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The Marriage Between Luxury Hospitality, Ecotourism, and Social Initiatives: A New Business Model from Italy

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  • Silvia Fissi

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Florence, 50127 Firenze, Italy)

  • Elena Gori

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Florence, 50127 Firenze, Italy)

  • Marco Contri

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Florence, 50127 Firenze, Italy)

  • Alberto Romolini

    (Faculty of Economy and Law, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Roma, Italy)

Abstract

Over the last few years, the hospitality industry has increasingly embraced green practices. Indeed, tourists pay more attention to the sustainability actions of accommodations nowadays, demonstrating positive attitudes towards those implementing sustainable initiatives. Against this backdrop, “greening” a hotel has become a key driver of success for hotel operators to attract and retain these emerging eco-friendly travelers. Accordingly, many hotels worldwide have started implementing green management practices and adopting new business models. However, this is particularly difficult for luxury hotels, where combining luxury characteristics and sustainability is a challenging and ongoing issue. This research aims to investigate the unique business model of a luxury eco-hotel sited in a WWF-affiliated reserve and belonging to a social foundation group. Our findings not only demonstrate that it is possible to combine sustainability and luxury but also to depict a new form of business model that integrates social and environmental dimensions.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Fissi & Elena Gori & Marco Contri & Alberto Romolini, 2024. "The Marriage Between Luxury Hospitality, Ecotourism, and Social Initiatives: A New Business Model from Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:8982-:d:1500527
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sarah Cheah & Yuen-Ping Ho & Shiyu Li, 2018. "Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Performance in Retail and Hospitality Industries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Yue Cui & Yunmeng Cao & Yijun Ji & I‐Shin Chang & Jing Wu, 2022. "Determinant factors and business strategy in a sustainable business model: An explorative analysis for the promotion of solid waste recycling technologies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2533-2545, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hao He & Jiayi Cheng & Xiang Zou & Shiqi Xing, 2025. "How Power Distance Belief Shapes Ecotourism Intention: The Moderating Role of Conspicuous Versus Experiential Content on Social Media in Promoting Sustainable Travel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-18, August.

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