Sustainable Horizons: Navigating ESG Reporting Challenges in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Abstract

A review of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports shows that firms in the hospitality industry often take an external, fragmented approach to ESG reporting, failing to consider the sector’s diverse stakeholder groups and unique operational challenges. Integrating stakeholder salience theory and sustainability materiality framework, we examine the current ESG issues reported by hospitality firms to offer preliminary directions for ESG reporting. Based on a sequential mixed-methods design in two phases, we analyzed 140 ESG reports and followed up with open-ended questionnaires and structured interviews with ESG experts. Our findings reveal clear variations in ESG priorities across hospitality subsectors: hotels focus predominantly on employee welfare and inclusion, restaurants emphasize food waste and supply chain engagement, while casinos highlight governance and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, we identified key challenges firms face in aligning ESG reporting with stakeholder expectations. This study offers theoretical and practical implications to improve ESG communication and accountability in the hospitality industry.