COVID-19 Pandemic: A Motive for Pro-Environmental Behaviors (Pebs) in the Egyptian Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Abstract

Academics have been curious about what motivates pro-environmental behaviour. However, a few research studies have been conducted to analyse and comprehend the pro-environmental behaviour of those in charge of service and production (employees). The COVID-19 outbreak highlighted this topic, emphasising the significance of employees’ pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) in promoting and maintaining business sustainability. Therefore, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by investigating employees’ PEBs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person and online surveys were used to reach the staff of hotels and travel agencies in Egypt’s most popular tourist areas. The quantitative data were analysed with SPSS 25. The results revealed that employees of the tourism and hospitality industry are exceptionally engaged in PEBs in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the findings indicate that the structure of tourism and hospitality employees’ PEB comprises six factors: operation activities, habits, organisation rules, health, energy-saving, and environment-related activities. However, their behaviour must be guided and improved in three key areas (personal health, organisational rules, and operation activities). According to this study, employees may follow certain practices without understanding their justification or significance. In practice, the study presents recommendations that might increase the industry’s resistance to challenges in improving the pro-environmental behaviour of industry employees.