Tourism Sector Research Articles

Investigating the growth trends of LGBTQ Travelers in Thailand's Tourism Industry

This research identifies the growth trends of LGBTQ travelers in Thailand's tourism industry, trying to fill the important gap in the empirical knowledge about the impact this demographic and their preferences have. This study used an interpretive field study approach within a qualitative paradigm with interviews and participant observation in assessing motivations, behavior, and experiences of LGBTQ tourists within Thailand. This research answers some key questions about the scope of LGBTQ travel, growth patterns, how organizations are responding for inclusivity, and strategies to attract this market segment. Useful insights for stakeholders in the tourism sector will be sought from this study by analyzing the travel behavior and preferences, as well as emerging trends in tourism. These findings will contribute to the academic discourse on tourism inclusion but will also have real-life implications for the development of marketing strategies, improvement in destination management, and the development of a more tolerant society. This research, once and for all, is supposed to bring into focus a substantial opportunity lying in LGBTQ tourism in Thailand and is going to accentuate the pressing need for providing tailored inclusive travel experiences that would impress diverse desires and aspirations among LGBTQ people. Given that this exploration is necessary, it will foreground the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of LGBTQ tourism within the entire Thai tourism milieu. Conversely, by investigating the motivation for travel among the LGBTQ market segment, this research study will also highlight the unique experiences and viewpoints of LGBTQ tourists while adding to the increasingly complex understanding of this growing market segment. This study will also examine the barriers and challenges that LGBTQ visitors face while traveling in Thailand, and it will also investigate what can be done to make them feel welcome. Practical recommendations for effective targeting and catering to the vibrant market segment will be made by analyzing recent tourism trends and preferences of the LGBTQ traveler. Therefore, tourism by LGBTQ people can have economic impacts, cultural exchange, and tolerance of society. Additionally, extra insight into special needs and desires of tourists will be needed to complement fulfilling and inclusive experiences with which Thailand is establishing its reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly destination. This study will delve deep into the nuances and complexity of LGBTQ tourism in Thailand through an in-depth interview and participant observation study. A study of this nature would add to the growing body of knowledge in terms of the impact and preferences of this demographic and facilitate a more responsive and responsible tourism industry that would have great benefits for LGBTQ tourists and society in general.

Are public disease outbreaks still relevant to tourists’ decisions about using shared mobility?

ABSTRACT This research note investigates how potential public health crises affect shared mobility use by tourists. Using mixed methods, it extends the Protection Motivation Theory and Usage Situation Theory by exploring how trust and risk management influence usage intentions among current users and non-users of shared mobility services. Its qualitative analysis reveals the importance of tailored communication and transparency from service providers to foster trust and encourage adoption. Its quantitative ones indicate that experienced users emphasise coping mechanisms, whilst non-users are more swayed by perceived threats. Although COVID-19 restrictions have eased, work of this kind will remain relevant as the tourism sector adapts to enduring changes and prepares for potential future crises. By offering strategies to enhance shared mobility resilience during health emergencies, this study provides valuable guidance for tourism, hospitality and mobility stakeholders navigating an uncertain time.

Energizing the future: Unleashing the potential of innovative waste-to-energy technologies for energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural heritage, faces a looming energy crisis rooted in the detrimental over-reliance on fossil fuels and the underutilization of substantial waste resources that lie dormant. The article investigates multifaceted relationship between six independent variables: landfill gas recovery and anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, biogas production, biodiesel production, ethanol production and syngas fermentation and one dependent variable: energy development and sustainability. In this study, a quantitative methodology was adopted, involving the gathering of data from 519 stakeholders in the tourism supply chain through a simple random sampling technique, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The distribution of questionnaires was facilitated through Google Forms, and the data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. Statistical findings indicate direct significant relationship between variables, and t-statistic values all hypotheses were all greater than the threshold of 1.96, ranging from a minimum of 2.911 to a maximum of 9.431. These findings underscore the robustness of the relationships between the waste-to-energy technologies and energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector. This empirical evidence highlights the substantial potential for these innovative technologies to play a pivotal role in mitigating the energy crisis and fostering sustainable energy development.

Perceptions and challenges of blockchain adoption in tourism industry: a study on trust, privacy and security

Purpose This study aims to investigate the perceptions of service providers in the travel and hospitality industry toward the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT), focusing on its impact on consumer experiences and expectations, especially in terms of trustworthiness and the management of privacy and security concerns. Design/methodology/approach The research used a quantitative methodology, collecting data from 135 industry practitioners across five tourism sectors (lodging, connected industries, entertainment, FandB, transportation) in Europe. This approach aimed to understand the diverse perspectives on the benefits and challenges of implementing BCT in their opera Findings The results indicate mixed perceptions regarding blockchain adoption. While there are positive views on BCT’s potential to enhance customer experience and service quality, there are significant concerns about its impact on trust and security. A consensus exists between customer and provider perspectives on BCT’s trustworthiness, but significant differences were observed in views on privacy and security enhancement. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the service providers’ and customers’ perspectives on BCT within the travel and hospitality industry. It underscores the complexities of adopting new technologies and calls for more in-depth studies to address the identified concerns, thereby offering a novel viewpoint on the adoption of distributed ledger technologies in enhancing customer experience and service delivery.

A Systematic Literature Review: Emotional Intelligence, Positive Affect, and Customer Satisfaction in Tourism

Objective: To perform a rigorous systematic review of the literature, with the aim of identify the most relevant studies on emotional intelligence and positive affect and their relationship with customer satisfaction in the tourism industry, and a bibliometric analysis of scientific production to lay the foundations of such relationships. Theoretical Framework: This paper presents the key concepts and theories that underpin the research. Emotional intelligence, positive affect and customer satisfaction in the tourism industry are highlighted to provide a solid basis for understanding the context of the research. Method: The methodology used in this research is based on the Constructivist Knowledge Development Process (Proknow-C), which facilitates the organisation of a systematic literature review to select and analyse bibliographical references and generate the necessary knowledge. Results and Discussion: The resulting portfolio of 17 relevant articles in line with the object of the study made it possible to identify the main approaches proposed by the authors on this subject. In essence, the review of the literature showed a clear consensus on the relationship between the emotional intelligence and positive affect of service providers and customer satisfaction in the tourism industry. Research Implications: This research is useful for the academic community in conducting significant and relevant research on the study axes, laying the foundations to continue advancing in future lines of research. In addition, the results are profitable from a professional standpoint. Organizations in the tourism sector may reflect on and promote best practices in developing emotional and positive affect skills among their service staff given their influence on customer satisfaction. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature as scientific research on this subject remains scarce. Furthermore, the results can have an impact on the performance of tourism businesses and thus on the economic development of the destination.

Sustainable Urban Tourism Development in Doha: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Stewardship

This study investigates the development of sustainable urban tourism in Doha, Qatar, with a focus on balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship. The research explores the integration of sustainable practices within Doha’s tourism sector, the implementation of key policies such as the Qatar National Vision 2030, and the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on tourism and sustainability efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with 30 key stakeholders and quantitative data analysis, the findings reveal that while Doha has made substantial progress in areas such as resource management and green infrastructure development, challenges remain—particularly in retrofitting older buildings and enforcing sustainability standards. The FIFA World Cup 2022 acted as a catalyst for sustainable practices, but the long-term success of these efforts depends on continued investment and policy enforcement. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and tourism officials working to promote sustainable urban tourism in rapidly developing cities.

Analyzing Barriers to Innovation Management Implementation in Sustainable Tourism Using DEMATEL Method

