Analyzing Factors Affecting Environmental Behavior of Tourists during Nowruz in Susan Plain, Izeh County

Abstract

Among different industries in each country, tourism industry is directly related to the environment. Tourism is not a clean and non- destructive industry, so that tourists’ behaviors in addition to positive effects can also have many negative consequences on the environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting environmental behavior of tourists in Susan Plain, Izeh county. Statistical population of the study consisted of tourists traveled to Susan Plain during Nowruz Holidays in 2019. The sample size was determined by available sample and they were randomly selected (n=150). The research tool was a questionnaire, which its validity was verified by a panel of academics and its reliability was approved through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The data were analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 22) and LISREL (Ver. 8.80) software. The results showed that variables of environmental knowledge, attitude, and values had positive and significant correlation with variable of environmental behaviors. Furthermore, according to the results, variables of environmental knowledge, attitude, and values could describe 83% of tourists’ environmental behavior changes. As a recommendation, it is worthwhile to use environmental topics in the textbooks from primary school to university.

Keywords

• environmental knowledge
• nowruz holidays
• sustainable development
• tourism