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Article

Environmental Awareness, Ecotourism Awareness and Ecotourism Perception of Tourist Guides

by
Meral Üzülmez
1,
Aysen Ercan İştin
2 and
Ebru Barakazı
3,*
1
Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Kadirli Faculty of Applied Sciences, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Osmaniye 80100, Turkey
2
Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, School of Tourism and Hotel Management, Şırnak University, Şırnak 73100, Turkey
3
Independent Researcher, Şanlıurfa 63200, Turkey
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12616; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612616
Submission received: 30 June 2023 / Revised: 31 July 2023 / Accepted: 11 August 2023 / Published: 21 August 2023
(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)
Browse Figure
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The tourism sector operates intensively in the ecological environment with tourist guides, who are accepted as the guiding recreation leader within the scope of outdoor activities. From this point of view, it is aimed to determine the ecotourism perception and environmental awareness of tourist guides by determining the criteria affecting the perception of ecotourism. Within the scope of the research, 336 answers were obtained by asking questions to the professional tourist guides who are actively operating throughout Turkey. In the light of the research data, mostly positive relations were determined by the correlation analyses for the environmental awareness dimensions. In the regression analyses conducted to explain the relationship between the perception of ecotourism and the awareness of ecotourism, it was concluded that the effects of the awareness and ecotourism knowledge dimensions on the economic contribution of ecotourism were significant. This research, aims to contribute to the relevant scientific field via the evaluation of environmental awareness and ecotourism awareness in a sustainable context. In the context of environmental sustainability, the research tries to eliminate the lack of knowledge in the relevant literature by revealing the ecotourism awareness and approaches of tourist guides. In addition, it is recommended to conduct more research on the subject by drawing attention to the relationship between the ecological environment and tourism sustainability.

