2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Evans Okemwa Achuti, Yobes Benjamin Nyaboga, Erick Onsongo and Omare Mongare

abstract
This study examines the influence of benchmarking practices on the sustainability of family owned tourism businesses in Mahe Island, Seychelles. Although the Seychelles Tourism Department aspires to lead sustainable tourism by 2033, there is a lack of evidence on how benchmarking influences sustainability. A descriptive survey research design guided by Transformational Leadership Theory was employed. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 253 business owners, CEOs, and managers in the Seychelles tourism sector, achieving an 80.6% response rate. The data were analyzed using simple regression analysis. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between benchmarking practices and sustainability, with benchmarking explaining 35.3% of the observed variation in sustainability (R² = 0.353, p < 0.05). The study identified a strong positive correlation between benchmarking practices and sustainability (? = 0.765, p < 0.000). Respondents agreed on the significance of strategic alignment, resilience enhancement, industry best practices, and maintaining a competitive edge through benchmarking (M = 4.3903, SD = 0.6484). The study rejected the null hypothesis, concluding that benchmarking practices significantly affect the sustainability of family owned tourism businesses on Mahé. These results align with the existing literature, highlighting the importance of benchmarking in enhancing sustainability through strategic alignment, resilience building, adoption of best practices, and maintaining a competitive edge. This study recommends a comprehensive approach to sustainability, focusing on these key areas to ensure the long-term success of family owned tourism enterprises in the Seychelles.