Ecological experiential learning and tourists' pro-environmental behavior intentions: The mediating roles of awe and nature connection.

ABSTRACT: Due to the important role of tourists' behavior plays in marine protected areas (MPAs) and the increasing popularity of ecological experiential learning (EEL) journeys, this study aims to investigate whether and how EEL impact tourists' pro-environmental behavior (PEB) intentions through both emotional and cognitive pathways. To achieve this, four nature education trips with EEL content were organized, and PEB intentions of 228 tourists to MPAs were analyzed using surveys. The findings revealed that the low-effort PEB intentions of individuals under 24 years old were significantly lower compared to those of older tourists. Furthermore, EEL was positively associated with both low and high effort PEB intentions. The sense of awe acted as a mediator between EEL and low-effort PEB intentions,

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10758785 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature