Keywords
Circular Economy
Tourism
Small and Medium Enterprises
How to Cite
Accepted 2025-09-11
Published 2025-12-31
Abstract
Purpose. This study explores how the Circular Economy (CE) is conceptualized and implemented in the tourism sector, a service industry still marginally addressed in academic research on circular transitions.
Design/methodology/approach. Through a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis of 64 journal articles, the paper identifies drivers and barriers that influence the CE adoption. These factors are classified into three dimensions: governance, stakeholder relations, and innovation.
Findings. While innovation and stakeholder relations are widely discussed in the literature, governance is significantly underexplored. Moreover, only few studies adopt a comprehensive perspective that integrates all three dimensions.
Practical and social implications. From a managerial standpoint, the study provides insights for aligning internal capabilities with external enablers, especially for SMEs.
Originality of the study. The paper offers an analytical lens for understanding CE practices in service-based industries and stresses the need for more holistic approaches.
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