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Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 September 2024 | Viewed by 26803

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hyeon-Mo Jeon

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Guest Editor

Department of Hotel, Tourism, and Foodservice Management, Dongguk University-Gyeongju, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea
Interests: sustainable hospitality and tourism management; restaurant management and operations; e-commerce in hospitality industry; consumer behavior
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Hyung-Min Choi

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Service Management, Youngsan University-Haeundae Campus, Busan 48015, Korea
Interests: hospitality sustainable management; hospitality organization behavior; hospitality; human resources management; hospitality brand management; research methodology; psychometrics: structural equation modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today's society, it has become essential to fulfill the requirements of corporate social responsibility concurrently with corporate social impact. There is a widespread consensus that companies that strive for sustainability create long-term corporate profits. Accordingly, the importance of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) operation and management performance is being increasingly emphasized in corporate evaluation. Currently, most multinational corporations, public enterprises and many private enterprises are evaluated for their performance in ESG by third-party reports and evaluation criteria. In addition, due to the outbreak of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of eco-friendliness has continued around the world, and ESG-based management is emerging as a key to creating social value and sustainable management, in general companies but also in hospitality and tourism companies specifically.

Indeed, ESG management strategies for the hospitality and tourism sector have become very important. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to address issues related to sustainability and ESG management in the hospitality and tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, food, travel firms, airlines, cruises, and casinos. It also focuses on developing strategies to improve the sustainable management and business performance of hotel and tourism companies. Therefore, this Special Issue calls for papers focusing on strategic ESG management and consumer behavior for sustainability in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Prof. Dr. Hyeon-Mo Jeon
Prof. Dr. Hyung-Min Choi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and disclosure
ESG and corporate performance
ESG and corporate value
corporate social responsibility
sustainable marketing
sustainable human resource management
eco-friendly practices
green marketing and consumer behavior

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Eco-Friendly Practices on Generation Z’s Green Image, Brand Attachment, Brand Advocacy, and Brand Loyalty in Coffee Shop

by Ju-Hee Ko and Hyeon-Mo Jeon

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083126 - 9 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1395

Abstract

This study examined eco-friendly practices (EFPs), green image, and brand attachment to identify antecedents that affect coffee shop consumers’ brand advocacy and brand loyalty, targeting Generation Z, who are emerging as the primary agents of eco-friendly consumption. In particular, we applied only the tangible EFPs that consumers can observe to identify a clear relationship between perceptions of EFPs and consumer behavior. This is the most significant difference from previous studies. In this study, 287 people who responded that they had visited Starbucks, which was selected as the coffee shop brand to be investigated through a pilot test, were used as a sample. As a result of the verification, EFPs demonstrated a positive influence on green image and brand attachment, and green image appeared to have a positive effect on brand attachment. Brand attachment was confirmed to be an antecedent that strengthens brand advocacy and brand loyalty. This study contributes to the literature on environmental friendliness in the hospitality industry and can be used to establish sustainable, eco-friendly marketing strategies in the food service business. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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18 pages, 1704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution and Influencing Factors of High-Level Tourist Attractions in China: A Case Study of 9296 A-Level Tourist Attractions

by Bahram Zikirya and Chunshan Zhou

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914339 - 28 Sep 2023

Viewed by 927

Abstract

The distribution pattern of high-level tourist attractions is crucial for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. However, few studies have explored the spatial distribution and dominant influencing factors of tourist attractions of different levels from a macro perspective in China. This study, which was based on large-scale multi-source data, involved the use of kernel density analysis, local spatial autocorrelation, and geographical detector analysis to explore the spatial distribution, spatial correlation, and dominant influencing factors of high-level tourist attractions in China. The study’s results show that the spatial distribution of tourist attractions of different levels is polarized and regionally clustered, and there exist some spatial correlation effects among attractions of the same level. Additionally, different influencing factors play a different role in determining the spatial distribution of attractions of different levels. Based on market demand and tourism resources, it is necessary to regulate attractions of different levels to promote the sustainable development of high-level tourist attractions and provide a reference for the development of China’s tourism industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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14 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Start-Up’s Financial Intermingling on Entrepreneurial Stress in Sustainable Family Businesses: Mediation Effect of Work–Family Balance

by Jucheol Choi and Daniel Kessler

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13944; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813944 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1004

Abstract

One factor affecting entrepreneurial success at the small-business start-up level is the impact on family life. This study examines the effects of intermingling financial resources on the quality of life of families operating businesses in South Korea. Based on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2022 assessment, which ranks South Korea 9th out of 51 economies, South Korea emerges as a promising area for scholarly research in this area. The analysis results are as follows: First, when financial intermingling occurs (when family and business finances are merged to some degree), entrepreneurial stress was found to be higher. Second, financial intermingling between family funds and business finances increased entrepreneurial stress by impairing the work–family balance. Third, when one spouse is more dedicated to supporting start-ups, entrepreneurial stress caused by the pressure to use family funds as business finances is greater. As small-business start-ups often require creative means to generate primary financing, resource exchanges between families and businesses may sometimes be a regrettable necessity. However, if the potential downsides of resource exchange are ignored, and resource exchange frequently occurs over a long period of time, it can place significant stress on all parties and may adversely affect the sustainability of a family business. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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16 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Cruise Crew Competency and Cultivating Global Citizenship: A Sustainable Development Approach for the Cruise Industry

by Yeohyun Yoon

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13208; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713208 - 2 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1760

