Sustainable Tourism Development: A Review of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies

Strategic Insights -

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a surge in demand. This growth is essential for economic recovery, but it also presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability. A new study from the University of Cadiz in Spain aims to understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the tourism industry. The research uses a systematic literature review to identify the best practices of management and CSR policies in the tourism sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tourism industry is under increasing pressure to adopt business practices that align with the SDGs, with CSR emerging as a critical framework for addressing sustainability challenges.
  • A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate how CSR can contribute to the achievement of SDGs within the tourism industry.
  • The study found that CSR is essential for the tourism industry to align with the SDGs, but there is a lack of research on CSR policies and practices in the sector.
  • The research identified that CSR policies in the tourism industry should focus on sustainable development, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
  • The study concludes that there is a need for further research on CSR policies and practices in the tourism industry to ensure they contribute to the achievement of SDGs.
  • The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines to ensure the rigor and reliability of the findings.
  • The research was conducted by Miguel Angel Montanes-Del Rio, Vanessa Rodriguez-Cornejo, Paula Isabel Rodriguez-Castro, and Jesus Herrera-Madueno from the University of Cadiz in Spain.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed 17 articles published in the last 10 years on CSR policies and practices in the tourism industry.
  • The research found that 70% of the articles discussed CSR policies in relation to economic sustainability, while 30% discussed CSR policies related to social and environmental sustainability.
  • The study reported that 85% of the articles emphasized the importance of CSR in contributing to the achievement of SDGs in the tourism industry.

Sources:

  • Sustainability, 2025;17(13):6044. Mdpi, St Alban-Anlage 66, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Sustainable Development Findings from University of Cadiz (The Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies In the Tourism Industry and Sustainable Development Goals: a Review of Progress, Challenges, and ...). Entertainment & Travel. August 9, 2025; p 396.