Breaking waves of innovation: lean and green pathways for organisational sustainability in ecotourism.

Abstract

The ecotourism industry is one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. Yet, research on its business and operational strategies remains limited. Lean and Green, an evolution of Lean philosophy, combines operational efficiency with environmental responsibility to deliver a holistic management approach. Therefore, this study aims to examine how Lean and Green can support organisational sustainability in ecotourism. A systematic literature review (SLR) identified relevant practices and their impacts on the triple bottom line (TBL). These findings informed the development of a Lean and Green Impact Matrix, mapping contributions across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. This framework offers a theoretical pathway for achieving sustainability in ecotourism and practical guidance for its application. The study deepens a theoretical understanding of Lean and Green within the ecotourism context. It lays the groundwork for future research into its practical implementation and contribution to sustainable organisational performance.