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A research framework for analyzing tourists’ low-carbon travel intention: an empirical analysis in China

Author

Listed:
  • Zeng Yuxi

    (Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS)

  • Viachaslau Filimonau

    (University of Surrey)

  • Yang Jingjing

    (Macao Institute for Tourism Studies)

  • Zhong Linsheng

    (Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS)

  • Wang Ling-en

    (Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS)

Abstract

This study contributes to environmental research by establishing a four-step research framework for analyzing city tourists’ low-carbon travel intentions and developing a low-carbon travel promotion (LTP) index. The purpose is to explore how perceived convenience of various low-carbon transport modes impacts low-carbon travel intentions of tourists with different travel styles, and provide a new tool to help cities reduce carbon emissions. Theoretically, this study establishes a framework for analyzing low-carbon travel intentions, highlighting the role of perceived convenience in promoting low-carbon transport among tourists. The framework explains how perceived convenience of transport in city destinations affects low-carbon travel intentions of tourists with different durations of stay and various amounts of monetary spend. The findings reveal a correlation between tourists’ length of stay and the amount of money they spend at a destination, and how this affects tourists’ perceived convenience of different transport modes and their low-carbon travel intentions. Methodologically, the study develops a LTP index that is validated on four types of tourists in 47 Chinese cities. Practically, this study provides recommendations for urban and transportation planners on how to promote climate-benign tourist mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeng Yuxi & Viachaslau Filimonau & Yang Jingjing & Zhong Linsheng & Wang Ling-en, 2025. "A research framework for analyzing tourists’ low-carbon travel intention: an empirical analysis in China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 8111-8136, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04166-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04166-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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