Abstract
Background
Croatia’s hotel industry faces persistent labour shortages and a rising reliance on foreign workers, underscoring the importance of structured workplace integration and measurable social outcomes.
Objective
This paper proposes a sector-specific framework for social impact and integration aligned with EU sustainability directives and leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
Approach
Drawing on literature and insights from three Croatian hotel leaders, we synthesise integration practices and map them to relevant indicators.
Results
We identify actionable metrics and governance levers that improve employee satisfaction, retention, and community cohesion.
Implications
The framework supports transparent ESG reporting and practical workforce strategies for sustainable tourism growth. In addition, the study makes a conceptual contribution by linking workforce integration practices to ESG reporting requirements, and a practical contribution by offering a structured indicator set tailored to the hospitality sector. This positions the paper as a conceptual, case-informed research article with both academic and managerial relevance.