Hospitality internships and green leaders: analysing the engagement of interns with hotel sustainable development practices

Abstract

PurposeThe aim is to provide insights on the inclusion of sustainability training during internship and the engagement of interns in the sustainability practices of the hotel. The paper investigates how aspects of knowledge and participation in sustainable practices can bring about a positive change in the industry's future and also aid in the creation of smart green leaders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes qualitative research methodology and draws on in-depth interviews with students and learning and development managers using multiple sources of evidence to derive a holistic picture.FindingsThe paper aims to highlight the importance of incorporating sustainability training as an indispensable part of hotel internships. It also reveals the positive impact and long-term behavioural changes of students along with presenting strategies to create student stewards for sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study arise from its small sample size, which nonetheless generated some rich insights.Originality/valueThere has been much research in the area of hospitality internships, however, it has not been considered from the perspective of sustainability development or green internships. In this sense, the paper is novel as it challenges the traditional expectations of hospitality internships.