Systematic literature review for re-defining ‘green’ in hospitality: typology-sensitive interpretations

Abstract

"Green" practices are central to sustainability in hospitality, influencing environmental, social, and economic outcomes. Yet, definitions of “green” remain ambiguous and often fail to reflect the diverse operational realities of hotel typologies. This study offers a typology-sensitive redefinition of “green hospitality” through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), guided by the Context–Intervention–Mechanism–Outcome (CIMO) framework. Excluding the mechanism to focus on conceptual mapping, 137 peer-reviewed Scopus articles were reviewed to trace the evolution of “green,” identify 19 thematic dimensions, and analyse their relevance across five hotel types: beach/island, mountain/lake, jungle/forest, urban/city, and mixed-type. Findings reveal significant variation in sustainability priorities by typology—urban hotels emphasize technology and HR equity, while forest lodges prioritize biodiversity and community engagement. A typology-based matrix highlights these contextual differences, challenging the adequacy of one-size-fits-all certification systems. Thematic dimensions span core areas like energy efficiency and water stewardship, and extend to emerging concerns such as staff equity, green financing, and green mobility. By mapping sustainability themes to hotel contexts, this study advances a more nuanced understanding of “green hospitality.” The findings inform the development of context-aware strategies and offer practical guidance for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking more effective, typology-sensitive sustainability practices.