The integration of sustainable practices in tourism is increasingly critical, given the sector’s substantial environmental and social impacts. Although the need for innovation management to promote sustainable tourism is widely recognized, various barriers hinder its effective implementation. This study employs the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology to systematically examine these barriers, identifying their interconnections and assessing their broader implications. The findings indicate that a short-term focus and financial constraints are the primary effect barriers to implementing innovation management in sustainable tourism. Their prominence as endpoints in the flow of impact within the model of interconnected barriers developed in this study underscores the need to further address the deeper, cause-related barriers that propagate these effects, such as inadequate leadership support, resistance to change, poor stakeholder communication and collaboration, insufficient knowledge and skills, and restrictive regulatory policies. Additionally, industry-specific challenges like a fragmented industry structure and fluctuating market conditions exacerbate these difficulties. Therefore, a comprehensive, holistic approach is essential for transitioning the tourism sector towards sustainable practices through innovation management and overcoming inherent financial and strategic barriers. This study advocates adopting the recently published Management System Standard ISO 56001:2024 as a structured innovation management framework capable of systematically and holistically mitigating these barriers. By analyzing the cause-and-effect relationships among the identified barriers, this study ultimately provides valuable insights that aid stakeholders—including policymakers, business leaders, and community representatives—in devising more effective, inclusive, and forward-thinking approaches to innovation in sustainable tourism. This is crucial for fostering a tourism sector that is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally responsible and socially equitable.

Peran Masyarakat Lokal dalam Pengelolaan Daya Tarik Wisata Alam Arung Jeram Papulangi Kabupaten Gorontalo Uatar

Currently tourism activities in Indonesia are experiencing rapid development, this can be seen from the various regions in Indonesia developing tourist destinations in their respective regions. In Law Number 10 of 2009 which states that the existence of tourist attractions in an area will be very profitable, including improving people's standard of living, expanding employment opportunities, increasing Regional Original Income (PAD), then increasing love for the environment and preserving nature and local culture. The existence of the tourism sector in a region can have both positive and negative impacts. However, basically it depends on the management and management of tourism played by all stakeholders from government, private sector and community elements in the area. Achieving the goals and mission of good, sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism development will be possible if the achievement process can be carried out through good tourism governance. (good tourism governance). The principle of implementing good tourism governance is the coordination and synchronization of programs between existing stakeholders and the involvement of synergistic (integrated and mutually reinforcing) active participation between the government, private sector or tourism industry and the relevant local communities.

Determinants of Tax Avoidance Intentions in Tourism SMEs: The Mediating Role of Coercive Power, Digital Transformation, and the Moderating Effect of CSR

Tax compliance and avoidance are critical issues for governments and businesses worldwide, especially as businesses often use legal methods to minimize taxes, which can impact public revenue and equity within the tax system. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing tax avoidance behaviors among SMEs in Greece’s tourism sector, a sector that has received limited research attention. To this end, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to explore potential factors influencing tax avoidance behavior. Data were collected from 534 SME managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of key factors and their interrelationships, including coercive power, digital transformation, tax knowledge, firm performance, and perceived fairness, on tax avoidance. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was included as a moderator variable, while coercive power and digital transformation were assessed as mediators. Furthermore, Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) was conducted to explore the differences between small and medium enterprises, as well as different ownership structures. The results indicate that all key determinants, except perceived fairness, are significantly and positively related to tax avoidance intention. Additionally, it was revealed that coercive power increases tax avoidance through firm performance and tax knowledge, while digital transformation mediates the influence of firm performance on tax avoidance by curtailing avoidance intentions. While CSR mitigates the negative influence of coercive power, digital transformation has a dual role: that of promoting transparency and strategic efforts to reduce the tax burden. These findings have important policy implications, as policymakers seek to promote digital adoption and enhance CSR engagement while formulating specific regulatory strategies to reduce tax avoidance among SMEs.

Ghaslah: Car wash application

It is known in Oman and many countries that technological devices and artificial intelligence have become a part of daily life. People use them to complete daily tasks and communicate among themselves, as well as facilitating some tasks that require time and effort. Therefore, there are many phone applications that have been developed to serve people, and they were created and developed by Omanis. These applications facilitate the promotion of the tourism, economic, and commercial sectors. Some of them support tourism by showing tourist places and introducing them to tourists, and some show important events in the Sultanate. Which tourists love to go to and supports the economy through the financial returns that result from this trade through these applications. In this project, we proposed creating a mobile application titled Ghaslah. It is an application concerned with car washes. It supports the customer and the owners of car wash companies. It enables the customer to choose the appropriate car wash company and choose the best services that the customer needs. It also supports segments of society, including women, the elderly, and people with special needs in particular. It supports car wash companies by displaying the services provided by the companies at the lowest costs in terms of advertising and other things, enabling companies to provide their services such as reservations and home services. This application will enhance the economic aspect in Oman and the owners of car wash companies and satisfy the customers with services that suit their needs.

