The Influence of Tourists’ Attitude and Self-efficacy Belief in Adopting Responsible Behavior in Bangladesh

Abstract

This research examined tourists' intention to adopt responsible behavior (RB). Toward this, two constructs of determinants (attitude and self-efficacy belief) of intention to adopt RB were identified through literature surveys.Also, three constructs of RB alternatives, namely, economically RB (ECNRB), environmentally RB (ENVRB), and socio-culturally RB (SCLRB), were identified through a focus group discussion. A self-administrated questionnaire was surveyed among 351 professionals in Bangladesh. Confirmatory factor analysis of both the independent and dependent variables was done prior to employing them in the structured equation model to validate the model and test the hypotheses. The research found that in Bangladesh, the self-efficacy belief influences tourists' intention to choose RB more than the attitude does, but their influences on tourists' intention to adopt ECNRB, ENVRB, or SCLRB are varied. Moreover, tourists were found to have less intention to adopt ECNRB than ENVRB and SCLRB. For the policy makers or promoters of responsible tourism (RT), those who want to promote any kind of RB in Bangladesh need to increase self-efficacy belief among tourists. The policy makers need to develop themes around tourists' positive experience, emotional and physiological states along with verbal persuasion in their communication messages (Bandura, 1997) and in any kind of interpretations at the destination whilst targeting a particular market segment.

Investigating the Responsible Tourist Behaviour in Ecotourism Destination: A Study on Saint Martin’s Island in Bangladesh

“…RTs are those who meet and make interaction with various people, native customs, and other visitors, explore authenticity by exercising cognitive and emotional effort, leave no negative impact on the local natural and cultural resources, contributes to the local economy, and respect and promote local resources (Shahzalal, 2016).…”

“…RTB is the combination of different behavioral traits that encourage the tourist to more responsibly behave in the tourist destination (Leslie, 2012;Shahzalal, 2016). It should be related to preserving the destinations' environments, considering the economic internet of the local community, respecting the local culture and norms, obeying the legal and ethical aspects, and also working for the promotion and development of the destination ( Lea, 1993;Chafe, 2005;Leslie, 2012;Goodwin, 2014;Shahzalal, 2016;Said, 2018).…”

“…It is well recognized in tourism literature that environmentally responsible tourists prefer traveling to nature-based tourism destinations and they expect both economic and environmental sustainability (Duerden & Witt 2010;Lee & Jan, 2015;Han et al, 2016). Some of the specific elements of ETB are using the usual tourist path, avoiding buying souvenirs made from any elements of animals and plants, escaping to destroy any plants and animals, using bins for waste plastics and others, and disengaging to create noise in the destination (Tearfund, 2000;Chafe, 2005;SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, 2009;Weeden, 2014;Shahzalal, 2016;Said, 2018). Angelevska-Najdeska and Rakicevik (2012) argued that sustainable tourism development mainly includes environmental preservation and conservation and it also https://rpajournals.com/ithj promotes RTB.…”

“…Goodwin (1998, October) also argued that tourism has become an important sector for developing countries with the aim of increasing foreign exchange earnings, increasing employment and providing financial resources for the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. It is also found that the RTs are very careful about the activities of buying local food, using local tourist guides and donating for community development (Tearfund, 2000;Shahzalal, 2016;Said, 2018). ECBT are the activities of tourists by which the local entrepreneurs and community people are financially benefited that could have relationship with RTB.…”

“…Such assets should be preserved by ensuring the RTB and CBT are also the major components of it (Lea, 1993;Said (2018). CBT comprises the activities of tourists that promoting and respecting the local culture (SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, 2009;Shahzalal, 2016;Said, 2018). Some of the major CBT are wearing the local dress while visiting a destination; trying to learn the local languages; showing respect to the local rituals and customs and also the community people that also contribute to tourism sustainability (Lea, 1993;Mann, 2000, p. 201;Tearfund, 2000;Chafe, 2005;SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, 2009;Weeden, 2014, pp.…”