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Sustainable Tourism: Climate Change Effect on Tourist Behaviour
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Sustainable Tourism: Climate Change Effect on Tourist Behaviour

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 7267

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ren-Fang Chao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Leisure Management, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
Interests: tourism management; marketing management; community development; sustainable sociology; environmental education; ecological conservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yi Fu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Cultural Tourism and Geography, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou 510320, China
2. School of Community Resources and Development, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Interests: sustainable tourism; intelligence tourism; cross-cultural research and creativity; destination operations management; knowledge management
Prof. Dr. Shang-Pao Yeh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Hospitality and MICE Marketing Management, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Kaohsiung 81271, Taiwan
Interests: leisure and sports management; human resource and organization management;tourism management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching impacts is more pressing than ever. Within the context of tourism, climate change is not only altering environmental conditions but also significantly influencing tourist behavior. This special issue of "Sustainability" aims to delve into the intricate relationships between climate change and tourism, exploring how shifts in climate are driving changes in tourists' choices, behaviors, and destinations.

  • Focus: This issue will concentrate on the influence of climate change on tourist behavior, encompassing both immediate and long-term effects.
  • Scope: The scope includes empirical and theoretical studies on behavioral adaptations, sustainable tourism practices, and the socio-economic impacts of climate-induced changes in tourism.
  • Purpose: The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how climate change is reshaping the tourism industry and to identify strategies for promoting sustainable tourism in the face of these changes.

This special issue will supplement existing literature by highlighting the intersection of climate change and tourism behavior, offering new insights and practical solutions for researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners.

Prof. Dr. Ren-Fang Chao
Dr. Yi Fu
Prof. Dr. Shang-Pao Yeh
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable tourism
  • climate change
  • tourist behavior
  • environmental impact
  • behavioral adaptation
  • socio-economic impacts
  • sustainable practices
  • tourism industry
  • climate resilience
  • tourism management