Pengaruh Sektor Pariwisata terhadap Pengangguran di Provinsi Bali

The tourism sector plays an important role in the economy of Bali Province. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of the number of tourist visits and length of stay on unemployment in Bali Province. This research design uses an associative quantitative method which aims to determine the relationship between the number of tourist visits and length of stay on the number of unemployed in Bali Province in 2004-2023. The number of observations in this study was 20 years. The data analysis technique in this research is to use multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the analysis show that the number of tourist visits has a negative and significant effect on the number of unemployed in Bali Province in 2004-2024. Length of stay is negative and significant on the number of unemployed in Bali Province in 2004-2024. The number of unemployed in Bali Province in 2004-2024 can be explained by 73.5 percent by the variables of number of tourist visits and length of stay. Although the number of tourist visits and length of stay have a significant influence on the unemployment rate in Bali, the challenges faced in the tourism sector require a more comprehensive approach.

Learning organizations and sustainability outcomes in tourism: the mediating role of sustainable practices

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of learning organization characteristics on sustainability outcomes in the tourism sector, with a specific focus on sustainable tourism practices. It seeks to gain insights into how organizations in the tourism industry contribute to sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach This research used a survey method to gather data from employees working in five leading Indian tourism companies. The study was designed based on the theoretical frameworks of triple bottom line theory and organizational learning theory, with quantitative analysis conducted using structural equation modeling through Smart PLS 4 software. Findings This study reveals that learning organizations play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and yielding positive sustainability outcomes in the tourism sector. The results demonstrated significant positive relationships and mediation effects, highlighting the substantial impact of learning organization characteristics on enhancing sustainability efforts within the industry. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings provide actionable insights for refining organizational strategies and formulating policy recommendations to strengthen sustainability initiatives within the tourism sector. In addition, this research contributes valuable knowledge to the expanding field of sustainable tourism management and best organizational practices. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by offering empirical evidence on the interplay between learning organization characteristics, sustainable tourism practices and sustainability outcomes within the tourism sector. Its focus on addressing sustainability challenges in this industry context provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers, guiding them in formulating effective strategies and decisions to enhance sustainability efforts.

Exploring post-COVID-19 travel intentions of foreign tourists in Nepal: An empirical study using structural equation modeling

<p>Amidst the global challenges posed by the rapid transmission of a new coronavirus, the tourism sector has undergone an unprecedented downturn, similar to all economic sectors. In light of this, the present study aims to examine the travel intentions of foreign tourists in the post-COVID-19 era in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal using Social Cognitive Theory. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis of 350 tourists. The study revealed that the travel intention after the COVID-19 outbreak was significantly influenced by severity perception and personal positive effects, both of which were shaped by environmental changes. Results indicate that a common challenge faced by tourists was the lack of quality hotels and homestays, and the suggested managerial solution was to increase the number and enhance the quality of available accommodations. Tourism in Nepal serves as an enduring source of national income, offering a significant competitive advantage, thus rendering sustainable tourism unavoidable.<strong></strong></p>

A dynamic multidimensional Granger causality based on wavelet decomposition analysis of the tourism and economic growth in China

ABSTRACT This study employs an innovative multimodal approach, integrating Granger causality analysis with wavelet decomposition, to explore the intricate relationship between China’s tourism sector and its economic development spanning from 1995 to 2022. The primary aim is to uncover the causal dynamics between the advancement of tourism and the expansion of the economy across various temporal scopes and dimensions. Through rigorous panel bootstrap causality examinations and meticulous assessments for cross-sectional dependence and slope homogeneity, this research underscores a dynamic and symbiotic connection between China’s economic progress and the growth of its tourism industry, particularly emphasising the enduring significance of this relationship over the short-run, mid-run, and long-run.