1. Introduction

One of the most important problems of our time is the protection of the environment/nature. In the 1960s, the ecological movement, which focused on environmental protection, the prevention of environmental pollution and energy saving, made individual and social sensitivity to environmental issues evident [1,2]. In this context, the understanding of sustainability in particular has been adopted, and the principles of protection and use have been given great importance [3]. The environmental problems that emerged as a result of the increasing demand for mass tourism and global tourism movements since the 1970s have led to the idea of sustainability in the tourism sector [4]. Along with the concept of sustainability, the environmental issues concept focused on the positive effects of tourism and emphasizes the contribution and importance of sustainable tourism to this development [5]. Although sustainability and environmental issues are often discussed and evaluated together, the idea of sustainable tourism alone was not enough, and different types of tourism have emerged under sustainability in tourism. Ecotourism is one of these tourism types [6,7].
Ecotourism is an environmental protection strategy that preserves ecosystems and contributes to sustainable regional development [8]. The main reason for evaluating ecotourism as an approach or tourism policy is that all types of tourism should develop in a respectful and measured manner to natural and cultural values [9]. The priority in ecotourism is the protection of natural areas, flora and fauna. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure the protection of nature and to minimize environmental threats to protected areas [10]. In this context, ecotourism is a form of travel that supports the conscious conservation of nature and cultural resources, has less visitor impact compared to other types of tourism, has various benefits for local people and is environmentally responsible for unspoiled natural areas [11]. In addition, ecotourism is expressed as a type of tourism that contributes to the increase in environmental sensitivity and environmental awareness [12]. Ecotourism is a type of tourism that stands out in terms of its contribution to environmental sustainability. Many regions of the world turn valuable natural areas into natural parks or conservation areas and protect them against activities that harm the environment [13]. However, in some regions, instead of using natural riches for the development of sustainable tourism together with ecotourism, it can be used unconsciously as a direct tourism area; taking these sections into account, it is important to establish planning based on construction and protection integrated with other areas, including local communities. However, the sustainability of ecotourism can be permanent in the case of holistic tourism [14].
Since ecotourism is a nature-based type of tourism, it plays an important role in the choice of visiting places for environmentally conscious tourists [15]. In this context, Turkey is a country rich in ecotourism resource diversity. In Turkey (2023), five ecotourism regions are proposed to adhere to the principle of sustainability and to ensure the dissemination of ecotourism by preserving biological diversity. For this reason, in these regions, the fact that some resources are damaged or are faced with the danger of extinction after unconscious use, considering the balance of protection and use, has initiated some sustainability practices that can be a solution to this issue. In this regard, it is seen that government regulations such as carrying capacity planning, environmental impact assessments and ecological footprint are implemented in Turkey [16].
The protection of natural and cultural richness in ecotourism regions in line with sustainability principles imposes certain responsibilities on all individuals of a society, especially public institutions and organizations and local administrations [17]. Tourist guides constitute an important group that will share this responsibility in the tourism sector [18]. At the core of the nature-oriented resource management role of tourist guides is creating appropriate behaviors for visitors towards the environment and nature. Therefore, it is noteworthy that tourist guides play an important role in encouraging tourists to participate in activities aimed at being intertwined with nature without harming the environment. At the same time, these roles cause tourist guides to undertake certain responsibilities regarding environmental awareness [19]. As a matter of fact, during a tourist’s visit to a country that they do not know or have little knowledge about, it is among the aims of tourist guides to integrate them with the environment and to help them obtain the highest level of satisfaction from their travels by removing their uneasiness arising from the unknown [20]. Therefore, it is stated that tour guides are effective in influencing tourists’ perceptions of ecotourism and raising awareness about the environment [21].
When studies dealing with the perception of ecotourism, ecotourism awareness and environmental awareness are examined, studies mostly focus on students who receive tourism education [22,23], local people [24] and tourists [25]. On the other hand, it turns out that the studies carried out in the sample of tourist guides are very limited. One of the keys to success in ecotourism is the active involvement of tourist guides in ecotourism activities. For this reason, it is important to reveal the opinions of tourist guides about the criteria affecting ecotourism, as determining the perceptions of the tourist guides on the benefits of ecotourism will guide the ecotourism activities in the relevant region in the future [26]. The rapid development of ecotourism brings with it the need for tourist guides with ecological knowledge and sufficient equipment for ecotourism [22]. As a matter of fact, tourists expect their tour guides to be environmentally friendly and qualified about ecotourism. These expectations of tourists lead tour guides to specialize in the field of ecotourism guidance. It is important to determine the level of said orientation and to examine the effect of this situation on the perception of ecotourism and environmental awareness in the sample of tour guides in terms of closing the gap in the literature. From this point of view, in this study, it is aimed to determine the ecotourism awareness, perceptions of ecotourism and environmental awareness levels of tourist guides registered to the Chamber of Guides in Turkey.
The study will be a reference for future studies, as it will reveal the perspective of ecotourism in Turkey, which criteria affect the perception of ecotourism and how important it is for tourist guides. In addition, the identification of ecotourism awareness, ecotourism perception and environmental awareness of tourist guides will contribute to the planning and strategies of other actors in tourism regarding ecotourism and the environment. In the study, tourist guides were included in the research instead of students who receive tourism education, local people and tourists, who are often included in the sample in the studies in the literature. Therefore, the findings will be compared with previous research, and the views of tourist guides on ecotourism perception and environmental awareness will be discussed.
The work is divided into five parts. In Section 1, the relationship between ecotourism and environmental awareness is given. Afterwards, in Section 2, the concepts of ecotourism and environmental awareness were discussed in detail, and the hypotheses to be tested depending on the purpose of the study were formed by supporting the results of previous studies in the literature. The method of the study is then described in detail in Section 3. The findings obtained with the analysis of the data obtained from the sample group are evaluated in Section 4. While the discussion part is done in the Section 5, the conclusion part is given in the Section 6.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Ecotourism Concept

