Sustainable Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism Services: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The hospitality and tourism industry is under growing pressure to innovate sustainably in response to environmental degradation, resource scarcity, changing consumer expectations, and disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study conducts a systematic review of the literature on sustainable innovation in hospitality and tourism services, aiming to map the types, drivers, and outcomes of such innovation and to identify the main gaps for future research. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, relevant peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2024 were identified, screened, and synthesized thematically. The findings indicate that sustainable innovation in the sector manifests across four interrelated domains: technological and digital innovation, eco-innovation and green process innovation, service and business-model innovation, and social/community-based innovation. Digitalization and data-driven decision-making emerge as key enablers, while institutional pressure, consumer demand for green experiences, and organizational leadership act as the principal drivers. The review also identifies persistent barriers, including high implementation costs, fragmented measurement standards, and limited diffusion among small and medium-sized enterprises. This review contributes an integrated conceptual synthesis that can guide both academic research and managerial practice toward more resilient and environmentally responsible hospitality and tourism services.