Emerging tourism economies face a distinct set of challenges in managing water treatment systems due to 
rapid infrastructure expansion, seasonal population fluctuations, heightened public health risks, and strict 
regulatory requirements. In these environments, water treatment enterprises operate at the intersection of 
technical engineering, regulatory compliance, and strategic business management. Despite their critical 
role in sustaining tourism-driven economic growth, the strategic management practices of water treatment 
firms remain underexplored in academic literature. This study examines how water treatment enterprises 
in emerging tourism economies develop and implement strategic management frameworks to achieve 
operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and long-term business sustainability. Drawing on 
management theory and industry-based practices, the paper analyzes how regulatory pressure, energy 
efficiency imperatives, and public–private collaboration influence strategic decision-making. Particular 
attention is given to the transformation of compliance-driven operations into competitive advantages 
through optimized business models, leadership structures, and process governance. The article contributes 
to the strategic management literature by positioning water treatment enterprises as hybrid organizations 
that integrate engineering expertise with entrepreneurial and managerial leadership. It further provides 
practical insights for business owners, managers, and policymakers seeking to enhance the performance 
and societal impact of water treatment operations in tourism-intensive regions. By framing water treatment 
not solely as a technical function but as a strategic business activity, this research highlights pathways for 
sustainable growth, risk mitigation, and value creation in emerging tourism economies.