Factors influencing university students in conducting ecotourism

Abstract

PurposeThis study examines the factors that influence the ecotourist behavior of university students. The understanding of what motivates these students can inform future suggestions for strategies and actions in ecotourism.Design/methodology/approachThe study was applied to university students of the University of Medellín, Colombia. It was an exploratory empirical study that surveyed a total of 696 students.FindingsThe results show that students with a positive attitude toward ecology tend to be interested in nature-related activities, therefore generating an intention to engage in ecotourism. The authors found that those who view ecotourism as an activity that promotes fun and happiness tend to engage more frequently in these activities.Originality/valueThis study is of great interest for research in motivational theory, specifically the analysis of personality profiles and how these relate to specific tourism behaviors. The findings of this study strongly suggest that those interested in the management and development of ecotourism should establish practices and programs that consider factors such as tourist segmentation, effective communication of the positive qualities of ecotourism and environmental stewardship involved in these activities.

The Antecedents of Intention for Ecotourism

“…Sanchez's research highlights the role of ecological attitude in shaping individuals' interest in nature-related activities and their inclination towards ecotourism. The study suggests a positive correlation between a positive ecological attitude, engagement in ecological experiences during leisure, and a higher likelihood of participating in ecotourism (Sánchez-Torres et al, 2023).…”

“…Building on the concept of ecotourist identity (Sánchez-Torres et al, 2023), it proposed that individuals who strongly identify themselves as ecotourists, embracing the associated environmental values and behaviors, will be more inclined to express the intention to engage in ecotourism. This hypothesis aligns with the idea that a well-defined ecotourist identity fosters a commitment to ecotourism activities.…”

A study of cultural distance, eWOM and perceived risk in shaping higher education students' destination image and future travel plan

“…Usually, students like to travel, visit various destinations and consume numerous hospitality and tourism products and services, particularly in a foreign land (Sánchez-Torres et al ., 2023). Their experience with this amalgam of products and services forms and shapes their visit experience, influencing their future visit intention (Sánchez-Torres et al ., 2023).…”

“…Usually, students like to travel, visit various destinations and consume numerous hospitality and tourism products and services, particularly in a foreign land (Sánchez-Torres et al ., 2023). Their experience with this amalgam of products and services forms and shapes their visit experience, influencing their future visit intention (Sánchez-Torres et al ., 2023). Many scholars have suggested that the student tourist segment is lucrative (Bai et al ., 2004; Kim et al ., 2007), representing 22% of global market segments (Patwary and Rashid, 2016).…”

The Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Factors of Regional Ecological Efficiency in the Tourism Sector

“…Studying low-carbon tourism and spatial effects could help to improve the local ecological environment and achieve the sustainable development of the tourism economy [8]. The improvement in ecotourism efficiency could enhance the utilization efficiency of ecotourism resources [9], reduce conflicts among local residents, and encourage tourism departments to consider the local tourist-carrying capacity and strengthen the planning of ecological tourism resources, which can be used to achieve sustainable tourism development [10].…”