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The Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies in the Tourism Industry and Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

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  • Miguel Ángel Montañés-Del Río

    (Department of Business Organisation, University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11406 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain)

  • Vanessa Rodríguez-Cornejo

    (Department of Business Organisation, University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11406 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain)

  • Paula Isabel Rodríguez-Castro

    (Department of Financial Economics and Accounting, University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain)

  • Jesús Herrera-Madueño

    (Department of Financial Economics and Accounting, University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain)

Abstract

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a surge in demand. While this growth is essential for economic recovery, it also presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability. The tourism industry is under increasing pressure to adopt business practices that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a critical framework for addressing these challenges. This study seeks to understand how CSR can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs within the tourism industry, with a focus on identifying the best practices of management. A systematic literature review was conducted to address this research question. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using Boolean operators in databases including Web of Science, ABI/Inform Collection, Business Source Complete, and Emerald Insight. After applying pre-determined inclusion criteria, the selected studies were analysed using the population/problem, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines to ensure the rigor and reliability of the findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel Ángel Montañés-Del Río & Vanessa Rodríguez-Cornejo & Paula Isabel Rodríguez-Castro & Jesús Herrera-Madueño, 2025. "The Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies in the Tourism Industry and Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-30, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6044-:d:1692663
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