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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

Arun Aggarwal, Vandita Hajra and Vinay Kukreja

To cater to the senior tourist market, it is essential to comprehend the factors motivating and deterring them from international travel post-COVID-19. This study aims to focus on…

Abstract

Purpose

To cater to the senior tourist market, it is essential to comprehend the factors motivating and deterring them from international travel post-COVID-19. This study aims to focus on senior citizens’ destination choice intentions and aims to develop a model that prioritizes positive and negative factors leading to international travel destination choices. It uses push–pull factors, perceived travel risks (PTRs) and perceived travel constraints (PTCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS) are two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques used to identify connections between variables and determine their relative importance in the decision-making model.

Findings

DEMATEL found push and pull factors are “effects” while PTCs and PTRs are “causes” affecting senior citizens’ destination choices. Push factors and PTCs have a greater impact than pull factors and PTRs. Fuzzy TOPSIS highlighted “improving health and wellness” and “self-fulfillment and spirituality” as key push factors, “health safety and security quotient” as the most important pull factor, and “interpersonal constraints” as the most critical PTC. Finally, “health risks” is the top PTR.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the tourism literature by looking at the relationship between senior tourists’ motivation, PTRs and PTCs and showing how the subfactors affect their choice of destination rank. The data analysis techniques used in this study are also novel, having never been used before in senior tourism research. Finally, even though there is a lot of research on senior tourism, not much is known about how Indian senior tourists act. In light of this study’s findings, practical recommendations were offered to tourism stakeholders worldwide, interested in tapping into the market of Indian outbound senior tourists or repositioning product or destination offerings to take this promising market or similar markets into account.

目的

为了成功迎合蓬勃发展的老年旅游市场, 了解激励和阻止老年人国际旅行的因素尤为重要, 尤其是在 COVID-19 之后。本研究侧重于老年人的目的地选择意向, 并基于推拉因素、感知旅行风险 (PTR) 和感知旅行限制 (PTC), 旨在开发影响老年人国际旅游目的地选择的积极和消极因素的模型。

设计/方法/路径

决策试验和评估实验室 (DEMATEL), 和与理想解决方案相似度的模糊偏好顺序 (Fuzzy TOPSIS) 是两种多标准决策 (MCDM) 技术, 用于识别变量之间的联系并找出它们在决策模型中的相对重要性。

发现

DEMATEL的结果表明, 推力和拉力因素是“影响”, 而感知旅行约束(PTC)和感知旅行风险(PTR)是影响老年人目的地选择意愿的因素中的“原因”。推动因素和 PTC 比拉动因素和 PTR 发挥更重要的作用。 Fuzzy TOPSIS分析结果表明, “改善健康”和“自我实现和精神”是推动因素下最重要的因素。此外, 目的地的“健康安全商数”是拉动因素中最重要的, “人际约束”是PTC中最重要的。最后, 研究结果表明, “健康风险”是 PTR 中最重要的。

原创性/价值

本文通过评估旅游动机、PTR 和老年游客 PTC 之间的相互关系, 为现有的旅游文献做出了贡献。此外, 该研究展示了影响老年游客目的地选择意愿的因素中各个子因素的比较优先级。本研究中使用的数据分析技术也很新颖, 以前从未在老年人旅游研究中使用过。最后, 虽然对老年旅游有丰富的研究, 但印度老年旅游者的行为相对不为人知。研究结果向有兴趣进入印度出境老年游客市场或重新定位产品或目的地的全球旅游利益相关者提供了切实可行的建议, 以考虑这个有前景的市场或类似市场。

Objetivo

Para atender a un mercado turístico de la tercera edad, es esencial comprender los factores que les motivan y les disuaden de realizar viajes internacionales tras el COVID-19. Este estudio se centra en las intenciones de elección de destino de las personas mayores y pretende desarrollar un modelo que priorice los factores positivos y negativos que conducen a la elección de un destino de viaje internacional. Utiliza los factores push-pull, los riesgos de viaje percibidos (PTR) y las limitaciones de viaje percibidas (PTC).

