi 2.6. The obtained KMO value reveals that the study is valid.

The hypothesis expressed below was tested in line with the opinions of hotel managers regarding environmentally friendly energy practices in 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels in Northern Cyprus. The survey questions were explained to participants in detail (

Table 3. Survey form. Source: The authors.

	I Strongly Disagree	I Don’t Agree	I’m Undecided	I Agree	I Strongly Agree
1. The accommodation facility has an environmentally friendly energy design.
2. The accommodation facility was built according to environmentally friendly energy requirements.
3. The accommodation facility is operated in accordance with environmentally friendly energy requirements.
4. Real-time energy controls are sufficient.
5. In order to increase the attractiveness of the accommodation facility, environmentally friendly practices are sufficiently used.
6. The accommodation facility uses renewable energy sources and new technologies sufficiently to meet its energy needs.
7. Accommodation facility managers and staff have sufficient knowledge of the ISO-50001 [37] energy management system standard.
Point	1	2	3	4	5

).

Research Question 1: Are hotel managers aware of holistic environmentally friendly energy practices?

Survey question 1 (Q1) is about whether the accommodation facility has an environmentally friendly energy design. Energy design means that the building makes maximum use of local climate conditions in order to provide energy savings.

Survey question 2 (Q2) is about whether the accommodation facility was built according to environmentally friendly energy requirements. What this question is trying to learn is whether precautions have been taken to ensure the most efficient use of energy through special materials and additional measures such as insulation used during the construction process of the accommodation facility.

Survey question 3 (Q3) is about whether the accommodation facility is operated in accordance with environmentally friendly energy requirements. Sustainable energy requirements mean that accommodation facilities must implement a range of environmentally friendly energy practices, from controlled lighting to renewable energy sources.

Survey question 4 (Q4) is about whether the accommodation facility used real-time energy controls. Real-time energy control means instantaneously monitoring and analysing energy consumption. Thus, unnecessary energy consumption is prevented and energy costs are reduced. By implementing applications such as smart building systems, system failures can be detected earlier, overloads and energy leaks can be prevented, and energy quality can be improved.

As depicted in Figure 4, energy efficiency in buildings has four key stages, progressing from basic to advanced. First, environmentally friendly design ensures that buildings are harmonized with the local climate and natural conditions, thereby reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling. Next, eco-conscious construction involves the use of sustainable materials and effective insulation to minimize energy loss during the building process. At the operational stage, renewable energy sources and efficient systems support daily activities while keeping the environmental impact low. Finally, smart energy management utilizes real-time monitoring systems to track and optimize energy consumption, achieving maximum efficiency and cost savings.

Unless design, construction, environmentally friendly applications, and real-time energy monitoring are considered as a whole, the highest level of energy efficiency cannot be achieved and environmentally friendly energy applications will not be able to fully achieve their goal. From this perspective, the hypothesis to be tested with the above four questions is as follows:

H1. 

Hotel managers are aware of holistic environmentally friendly energy applications (design, building construction/insulation, etc., and eco-energy applications and real-time monitoring).

Research Question Group 2: Do hotel managers believe that the accommodation facility can increase its attractiveness with environmentally friendly energy practices?

Survey question 5 (Q5) is about whether the environmentally friendly practices are used sufficiently to increase the attractiveness of the accommodation facility.

As illustrated in Figure 5, eco-friendly practices offer a range of benefits that enhance both customer relations and the overall image of an establishment. These practices promote customer loyalty by aligning business values with environmental responsibility and contribute to a positive brand image by demonstrating care and credibility. As sustainable efforts reflect transparency and accountability, they foster increased customer trust. Moreover, eco-friendly initiatives such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and recycling systems not only improve the customer experience by creating healthier and more comfortable environments, but also appeal to environmentally conscious travellers. These travellers value minimizing the ecological impact of their holidays, and their preferences are increasingly shaped by visible commitments to sustainability. Ultimately, such efforts help establish an emotional bond between customers and the accommodation facility by offering them a sense of contributing to a meaningful cause, thus deepening the relationship beyond simple transactions. From this perspective, the hypothesis to be tested with the above question is as follows:

H2. 

Hotel managers think that their guests care about environmentally friendly energy efficiency.

Research Questions Group 3: Do hotels adequately meet contemporary energy management requirements?

Survey question 6 (Q6) concerns whether the accommodation establishment adequately uses renewable energy sources and new technologies to meet its energy needs.

Survey question 7 (Q7) concerns whether the accommodation establishment managers and staff have sufficient knowledge of the ISO-50001 energy management system standard.

This group of questions consists of two questions. The first is whether the accommodation establishment has implemented renewable energy technologies and the second is whether energy management standards are followed. These two questions complement each other. It does not seem possible to give meaningful answers to the following hypothesis without evaluating both questions as a whole.

