Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hospitality Industry

A holistic approach that prioritizes economic success and sustainable practices through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is crucial for the long-term sustainability of organizations, including the tourism and hospitality industry, and the first step is CSR knowledge. The aim of this study is to identify the key factors influencing the level of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) knowledge in the hospitality industry, as a practical tool for the sustainability of the territories. For this purpose, the research was conducted using a quantitative methodological approach by applying a CSR questionnaire to hotel managers from a sample of 222 hotels in the Colombian Caribbean. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied, specifically Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The Principal Component Analysis determined two dependent variables (Basic CSR Knowledge and Advanced CSR Knowledge) and subsequently a Multiple Linear Regression was applied to each one, determining which independent variables (treated as dummy variables) have significant effects. The results have led to the conclusion that the CSR knowledge of the hotel sector in the Colombian Caribbean is positively influenced by hotel-related factors—such as age, management contract type, financial performance, and investment in innovation—as well as by managers’ gender and educational attainment. These results have important implications for the hotel sector and academia. Future research should consider more stakeholders and other geographical areas.