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) y Fuzzy Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS) son dos técnicas de toma de decisiones multicriterio (MCDM) utilizadas para identificar las conexiones entre variables y determinar su importancia relativa en el modelo de toma de decisiones.

Resultados

DEMATEL descubrió que los factores de empuje y atracción son “efectos,” mientras que las PTC y las PTR son “causas” que afectan a las elecciones de destino de las personas mayores. Los factores de empuje y los PTC tienen un mayor impacto que los factores de atracción y los PTR. El Fuzzy TOPSIS destacó la “mejora de la salud y el bienestar” y la “autorrealización y espiritualidad” como factores de empuje clave, el “cociente de seguridad y protección de la salud” como el factor de atracción más importante y las “limitaciones interpersonales” como el PTC más crítico. Por último, los “riesgos para la salud” son el principal PTR.

Originalidad/valor

Este artículo se suma a la literatura turística al estudiar la relación entre la motivación de los turistas sénior, los PTR y los PTC y mostrar cómo afectan los subfactores a su elección del destino. Las técnicas de análisis de datos empleadas en este estudio también son novedosas, ya que nunca se habían utilizado en la investigación sobre el turismo senior. Por último, aunque existen muchas investigaciones sobre el turismo sénior, el comportamiento de los turistas de la tercera edad en la India es relativamente desconocido. A la luz de los resultados del estudio, se ofrecen recomendaciones prácticas a las partes interesadas en el turismo de todo el mundo, interesadas en aprovechar el mercado de los turistas senior indios emisores o en reposicionar la oferta de productos o destinos para tener en cuenta este prometedor mercado o mercados similares.

Book part
Publication date: 4 March 2024

Ana Isabel Moniz, Teresa Medeiros, Osvaldo Silva and José Mendes

Senior travelers are an attractive market segment and increasingly participate in an internet-mediated society. This chapter examines the profile of senior tourists who booked…

Abstract

Senior travelers are an attractive market segment and increasingly participate in an internet-mediated society. This chapter examines the profile of senior tourists who booked their trip to the Azores using online travel agencies. The purpose is to analyze their motivation factors based on the travel motivation scale for senior tourists, using 17 items related to the motivations for visiting the destination, and to ascertain whether there are different groups of senior tourists based on sociodemographic characteristics, travel motivations, and experiences performed. Using a structured questionnaire and a sample of senior tourists, three distinct clusters are obtained.

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Kifayat Nahiyan Rafi, Mohammad Osman Gani, Nik Mohd Hazrul Nik Hashim, Muhammad Sabbir Rahman and Mohammad Masukujjaman

Using the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theoretical model, this empirical research aims to examine and validate how tourists’ interactions with 360-degree virtual reality (VR…

Abstract

Purpose

Using the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theoretical model, this empirical research aims to examine and validate how tourists’ interactions with 360-degree virtual reality (VR) videos incorporating Web navigability and visual interface design quality (stimulus) on travel websites can make tourists more engaged and then satisfied (organism), which could make them more likely to visit destinations and spread electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) (response).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the convenience sampling method, 975 responses were collected through a questionnaire. The data were analysed using Smart-PLS 4 software to investigate the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that 360-degree VR videos significantly create Web user engagement, and Web user engagement is significantly associated with Web user satisfaction. The result shows that Web user engagement and satisfaction impact the intention to visit the tourist destination. Additionally, Web user satisfaction impacts e-WOM. Lastly, navigability and visual interface design quality are significantly moderated between 360-degree VR videos and Web user engagement.

Research limitations/implications

This research only examined the tourists’ behavioural intentions with 360-degree VR videos during the pre-travel phase. In contrast, future research may investigate how tourists behave with VR during the on-site and post-travel phases.

