Thriving family businesses in tourism and hospitality : a systematic review and a synthesis of the relevant literature

Abstract

Purpose: This contribution appraises previous theoretical underpinnings that are focused on family businesses in tourism and hospitality. It discusses about the opportunities and challenges for their development.

Method: A systematic literature review was carried out through peer reviewed publications that were indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. It relied on the PRISMA protocol to evaluate rigorous articles and reviews. A content analysis sheds light on high impact contributions on “family business” and “tourism” or “hospitality”, that were published since 2010.

Findings: This bibliographic research captured, analyzed and synthesized the findings from previous contributions to identify the factors that are facilitating the growth prospects, long term sustainability and innovative approaches of family businesses within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Originality: Currently, there are just a few contributions that advance relevant knowledge and understanding on the business development of family firms in tourism and hospitality. This research addresses this academic gap as these entities constitute the life blood of tourist destinations in various contexts.