Tourist ESG engagement behaviors: conceptualization, scale development, and nomological Network

Abstract

Although the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework has gained prominence as a fundamental principle in sustainable destination management, its assessment has predominantly focused on financial performance. Recognizing the pivotal role of tourists in achieving sustainability goals for destinations, this study aims to conceptualize tourists' ESG engagement behaviors and develop a comprehensive scale for systematic measurements. Employing a mixed methods approach involving qualitative interviews and surveys with Korean and American tourists, this study develops an ESG engagement behavior scale comprising environmental behavior, social behaviors for residents, social behavior in consumption, and governance behavior. The study also evaluates the scale's value by examining its theoretical relationships with antecedents, such as place attachment, and consequences, such as eudaimonic travel experiences and destination loyalty. This study proposes a conceptual framework and measurement scale for ESG engagement behavior, offering an effective application in destination ESG management and facilitating the design of marketing and reward programs.