Abstract

In our increasingly interconnected world, the idea of global citizenship has taken center stage, especially in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, the cruise sector, in its resurgence after the COVID-19 setback, is facing workforce equilibrium issues. This study delves into career guidance, specifically concerning cruise staff roles. The focus is on how global citizenship perceptions, work-related values, service-oriented attitudes, competencies, and career self-concepts interplay among emerging service professionals. Initially, the global perspective of these professionals considerably boosts their work values, attitudes, and competencies related to cruise ship roles. Furthermore, a positive service attitude enhances work values and competencies. Also, work values appear to augment both skill sets and career self-awareness among cruise staff. The skills of cruise staff significantly amplify their career self-concept. Moreover, both the service mindset and skill set of cruise staff serve as intermediaries in the nexus between global citizenship, work values, and career identity. Lastly, the service perspective, abilities of cruise staff, and job values are pivotal links between global citizenship views, occupational values, and career recognition. The findings underline the significance of fostering a global outlook, emphasize the alignment of job selections with work values, and accentuate the importance of building service mindsets and capabilities for robust career self-awareness. A dual approach, incorporating global citizenship teachings and skill-building for cruise roles, can help bridge the workforce gap in the cruise sector. In essence, these findings can enlighten cruise companies as they evaluate the community involvement facet of their ESG directives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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16 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experiential Value, Overall Image, Revisit Intention, and Willingness to Pay a Premium in the Context of Environmentally Certified Hotel Restaurants: The Moderating Effect of Environmental Consciousness

by Ju-Hee Ko, Hee-Seog Kang and Jung-Woon Seo

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712913 - 26 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1398

Abstract

This study applies experiential value and overall image to identify antecedents of customers’ behavioral intention (revisit intention and willingness to pay a premium) toward environmentally certified hotel restaurants (ECHRs). Data from 391 individuals who responded that they had already visited at least one of three selected ECHRs of five-star hotels in South Korea were analyzed. The results show that playfulness had the greatest positive influence on the overall image of ECHRs, followed by service excellence and consumer return on investment. However, aesthetics had a negative effect on the overall image. Moreover, overall image was found to positively influence revisit intention and willingness to pay a premium. Thus, playfulness, service excellence, and consumer return on investment are important for inducing customers’ revisit intention and willingness to pay a premium in ECHRs. In addition, the moderating roles of environmental consciousness on the associations of overall image with revisit intention and with willingness to pay a premium were confirmed. The research design and results contribute to the literature on eco-friendly restaurants in the hospitality industry. Therefore, the theoretical framework verified in this study can be used as a basis for customer experience research on eco-friendly restaurants in hotels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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21 pages, 348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industry and Stakeholder Impacts on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Financial Performance: Consumer vs. Industrial Sectors

by Adam Arian, John Sands and Stuart Tooley

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12254; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612254 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4013

Abstract

We examine the longitudinal relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and financial performance by investigating attributes among firms operating in different industry sectors longitudinally. Using panel regression analysis on Australian publicly listed firms from 2007 to 2021, we find that CSR performance positively influences financial performance. Furthermore, our industry-specific analysis uncovers notable distinctions. Specifically, within the consumer product markets, including recreational facilities, travel and tourism, lodging, dining, and leisure products, firms benefit from stakeholder rewards for their CSR efforts, leading to sustained financial gains. However, this positive association is absent for firms operating in industrial product markets, where stakeholders do not offer similar rewards for CSR performance. The significance of stakeholder engagement becomes evident in consumer market sectors, as firms with higher levels of CSR performance secure stakeholder support, resulting in superior long-term financial performance. Our findings contribute to the existing CSR literature and offer practical insights and implications for managers operating in diverse product market industries, including the dynamic field of tourism and hospitality seeking to harness CSR performance, meet stakeholder expectations, and achieve financial advantages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

18 pages, 4790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of COVID-19-Induced Changes on Job Insecurity, Presenteeism, and Turnover Intention in the Workplace—An Investigation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Hotel Employees Using the GAD-7 Scale

by Yeon-Sun Kim, Dong-Jin Shin and Bo-Kyeong Kim

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065377 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1969

