Analysis of mechanisms for enhancing the competitiveness of regional hotel chains through optimization of energy resource costs

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by the growing tariffs for energy resources, increasing energy intensity of hotel infrastructure, the necessity to ensure the financial stability of enterprises, and the need to adapt the hotel business to modern economic and technological challenges. It has been established that energy costs constitute one of the most significant components of operating expenses in hotel enterprises and directly affect profitability, pricing policy, investment opportunities, and the competitive positions of regional hotel chains. The purpose of the study is to analyze the mechanisms for strengthening the competitiveness of regional hotel chains through the optimization of energy resource costs and to substantiate the directions for improving energy management systems in the hotel sector. Methods. The study employed methods of theoretical generalization, system analysis, comparison, structural-functional approach, and analytical assessment of economic processes in the hospitality sector. Results. The influence of energy costs on the operational efficiency of hotel business enterprises has been investigated, and the relationship between the level of energy efficiency, financial stability, and competitive adaptability of hotel chains has been identified. The expediency of applying comprehensive organizational and economic mechanisms for energy resource management has been substantiated, including the implementation of digital energy consumption monitoring, modernization of engineering infrastructure, automation of climate control systems, and the use of energy service financing models. It has been revealed that the main problems in implementing energy-saving technologies remain the high capital intensity of modernization, technical deterioration of engineering systems, insufficient digitalization, and limited investment opportunities of regional enterprises. Conclusions. It has been proved that improving energy efficiency contributes to reducing operating costs, stabilizing financial flows, improving the quality of resource management, and creating additional competitive advantages in the hospitality sector. Prospects for further research are related to the development of adaptive energy management models for regional hotel chains, the assessment of the effectiveness of digital energy consumption management systems, and the study of the potential of alternative energy sources in the hotel sector.