When the idea of ecotourism was first introduced, it was presented as a development model based on ensuring sustainability by protecting the environment/ecological system [27]. As a matter of fact, the negative effects of mass tourism on natural and cultural resources have threatened the sustainability of tourism. Tourism types that prioritize nature, like ecotourism, are highlighted due to their focus on long-term utilization of natural and cultural resources while preserving ecological balance. The concept of ecotourism, as the fastest growing sub-component of tourism, is presented as an alternative to mass tourism as a tourism approach that does not destroy but protects nature [28].
The concept of ecotourism is stated as a type of tourism that develops within the scope of the principles of minimizing the negative effects on the environment, protecting the culture of the local people and ensuring the satisfaction of tourists and local people [29]. In the 21st century, the content of the concept of ecotourism has expanded. In this context, ecotourism has become a multidimensional concept covering environmental protection, economic development, preservation of culture, human rights and ethical issues [30]. With the emergence of ecotourism, ethical values and tourism have created awareness [31]. For example, while Nyaupane and Poudel [32] emphasize ecotourism and eco-friendly use, [33] highlighted a viable way of conserving the natural environment and promoting social and economic gains. Stronza [34], on the other hand, expressed this as a means of protecting resources on the one hand and sustainable development on the other. In another definition, ecotourism has been defined as a type of tourism carried out in areas that have undergone the least amount change by humans [35]. Based on the definitions made, it is revealed that ecotourism acts in accordance with the principle of sustainability in the use of natural resources [36].
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) states that the main purpose of ecotourism is to minimize the damage caused by tourism to the natural and cultural environment, and to raise awareness of all parties by providing training to the local people and tourists about the protection of nature and the cultural environment living there [37]. In 1992, some features of ecotourism were determined by the Environmental Advisory Council of Canada (CEAC). According to these characteristics, ecotourism should include benefiting the environment and wildlife in social, scientific, economic, political and managerial terms, which does not harm natural resources, is nature-oriented in adapting to environmental conditions [38]. In addition to these features, some principles should also be taken into account when performing ecotourism activities. According to the International Ecotourism Association (TIES), the principles of ecotourism are creating environmental and cultural awareness, providing direct financial benefits for environmental protection, minimizing physical, behavioral, social and psychological impacts on the environment, sensitizing host countries’ environmental, social and political climates, designing and operating low-impact facilities. Therefore, the essence of ecotourism principles lies in the healthy and rational use of resources specific to a particular ecosystem and the development of ecological development strategies in order to meet basic human needs [32].
The effects of ecotourism offer many opportunities to implement the importance of sustainability and targeted approaches [39]. Ecotourism contributes to sustainable development, especially in developing countries [40,41]. Ecotourism enables the development of the economic activities of tourism businesses and souvenir shops or other businesses that sell local products in the relevant region. Thanks to the diversity it creates in the economy, it offers new job opportunities to the local people both directly and indirectly, reducing poverty and increasing the welfare of the local people [42,43]. Ecotourism plays an educational role for tourists, funds conservation and empowers local people politically. Ecotourism also includes respecting different cultures and human rights [44]. Ref. [45] emphasized that the most important contribution of ecotourism is to the environment, such as the protection of natural resources and wildlife. Ref. [46] stated that ecotourism contributes to the protection of the environment and increases the awareness of environmental protection. In this context, it is seen that ecotourism is a process that should be carried out within the framework of a professional and educated management based on the participation and welfare of the local people [47].

2.2. Environmental Awareness

The search for solutions to increasing environmental and urban problems with industrialization, mechanization and technological development has increased awareness of environmental [48]. Environmental awareness is the responsibility of individuals/communities, who are part of nature, to ensure that present and future generations can live in a healthy, clean and safe environment by complying and protecting environmental principles [49]. Environmental awareness is stated as the level of concern that an individual has regarding environmental problems [50]. In another definition, environmental awareness is expressed as people’s awareness of environmental problems and their enthusiasm to solve or contribute to the solution of these problems [51]. Ref. [52], strives to show environmental awareness and environmental responsibility to protect the environment; on the other hand, Ref. [53], is defined as people’s awareness that they affect the environment with their behaviors. Based on these explanations, it can be said that environmental awareness is associated with the highest level of participation in environmental problems and the level of sacrifice undertaken to protect the environment [54].
Environmental consciousness has a three-dimensional conceptual framework such as environmental knowledge, environmentally friendly behaviors and attitudes towards the environment. In this context, environmental information; environmental problems, solutions sought to these problems, developments in the ecological field and all information about nature are discussed. Environmentally friendly behaviors are real behaviors shown to protect the environment. Attitudes towards the environment, on the other hand, are all the attitudes and thoughts of individuals who are ready for the solution of environmental problems, such as fears, restlessness, anger, value judgments, and environmental problems [55]. These dimensions represent both an individual and a social responsibility. It is stated that there are different levels of environmental awareness. The first level; knowing that environment–human relations create environmental problems, but not demanding that other individuals change their behavior as well as not changing them. The second level is to make a demand in this direction from other individuals by not changing their own behavior. The third level is the individual’s establishing his relationship with the environment with a sense of responsibility. The fourth level is to try to ensure that others act responsibly as well as to act responsibly, to organize within non-governmental organizations and to take the initiative to warn the responsible state bodies. The fifth level is to make financial sacrifices for the solution of environmental problems [56]. Therefore, it can be stated that it is extremely important for individuals to understand the importance of environmental awareness and to implement environmental principles and decisions.
It is also emphasized that environmental awareness is an element that creates the ecological mindset. An ecological approach is an approach that emerged as a reaction to people seeing themselves as superior to nature, starting to slaughter nature without thinking about future generations and seeing themselves as superior to all other living things. By adopting an ecological approach, environmental awareness can be created in society thanks to ecological solutions that will ensure cooperation between humans and nature [57]. Protecting the environment all over the world and making it livable for all living things can only be achieved by bringing environmental awareness to people. Bringing environmental awareness to people means increasing their knowledge about the environment and enabling them to develop positive attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. People who gain environmental awareness both exhibit environmentally friendly behaviors and do not remain indifferent to environmental degradation [58]. Individuals with a strong environmental awareness can be raised, especially with the education given from childhood, and studies for the protection of the environment can be carried out quickly [59]. Similarly, Elbarky, Elgamal, Hamdi and Barakat [60], emphasizes that environmental awareness can be improved at a basic level by providing environmental education and informing the consumer, and states that consumers with increasing environmental awareness are starting to prefer environmentally friendly products. Therefore, eliminating all the negativities that the environment may face will only be possible if each individual fulfills his/her responsibilities [61].

