United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Zero Waste in the Hospitality Sector: A Case Study on Circular Economy Practices

Abstract

The hospitality sector significantly impacts environmental sustainability, necessitating the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) on zero waste. This bibliometric study examines research trends, publication patterns, and thematic developments in circular economy practices in hotel and resort operations from 2015 to 2025. Using the Scopus database, this study identifies influential authors, journals, institutions, and key research themes shaping the discourse on CE and waste management in the hospitality industry. The findings underscore growing academic attention toward sustainable waste management practices, digital transformation, and policy frameworks that advance zero waste goals. Co-authorship networks and keyword linkages reveal the evolving research landscape, highlighting emerging themes such as smart waste management, closed-loop systems, and green hospitality innovations. This study contributes to the systematic mapping of CE research in hospitality, identifying knowledge gaps and suggesting future directions for academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable operations and minimise waste.