A systematic review of empirical studies of pro-environmental behavior in hospitality and tourism contexts

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to gain a holistic view of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) among hospitality and tourism consumers through a systematic review of empirical studies. Based on this comprehensive review, this study demonstrates how the literature has been created and has evolved over time, thereby providing proposals for future research agendas. Design/methodology/approach The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses method was used as a rigorous searching method to provide an updated picture of the research on the PEBs of consumers in hospitality and tourism contexts. A total of 234 empirical studies from both hospitality and nonhospitality publications were selected for the review. Findings The results reveal a growing interest in PEB in the hospitality and tourism context. Focal points, theories and research designs used to explain PEB among hospitality and tourism consumers were identified. In addition, the findings from the cross-tabulation analyses have provided valuable insights for tourism and hospitality research in this area. Research limitations/implications Based on the research findings, this study makes significant contributions to the literature by providing theoretical and practical implications with detailed directions for future researchers and practitioners. Originality/value This study offers one of the first reviews to comprehensively and systematically analyze the empirical research into PEBs among hospitality and tourism consumers. PEB has received significant attention from researchers, practitioners and those policymakers concerned with the sustainability of environments. The findings of this research provide a comprehensive overview of the literature relating to hospitality and tourism through the identification of gaps that require further investigation. Future suggestions to assist practitioners and policymakers in eliciting PEBs are also discussed.

An Integrated Model of Destination Attractiveness and Tourists’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior: The Mediating Effect of Place Attachment

“…Therefore, activating TERB is crucial to mitigating the negative impact of tourism on the natural environment. However, the causes of TERB are complex and there are many factors that influence TERB [ 63 ].In this study, on the basis of self-regulated attitude theory, destination attractiveness was selected as the variable of tourists’ evaluation of a destination, and it was measured using the two elements of facility service attractiveness and sightseeing experience attractiveness. In addition, place attachment was introduced as the variable for tourists’ emotional responses, and the response behavior of tourists was reflected by TERB.…”

How green social network affordances enhance pro‐environmental behaviour?

“…Also, research claims that a strong sense of self‐identification can be developed through network exposure (Kim, 2018; Wang, Van der Werff, et al, 2021). Social network research has consistently demonstrated self‐identification as an affordance that enables desirable behaviours (Lin, Xu, & Wang, 2022; Lin, Zhu, et al, 2022; Wang & Chen, 2021). In this way, GSN may also enable green self‐identification, as individuals will be able to psychologically connect with the messages shared in specific green online communities (Dickinson et al, 2017) and vertical networks 3 like Care2 (http://www.care2.com).…”

“…Finally, the current research utilizes a convergence of the SIT and the S‐O‐R framework to explicate the relationship between GSNs and PEB. However, as suggested by recent review studies (for instance, Lin, Xu, & Wang, 2022; Lin, Zhu, et al, 2022; Paul & Bhukya, 2021), diverse theoretical approaches (e.g., the prospect theory and the technology adoption model) hold pertinence in the PEB domain, and so utilizing these will pave the way for further insights into the GSNs–PEB relationship. Also, given that a singular approach to the application of theory has been predominantly utilized by prior research (Lin, Xu, & Wang, 2022; Lin, Zhu, et al, 2022; Xiao et al, 2023), the integrated theoretical lens utilized by this study will serve as a guiding platform for future enquiry into the subject.…”

Green food packages’ effects on consumers’ pre- to post-consumption evaluations of restaurant curbside pickup service

“…In a systematic review of 234 empirical studies, Lin et al (2022) identified about 30 antecedents of pro-environmental behaviors among consumers, such as willingness to choose or recommend a green hotel or restaurant, pay more, reduce waste and use/recommend transportation with less pollution. For example, consumers’ environmental concerns, attitudes, awareness and self-identify can significantly influence consumers’ pro-environmental behaviors.…”