Integrating ESG Factors Into Sustainable Tourism Practices: A Systematic Literature Review

This chapter examines the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into sustainable tourism through a systematic literature review. As tourism’s environmental footprint grows and sustainability demands intensify, this review synthesizes recent studies to highlight key trends, core themes, and research gaps. Findings reveal that ESG practices enhance financial performance, operational efficiency, and sustainability outcomes. Since 2020, interest in ESG has surged, fueled by global sustainability frameworks and heightened awareness following the COVID-19 pandemic. Key trends include better ESG reporting, integration into business models, and sector-specific approaches. Technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data have become crucial in advancing ESG performance. However, SMEs are underrepresented in ESG research and face unique challenges in implementation. The study recommends developing sector-specific ESG metrics, expanding evaluation frameworks, and supporting diverse tourism businesses. Broader stakeholder engagement and cross-industry collaboration are vital to align tourism with global sustainability goals.