Practical implications

Tourism marketers should not only adopt 360-degree VR but also integrate Web navigability and visual interface design to boost Web users’ engagement on tourism websites.

Originality/value

This study advances the study of VR from the tourists’ psychological perspective. Moreover, the SOR theory has been re-examined from the VR and technology tourism perspectives. It provides a general understanding of the behavioural aspects of tourists in developing countries.

目的

利用刺激-有机体反应(SOR)理论模型, 本实证研究检验并验证了游客与旅游网站上结合了网络导航性和视觉界面设计质量(刺激)的360度虚拟现实(VR)视频的互动如何使游客更投入、更满意(有机体), 这可能使他们更有可能访问目的地并传播电子口碑(响应)。

设计/方法

采用方便抽样法, 通过问卷调查收集了975份回复。使用Smart-PLS 4软件对数据进行分析, 以调查假设的关系。

结果

研究结果表明, 360度虚拟现实(VR)视频显著提高了网络用户参与度, 网络用户参与与网络用户满意度显著相关。结果表明, 网络用户参与度和满意度对旅游目的地的访问意愿有影响。此外, 网络用户满意度也会影响电子口碑。最后, 在360度虚拟现实(VR)视频和网络用户参与度之间, 导航性和视觉界面设计质量显著适中。

研究限制/意义

这项研究只考察了游客在旅行前阶段使用360度虚拟现实(VR)视频的行为意图。相比之下, 未来的研究可能会调查游客在现场和旅行后阶段使用虚拟现实(VR)的行为。

实践意义

旅游营销人员不仅应采用360度虚拟现实(VR), 还应将网络导航性和视觉界面设计相结合, 以提高网络用户对旅游网站的参与度。

原创性

本研究从游客的心理角度推进了虚拟现实(VR) 的研究。此外, 还从虚拟现实(VR)和科技旅游的角度重新审视了SOR 理论。它提供了对发展中国家游客行为方面的一般了解。

Objetivo

Utilizando el modelo teórico estímulo-organismo-respuesta (SOR), esta investigación empírica examinó y validó cómo las interacciones de los turistas con los vídeos de RV de 360 grados que incorporan la navegabilidad web y la calidad del diseño de la interfaz visual (estímulo) en los sitios web de viajes pueden hacer que los turistas se sientan más comprometidos y luego satisfechos (organismo), lo que podría hacerles más propensos a visitar los destinos y a difundir el e-WOM (respuesta).

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Utilizando el método de muestreo por conveniencia, se recogieron 975 respuestas a través de un cuestionario. Los datos se analizaron mediante el software Smart-PLS 4 para investigar las relaciones hipotetizadas.

Resultados

Los resultados demuestran que los vídeos de RV de 360 grados generan un compromiso significativo de los usuarios de la web y que el compromiso de los usuarios de la web se asocia significativamente con su satisfacción. El resultado muestra que el compromiso y la satisfacción del usuario web repercuten en la intención de visitar el destino turístico. Además, la satisfacción del usuario web influye en el e-WOM. Por último, la navegabilidad y la calidad del diseño de la interfaz visual son significativamente moderadas entre los vídeos de RV de 360 grados y el compromiso del usuario web.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

Esta investigación sólo examinó las intenciones de comportamiento de los turistas con los vídeos de RV de 360 grados durante la fase previa al viaje. En cambio, en futuras investigaciones se podría estudiar cómo se comportan los turistas con la RV durante las fases in situ y posterior al viaje.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los profesionales del marketing turístico no sólo deberían adoptar la RV de 360 grados, sino también integrar la navegabilidad web y el diseño de la interfaz visual para potenciar el compromiso de los internautas en los sitios web turísticos.

Originalidad

Este estudio avanza en el estudio de la RV desde la perspectiva psicológica del turista. Además, se ha reexaminado la teoría S-O-R desde las perspectivas de la RV y el turismo tecnológico. Proporciona una comprensión general del aspecto conductual de los turistas en los países en desarrollo.