Abstract

In this study, we investigated COVID-19′s (coronavirus disease 2019’s) effect on job insecurity, presenteeism, and turnover intention in hotel environments by measuring hotel staffs’ generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) levels. We surveyed 351 hotel employees from the office, facilities, food and beverage, and cooking departments. Convenience sampling was performed from December 2021 to March 2022. Job insecurity was measured with seven items (easily annoyed, tension, anxiety, nervousness, a lot of worry, fear, uncontrollable worry, restlessness, and discomfort) and demonstrated a significantly positive effect on presenteeism and turnover intention in the high GAD-7 group compared with the low GAD-7 group. Our study contributes academic value to research on GAD-7 in the hotel industry. In addition, it provides a theoretical basis for the relationship between job insecurity and hotel employees’ psychological response to the pandemic. Based on the findings, we recommend periodically implementing the GAD-7 scale for employee assessments. Consequently, hotel companies can create guidelines for human resource management post-COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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18 pages, 1202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Airline Cabin Crew Members’ Ambidexterity as the Sustainable Attitude for Prosocial Passenger Service

by Hyung-Min Choi and Daniel Kessler

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010242 - 23 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1859

Abstract

The current study aims to explore the intrinsic and extrinsic motivators for cabin crew members’ ambidexterity and to investigate the influence of ambidexterity on prosocial service behavior. The authors employed PLS-SEM to examine the model, using 428 valid samples from cabin crew members, their pursers, and managers working for airlines in South Korea. The study found that challenge, empowerment, and learning goal orientation, among the four dimensions of the intrinsic motivators, have positive and significant influences on cabin crew members’ ambidexterity. The findings also demonstrate that only service climate, among the three extrinsic motivators studied, is associated with ambidexterity. Moreover, the findings reveal a strong relationship between cabin crew members’ ambidexterity and prosocial service behaviors. Based on the findings, the authors addressed theoretical and practical implications related to sustainability literature and the industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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17 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing ESG Evaluation Guidelines for the Tourism Sector: With a Focus on the Hotel Industry

by Jun-Ho Bae

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16474; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416474 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4580

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an ESG evaluation index that accurately captures the features of the hotel industry. To create the ESG evaluation index for the hotel industry, the K-ESG guidelines provided by Korea Corporate Governance Service (KCGS) were utilized as a benchmark, and also, the Korea Tourism Organization’s ESG-compliant standards for certification evaluation were taken into consideration to reflect the particulars of the hotel business as closely as possible. The initial measurement items for an ESG evaluation index were created by reviewing prior research, and they were modified and supplemented based on the results of the Delphi survey. The professionals currently engaging in business, academia, and governmental institutions, whose knowledge and expertise are specialized in the hotel industry, participated as panel members in the study. In the first round, the panel members were encouraged to brainstorm and answer the questionnaire consisting of both open- and close-ended questions. In the second round, the panel members were asked to respond to a questionnaire made up of closed questions extracted from the first round. Through both rounds, the ESG evaluation index for the hotel industry was finalized, including three domains, twenty indicators, and forty-on items. To fulfill the purpose of the study, which was to initially develop an ESG evaluation index applicable to the Korean hotel industry, this study was conducted toward the professionals in the field. This opens up interesting possibilities for more investigation. The range of participants can be widened by incorporating hotel personnel and patrons, ensuring that the ESG evaluation guidelines are specifically applicable to the hotel industry. Additionally, it appears essential to broaden the research’s focus to include the tourism industry as a whole. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

15 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of University Students’ Perceived Food Literacy on Ecological Eating Behavior towards Sustainability

by Yoojin Lee, Taehee Kim and Hyosun Jung

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5242; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095242 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4008

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and industrialized food systems, people’s eating behavior has become seriously restricted. Especially, university students have started to overly depend on processed foods and carnivorous diets, and it places a huge burden on society by inducing the deterioration of health and environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the effects of university students’ perceived food literacy on ecological eating behavior towards sustainability. A total of 395 university students in South Korea participated in this research. First, students’ food literacy components, which are reading labels and budgeting, healthy snack styles, healthy food stockpiling and resilience and resistance, exert positive influences on ecological eating behavior; second, the other two components, which are food preparation skills and social and conscious eating, have no positive impact on ecological eating behavior. Finally, the influences of food literacy on ecological behavior are significantly moderated by gender differences. This suggests that strengthening university students’ food literacy through education is necessary to promote ecological eating behaviors and advance the development of sustainable society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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Review

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19 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessReview

by Seong-Gak Lee, Hyeon-Jin Jo, Dong-Woo Koo and Sae-Mi Lee

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15811; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315811 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1696

Abstract

This conceptual paper is about the relationship between cultural value orientations and personal value systems in relation to predicting pro-environmental behavior in hospitality and tourism via a comprehensive literature review undertaken in the social sciences field. Based on the conceptual aspects of this topic, this paper demonstrates awareness of the wider literature and focuses on tourism and hospitality as special kinds of consumer products and behaviors, with consideration of the differences in approaches to the subject of personal values demonstrated by hospitality and tourism scholars. Based on the comprehensive literature review of research on personal values and cultural values, this study proposes conceptual differences and provides some recommendations for using cultural value orientations and personal value systems in the prediction of pro-environmental behavior in the hospitality and tourism study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)

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