Managing the invisible: the role of air quality in the hospitality industry

Purpose This paper aims to critically reflect on the relevance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in the hospitality industry and propose future research pathways. This study extracts four main perspectives from the literature about the impact of IAQ – i.e. premise, employees, customers and business – and illustrates the importance of this issue in the post-pandemic and broader sustainability context. Design/methodology/approach Based on a semi-systematic literature review, this study clusters a comprehensive body of research in two ways: first through an analysis of keyword co-occurrence patterns and second through an alignment with the three pillars of sustainability. Thus, this paper identifies relevant streams of literature to outline the current impact of IAQ in the hospitality sector. This study discusses and synthesizes several management theories to identify future research directions and propose effective IAQ management strategies. Findings Despite the post-pandemic attention to health issues in indoor environments, IAQ remains under-researched in the hospitality management literature. Inadequate IAQ can lead to health consequences, either acute or chronic, that negatively affect guest satisfaction and loyalty; thus, an effective IAQ management can enhance a hotel’s reputation and attract eco-conscious customers. Technological solutions, such as sensors and smart heating venting and air conditioning systems, may improve IAQ while ensuring energy efficiency and cost management. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a semi-systematic literature review, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. This study outlines several pathways for future research, including longitudinal studies, cross-cultural comparisons and empirical assessments of the economic and behavioral impacts of IAQ improvements in hospitality premises. Originality/value This paper thoroughly examines IAQ within the hospitality industry, connecting the topic with broader sustainability and management frameworks. It provides a roadmap for future research that can support the scientific conversation at both the academic and managerial levels, ideally leading to the development of effective IAQ management strategies.