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 808 KB  
Article
Climate Change Mitigation Behaviors in Tourists in Chinese Mountains
by Yating Huang, Wanling Liao and Ren-Fang Chao
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210386 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 312
Abstract
In this study, we employed a Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework and Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model to explore respondents’ emotional and behavioral responses to threats posed by climate change in high mountain areas. Data were collected from 391 valid questionnaires and analyzed using partial [...] Read more.
In this study, we employed a Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework and Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model to explore respondents’ emotional and behavioral responses to threats posed by climate change in high mountain areas. Data were collected from 391 valid questionnaires and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to rigorously test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that threat appraisal and coping appraisal are significantly associated with stronger tourist intentions toward climate change mitigation, as they foster positive emotional responses. Specifically, the pathway involves awe as a self-transcendent emotion, which appears to play a crucial role in predicting climate change mitigation behavioral intentions. Climate change knowledge is found to negatively moderate the relationship between threat appraisal and awe. These findings provide new insights by revealing the psychological mechanisms underlying mountain tourists’ behaviors against climate change. Practically, they highlight the need to use diverse audiovisual elements to evoke awe among viewers and communication messages that focus on the severity of the threats posed by climate change in highly mountainous areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism: Climate Change Effect on Tourist Behaviour)
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28 pages, 3525 KB  
Article
How Can Stakeholder Co-Creation Foster Climate-Resilient Coastal Tourism Through Integrated Management of Climate, Water-Energy, and Beach-Dune Systems?
by Anna Boqué-Ciurana, Òscar Saladié, Maria Trinitat Rovira-Soto, Carla Garcia-Lozano, Carolina Martí, Marta Tonda, Gabriel Borràs and Enric Aguilar
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10163; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210163 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
This research examines the pursuit of behavioral change for climate-resilient tourism along the Catalan coast by engaging territorial stakeholders in a co-creation process. This study is guided by the following research question: how can the co-creation of integrated climate services, water and energy [...] Read more.
This research examines the pursuit of behavioral change for climate-resilient tourism along the Catalan coast by engaging territorial stakeholders in a co-creation process. This study is guided by the following research question: how can the co-creation of integrated climate services, water and energy management, and beach-dune conservation foster behavioral change among stakeholders towards climate-resilient tourism along the Catalan coast? Focusing on two destinations in Catalonia (Costa Daurada and Terres de l’Ebre), it examines three interconnected dimensions of tourism activity: (1) weather, climate, and climate change; (2) energy and water; and (3) beach-dune systems. Through our analysis, we pursue three secondary objectives: (1) to assess the influence of meteo-climatic conditions on tourist activity, (2) to identify necessary adaptation measures related to water and energy management, and (3) to explore how historical photographs can shape stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the relevance and conservation of the beach-dune system. By bringing together expertise in climate services, resource management, and ecosystem conservation, this study explores how collaborative engagement with public and private stakeholders can foster adaptive strategies that enhance the sustainability and resilience of coastal tourism. The findings directly respond to the research question by showing that co-creation processes integrating climate, resource, and ecosystem management can effectively foster behavioral change among stakeholders. Specifically, the main results highlight (1) a clear relationship between meteo-climatic conditions and tourism activities, underscoring the importance of climate awareness; (2) stakeholder recognition of practical adaptation measures focused on water and energy management to increase sector resilience; and (3) the use of the historical photographs as an effective tool to enhance participants’ understanding of beach-dune systems, improving their knowledge of these ecosystems’ dynamics, formation, and evolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism: Climate Change Effect on Tourist Behaviour)
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20 pages, 303 KB  
Article
Travel Choice: Is Climate Change a Barrier?
by Hale Özgit and Umar Saleem
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5973; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135973 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2313
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant challenge to global tourism, influencing destination choices and traveller behaviour. This study examines the awareness of individuals regarding the impact of climate change on tourism destinations and their decision-making processes. Through a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were [...] Read more.
Climate change poses a significant challenge to global tourism, influencing destination choices and traveller behaviour. This study examines the awareness of individuals regarding the impact of climate change on tourism destinations and their decision-making processes. Through a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed in NVivo 15 to explore the extreme natural events, environmental concerns, and sustainability considerations that can shape travel preferences. Findings from the literature and 20 interviews indicate that climate change is increasingly perceived as a barrier to destination selection, with tourists prioritising safety, environmental resilience, and sustainability. Additionally, transportation choices reflect a balance between efficiency and ecological impact, with a growing inclination toward sustainable travel alternatives. This research highlights the need for policy frameworks that address climate-related risks in the tourism sector, with a focus on adaptation strategies and responsible travel practices. The study contributes to the discourse on climate change and tourism by highlighting behavioural trends and proposing measures for enhanced awareness and sustainable decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism: Climate Change Effect on Tourist Behaviour)
23 pages, 981 KB  
Article
Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Perceptions and Behavioral Responses in Iranian Desert Tourism: An Empirical Investigation from Qom Province
by Zabih-Allah Torabi, Beniamino Murgante, Mehdi Pourtaheri and Fereshte Hedayati Rad
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020771 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Adaptation to climate change in vulnerable tourism destinations, particularly desert regions, requires a systematic understanding of tourists’ psychological responses and behavioral adaptations. This study develops and empirically validates an integrated theoretical framework combining the Theory of Planned Behavior and Protection Motivation Theory to [...] Read more.
Adaptation to climate change in vulnerable tourism destinations, particularly desert regions, requires a systematic understanding of tourists’ psychological responses and behavioral adaptations. This study develops and empirically validates an integrated theoretical framework combining the Theory of Planned Behavior and Protection Motivation Theory to examine psychological determinants of tourist adaptation in Iran’s desert regions. The research systematically evaluates the relationships between risk perception, adaptation assessment, climate change beliefs, and behavioral outcomes through structural equation modeling analysis of data collected across three desert destinations in Qom Province. Results demonstrate that tourist motivation (β = 0.416, p < 0.001) and climate change beliefs (β = 0.158, p < 0.001) significantly influence adaptation intentions, while subjective norms show no significant effect despite the collectivist cultural context. The model explains 38.6% of the variance in adaptation intentions and 21.0% in maladaptive behaviors, revealing differential predictability between positive and negative responses. Analysis indicates that immediate experiential factors demonstrate a more decisive influence than abstract climate change beliefs, suggesting context-specific adaptation mechanisms in desert tourism settings. This research advances the theoretical understanding of tourist adaptation behavior while providing evidence-based recommendations for destination management in climatically vulnerable regions. The findings inform the development of targeted communication strategies and management interventions that balance environmental awareness with destination attractiveness, contributing to sustainable desert tourism development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism: Climate Change Effect on Tourist Behaviour)
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