Tradition in Transition: Exploring Organizational Dynamics and Strategies in Small Hotels

In the evolving hospitality industry, small hotels confront challenges amidst digitalization, sustainability, and shifting tourist behaviors. This paper examines organizational dynamics in Bellaria - Igea Marina, an Italian seaside destination. Employing historical insights and organizational analysis, it explores strategies used by small hotels. A survey of 140 managers, complemented by interviews, reveals a blend of tradition and innovation. Family ownership, local entrepreneurship, and strategic adaptation are prominent. Despite hurdles like generational transitions, small hotels exhibit resilience, offering insights for sustained competitiveness. This study contributes to hospitality management literature, illuminating the interplay between tradition and innovation and proposing strategies for addressing organizational challenges.