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Ahmed Hamdy and Riyad Eid

This study aims to analyze the moderating roles of familiarity, generation and gender on the impacts of coronavirus fear-uncertainty on the destination image and visiting…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the moderating roles of familiarity, generation and gender on the impacts of coronavirus fear-uncertainty on the destination image and visiting intentions post-COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to provide evidence for a research conclusion by conducting a survey of 431 potential travelers of various nationalities who visited Egypt. The data were examined using structural equation modeling with a multigroup analysis and PROCESS MACRO.

Findings

The findings indicated that the links between coronavirus fear-uncertainty, the destination image and intention to visit were significantly different from one gender and generation group to another. Moreover, it showed that destination familiarity moderates the negative effects of coronavirus fear-uncertainty on the destination image and intention to visit.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the moderating role of destination familiarity, generation and gender in the effects post-COVID-19 of coronavirus fear-uncertainty on the destination image and travelers’ intention to visit using generational cohort theory and gender schema theory.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 June 2024

Noah Hoback, Shu Cole and Jennifer Piatt

Limited research investigates the travel behavior of the retired adult population before retirement and how it changes after retirement. Currently, most of the travel research on…

Abstract

Limited research investigates the travel behavior of the retired adult population before retirement and how it changes after retirement. Currently, most of the travel research on the retired population explores their current travel patterns in retirement. Increased research on travel activity before retirement would allow managers in the tourism industry to better adapt and anticipate the changing needs and demographics of seniors, notably, the various ways this growing population manages travel and specific barriers or concerns they face. The authors examined the changes to the travel patterns – defined as travel frequency, mode of transportation, and geographic location/s (domestic or international) – of those retired traveling before and after retirement. Since retirement is a time of major life change, the authors analyzed how this event impacts travel behavior. This research identified barriers these Baby Boomers and those who are retired experience while traveling, including health, social activities, and financial status, which may impact their travel, the degree to which their travel behavior is affected, and specific environmental and personal factors impacting their travel patterns. This chapter will explore the barriers and motivations to travel for the retired population. Results show that before retirement seniors had less time to travel, obligations at home, and were not interested in as many destinations. After retirement, health barriers negatively impacted an individual’s travel frequency and they were also more concerned about safety while traveling and accessibility to the destinations. After retirement, financial barriers impacted an individual’s domestic travel frequency, with those having lower incomes traveling less. Accessibility to the destination facility and transportation options were major barriers to traveling internationally. Before and after retirement, there was a decrease of 10 percent in international travel.

Details

From Local to Global: Eco-entrepreneurship and Global Engagement with the Environment
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-277-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Zhenda Wei, Xi Yu Leung and Hong Xu

This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of human–pet interaction in pet tourism affecting tourism experiences and daily lives of tourists. The research investigates…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of human–pet interaction in pet tourism affecting tourism experiences and daily lives of tourists. The research investigates the moderating role of pet attachment in this mechanism as well.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the social exchange theory and value co-creation theory, this research develops and empirically tests a theoretical framework of human–pet interaction. Data were collected through an online survey of US tourists who have pet travel experiences. The data were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that emotional value partially mediated the relationship between human–pet interaction and travel intention/quality of life, while social value partially mediated the relationship between human–pet interaction and quality of life. The findings of multi-group analysis suggest that the travel experience of tourists with low (vs high) levels of pet attachment is strengthened by human–pet interaction, leading to favorable outcomes.

Originality/value

This study enriches the empirical evidence on pet tourism experience. This study extends the existing literature by demonstrating the heterogeneity of the relationship between human–pet interaction, co-creation value, quality of life and travel intention of tourists with different pet attachment levels.

