Impact of Sustainable Tourism Practices on Tourist Satisfaction in Ecotourism Destinations in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of sustainable tourism practices on tourist satisfaction in ecotourism destinations in South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that tourists increasingly prefer destinations that implement eco-friendly practices, such as waste management, conservation efforts, and the use of renewable resources, as these contribute to a positive perception of the destination. Furthermore, sustainable tourism fosters a sense of community involvement, allowing tourists to interact with local cultures and contribute to the economy, which in turn increases their overall satisfaction. Research also highlights that tourists who participate in activities aligned with sustainability such as wildlife conservation or cultural workshops report higher levels of satisfaction, driven by meaningful and unique experiences. Overall, sustainable practices not only enhance the ecological integrity of ecotourism destinations but also elevate the quality of tourist experiences, leading to greater satisfaction and repeat visits. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social exchange theory (SET), expectancy-disconfirmation theory and theory of planned behavior may be used to anchor future studies on assessing impact of sustainable tourism practices on tourist satisfaction in ecotourism destinations in South Africa. Tourism operators should develop and implement training programs focused on sustainable practices for all stakeholders involved in ecotourism. Governments and policymakers should develop and enforce regulations that support sustainable tourism practices within ecotourism destinations.