The environmental practice of resorts and tourist loyalty: the role of environmental knowledge, concern, and behaviour

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating effects of environmental knowledge, environmental concern, and the direct and indirect environmental behaviours of tourists, on the relationship between the environmental practices of resorts and tourists’ loyalty. The respondents were 529 guests of lake and river resorts in Peninsular Malaysia. The data were analysed using the partial least squares technique. The findings indicate that the effect of resorts’ environmental practices on loyalty is greater among tourists who have a higher level of environmental concern and who behave directly or indirectly in a more environmentally friendly manner. However, environmental knowledge has no moderating effect. The study provides useful information for resort managers to improve their environmental practices and increase tourists’ environmental concern and behaviour.

Keywords:

• Environmental practice
• environmental knowledge
• environmental concern
• environmental behaviour
• loyalty

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.