目的

本研究旨在探索宠物旅游中人与宠物互动影响游客旅游体验和日常生活的潜在机制。本研究还考察了宠物依恋在这一机制中的调节作用。

设计/方法/途径

基于社会交换理论和价值共创理论, 本研究开发并实证检验了人-宠物互动的理论框架。通过对有宠物旅游经历的美国游客进行在线调查收集数据。采用偏最小二乘法-结构方程模型(PLS-SEM)对数据进行分析。

研究发现

情感价值部分中介了人宠互动与旅游意向/生活质量的关系, 社交价值部分中介了人宠互动与生活质量的关系。多群组分析的结果表明, 低(vs .高)宠物依恋水平的游客的旅游体验因人-宠物互动而得到加强, 从而导致良好的结果。

原创性/价值性

本研究丰富了宠物旅游体验的实证证据。本研究通过论证具有不同宠物依恋水平游客的人-宠互动、共创价值、生活质量和旅游意向之间关系的异质性, 拓展了现有文献。

Propósito

El objetivo de este estudio es explorar el mecanismo subyacente de la interacción humano-mascota en el turismo con mascotas que afecta a las experiencias turísticas y a la vida cotidiana de los turistas. El estudio también examina el papel moderador del apego a las mascotas en este mecanismo.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Basada en la teoría del intercambio social y la teoría de la cocreación de valor, esta Investigación desarrolla y prueba empíricamente un marco teórico de la interacción entre humanos y mascotas. Los datos se recopilaron a través de una encuesta en línea a turistas estadounidenses que han tenido experiencias de viaje con mascotas. Los datos fueron analizados mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales basado en mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS-SEM).

Hallazgos

Los resultados muestran que el valor emocional medió parcialmente la relación entre la interacción humano-mascota y la intención de viajar/calidad de vida, mientras que el valor social medió parcialmente la relación entre la interacción humano-mascota y la calidad de vida. Los resultados del análisis multigrupo sugieren que la experiencia de viaje de los turistas con niveles bajos (vs altos) de apego a las mascotas se ve reforzada por la interacción humano-mascota, lo que conduce a resultados favorables.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio enriquece la evidencia empírica sobre la experiencia del turismo con mascotas. Este estudio amplía la literatura existente al demostrar la heterogeneidad de la relación entre la interacción humano-mascota, el valor de cocreación, la calidad de vida y la intención de viaje de turistas con diferentes niveles de apego a las mascotas.

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Honeyka Mahajan, Aseesdeep Kour and Neelika Arora

Peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA) has witnessed remarkable growth across the globe recently. However, acceptance of P2PA among residents in developing economies is still fraught…

Abstract

Purpose

Peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA) has witnessed remarkable growth across the globe recently. However, acceptance of P2PA among residents in developing economies is still fraught with several challenges. The paper aims to extend the constraint–negotiation framework to examine the motivations, perceived constraints, negotiation strategies and the role of learned helplessness of local residents to host tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire by using cluster random sampling technique. In total, 454 usable questionnaires were collected through on-site research. The structural model was tested by using survey data by applying PLS-SEM 4.0.

Findings

The results suggest that while perceived constraints can inhibit residents from hosting, negotiation strategies can reduce helplessness and encourage residents to host tourists.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study advances P2PA literature by integrating learned helplessness in the constraint–negotiation framework and it offers insights for the P2PA providers as well as policymakers.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study to examine the role of learned helplessness using constraint–negotiation framework in the context of P2PA, thus paving the way to advance P2PA-related research from the residents’ perspective.

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2024

Ermias Kifle Gedecho and Seongseop (Sam) Kim

This study aims to assess extant research streams to delineate new research directions for tourism stakeholders’ mental health and well-being.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess extant research streams to delineate new research directions for tourism stakeholders’ mental health and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of the literature on various topics related to mental health, well-being, memorable experiences, emotions, community well-being, wellness tourism and sustainable development was conducted.

Findings

Several research directions for different research subjects were identified: tourists employees, and the community. For tourists, the research topics included mental health, well-being, memorable experiences and wellness tourism. For research on employees, the focus included their mental health, psychological well-being and negative emotions. In studying the role of tourism in community mental health and well-being, research has explored community well-being and emotional solidarity and used a capital approach. This study discusses several new research directions based on past research trends, global trends and other relevant factors.

