ESG-Based Financial Management and Sustainable Tourism Development: JEL Classification: G32; L83; M14; Q01; Q56

Nicholas Fernando; Melissa Hartono

doi:10.37899/mjde.v3i2.366

Authors

Nicholas Fernando School of Business and Environmental Governance, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Melissa Hartono School of Business and Environmental Governance, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37899/mjde.v3i2.366

Keywords:

Environmental Sustainability, ESG Governance, Financial Management, Governance Accountability, Sustainable Investment, Sustainable Tourism Development

Abstract

This study examines the role of ESG-based financial management in supporting sustainable tourism development. The research aims to analyze how environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and governance accountability influence tourism sustainability and institutional resilience. A qualitative case-study approach was employed through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document analysis involving tourism authorities, tourism business managers, local communities, sustainability consultants, and environmental organizations. The findings reveal that ESG integration significantly influences tourism financial governance through sustainable investment allocation, environmental conservation initiatives, participatory governance, and transparency mechanisms. The study also demonstrates that ESG-oriented financial management strengthens destination competitiveness, stakeholder trust, and long-term tourism resilience. The findings contribute theoretically to sustainable tourism and ESG governance literature while providing practical implications for tourism policymakers, investors, and tourism organizations regarding sustainability-oriented financial planning and governance accountability. The study emphasizes that sustainable tourism competitiveness increasingly depends on collaborative governance, environmental responsibility, and transparent financial management systems.

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