Factors influencing the level of Social Responsibility of marine tourism companies and restaurants: The island of Fuerteventura

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the factors that affect the level of commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of marine tourism companies and restaurants. This commitment can be conditioned by economic reasons, stakeholder pressure, difficulties in implementing socio-environmentally responsible actions, and adaptation to change, as reflected in the innovative activities of companies, as well as by the degree of collaboration with public and private agents. This study was carried out on the island of Fuerteventura. A Likert scale questionnaire with 39 items was designed to collect the data, which was processed using a combination of factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results show that innovation, stakeholder pressure, and economic reasons have positive effects on companies’ commitment to CSR, while poor collaboration with public and private actors and implementation difficulties have negative effects. Given that this sector is highly regulated and depends on different public authorities to carry out its activity, collaboration with the public administration must be improved to reduce barriers for companies and their activities. Moreover, when an island’s economy depends almost exclusively on tourist activity, it is essential to develop responsible tourism. This requires public authorities that organise and promote sustainable uses of the territory, while encouraging dialogue and facilitating mechanisms for private initiatives, as well as socio-environmentally responsible companies.