Technological, organisational and environmental drivers of sustainability in hotels

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the position of 155 hotel managers in Africa and Asia about implementing sustainability practices (SP) focussing their competitive advantage (CA). Sustainability practices and CA are explained through the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework within the hospitality, tourism and travel industries.

Design/methodology/approach: The Structural Equation Model based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) methodology was applied to hotels in African countries, including South Africa, as well as Asia. Six variables were analysed in order to study the impact of SP in CA.

Findings/results: Findings imply that technological advancements, organisational commitments and environmental considerations collectively foster robust SP in emerging economies. The adoption of eco-friendly technologies (TS), the integration of sustainable policies (OS) and adherence to environmental regulations (ES) collectively contribute to the sustainability goals of hotels.

Practical implications: The study reveals that hotels in emerging markets should strategically emphasise the TOE framework to enhance SP and CA. Investing in advanced technologies, implementing effective organisational practices and adhering to environmental standards significantly improve sustainability performance.

Originality/value: While the TOE model has been extensively studied across various industries, limited research has explored its application in tourism. This study uniquely investigates how SP can enhance CA in the tourism sector through comparative analysis.