Originality/value

This conceptual study can help understand the new holistic research landscape of mental health and well-being.

目的

本研究的目标是评估当前的研究现状, 为旅游相关的心理健康和幸福感确定新的研究方向。

设计/方法论/途径

对关于心理健康、幸福感、难忘体验、情绪、社区幸福感、健康旅游和可持续发展等多个主题的文献进行了全面审阅。

发现

确定了针对不同研究对象的若干研究方向:游客、员工和社区。对于游客, 研究主题包括心理健康、幸福感、难忘体验和健康旅游。对于员工的研究, 重点包括他们的心理健康、心理幸福感和负面情绪。在研究旅游对社区心理健康和幸福感的影响时, 探讨了社区幸福感、情感团结以及资本方法的运用。本研究根据过去的研究趋势、全球动态和其他相关因素, 提出了若干新的研究方向。

原创性/价值

这项概念性研究有助于全面理解心理健康和幸福感的新研究格局。

Propósito

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las corrientes de investigación existentes para delinear nuevas direcciones de investigación para la salud mental y el bienestar de los actores turísticos.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura sobre diversos temas relacionados con la salud mental, el bienestar, las experiencias memorables, las emociones, el bienestar comunitario, el turismo de bienestar y el desarrollo sostenible.

Hallazgos

Se identificaron varias direcciones de investigación para diferentes sujetos de investigación: turistas, empleados y la comunidad. Para los turistas, los temas de investigación incluyeron la salud mental, el bienestar, las experiencias memorables y el turismo de bienestar. Para la investigación sobre los empleados, el enfoque incluyó su salud mental, bienestar psicológico y emociones negativas. Al estudiar el papel del turismo en la salud mental y el bienestar comunitario, la investigación ha explorado el bienestar comunitario y la solidaridad emocional, y ha utilizado un enfoque de capital. Este estudio discute varias nuevas direcciones de investigación basadas en tendencias de investigación pasadas, tendencias globales y otros factores relevantes.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio conceptual puede ayudar a comprender el nuevo panorama holístico de investigación en salud mental y bienestar.

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Fitri Rahmafitria and Regan Leonardus Kaswanto

One of the crucial elements of addressing global climate challenges through urban tourism is the continuing existence of urban forests. The reasoning is that the ecological…

Abstract

Purpose

One of the crucial elements of addressing global climate challenges through urban tourism is the continuing existence of urban forests. The reasoning is that the ecological attraction of urban forests can impact visitors’ intention to conduct pro-environmental behavior, including low-carbon actions. Thus, more visitors to urban forests will positively affect enhancing the quality of the urban environment. However, the extent to which ecological attraction can influence pro-environmental behavior warrants further investigation due to the complexity of psychosocial factors that impact behavioral intention. The main objective of this research is to examine the effects of the ecological attractiveness of urban forests on the pro-environmental behavior of visitors by exploring motivation, ecological experience, perceived value and knowledge as mediators. Moreover, whether the nature of the urban forest and facilities attract visitors simultaneously is also studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 615 respondents who visited three urban forests in Bandung, the second-most populous city in Indonesia, by five-point Likert questionnaires. As an analytical tool, SEM PLS was applied to establish the effect of the ecological performance of the urban forest on the increase in environmentally conscious behavior among urban forest visitors.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the attractiveness of an urban forest affects the growth of environmentally responsible behaviors. Nonetheless, the attractiveness of urban forests is dictated more by their infrastructure than their ecological function. On the contrary, the visitors’ knowledge level can improve their motivation, environmental experience and perceived environmental value. These findings show the significance of developing educational programs with an emphasis on the experience of the visitors so that their ecological performance can contribute to improved low-carbon behavior. In conclusion, this work contributes to the management of sustainable urban tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This work also has some limitations. First, the medium R-square on intention behavior to low-carbon action suggests investigating other influential factors to produce a more robust conscious behavior. Mkono and Hughes (2020) mention that many complex factors that cause positive intention do not necessarily lead to environmental action. Thus, many psychosocial variables need to be explored in different models. Second, the convenient sampling used here does not represent the whole population, making generalization difficult. Thus, further work needs to apply more rigorous sampling techniques to validate the findings. Further investigations may also need to be conducted in other urban forests in another Asian country with a similar and different social context for benchmarking, as this study found that the type of attractive urban forest design is a more dense forest, which differs from other studies based in Europe. Exploring more influencing behavioral factors of pro-environmental action in the model is also suggested. Thus, we could contribute more to support recreational activities in urban forests.

