Hospitality's resilience and regenerative adaptations towards sustainability

The South African hospitality industry faces challenges such as economic volatility, climate change, and shifting consumer preferences. To address these effectively, hotels must adopt resilience and regenerative strategies. The theoretical framework of this study includes Resilience Theory, Service-Dominant Logic (SDL), and Ecological Modernisation Theory. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with hotel managers and a literature review. Thematic coding revealed strategies like robust crisis management, income diversification, and community ties. Regenerative practices focus on waste reduction, biodiversity support, and sustainable infrastructure, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 1, which address building resilient infrastructure and poverty eradication. The study highlights the need for guest education on sustainability and explores emerging technologies like AI and blockchain to enhance resilience and sustainability. This research advocates for a holistic approach to hospitality management, combining innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship for lasting industry change.