Transferable skills in tourism and hospitality

A multi-stage, multi-method approach using participatory research methodology that considers the perspectives of tourism and hospitality professionals, and academic experts is used to develop an integrated model of transferable skills gained by working in the industry. Grounded in career construction theory, this study is anticipated to provide a comprehensive understanding of essential skills in the tourism and hospitality industry. It also aims to reshape the image of working in the industry into a more positive one, emphasizing the opportunities of the sector not only as a career but also as a steppingstone to learn transferable skills needed in different sectors, and ultimately contribute to the long-term and sustainable development of the tourism and hospitality sector.

Design Science in the Context of the Tourism Sector: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Design Science emerges from a focus on solving real-world problems, resulting in the improvement or creation of an artifact or the prescription of recommendations. While this approach is already relevant in Information Systems, Engineering, Medicine, Management, and Organizations studies, research based on Design Science in tourism and hospitality is scarce compared to other fields. Therefore, the objective was to map articles in the context of the Tourism Sector that use Design Science as a methodological foundation, understanding the current scenario and the themes that are beginning to explore this paradigm. A Scoping Review was conducted in 5 stages, with a total of four databases serving as sources of collection, considering only peer-reviewed articles, resulting in 44 articles deemed eligible. Results highlight the good indexing of published journals, a concentration of articles between 2020–2021, and 5 clusters of sub-themes investigated in the articles.

Predicting financial performance with intellectual capital using machine learning

Purpose This study aims to apply machine learning techniques to efficiently predict leisure firms’ financial performance. Accurate financial forecasting is crucial in leisure and tourism, greatly affecting firms’ strategic decisions and competitive positioning. This study emphasizes the roles of intellectual capital to offer a nuanced understanding of how these types of capital influence firm success. Design/methodology/approach Using comprehensive firm-level data, this study examines several machine learning algorithms’ predictive capacity across a spectrum of industry sectors (general, manufacturing, service) to identify the most effective model and training dataset. These tools are used to evaluate financial metrics such as return on sales, return on assets and sales growth. A range of variables are incorporated into this process to enhance model accuracy and relevance. Findings Results demonstrate the support vector machine algorithm’s exceptional performance based on a training data set from the service sector in predicting leisure firms’ return on sales and sales growth. This algorithm is thus an efficacious strategic forecasting instrument. The variables significantly affecting firm performance include demand variation; organizational, product and technological innovation; synergistic innovation between multiple domains; salary levels; market strategy; and the number of employees. Originality/value By integrating advanced machine learning techniques with the strategic management of intellectual capital, this study presents a sophisticated approach to predicting leisure firms’ financial performance. Findings enrich the discourse on firm performance forecasting and offer actionable insights into strategic planning and resource allocation for practitioners in the leisure and tourism sectors.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Tourism Marketing Research

Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in tourism marketing research. Methodology: The importance and advantages of using artificial intelligence or machine learning in tourism marketing have been investigated. A literature review has been conducted in this field. Main Findings: As a result of this research, it has been found that using artificial intelligence or machine learning in tourism marketing will be more effective in learning customers' feelings and thoughts about businesses, more useful in making predictions about the future, and ultimately productive in customer satisfaction, which is considered the dedication point of modern marketing. Future studies can address the readiness and competencies of marketing managers employed in the tourism sector in the face of this development. In addition, researching current and potential customers in terms of user acceptance can guide businesses in tourism marketing, which can be considered as important findings of this study. Applications of the study: It is known and seen that artificial intelligence, machine learning and service robots are applied in many tourism companies today. Novelty/Originality of the study: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are making rapid progress in their use in every sector today. The innovations and benefits provided by the new and constantly developing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for tourism marketing have been investigated.

