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Meaningful Gamification in Ecotourism: A Study on Fostering Awareness for Positive Ecotourism Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Amalia Rosmadi

    (School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Wuzhong Zhou

    (International Center for Innovation and Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Yuanyuan Xu

    (International Center for Innovation and Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

Abstract

Research into ecotourism behavior in China through meaningful gamification offers a promising strategy for enhancing sustainable tourism practices. With the rapid growth of China’s ecotourism sector, understanding and influencing visitor behaviors is crucial. This study focuses on meaningful gamification elements—exposition, information, engagement, and reflection—as a technique to nurture positive intentions towards ecotourism behavior, increase environmental awareness, educate tourists, and promote sustainable practices in an interactive way. Aligning with China’s technological and sustainability goals, this research introduces the Meaningful Gamification Elements for Ecotourism Behavior (mGEECO) model. This model is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)–Partial Least Squares (PLS) to test hypotheses related to the relationship between gamification elements and ecotourism intentions, grounded in Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theory. The findings show that meaningful gamification significantly enhances positive intentions towards ecotourism by improving Environmental Attitude, Awareness of Consequences, and Ascription of Responsibilities. In conclusion, this approach raises awareness of sustainability practices and fosters a sense of responsibility, potentially leading to a more balanced and responsible ecotourism industry in China, benefiting both the environment and local communities while enhancing visitor experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Amalia Rosmadi & Wuzhong Zhou & Yuanyuan Xu, 2024. "Meaningful Gamification in Ecotourism: A Study on Fostering Awareness for Positive Ecotourism Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-30, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8432-:d:1487575
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sifeng Nian & Donghe Li & Jie Zhang & Song Lu & Xiaowan Zhang, 2023. "Stimulus-Organism-Response Framework: Is the Perceived Outstanding Universal Value Attractiveness of Tourists Beneficial to World Heritage Site Conservation?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Larry Dwyer, 2023. "Tourism Degrowth: Painful but Necessary," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Chih-Cheng Huang & Shang-Pin Li & Yung-Kuan Chan & Ming-Yuan Hsieh & Jiin-Chyuan Mark Lai, 2023. "Empirical Research on the Sustainable Development of Ecotourism with Environmental Education Concepts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-15, June.
    4. Keke Sun & Zeyu Xing & Xia Cao & Weijia Li, 2021. "The Regime of Rural Ecotourism Stakeholders in Poverty-Stricken Areas of China: Implications for Rural Revitalization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-28, September.
    5. Kyungsik Kim & Yongdi Wang & Jianmin Shi & Wangda Guo & Zixiang Zhou & Zhaoyong Liu, 2023. "Structural Relationship between Ecotourism Motivation, Satisfaction, Place Attachment, and Environmentally Responsible Behavior Intention in Nature-Based Camping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-22, May.
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