2.3. Previous Research and Proposed Hypotheses

When the findings of previous studies in the literature are examined, it is seen that there are many studies dealing with the relationship between ecotourism awareness, ecotourism perception and environmental awareness. Details of these studies are summarized in Table 1.
Bagri et al. [62] investigated the environmental orientation and ecotourism awareness of tourists in their study in India. In this context, the data obtained from tourists traveling to important environmental regions of India for pilgrimage, adventure and vacation purposes were analyzed comparatively. As a result of the study, significant differences were determined in terms of tourists’ environmental orientation and ecotourism awareness. While it is seen that tourists traveling for pilgrimage and adventure purposes exhibit a superior environmental orientation compared to tourists for holiday purposes; adventurous tourists were found to have higher ecotourism awareness compared with the other two tourist groups.
Chiu et al. [63] conducted research on the environmental awareness of 328 tourists participating in ecotourism activities. As a result of the study, it has been determined that tourists’ perceived value, satisfaction and activity participation towards ecotourism activities encourage them to exhibit environmentally responsible behavior. While the perceived value of tourists directly affects environmentally responsible behavior; satisfaction and participation, revealed a partial mediation effect. Similarly, [64] investigated the role of destination image and value perception in shaping environmentally responsible behavior in ecotourism activities. As a result of the analysis of the data they obtained from 332 tourists in an ecological area in Southern Taiwan, it was revealed that emotional image and perceived value can increase tourists’ environmental awareness and special interest in the ecological environment, thereby influencing environmentally responsible behavior in ecotourism activities.
Anup et al. [21], tried to determine the effects of ecotourism on environmental protection, protection of social and cultural heritage, economic development and improvement of livelihoods. As a result of data collected from a total of 142 local people in the Annapurna conservation area in Nepal, it has been determined that ecotourism helps environmental protection and socioeconomic development. In addition, it has been revealed that ecotourism provides employment at the local level and contributes to the increase in entrepreneurship. Elands et al. [65] tried to determine the perceptions of local people towards ecotourism activities in Lawachara National Park in Bangladesh. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the perceptions of the local people towards ecotourism are mostly for positive effects such as the protection of biodiversity and the development of environmental awareness among local people and visitors.
Fang et al. [66] examined the attitudes and perceptions of local people towards ecotourism. As a result of the study, it was determined that the local people’s awareness of ecotourism activities in the region is at a high level. In addition, it has been determined that the local people have a positive perception of the development of ecotourism. Ref. [66] investigated the relationship between environmental knowledge, environmental attitudes and behavioral intentions towards ecotourism among 420 Chinese and Taiwanese university students. As a result of the study, it was determined that the environmental knowledge of university students towards ecotourism positively affected their environmental attitudes. It was determined that students’ environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes affected their behavioral intentions positively. It was determined that the environmental knowledge and behavioral intentions of Chinese university students about ecotourism revealed a higher correlation than Taiwanese students.
Considering the results of the relevant study, the main and sub-hypotheses developed to be tested in the study were established as follows. Figure 1 shows the conceptual model developed for this research.
H1: 
There is a significant relationship between the environmental awareness of tourist guides and their perception of ecotourism.
H2: 
There is a significant relationship between environmental awareness and ecotourism awareness of tourist guides.
H3: 
There is a significant relationship between tourist guides’ ecotourism awareness and ecotourism perceptions.
H4: 
The environmental awareness of tourist guides has a significant effect on their perception of ecotourism.
H5: 
Tourist guides’ environmental awareness has a significant effect on ecotourism awareness.
H6: 
Tourist guides’ ecotourism awareness has a significant effect on their perception of ecotourism.

