Continuous Improvement of Hotel Services in Light of Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study in Holy Karbala

Abstract

This research highlights the role of sustainable local development in the continuous improvement of the hotel services sector in the Holy Governorate of Karbala during the period (2010–2017). The significance of the study stems from the governorate's profound geographical, historical, and religious standing, which makes it a fertile environment for attracting and employing tourism investments to elevate economic and social standards. The research aims to achieve balanced local development through the equitable distribution of investments. Statistical analyses have revealed a positive and notable upward trend in hotel demand, alongside an increase in the number of incoming tourists. The results have validated the hypothesis that sustainable local development within the tourism sector plays a fundamental role in achieving balance and upgrading the quality of hotel accommodation to absorb the growing tourist influx.