Innovation strategies differences in hotel chains vs. independent hotels: Ultimate impact on sustainable competitive advantage

Purpose – In the wake of COVID-19, the management of innovation has become of considerable interest, especially in tourism and hospitality. Belonging to a hotel chain is one of the variables that can be decisive in the management of hotel innovations, and which has not been studied extensively in academic literature. Furthermore, understanding the ultimate impact of these innovations on sustainable competitive advantage is also critical. explore the influence of dynamic capabilities on hotel innovations by understanding the role of the hotel chain, as well as the impact of innovations on sustainable competitive advantage. Methodology – The hotel sector in Spain is a highly competitive industry that has been hit hard by COVID-19. We analyze data collected in a survey addressed to managers of 3- to 5-star hotels in Spain through structural equation modelling using SmartPLS. Findings – Our empirical results point out the positive influence of dynamic capabilities on hotel innovations highlighting the positive influence of hotel chain membership. In addition, the positive and significant effect of hotel innovations on sustainable competitive advantage is demonstrated. Originality of the research – This paper extends the existing literature, providing empirical evidence on how hotel innovations influence hotels’ sustainable competitive advantages