Post-Pandemic Ecotourism Intentions and Climate Change Perceptions: The Role of Personality Domains

KAVAK M., CAN İ. I.

Sustainability (Switzerland), vol.17, no.16, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 16
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/su17167320
  • Journal Name: Sustainability (Switzerland)
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: climate change, COVID-19, ecotourism, personality domains, sustainability
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aims to reveal how ecotourists’ general perceptions, concerns, and intentions to act regarding climate change have been shaped in the context of their personality domains following the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 409 participants who took part in nature walking activities in Turkey in 2024 using a survey method. The data were analyzed using quantitative methods such as structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple regression analyses. The findings reveal statistically significant relationships between Big-Five personality domains of ecotourists’ and their perceptions of climate change, concerns, intentions to act, and ecotourism intentions. The results reveal that attitudes toward climate change have become more pronounced, especially in the post-pandemic period, and that personality domains are a strong determinant in shaping these attitudes. This study is important for the development of sustainable tourism policies and for providing strategic recommendations to managers in the field of ecotourism.