Author(s)

A. Aladassy, G. Mosaad, K. Tarabieh

Abstract

Energy efficiency and renewable energy hold the key to sustainable energy and sustainable tourism development and is the key for energy balance in the hospitality sector of Egypt. Energy cut-offs due to demand exceeding supply in 2014 caused a decline in hotels’ revenue of more than 20%. Moreover, electricity prices increased in 2014 by 40% as a step towards the total removal of electricity subsidies during the following 5 years, representing a threat to the future of the hospitality sector in Egypt. As a result, the hospitality sector in Egypt requires a set of energy efficiency strategies in addition to the diversification of energy supply coupled with continuous and stable prices of other alternatives such as renewable resources. This research proposes a set of strategies that can help the private hospitality sector in Egypt with the proper scenario in utilizing energy resources more efficiently and to integrate renewable energy resources within the existing hotels. A literature review was conducted to define the hospitality sector of Egypt, energy requirements and the market potential of both energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities focusing on the city of Sharm El Sheikh. The research describes the needed measures that could be used to advance energy efficiency initiatives in the existing hotels of Egypt. Using case studies in the city of Sharm El Sheikh, the research conducted an in depth analysis on different examples, and applied the resulting guidelines on a case study hotel in the same city. The outcome of the research concludes the most effective measures which will eventually help the hotel industry in Egypt to achieve optimum, continuous and stable energy performance in addition to a reduction in carbon emissions.

Keywords

sustainable tourism, sustainable energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, developing existing hotels, Egyptian tourism