Exploratory Use of Structural Equation Modeling to Imply Sustainability-Determinant Issues in Cultureand Nature-based Tourist Destinationsjudging by the solid use of structural equation modeling for engineering a social tourism issue

Authors

  • Nutteera Phakdeephirot , Chai Ching Tan

Abstract

In realizing the wide-ranging sets of variables that could influence the sustainability of the tourist
destination of natural and cultural setting, this study exploits the statistical strengths of structural equation
modeling (SEM) to exploratively test and explain best model fits. The study relies on simple theoretical
scheme, namely the linkage between stakeholder theory and sustainability principles, and leave the detailed
operationalization to be further guided by the Global Sustainability Tourism Council’s sustainable
destination criteria and standard. Relying on 389 sample size drawing from wide ranges of stakeholders, this
study identifies two important findings, namely there are both positive and negative sustainability impacts of
the tourism activities at the destination sites. The positive sustainability outcomes are results of local
employment, local purchasing, local engagement and community participations involving in tourism
destination management. The negative sustainability outcomes are mainly caused by social stresses and
negative environmental impact, as a result of the tourism development, to induce local changes and both
negative cultural and economic impacts. This study provides some practical implications to the destination
management and relevant government offices to stress on continuing monitoring with a structured
sustainability-driven framework.

Published

2020-01-31

Issue

Section

Articles