This study aims to fill a critical gap in the field of circular tourism by investigating the perceptions and attitudes towards circularity among domestic tourists in Egypt. The purpose is to provide insights into the preferences and behaviours of this demographic, addressing a lack of research in this context.
Structured surveys were conducted among a randomly selected sample of 397 diverse domestic tourists. A quantitative approach, employing SmartPLS 4 for data analysis, was used to examine the relationships between environmental consciousness, demographic factors, and attitudes toward tourism circularity.
Findings reveal that around 56% of Egyptian domestic tourists exhibit high environmental awareness, with 26.9% lacking it. In terms of attitudes towards circularity, 44.6% express positivity, while 45.8% show negativity, indicating a potential misalignment between environmental awareness and attitudes towards circular practices. Positive relationships were identified between environmental consciousness and overall attitudes toward tourism circularity. Additionally, the study uncovers the mediating role of environmental consciousness in demographic influences and highlights the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between environmental consciousness and overall attitudes.
This study contributes original insights by focusing on domestic tourists in a developing country, enriching the understanding of circular tourism. The study adds value to the literature by providing empirical evidence and insights for fostering sustainability in the Egyptian tourism sector. The study implications extend to actionable strategies for stakeholders, emphasising the importance of targeted interventions aligned with local preferences, thus fostering sustainability in the Egyptian tourism landscape.