Waste Management in Tourism Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process: Circular Economy as a Solution Proposal

Abstract

The desire for consumption, which is increasing rapidly in the world, brings with it a large amount of waste. It is possible to say that waste production has increased with the Covid-19 pandemic and the tourism sector has been affected by this increase. In terms of the tourism sector at this point, the circular economy is seen as a strategy for sustainable production, consumption and waste management. It offers opportunities to significantly optimize resource use, reduce production and consumption which is related greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it provides competitive advantage for businesses. The circular economy is based on an integrative approach that requires analysis of all relevant factors that can determine changes in the classical linear model of economic growth. Therefore, it is predicted that the existing waste hierarchy steps should be considered as a whole and implemented effectively in order to ensure sustainability in both environmental and economic terms. The aim of the study is to mention the importance of the circular economy, which is a new economic model, and to evaluate its applicability in terms of the tourism sector. The study was done theoretically. In this context, firstly, the concepts of circular economy and waste management are mentioned. Afterwards, the relationship with the tourism sector was mentioned and its importance was emphasized. Thus, within the scope of the study, informations, which both researchers and sector representatives can benefit from, were presented.