This research investigates the dynamics shaping workplace sustainability within the context of the tourism industry, focusing on the relationship between emotional intelligence, task performance, and contextual performance among hotel employees in the Sultanate of Oman. Additionally, the research explores the mediating effect of self-efficacy examining how individuals’ beliefs in their abilities to execute tasks influences the relationship between emotional intelligence and performance outcomes. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from a sample of 76 hotel service employees in Oman. The results showed that emotional intelligence as not significantly related to task performance but significant with contextual performance. However, self-efficacy was found to mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence with task performance and correspondingly with contextual performance. The findings provide insights into the importance of emotional intelligence in enhancing work performance, and the role of self-efficacy as a key factor in this relationship. This research holds significance for organizational leaders, human resource practitioners, and policymakers seeking to optimize employee performance and foster sustainability in the dynamic Oman tourism industry.