Adaptation Responses to Water Crises of the Hospitality Industry in Cape Town, South Africa
Author
Srámková, Michaela
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2019
Abstract
This thesis examines how hotels and other accommodation providers in Cape Town adapted to the 2017-2018 water crisis and what constrained their choices. Using a qualitative case study approach, it draws on semi-structured interviews with managers from twelve facilities of varying sizes and operations, supplemented by participant observation and desk research. The analysis considers measures across direct and indirect water use—including planning and monitoring, sourcing alternative water, improving operational efficiency, staff training, guest engagement, supplier relations, and collective initiatives—and discusses their feasibility and potential. Reported adaptation responses varied widely by context and resources. The study identifies cross-cutting barriers shaping decisions: political and regulatory conditions, technological constraints, informational and cognitive factors, eco-physical limits, and financial and broader economic pressures. While detailed outcome metrics are not presented in the excerpt, the thesis aims to provide both theoretical insight into climate adaptation in the hospitality sector and practical lessons for businesses in Cape Town and other water-sensitive destinations.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan hoteller og andre overnatningssteder i Cape Town tilpassede sig vandkrisen i 2017-2018, og hvilke forhold der begrænsede deres handlemuligheder. Med en kvalitativ casestudietilgang bygger studiet på semistrukturerede interviews med ledere fra tolv forskellige faciliteter, suppleret af deltagerobservation og desk research. Analysen ser på tiltag inden for både direkte og indirekte vandforbrug, herunder planlægning og overvågning, alternative vandkilder, driftsmæssig effektivitet, medarbejdertræning, gæsteinvolvering, leverandørarbejde og kollektive initiativer, og diskuterer gennemførlighed og potentiale. De beskrevne tilpasningstiltag varierede betydeligt efter kontekst og ressourcer. Undersøgelsen identificerer tværgående barrierer for beslutninger om tilpasning: politiske og regulatoriske forhold, teknologiske begrænsninger, informations- og kognitive faktorer, øko-fysiske begrænsninger samt finansielle og bredere økonomiske pres. Selvom detaljerede effektmål ikke fremgår af uddraget, søger afhandlingen at bidrage med både teoretisk indsigt i klimatilpasning i hospitalitybranchen og praktiske læringer for virksomheder i Cape Town og andre vandfølsomme destinationer.
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