3. Materials and Methods

The universe of the research is all tour guides in Turkey. The difficulty of reaching the tour guides in the universe due to time constraints necessitated the determination of sampling process and the sampling method in the research. In order to make the sampling, first of all, the number of tourist guides as of 2023 was examined using the statistics specified by the Union of Tourist Guides Chambers (TUREB). According to these statistics, it has been determined that there are 12.755 tourist guides registered in the guides chamber in Turkey. In this context, the sample size was calculated as 384 with the sampling formula (n = P.Q.Z2 α/H2) used for the unlimited universe ratio (N > 10.000) [67]. Tour guides in the study area were selected by convenience sampling method. In the convenience sampling method, which is one of the non-probability sampling methods, voluntary participants are included in the research until the sample size is reached [67]. The data of the research were carried out by web-based online survey technique between March and June 2023. During the data collection process, 336 valid data were obtained. Refs. [68,69] stated that 5 times the number of items in the scale is sufficient for the sample size. Considering that there are a total of 43 items related to ecotourism awareness, ecotourism perception and environmental awareness variables in the research scale, it can be stated that sufficient data was provided for the sample size in the study.
A questionnaire form was used as data collection tool in the research. In the survey form used in the research, scales adapted from the scales used in the studies of [70,71] were used to measure ecotourism awareness (13 items) and ecotourism perception (15 items) of tour guides. The environmental awareness scale, on the other hand, was used as a new environmental paradigm scale developed by [72] and tested for validity and reliability by [73]. The environmental awareness scale consists of 15 items. The items in the scales used in the research were measured with a 5-point rating, according to the participation levels given by the tourist guides, with 1 = I strongly disagree, 2 = I do not agree, 3 = I am undecided, 4 = I agree, and 5 = I strongly agree. In the survey, 8 categorical questions were also asked to determine the demographic characteristics of the tourist guides.
Reliability analysis was applied for each scale in the questionnaire. In this context, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient is a method used especially when the answers are obtained in the rating scale [74]. When the reliability coefficient is greater than 0.70, the scale is stated as a highly reliable scale [75]. The item-total correlations method, on the other hand, is the method of calculating the correlation coefficients between an item in the scale and the whole consisting of the sum of all other items except this item. Item-total correlations should not be less than 0.250 [76]. In the study, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient and item-total correlations method were used to test the reliability of the scales.
As a result of the reliability analysis of the environmental awareness scale, 3 items were found with an item-total correlation value below 0.250 (“As long as we know how to use and develop them correctly, the natural resources in the world are sufficient for everyone (0.197)”, “Human has the power to make the world livable in any case thanks to his mind and technology (0.237)”, “Nature has such a strong balance to eliminate all the negativities caused by the modern industrial society (0.181)”). Therefore, these items were not included in the analysis and the Cronbach Alpha value increased from 0.820 to 0.848.
In the environmental awareness scale, statements regarding human-centered judgments are reverse coded (“Humans have the right to control nature”, “Humans can learn all the subtleties of nature with their thoughts and intelligence and can take it under control as they wish”, “People have the right to change nature in line with their own wishes and desires”, “As long as we know how to use and develop it correctly, the natural resources in the world are enough for everyone”, “Human intelligence and technology have the power to make the world livable in any case”, “Nature has a strong balance to eliminate all the negativities caused by the modern industrial society”, “The ecological crisis is greatly exaggerated”).
As a result of the reliability analysis of the ecotourism perception scale; 1 item (Ecotourism accelerates the urbanization of rural areas (0.013)) with an item-total correlation value below 0.250. Therefore, this item was not included in the analysis and the Cronbach Alpha value increased from 0.910 to 0.930.
As a result of the reliability analysis of the ecotourism awareness scale; 2 items with an item-total correlation value below 0.250 (“Tourism and ecotourism mean the same thing (0.041)”, “I know the benefits of ecotourism (0.159)”) were found. Therefore, this item was not included in the analysis, and the Cronbach Alpha value increased from 0.813 to 0.874.
The construct validity of the scales used in the research was carried out by exploratory factor analysis. Ref. [77] states that construct validity indicates that the findings obtained as a result of the measurement are in agreement with the underlying theory. Some criteria were determined before the explanatory factor analysis. In determining the appropriate number of factors, attention was paid to ensuring that the eigenvalue was greater than 1 and that an item should have a correlation of at least 0.500 with the relevant factor to be sized to a factor [76]. Sample adequacy was conducted using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test before explanatory factor analysis; the compliance of the data with the multivariate normal distribution was checked using Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity [78]. In the factor analysis, attention was paid to ensuring that the difference was 0.100 and above when there is an overlapping item. The relevant literature and variables with large weights under a single factor were taken into account in naming the factors [79].

