Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Kumaun University Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
Abstract
The hospitality sector in wildlife tourism destinations requires managers to balance service excellence, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility. This study examines the managerial competency profiles of hotel managers operating in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, one of India’s leading wildlife tourism destinations. Using an exploratory mixed-method design, data were collected from 190 managers employed in 14 star-rated hotels. The study utilised a structured questionnaire comprising 35 validated items mapped across five competency domains: Cognitive, Functional, Social, Meta, and Environmental Behaviour Competencies. Descriptive analysis revealed consistently high levels of cognitive, functional, social, and meta competencies, with Meta Competencies—particularly self-awareness, self-efficacy, and achievement orientation—emerging as the strongest domain. Social and cognitive competencies were also well developed, supporting communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. However, Environmental Behaviour Competencies ranked significantly lower, indicating limited proficiency in areas such as energy and water management, carbon reduction, and conservation practices. The Friedman Test confirmed statistically significant differences among competency domains (?² = 128.462, p < .001). The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen sustainability-focused competencies among hotel managers to align hospitality operations with ecological conservation imperatives. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, hotel owners, and training institutions in fostering sustainable hospitality management in protected areas.
Keywords: Managerial Competencies, Wildlife Tourism, Hotel Managers, Sustainability, Jim Corbett National Park
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