Strategic alliances in supplier selection: a focus on environmental and social performance in the hotel supply chains

This study investigates the role of strategic alliances in promoting sustainability in Cuban hotel supply chains, focusing on partner compatibility. In Cuba’s context, challenged by international sanctions and economic restrictions, the research explores how strategic alliances support sustainable practices in tourism. Structural, financial, and operational compatibility prove crucial for sustainable outcomes. Applying fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), a configurational method for identifying causal recipes in small- to medium-sized samples, this study examines how different combinations of factors affect sustainable performance in the social and environmental dimensions. Results highlight the need for alignment across structural, financial, and operational dimensions to ensure long-term cooperation. This work offers valuable theoretical and practical insights into enhancing sustainability within Cuban hotel supply chains.