Trends and evolution in sustainable practices in the hospitality industry: a bibliometric analysis of green innovations and environmental impact

Purpose Sustainable practices in the hospitality industry have gained increasing attention, reflecting a global shift toward environmental responsibility and green innovations. This study aims to explore the trends, key contributors and thematic evolution in sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach This study used a bibliometric analysis using data extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, spanning the years 2000–2024. The study used tools such as RStudio, Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to analyze publication trends, key contributors and thematic clusters in the field of sustainable hospitality. Findings The analysis revealed a significant growth in research on sustainable hospitality, with key contributions from authors and institutions in China, the USA and Spain. Thematic clusters highlighted critical areas, such as sustainable tourism management, ecotourism and environmental protection, emphasizing the field’s evolving focus on sustainability and innovation. Originality/value This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis that uniquely maps the evolution of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, identifying emerging themes and key contributors, which provides valuable insights for future research and industry practices.