In other words, the type and scale of renewable energy technologies implemented: Are they sufficient to meet a significant portion of the establishment’s energy needs? The energy management standards followed: Are they comprehensive and effectively enforced? The integration of renewable energy and energy management practices: How well do these two aspects complement each other to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact?

As illustrated in Figure 6, effective energy management is achieved through the integration of practical strategies, the implementation of renewable energy technologies, and the adoption of recognized energy management standards. Together, these elements support sustainable operations and reduce environmental impact. The hypothesis tested with this group of questions is as follows:

H3. 

The monitoring and implementation of contemporary developments in the field of eco-energy are affected by the hotel category.

4. Findings

a.

As shown in

Table 4. Attitudes on eco-energy management. Source: The authors.

Attitude Regarding the Following Statements (%)	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Natural	Agree	Strongly Agree
Q1: The accommodation facility has an environmentally friendly energy design.	6.67	6.67	6.67	53.33	26.67
Q2: The accommodation facility was built in accordance with environmentally friendly energy needs.	6.67	6.67	20.00	33.33	33.33
Q3: The accommodation facility is operated in accordance with environmentally friendly energy requirements.	0.00	0.00	40.00	6.67	53.33
Q4: Real-time energy controls are sufficient.	6.67	13.33	26.67	40.00	13.33
Q5: Environmentally friendly practices are sufficiently included to increase the attractiveness of the accommodation facility.	0.00	13.33	6.67	46.67	33.33
Q6: The accommodation facility uses renewable energy sources and new technologies to meet its energy needs.	33.33	0.00	33.33	26.67	6.67
Q 7: Accommodation facility managers and staff have sufficient knowledge of the ISO-50001 energy management system standard.	33.33	26.67	26.67	6.67	6.67

, the cumulative responses of participants from three groups (3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels). Accordingly, to verify the first hypothesis, the first four questions should predominantly be answered with “agree” or “strongly agree.” The response rate for the first question (Q1) is 80%, followed by 66.67% for the second question (Q2), 60% for the third question (Q3), and 53.33% for the fourth question (Q4). These figures suggest that hotel managers possess a holistic awareness of environmentally friendly energy practices.

b.

On the other hand, although the fourth question (Q4) largely supports the hypothesis, its proximity to a “neutral” answer may indicate deficiencies, especially in real-time energy control applications.

c.

In order to test the hypothesis regarding the second group of research questions, it is necessary to look at the weight of the fifth question. A total of 80% of those who responded to the fifth question (Q5) marked the options “agree” and “strongly agree”. This shows us that hotel managers mainly think that environmentally friendly energy practices are an important tool for customer satisfaction and the attractiveness of accommodation facilities. The findings confirm the second hypothesis.

d.

Before moving on to verifying our third hypothesis, it would be useful to reveal whether accommodation facilities are able to follow renewable technologies at a level that can meet their needs and whether accommodation facility managers and staff have sufficient knowledge about the ISO-50001 energy management system standard. As shown in Table 4 above, 33.33% of participants responded with “agree” to the sixth question (Q6), while 13.33% did so for the seventh question (Q7). These results indicate that hotel managers do not believe they sufficiently benefit from renewable energy sources or make adequate use of new technologies. They also report difficulties in adhering to energy management standards.

As illustrated in Figure 7, hotel type plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of energy management practices, as revealed by a decision tree analysis. The model begins with hotel classifications—ten 5-star hotels, one 4-star hotel, and four 3-star hotels—as input variables. The middle layer displays responses to two key survey items: Question 6 (Q6), which assesses the implementation of renewable energy technologies, and Question 7 (Q7), which pertains to adherence to energy management standards. Each hotel category branches into two nodes representing these questions, with associated mean scores and weighted contributions. The analysis indicates that 5-star hotels demonstrate higher awareness and implementation levels in both areas, with a Q6 average score of 3.6 (72%). In contrast, 3- and 4-star hotels show notably lower scores on both Q6 and Q7, highlighting a gap in the adoption of sustainable practices across hotel types. The final nodes of the decision tree consolidate the results, revealing overall weighted averages of 3.33 (66.6%) for Q6 and 2.27 (45.4%) for Q7, underscoring the disparity in environmental engagement among different hotel classifications.

The arithmetic mean for Q6 responses on the 5-point Likert scale for 5-star hotels is 3.6, indicating that 72% of their managers believe they utilize renewable energy sources and new technologies (

Table 5. Distribution of answers to questions six and seven according to hotel type. Source: The authors.

