Trash in the bin, to a cleaner scene we cling: A mixed method approach on tourists’ binning behavior at two spiritual destinations

Author Identifier

Kourosh Esfandiar: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6242-2899

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

School

School of Business and Law

RAS ID

72495

Comments

Sajid, M., Esfandiar, K., Zakkariya, K. A., Ertz, M., & Surira, M. D. (2024). Trash in the bin, to a cleaner scene we cling: A mixed method approach on tourists’ binning behavior at two spiritual destinations. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 29(12), 1490-1508. https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2024.2397765

Abstract

This study investigates tourists’ binning behavior and its importance for the environmental sustainability of tourist destinations, a topic currently understudied in academic research. Through the lens of behavioral reasoning theory (BRT), it explores the factors influencing tourists’ decisions to dispose of waste properly, employing a mixed-methods approach. Initial qualitative research at the Indian spiritual sites of Rishikesh and Haridwar identifies key motivators and barriers to binning behavior. These findings are then integrated into the BRT framework and confirmed via quantitative analysis using PLS-SEM. Results show that the perceived sacredness of a site and awareness of environmental risks encourage proper waste disposal, whereas perceptions of inefficacy, lack of facilities, and established habits deter it. The study underscores the role of environmental values in promoting responsible waste disposal, offering practical suggestions for enhancing sustainable tourism through targeted interventions in spiritual tourism settings.

DOI

10.1080/10941665.2024.2397765

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