INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND STRATEGIC GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING ESG REPORTING AT UKRAINIAN RECREATIONAL ENTERPRISES

Abstract

Introduction. In modern conditions of globalization and intensifying competition in the global market, the hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increased attention of society and investors to sustainable development issues. Traditional financial metrics no longer ensure a comprehensive assessment of business performance, which actualizes the role of non-financial reporting. The implementation of innovative approaches to information disclosure based on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria is becoming a strategic management tool. At the same time, under the influence of strict European regulatory requirements, in particular the EU Directive 2022/2464 (CSRD), there is an evolution from voluntary information sharing to standardized and verified reporting. In Ukraine, this process is at an embryonic stage, creating an institutional gap between domestic practices and global trends, which necessitates the substantiation of adaptive models for the national recreational sector.

Aim. The aim of the study is to theoretically substantiate and systematize the international experience of ESG reporting in the hotel and recreational industry and, based on this, to develop a step-by-step model for implementing non-financial reporting for Ukrainian recreational enterprises to enhance their competitiveness and investment attractiveness.

Materials and Methods. The research materials include: 1) regulatory acts of the EU and Ukraine governing non-financial reporting issues (CSRD, the Law of Ukraine "On Accounting and Financial Reporting in Ukraine"); 2) international sustainable development standards (GRI, SASB, ESRS); 3) public non-financial reports of six leading transnational hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott International, Accor, IHG, Hyatt, Radisson) for the period 2023-2025; 4) scientific works of domestic and foreign authors in the field of business ESG transformation. In the research process, the following scientific methods were used: theoretical generalization and comparative analysis (to study the reporting models of global hotel corporations); abstract-logical and deductive methods (to identify industry specific features and barriers to ESG practices implementation); modeling method and systems approach (to develop a three-stage model of non-financial reporting implementation in Ukraine).

Results. The scientific article provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of ESG reporting models of leading global hotel groups, determines their methodological advantages (integrated approach, double materiality, scenario analysis of risks) and weaknesses (Scope 3 challenges, franchising constraints). A significant gap has been identified between international practice and the state of non-financial disclosure in the recreational sector of Ukraine, where full-scale reporting is currently absent due to legal uncertainty and methodological complexities. The author's model of ESG reporting implementation at domestic recreational enterprises is substantiated, consisting of three consecutive stages: preparatory (implementation of basic certifications such as Green Key), formative (preparation of voluntary simplified reports using industry guides), and integration (transition to full-format verified reporting according to ESRS standards).

Perspectives. In further scientific research, it is proposed to focus attention on the development of a detailed methodological toolkit for the collection and verification of non-financial data (especially environmental and social dimensions), taking into account the specifics of the operations of health resorts and hotel establishments of Ukraine during the post-war recovery period.