Evaluation of green island resort practices in Langkawi (Malaysia) and Batam (Indonesia).

Tourism contributes to economic growth; however, it damages the environment. Currently, a lot of people are talking about green accommodation and its certification system. This study examines sustainable hotel practices through resorts' green hotel certification programs in Malaysia and Indonesia. The research was conducted at Frangipani Langkawi Resort (Langkawi) & Spa and Turi beach resort (Batam). This research aims to know how the two resorts in Langkawi and Batam implement green practices in their operation from the perspective of resort operators. The research was done by qualitative method utilising in-depth interviews with five key persons at the respective resorts. The data were analyzed to identify the different ways of implementing green practices in both properties. The discussion revealed several issues and challenges that green resorts encounter, such as financial support, the stakeholders' attitudes regarding green practices, and the marketing strategy of green accommodation. This research found that the owners have a crucial role as decision-makers in green operations; many staff have limited knowledge about green practices, and establishing comfortable hospitality in green accommodation is still challenging at both resorts. As recommendations, it is necessary to educate all the staff about green practices, invest financially in green technology, and create a government benefits program for the green hotel and resort.