4. Findings

As a result of the factor analysis of the environmental awareness scale, the expression “The ecological crisis is exaggerated too much” was not loaded on any factor, so it was excluded from the analysis and the KMO value was calculated as 0.847 and Cronbach’s Alpha was calculated as 0.832 because of the factor analysis. In this case, it can be said that the scale is quite reliable and the scale items are consistent with each other. Explanatory factor analysis results of the environmental awareness scale are given in Table 2.
The relevant literature and variables with large weights under a factor were taken into account in order to name the factors, which were valid for all scales in the study [79]. A total of 11 items out 15 items explaining environmental awareness came together under two factors. The first dimension comprises environment-centered judgments and the second dimension comprises human-centered judgments; these together comprise 55.773% of the total explained variance. As a result of the factor analysis of the ecotourism perception scale, the statement “Ecotourism brings people closer to each other” was loaded on more than one factor. Therefore, because of the repeated factor analysis, the KMO value was calculated as 0.914 and the Cronbach’s Alpha value as 0.923. In this case, it can be said that the scale is quite reliable and the scale items are consistent with each other. Table 3 shows the factor analysis results of the ecotourism perception scale.
In order to name the factors, the first dimension was named as the economic contribution of ecotourism and the second dimension as the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism, taking into account the relevant literature and the variables with large weights under a factor [79]. A total of 13 out of 15 items explaining the ecotourism perception came together under two factors and contributed 63.913% to the total explained variance. As a result of the factor analysis of the ecotourism awareness scale, “Ecotourism is a type of tourism that provides the opportunity to earn more income”. Since the expression was not loaded on any factor, the KMO value was calculated as 0.886 and Cronbach’s Alpha as 0.887 because of the factor analysis performed again. In this case, it can be said that the scale is quite reliable and the scale items are consistent with each other. Explanatory factor analysis results of ecotourism awareness scale are given in Table 4.
In order to name the factors, the relevant literature and variables with large weights under a factor were taken into account [79]. The first dimension is called awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and the second dimension is ecotourism knowledge. A total of 10 items out of 13 explaining ecotourism awareness came together under two factors and contributed 64.369% to the total explained variance.
Findings regarding the variables, correlation and regression analyzes were performed to test the hypotheses proposed in the study.
Correlation is a statistical process used to test the linear relationship between two variables or the relationship of a variable with two or more variables, and to measure the degree of this relationship, if any [80]. At the end of this process, a result called the correlation coefficient and taking values between −1 and +1 is obtained. These results are also shown with r. A correlation coefficient of less than 0.30 is a low correlation; between 0.30 and 0.70 is a moderate relationship; and a value above 0.70 is defined as a high relationship [74].
Correlation analysis for variables are given in Table 5. According to the results of the correlation analysis regarding the research variables, when the relationship between the environmental awareness dimensions is examined; It is seen that there is a positive moderate correlation between the environmental-centered judgments dimension and the human-centered judgments dimension (r = 0.384 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01). In this case, it can be said that as the perceptions of the participants regarding the environment-centered judgments increase, their perceptions of the human-centered judgments also increase. When the relationship between the dimensions of ecotourism perception is examined, it can be seen that there is a high level of positive correlation between the economic contribution of ecotourism and the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism (r = 0.724 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01). In this case, it can be said that as the perceptions of the participants regarding the economic contribution of ecotourism increase, their perceptions of the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism also increase.
In the relationship between the dimensions of ecotourism awareness, it is seen that there is a positive moderate correlation between awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and ecotourism knowledge (r = 0.395 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01). In this case, when participants’ awareness of the benefits of ecotourism increases, their perceptions of ecotourism knowledge also increase. When the relationship between the dimensions of the variables is examined; there is a positive moderate correlation between eco-centric judgments dimension and ecotourism’s economic contribution dimension (r = 0.520 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01) and ecotourism’s socio-cultural and environmental contribution dimension (r = 0.596 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01). In this case, as the perceptions of the participants regarding environmental-centered judgments increase, their perceptions of the economic contribution of ecotourism and the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism also increase. In addition, there is a moderate level between the dimension of human-centered judgments and the dimension of ecotourism’s economic contribution (r = 0.314 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01), and there is a low level of positive correlation between the socio-cultural and environmental contribution dimension of ecotourism (r = 0.288 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01). In this case, as the participants’ perceptions of human-centered judgments increase, their perceptions of the economic contribution of ecotourism and the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism also increase.
Between the eco-centered judgments dimension and the awareness of the benefits of ecotourism is seen to have a moderate level correlation (r = 0.654 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01), and between the eco-centered judgments dimension and the ecotourism knowledge dimension (r = 0.286 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01) is seen to have a low level of positive correlation. In this case, as participants’ perceptions of eco-centered judgments increases, their awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and their perceptions of ecotourism knowledge also increase. Human-centered judgments and awareness of the benefits of ecotourism are seen to have a moderate level correlation (r = 0.329 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01), and human-centered judgments and ecotourism knowledge dimension (r = 0.179 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01) are seen to have a low level of positive correlation. In this case, as participants’ perceptions of human-centered judgments increase, their awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and their perceptions of ecotourism knowledge also increases.
