Exploring the evolution of energy research in hospitality: Mapping knowledge trends, insights, and frontiers

Abstract

In view of the lack of knowledge concerning the evolution, hotspots, and frontiers of energy research in the hospitality industry, this paper explores the development of energy research and knowledge in the hospitality industry by conducting information mining and knowledge mapping using bibliometric analysis of publications obtained from the Web of Science. Our findings demonstrate that (1) interdisciplinary research combining natural science and social science is essential for advancing the field of hotel energy consumption. (2) The knowledge base shifted from engineering and architecture to hotel management and social science, with early hotspots including building refrigeration systems and thermal storage devices, while the energy-saving behavior of stakeholders is a new frontier. (3) Since 2006, hotspots have shifted from energy performance and accounting to energy consumption benchmark formulation, carbon emission accounting, and customer green behavior, indicating high integration and future research trends. The results of this study provide a fundamental framework for researchers to investigate energy-related aspects in the hospitality industry. Our findings demonstrate the need for interdisciplinary research, highlighting that hotel management must integrate natural and social sciences to develop effective energy-saving strategies, reduce energy consumption, and minimize carbon emissions.