Advancing sustainable tourism in Lebanon through hotel sustainability practices and stakeholder collaboration toward achieving sustainable development goals

Abstract

Tourism plays a significant role in Lebanon’s economic growth. However, the sector faces persistent hurdles linked to political instability, economic crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting sustainable tourism offers a powerful driver to prosperity and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines sustainability practices within Lebanon’s hotel sector, exploring key constraints and opportunities for improvement. Qualitative data were collected through unstructured interviews with 15 hoteliers across Lebanon and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that hotels are implementing various economic, social, and environmental practices but continue to face significant challenges related to resource constraints, policy gaps, and stakeholder coordination. The study highlights the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and more integrated sustainability strategies to enhance Lebanon’s tourism sector. Insights from this research can inform policymakers and industry leaders in developing effective approaches to achieve sustainable tourism and long-term sectoral resilience.