Green Innovation and Competitiveness of Chinese Hospitality Enterprises: Evidence from Regional Clusters

Green innovation has become an essential driver of competitiveness in the global hospitality industry, particularly in rapidly developing economies such as China. This study explores the relationship between green innovation and competitiveness among hospitality enterprises in China, with special attention to the role of regional industrial clusters. Drawing upon peer-reviewed literature, official reports, and recent empirical studies (2015–2025), the paper identifies how eco-innovation practices—such as energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable supply chains—enhance operational performance, brand reputation, and long-term resilience. The analysis reveals that enterprises embedded in regional clusters (e.g., Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, Hainan) exhibit stronger adoption of green innovation due to knowledge spillovers, government incentives, and collaboration among firms. However, barriers remain, including financing constraints, fragmented regulation, and uneven diffusion of digital technologies. Policy and managerial recommendations are proposed to strengthen green innovation ecosystems, foster cross-regional collaboration, and align hospitality enterprises with China’s national carbon neutrality goals.