Hotel Type and Number	Q6 Score → %	Q7 Score → %
5★ → 10	3.6 → 72%	2.9 → 58%
4★ → 1	1.0 → 20%	1.0 → 20%
3★ → 4	1.0 → 20%	1.0 → 20%

). Conversely, the mean score for 3- and 4-star hotels is just 1.0, reflecting a belief in renewable energy usage among only 20% of their managers. This divergence underscores a significant variation in energy-conscious behaviours and technological integration among hotel managers, based on hotel classification. When the weighted average of the respondents is taken and the percentage is calculated on the 5-point Likert scale (1 = 0 and 5 = 100), it is seen that 66.6% of hotel managers believe that they use renewable energy sources and new technologies in this field.

According to the answers given by hotel types to Q7, we see that the arithmetic mean score on the 5-point Likert scale for 5-star hotels is 2.9 (Table 5). This distribution of answers shows us that 58% of the managers for 5-star hotels believe that their staff has sufficient knowledge about the ISO-50001 energy management system standard. In 4- and 3-star hotels, the arithmetic mean on the 5-point Likert scale is 1. This shows us that 20% of the managers believe that they use renewable energy sources and new technologies in this field. Therefore, we can see that there is a significant difference in terms of hotel types in terms of the seventh question. When the weighted average of the respondents is taken and the percentage on the 5-point Likert scale is calculated (1 = 0 and 5 = 100), it corresponds to a rate of 45.4%, which shows that the majority do not believe that hotel managers and staff have sufficient knowledge about the ISO-50001 energy management system standard.

Therefore, from the distribution of answers to Q6 and Q7 above, it is seen that the monitoring and implementation of current developments in the field of eco-energy differs according to the hotel category. The diagram shows how 5-star hotels dominate the overall rating and stand out significantly from other hotel categories. In this case, the third hypothesis is also confirmed.

5. Discussion and Conclusions

This study has shown that hotel managers in Northern Cyprus possess a relatively high level of awareness regarding holistic energy management practices. However, as seen in studies by Bohdanowicz [38] and Radwan [39], there remains a significant discrepancy between conceptual understanding and actual implementation. Our findings align with this observation, especially in the context of real-time energy monitoring, where a level slightly above average was recorded. This reinforces the idea that while environmental values are acknowledged, the transition to action remains constrained.

Unlike previous studies that identify financial constraints as the primary barrier (e.g., Gössling) [40], our interviews reveal that legal and infrastructural inadequacies are perceived as more critical deterrents. Managers repeatedly emphasized that the lack of regulatory clarity and grid capacity were more influential than cost in hindering investments such as solar panel installations. This suggests a region-specific challenge, which is particularly relevant in territories like Northern Cyprus with underdeveloped renewable energy support systems.

Given these findings, governmental emergency action plans, including infrastructure upgrades and legal reforms, could catalyse a more widespread adoption of environmentally friendly energy practices. These interventions would not only support national sustainability goals but also enable the hospitality sector to meet growing consumer expectations for green operations.

In line with the work of Mensah [41], the study also highlights gaps in environmental knowledge among hospitality staff. Bridging this gap through targeted training can equip managers and employees to adopt sustainable innovations more effectively. Moreover, embracing technologies like real-time energy management systems and renewable energy integration may improve not only operational efficiency but also guest satisfaction and brand reputation, as supported by findings from Kasim [42].

In terms of renewable energy potential, Cyprus lacks viable wind and hydroelectric capacity. However, as is consistent with climatological studies [43], solar energy emerges as the most feasible and efficient option. Our interviews confirm this preference among hotel managers, underlining the practicality and short payback period of solar-based systems.

Despite these insights, the study faced several limitations. The indicator set was relatively narrow and the sample size was modest, limiting the generalizability of the results. Future research could address these limitations by incorporating a broader range of indicators and expanding the sample to include a more diverse set of accommodation facilities. In particular, longitudinal studies tracking how regulatory changes affect managerial decisions over time would offer valuable contributions. Additionally, the growing global awareness of “green hospitality” trends presents opportunities for studies focused on shifting consumer preferences and their influence on sustainable transitions.

In conclusion, the successful implementation of green energy strategies in the hospitality sector depends on coordinated efforts between public policy, stakeholders, municipalities, etc. and infrastructure development and capacity building. By addressing the implementation gap revealed in this study, another step can be taken towards becoming a model for solar-powered sustainability in island economies, such as Cyprus. This research makes a novel contribution by focusing on managerial perspectives in the hospitality sector in Northern Cyprus, an understudied region with high solar energy potential but limited infrastructure capacity. Unlike many previous studies that primarily emphasize financial barriers, this study highlights legal and systemic constraints as the primary barriers to the implementation of green energy practices. Furthermore, by adopting a holistic approach that includes both attitudinal and operational dimensions of energy management, the study provides an integrated framework that can inform future policy design, industry practices, and academic research in regions facing similar developmental challenges.