Moderating effect of contextual factors on the relationship between travel motivation and destination loyalty among domestic tourists in the Coast region of Kenya

Despite the marginal growth recorded in the tourism sector in Kenya, the domestic visits and estimates fall far below the expectations. The study was guided by the following specific objective; to assess the moderating effect of contextual factors on the relationship between travel motivation and destination loyalty among domestic tourists in the Coast Region of Kenya. The study area comprised frequented attractions in the Coast region of Kenya. The study adopted an embedded mixed approach comprising descriptive survey and explanatory research designs. Simple random sampling and purposive techniques were adopted for domestic tourists, destination managers and experts respectively. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were distributed while 10 destination managers and 5 experts were interviewed. Data analysis was done using multiple regression models, hierarchical multiple regression and descriptive analysis. The multiple regression model results without interaction terms indicated that R-square = 0.442, implying that destination attributes and socio-psychological factors explain 44.2% of destination loyalty. The hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that contextual factors have a moderating effect on interaction between travel motivation and destination loyalty since the model was significant {R2 = 0.255, F (7, 371) = 12.12, p =0.0001}. The model accounted for 25.5% of variation on destination loyalty. This means that the composite elements of contextual factors namely; political, economic, technological and socio-cultural factors significantly moderates the interaction between travel motivation and loyalty behaviour of domestic tourists. The null hypotheses were tested and rejected. The study recommends need for destinations and service providers to engage more on digital marketing and deploy technology during marketing initiatives and product development to capture niche segments since majority of the respondents were youth travelers

Exploring a fuzzy relationships among criteria for the development of community-based tourism in Malaysia: a multi-stakeholder perspective

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify and analyze the fuzzy relationships among criteria for the development of community-based tourism (CBT) in Malaysia through a multi-stakeholder lens. By exploring these relationships, the study aimed to provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of CBT initiatives in Malaysia. The focus was on understanding the interplay between environmental, economic and socio-cultural criteria to guide decision-making and planning processes for sustainable tourism development.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a quantitative approach, specifically employing a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model known as decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). This methodology allowed for the integration of diverse perspectives from multiple stakeholders involved in CBT in Malaysia. By using DEMATEL, the researchers were able to analyze the complex relationships among sustainable criteria, identify causal factors and assess the interdependencies among environmental, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the criteria influencing the sustainability of CBT development in Malaysia.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that environmental and economic factors emerged as pivotal causal criteria influencing socio-cultural outcomes in the development of CBT in Malaysia. The research highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in building sustainability in CBT, emphasizing the need for regular meetings, shared decision-making processes and clear communication channels among all involved parties. These insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and prioritize criteria for sustainable CBT development, ultimately contributing to the well-being of communities, preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and long-term environmental sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's limitations include the focus on CBT in Malaysia, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts. Additionally, the research relied on a quantitative approach, potentially overlooking qualitative nuances in stakeholder perspectives. Future studies could address these limitations by exploring diverse geographical locations and incorporating qualitative methods to capture a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable criteria in CBT development. These implications suggest opportunities for further research to validate and extend the findings in different contexts and with a broader range of stakeholder perspectives.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the study include providing guidance for tourism policymakers and key stakeholders in developing effective policy interventions for CBT in Malaysia. By understanding the complex relationships among sustainable criteria, stakeholders can make informed decisions to foster environmental, economic and socio-cultural growth in CBT initiatives. The findings offer insights for creating economic opportunities, promoting fair trade practices and enhancing linkages between CBT and local businesses. These practical implications aim to support sustainable decision-making, planning processes and implementation strategies to ensure the long-term success and positive impact of CBT in Malaysia.Social implicationsThe social implications of the study underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in CBT development in Malaysia. By engaging various stakeholders, including host communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tourists, the research promotes social cohesion, cultural exchange and community empowerment. Enhancing social interactions and mutual understanding among stakeholders can lead to inclusive decision-making processes, equitable distribution of benefits and the preservation of local heritage and traditions. These social implications emphasize the potential for CBT to contribute to social well-being, cultural preservation and sustainable development, fostering positive social impacts and strengthening community resilience.Originality/valueThe originality and value of the study lie in its exploration of the complex relationships among sustainable criteria for CBT development in Malaysia from a multi-stakeholder perspective. By utilizing the DEMATEL method and quantitative analysis, the research offers a novel approach to understanding the causal factors influencing environmental, economic and socio-cultural outcomes in CBT initiatives. The study's findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to make informed decisions, prioritize criteria and develop effective strategies for sustainable CBT development. This original contribution enhances the understanding of sustainable criteria relationships and empowers stakeholders to drive positive change in the tourism sector.