Hospitality & Tourism

Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurship
Startups Driving the SDGs in Hospitality

Editors: Vikas Sharma, PhD
Hazem Ahmed Khairy Haseeb Mohamed, PhD

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Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurship

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In an era marked by pressing global challenges—ranging from climate change and resource scarcity to social inequality and evolving consumer consciousness—the hospitality and tourism industry finds itself at a transformative crossroads. No longer can the sector rely solely on traditional growth models; instead, it must embrace innovation, resilience, and sustainability as cornerstones of its future.

Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurship: Startups Driving the SDGs in Hospitality seeks to illuminate the critical role of entrepreneurial ventures in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking tourism economy. By embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their core operations and value propositions, these startups are not only adapting to contemporary demands but are also actively driving systemic change.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of how purpose-driven, agile, and innovation-led startups are leveraging sustainability as a strategic advantage—not merely as a compliance obligation. Through a blend of empirical research, theoretical analysis, and real-world case studies, the chapters capture a broad spectrum of innovative practices. From zero-waste resorts and regenerative tourism models to AI-integrated smart hotels and community-based ecotourism platforms, these initiatives directly contribute to global goals such as responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), climate action (SDG 13), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Organized thematically, the book delves into sustainable startup ecosystems, circular business models, digital transformation, stakeholder engagement, and the policy and funding landscapes that shape these ventures. It also candidly addresses the obstacles entrepreneurs face—ranging from limited access to capital and regulatory uncertainty to cultural resistance—and offers actionable strategies to overcome them through collaboration, innovation, and education.
This volume is designed to serve multiple audiences: academics and researchers exploring the nexus of sustainability and entrepreneurship; policymakers and practitioners seeking evidence-based insights; hospitality and tourism entrepreneurs looking for models of inspiration; and students preparing to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives and showcasing real impact, this book aspires to catalyze a shift in how success is defined in hospitality entrepreneurship—beyond profit margins toward metrics of social equity, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience. In doing and aligned with the collective aspirations of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Part I: Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurship

Chapter 1: Introduction to Sustainable Tourism and the SDGs

• Evolution of sustainable tourism
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to hospitality
• The need for entrepreneurship in driving sustainable transformation

Chapter 2: Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and Tourism: Concepts and Context
• Definitions and typologies of tourism entrepreneurs
• Startup ecosystems in tourism and hospitality
• Characteristics and motivations of sustainable entrepreneurs

Chapter 3: Frameworks and Models for Sustainable Business in Tourism
• The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach
• Circular economy principles in tourism startups
• B-Corp certification and social enterprise models
• SDG mapping and sustainability impact indicators

Part II: Startup Spotlights and Global Practices

Chapter 4: Green Innovation and Climate-Responsive Startups (SDG 13, SDG 7)

• Eco-lodges and renewable energy integration in hospitality
• Low-carbon tourism models
Case Study: A carbon-neutral resort in Costa Rica

Chapter 5: Culinary Tourism and Food Waste Reduction (SDG 2, SDG 12)
• Regional cuisine-based entrepreneurship
• The Satvik, slow food, and farm-to-table movements
Case Study: Braj cuisine and community-driven food tourism in India

Chapter 6: Digital Tourism Startups and Smart Hospitality (SDG 9, SDG 11)
• Applications of AI, VR, and digital platforms for sustainable tourism
• Technology for destination management and behavioral change
Case Study: Mobile applications promoting offbeat sustainable destinations

Chapter 7: Waste-to-Energy and Resource Circularity in Hospitality (SDG 6, SDG 12)
• Innovations in waste management and energy generation
• Circular resource flows in hotels and resorts
Case Study: Zero-waste hotel practices in urban tourism contexts

Chapter 8: Community-Based Tourism and Inclusive Growth (SDG 1, SDG 8, SDG 10)
• Empowerment of local populations and indigenous communities
• Participatory and cooperative business models
Case Study: Rural homestay cooperatives in Southeast Asia

Part III: Tools, Policies, and Future Directions

Chapter 9: Policy Support, Investment, and SDG Compliance

• The role of government and public-private partnerships
• Tourism investment aligned with SDGs
• Access to funding: grants, crowdfunding, and social venture capital

Chapter 10: Measuring Impact and Scaling Sustainable Startups
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability in tourism
• Social Return on Investment (SROI)
• Business models and growth strategies for scaling SDG-aligned ventures

Chapter 11: Pedagogical Innovations and Curriculum Integration
• Leveraging this book in higher education
• Experiential learning models and entrepreneurship labs
• SDG-themed classroom projects, hackathons, and competitions

Part IV: Future Trends and Conclusion

Chapter 12: The Future of Tourism Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurship in a post-pandemic tourism landscape
• Decolonizing tourism and advancing justice-oriented models
• Addressing emerging SDG challenges in the decade ahead

Conclusion: Startups as Drivers of Systemic Change

• Final reflections on the role of entrepreneurs in reshaping hospitality
• A call to action for readers, educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders

Important Dates
Proposal Submission: 01st July. 2025
Accept/ Reject Decision: 20th July 2025
Full chapter Submission: 25th August 2025
Final Decision: 05th October 2025

For further query please mail to all editors:

vikasihm987@gmail.com

hazem.khaiery@fth.usc.edu.eg


About the Authors / Editors:
Editors: Vikas Sharma, PhD

Dr. Vikas Sharma currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Subharti College of Hotel Management, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India. He is a passionate academician and researcher with expertise in culinary tourism, sustainable gastronomy, and the preservation of regional food heritage. Dr. Sharma holds a PhD in Hotel Management, with his doctoral research focused on the documentation and promotion of Braj regional cuisine as a catalyst for tourism development. His scholarly contributions span a wide array of interdisciplinary areas, with publications in UGC-Care and Scopus-indexed journals and book chapters. His research portfolio includes significant work on waste-to-energy innovations, AI integration in hospitality, blockchain applications, and sustainability strategies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A recipient of multiple awards and patents, Dr. Sharma’s academic vision integrates responsible consumption, cultural preservation, and innovation-driven growth. With a dynamic background bridging academia and industry, he remains deeply committed to merging traditional knowledge systems with modern sustainable hospitality practices, contributing to the global discourse on sustainability and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Hazem Ahmed Khairy Haseeb Mohamed, PhD

Dr. Hazem Ahmed Khairy Haseeb Mohamed is a distinguished Associate Professor of Hotel Management at the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City, Egypt. He holds a PhD in Hotel Management from the same university, where his academic career has been characterized by a profound commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the fields of hospitality and tourism. His doctoral research examined the intricate dynamics between organizational politics and human resource management (HRM) practices, laying the foundation for a prolific body of work that now aligns closely with global sustainable development imperatives. Dr. Khairy has published extensively in high-impact international journals, focusing on cutting-edge topics such as green competitiveness, eco-innovation, sustainable work behavior, digital transformation, psychological empowerment, and corporate social responsibility within the tourism and hospitality sectors. His collaborative and interdisciplinary research has significantly contributed to the global understanding of SDG-aligned strategies, particularly in areas like green dynamic capabilities, digital leadership, and employee well-being. As a Visiting Scholar at Auburn University, USA, he broadened his academic horizons and deepened his cross-cultural research perspectives, strengthening his position as a thought leader in sustainable hospitality.




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