Strategic Sustainability in Design-Led Geosites

This study explores how sustainability is strategically embedded within architectural firms operating in tourismlinked geosite contexts. It reframes sustainability not merely as an environmental responsibility, but as a driver of regiona l competitiveness and human capital development. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing survey data from 182 professionals across the architecture and construction sectors. Analytical procedures included descriptive statistics, reliab ility testing, factor analysis, and multiple regression via SPSS. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to validate the proposed conceptual framework and test key hypotheses. The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between sustainable practices and employee outcomes, particularly satisfaction and performance. Sustainability, redefined as a multidimensional construct encompassing employee engagement, workplace wellbeing, and organizational agility, emerged as a strategic asset. These findings highlight its role in fostering organizational resilience and talent retention, especially in regions where geosite development and tourism infrastructure demand adaptability and innovation. By focusing on the internal dynamics of sustainability, this study offers actionable insights for design-led firms and policymakers aiming to strengthen geotourism ecosystems. It contributes to the literature by demonstrating how employee-centered sustainability mechanisms can enhance both organizational performance and territorial value in tourism-driven environments

Adaptability · Conceptual model · Human capital · Psychological resilience · Structural equation modeling · Sustainability · Tourism · Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation · Spatial Cognition and Navigation · Therapeutic Uses of Natural Elements