Between the economic contribution dimension of ecotourism and awareness of the benefits of ecotourism (r = 0.803 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01) is seen to have quite a very high-level correlation. In this case, as participants’ perceptions of the economic contribution of ecotourism increase, their awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and their perceptions of ecotourism knowledge also increase.
It is seen that there is a quite high-level correlation between the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism and the awareness of the benefits of ecotourism (r = 0.863 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01), and it is seen to have a low-level positive correlation between the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism and the knowledge of ecotourism (r = 0.322 **, p = 0.000 < 0.01). In this case, as participants’ perceptions of the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism increase, their awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and their perceptions of ecotourism knowledge also increase.
Regression analysis is a statistical method used to examine the dependency relationship between a metric dependent variable and one (simple regression) or more independent variables (multiple regression). In the regression analysis, the “R” value represents the correlation between the dependent variable and the independent variable. The adjusted2 value shows the true explanatory power of the regression model. Adjusted R2 tends to be slightly smaller than R2 [81]. The point to be considered in the multiple regression model is that the coefficient of certainty increases as the number of variables included in the model increases. In such cases, the corrected coefficient of determination (R2) should be checked [79]. ANOVA on the regression model evaluates whether the created regression model is meaningful, that is, how well it fits the existing data. Therefore, it can be stated that the larger the calculated F value, the more significant the model contributes. The significance value (Sig.), on the other hand, shows the probability that the calculated F value was actually zero, but it was calculated in this way by chance or by mistake [82]. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the effect of environmental awareness on ecotourism perception and ecotourism awareness. Eco-centered judgments and human-centered judgments, which are the dimensions of environmental awareness, were taken as independent variables, while ecotourism perception and ecotourism awareness dimensions were taken as dependent variables. It turns out that each model is significant and there is a positive relationship between the variables. The relevant analysis results are summarized in Table 6.
Table 6 shows that the effect of environment-centered judgments and human-centered judgments on the economic contribution of ecotourism (F = 66.726; p = 0.000) according to the F statistic is statistically significant. An R-value of 0.535 indicates that there is a positive moderate relationship between the variables. According to the adjusted R2 value, it can be stated that 28.2% of the variability in the perceptions of the guides regarding the economic contribution of ecotourism is explained by the dimensions of environmental awareness, which is the independent variable. The remaining 71.8% is explained by the variables that are not included in the model using the error term [79]. It is seen that the effect of environment-centered judgments and human-centered judgments on the sociocultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism (F = 93.337; p = 0.000) is statistically significant. An R-value of 0.599 indicates that there is a positive moderate relationship between the variables. According to the adjusted R2 value, it can be stated that 33.5% of the variability in the perceptions of the guides regarding the sociocultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism is explained by the dimensions of environmental awareness, which is the independent variable. The remaining 66.5% is explained by the variables not included in the model through the error term [79].
Table 6 shows that the effect of environment-centered judgments and human-centered judgments on awareness of the benefits of ecotourism (F = 128.269; p = 0.000) is statistically significant. R-value of 0.660 indicates that there is a positive moderate relationship between the variables. According to the adjusted R2 value, it can be stated that 43.2% of the variability in the awareness perceptions of the guides about the benefits of ecotourism is explained by the dimensions of environmental awareness, which is the independent variable. The remaining 71.8% is explained by the variables that are not included in the model using the error term [79]. Finally, it is seen that the effect of environment-centered judgments and human-centered judgments on ecotourism knowledge (F = 15.355; p = 0.000) is statistically significant. An R-value of 0.291 indicates that there is a positive low-level relationship between the variables. According to the adjusted R2 value, it can be stated that 7.9% of the variability in the perceptions of the guides regarding ecotourism information is explained by the dimensions of environmental awareness, which is the independent variable. The remaining 66.5% is explained by the variables not included in the model through the error term [79].
To test the effect of ecotourism awareness on the perception of ecotourism, the dimensions of ecotourism awareness were taken as independent variables, while the dimensions of ecotourism perception, the economic contribution of ecotourism and the socio-cultural contribution of ecotourism, were taken as dependent variables one by one. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the linear relationship between the variables, to investigate how much of the change in ecotourism perception dimensions could be explained by ecotourism awareness, and to express the relationship between the variables mathematically. The findings obtained because of the regression analysis are summarized in Table 7.
When Table 7 is examined, according to the regression analysis to measure the effect of ecotourism awareness dimensions on ecotourism perception dimensions, the effect of awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and ecotourism knowledge dimensions on the economic contribution of ecotourism (F = 304.487; p = 0.000) is statistically significant. The R-value of 0.804 indicates that there is a very high level of positive correlation between the variables. According to the adjusted R2 value, it can be stated that 64.4% of the variability in the perceptions of the guides regarding the economic contribution of ecotourism is explained by the independent variable ecotourism awareness dimensions. The remaining 66.5% is explained by the variables not included in the model through the error term [79]. Finally, the effect of awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and ecotourism knowledge dimensions on the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism (F = 485.688; p = 0.000) is statistically significant. The R-value of 0.863 indicates that there is a very high level of positive correlation between the variables. According to the adjusted R2 value, it can be stated that 74.3% of the variability in the perceptions of the guides regarding the socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism is explained by the independent variable ecotourism awareness dimensions. The remaining 66.5% is explained by the variables not included in the model through the error term [79].

