Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Tourism: Bridging the Gap Between Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship

Tourism has emerged as a vital economic driver in many emerging economies. However, its rapid growth often brings adverse environmental and socio-cultural consequences. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) offers an avenue for tourism businesses to operate ethically and sustainably. This paper explores how CSR can bridge the gap between community engagement and environmental stewardship in tourism, particularly in emerging destinations. By integrating literature review, case studies, and stakeholder analysis, the paper reveals how effective CSR practices align business operations with community welfare and ecological preservation. The findings suggest that collaborative, inclusive, and transparent CSR initiatives can significantly enhance the sustainability of tourism destinations.