Table 2.

Manager’s takeaway: applying the 3Es in hospitality, tourism and recreation

SectorEfficiencyEffectivenessEquityInsight
Hospitality• Use artificial intelligence-driven tools for inventory, pricing and staffing optimization• Focus on empathetic, responsive service and personalized guest experiences• Offer flexible booking and payment options for diverse guestsManagers should balance short-term cost efficiency with long-term brand equity, employee satisfaction and sustainability goals. A holistic approach to the 3Es strengthens firms’ competitive positioning and societal value
• Ensure wage equity and inclusive hiring practices
• Maintain high service standards via mystery shopping, real-time feedback and brand strategy
• Streamline service delivery through smart supply chains and stakeholder collaboration
• Source locally and support green building initiatives to promote community well-being
• Encourage sustainability through smart nudges and tailored packages
• Conduct regular brand audits and quality checks
Tourism Transparently implement dynamic pricing to optimize demand and revenue Personalize experiences using real-time data and dynamic packaging• Prioritize accessibility for vulnerable populations through inclusive infrastructure and servicesTourism managers should align technological innovation with cultural sensitivity and environmental care. A 3Es-driven approach fosters resilient, inclusive destinations that hold lasting value for visitors and host communities
• Leverage economies of scale and smart packaging tools for resource efficiency• Invest in cultural events and local storytelling to deepen visitor engagement
• Engage residents in tourism planning and benefit-sharing
• Integrate smart tourism technologies to enhance destination responsiveness• Support indigenous and community-based tourism to preserve cultural heritage and expand participation
• Use intelligent systems to streamline operations and manage tourist flows
Recreation• Implement cost accounting systems and track facility use to optimize resource allocation• Design services to deliver meaningful community outcomes, not just program outputs•Develop inclusive pricing strategies to serve economically vulnerable groupsRecreation managers should view their work not just as service provision but as a vehicle for community well-being and environmental stewardship. By embedding the 3Es into planning, funding and programming, recreation leaders can advance inclusion, resilience and shared public value
• Ensure accessible design and program participation across age, ability, race and income
• Integrate heritage programming and participatory planning to foster engagement
• Build partnerships with private-sector providers to increase reach and reduce redundancy
• Promote environmental practices that enhance public health and ecosystem resilience
• Prioritize environmental justice by tracking and addressing disparities in recreational access and landscape quality
• Diversify revenue sources through sponsorships, leases and user fees
Source(s): Developed by the authors

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal