Understanding environmentally responsible behavior of tourists at coastal tourist destinations

Abstract

PurposeTourists’ irresponsible behaviours (e.g. damaging flowers, writing and painting on the walls and throwing waste material in the water and around the sea site) damage the coastal environment. The irresponsible behaviour of tourists has raised concerns about the sustainability of the coastal tourism environment. The purpose of this study is to identify and explain the behavioural patterns of tourists that can influence the environmentally responsible behaviours (ERBs) of tourists, particularly in the context of coastal tourism. The study aims to provide a theoretical and practical explanation of destination image and perceived destination value (PDV) in shaping ERB with the mediating role of destination social responsibility (DSR) among tourists at the coastal touring destination.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a quantitative research design and data were gathered from the five beaches in Karachi. Structured equation model was used to analyse the direct and mediating effect while stepwise regression was used to analyse the moderating effect of DSR. The results of the direct effect showed that cognitive image has a significant effect on the affective image, while the insignificant effect on conative image and ERB. While the affective image has a significant effect on conative and ERB, and finally, results showed a significant effect of conative image on ERB. Results of the study revealed that PDV significantly mediated the relationship between cognitive, affective and conative destination image and ERB. Finally, the study’s results revealed that DSR has significantly moderated the relationship between affective, conative destination image, PDV and ERB.FindingsThe results are divided into three categories, direct effect, mediating effect and moderating effect. The results of the direct effect showed that cognitive image has a significant effect on the affective image, while the insignificant effect on conative image and ERB. While affective image has a significant effect on conative and ERB, and finally, results showed a significant effect of conative image on ERB. It is found in the results that PDV significantly mediated the relationship between cognitive, affective and conative destination image and ERB. Finally, the study’s results revealed that DSR has significantly moderated the relationship between affective, conative destination image, PDV and ERB.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, data has been collected from a single geographic area of Pakistan. Therefore, cross-country data are required to compare the ERB of tourists. Second, only local respondents are considered in the study; future studies may include foreign tourists as well. Finally, data has been collected during one month in summer, which may have measured the experience of only summer. The respondent may have different perceived values and destination images during winter. The future study may split data collection into summer and winter to cover diverse perceptions of tourists.Social implicationsIt is almost impossible for coastal destinations to achieve a competitive advantage without attaining sustainable coastal environments. Clean and green beaches and responsible behaviour towards marine mammals can only be achieved through tourists’ ERB. This study has major contributions towards society by reserving the natural environment of coastal areas.Originality/valueThis research will significantly contribute to the existing literature by extending the ERB knowledge through the theoretical lens of cognitive-affective-conative models and social expectancy theory. Moreover, PDV as a mediator and DSR as a moderator will enhance the understanding of ERB and extend the existing literature. Further research has provided a strong understanding of how cognitive, effective and conative image helps in influencing the ERB of tourists. Moreover, research will benefit destination managers and policymakers to enhance the image and perceived value of touring destinations. Finally, this study is a unique attempt to present a comprehensive model which could be applicable to diverse situations and areas.