UNEP Industry and Environment (UNEP IE) Centre in Paris has just released a new guide book ‘How the Hotel and Tourism Industry Can Protect the Ozone Layer".The first step in controlling consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS) applicable to developing countries that are Party to the Montreal Protocol is fast approaching: the freeze in consumption and production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by 1 July 1999. Further deadlines affecting other chemicals will follow. It is crucial that the hotel and tourism industry understand the implications of the Protocol deadlines and take action to manage a smooth transition away from ODS and avoid situations that may adversely affect their operations.Jointly developed by UNEP IE’s OzonAction and Tourism programmes as part of UNEP’s work programme under the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, this 60-page guide helps the hotel and tourism industry understand the damage being done to the stratospheric ozone layer by ODS and why they should be concerned. It outlines the steps to be taken by hotel managers to establish their own ODS management programme to properly manage the transition away from these chemicals.Hotels and the tourism industry use CFCs, halons and other ODS in various applications such as air conditioning in guest rooms, public areas, vehicles, refrigerators and freezers in kitchens, aerosol spray cans in cleaning products, fire protection equipment, etc. The guide provides information about how to reduce or avoid the use of ODS in these various applications. It also includes examples of good practices from hotel and tourism facilities around the world, contributed by the International Hotel and Restaurant Association and hotel companies, which detail how those businesses have successfully adopted alternatives and chemicals to replace ODS.The information provided by this guide to the hotel and tourism industry in both developed and developing countries is also applicable to shopping centres, visitor centres, office buildings, and sports arenas. The guide will also be of interest to industry associations and government agencies involved in promoting and supporting environmental management activities in the hotel and tourism industry and other services.