Practical implications

As an implication for planning an urban forest to increase its recreational function, the authors illustrate the importance of producing educational programs. Although the improved knowledge of visitors has been shown to strengthen their commitment to perform pro-environmental actions, the mediating role of motivation, experience and perceived value reveals that some activities are required to achieve visitor motivation to actual behavior. Consequently, designing an urban forest requires not only the enhancement of eco-attractions and artificial elements for the convenience of visitors but also the development of an environmental education program that can improve visitors’ environmental experience and perception of ecological value. The designed educational program may use an experiential education approach incorporating objective knowledge of Earth’s current state. The urban forest education program must encourage visitors’ connection and participation with nature. Moreover, knowledge and information about Earth’s environmental quality can increase visitors’ perceived value, ensuring that their activities in the urban forest contribute to improved health, environmental quality and social environment. Thus, with well-managed and provided education, they are encouraged to adopt low-carbon action because it complements their contribution to a better quality environment.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of this research is generated through the role of urban forest attractiveness in the intention to conduct low-carbon action, which influences solutions to existing urban environmental problems. This work exhibits that both ecological attractiveness and attractiveness of artificial elements in urban forests can attract visitors and subsequently boost their outdoor recreation motivation, ecological experience and perceived value and then turn them to boost their intention to conduct low-carbon action. The physical characteristics of a site are behavioral stimuli that can increase a person’s motivation, experience and perception of the value of the environment, thereby increasing their intention to engage in low-carbon actions. This environment behavioral construction is fundamental in understanding that urban forests offer ecological benefits and influence the social quality of urban communities. Nevertheless, without visitor activity, urban forests are merely physical entities that become increasingly demanding to maintain. Due to this, an urban forest that is socially active and has an influence on promoting environmentally conscious behavior is needed, and its presence is becoming ever more crucial. This work shows the significance of integrating psychosocial approaches into managing tourism in urban forests.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2023

Ana Pinto Borges, Elvira Pacheco Vieira, Paula Rodrigues, António Lopes de Almeida and Ana Sousa

This study aimed to detect the relationships between mindfulness and events participation, and then between the later and psychological empowerment.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to detect the relationships between mindfulness and events participation, and then between the later and psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model's underlying hypotheses were empirically tested with data collected through an online survey addressed to a convenience sample of frequent leisure participants (n = 199). The authors applied the structural equation model (SEM) to confirm the aforementioned relationships. To assess the adequacy of the psychometric properties of the measures, the authors performed a confirmatory factor analysis of the measurement model, with a maximum likelihood estimation method.

Findings

Under the effects of the lockdown period environment, the results express a positive relationship between a mindful state of mind – related to observation/attention – and the yearnings and perceptions about the participation in events. This relationship for consistency was proven to be moderated by the perception of the participation importance to the individual subjective well-being/mental health. Due to participation insights, there was a positive effect on psychological empowerment, supporting the relationship that had been hypothesized.

Originality/value

The authors propose and test a new model that contributes to the theory and examines how mindfulness behavior can effect more alluring and intense participation in events and what are the anticipated outcomes in terms of psychological empowerment.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

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