STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF WATER TREATMENT ENTERPRISES IN EMERGING TOURISM ECONOMIES

Abstract Emerging tourism economies face a distinct set of challenges in managing water treatment systems due to rapid infrastructure expansion, seasonal population fluctuations, heightened public health risks, and strict regulatory requirements. In these environments, water treatment enterprises operate at the intersection of technical engineering, regulatory compliance, and strategic business management. Despite their critical role in sustaining tourism-driven economic growth, the strategic management practices of water treatment firms remain underexplored in academic literature. This study examines how water treatment enterprises in emerging tourism economies develop and implement strategic management frameworks to achieve operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and long-term business sustainability. Drawing on management theory and industry-based practices, the paper analyzes how regulatory pressure, energy efficiency imperatives, and public–private collaboration influence strategic decision-making. Particular attention is given to the transformation of compliance-driven operations into competitive advantages through optimized business models, leadership structures, and process governance. The article contributes to the strategic management literature by positioning water treatment enterprises as hybrid organizations that integrate engineering expertise with entrepreneurial and managerial leadership. It further provides practical insights for business owners, managers, and policymakers seeking to enhance the performance and societal impact of water treatment operations in tourism-intensive regions. By framing water treatment not solely as a technical function but as a strategic business activity, this research highlights pathways for sustainable growth, risk mitigation, and value creation in emerging tourism economies.