5. Discussion

This research supports the relevant literature by revealing the significant relationship between ecotourism perception and environmental awareness [33,64,83,84]. In other words, the findings of this study are similar to the results of previous studies, but it is also seen that the relationship between ecotourism perception and environmental awareness is not subject to sufficient scientific studies specific to tourism.
Although it is seen that the concept of ecotourism awareness has developed in many ways (resources), it is stated that environmental awareness is ignored in some cases in the tourism sector, which has a high economic return [85]. Various problems may occur in the relationship between ecotourism awareness and environmental awareness due to overtourism [86], waste mismanagement [87] and unconscious policies [88]. However, the increasing environmental awareness and ecological sensitivity in tourist guides in the last period reveal their differences in a positive way as a result of this research [89]. Similar to the results of the positive relationship between tourists’ perception of ecotourism and environmental awareness [90], it is seen that this research also reveals the same data for tourist guides. In this context, while it is concluded that tourist guides are increasingly being affected positively in their perceptions of ecotourism, the level of development of environmental awareness can be observed positively. With the realization of the benefits of ecotourism in terms of both environmental protection and regional development, its share in the tourism sector has started to increase. The positive relationship between the environmental perceptions of ecotourism and environmental awareness of the tourist guides who manage nature-based tours also develops in this process and is reinforced by the result of the study.
The sociocultural structure of societies living in a destination rich in natural assets is very important in terms of sustainable environmental management. If society’s beliefs and philosophy of life care about the ecological environment and see it as valuable, sensitivity is experienced at a high level. For this reason, the fact that society acts with an understanding that respects the environment can directly reflect environmental awareness behavior. Tourist guides, who are able to give a representation of society, have also revealed research results that explain positively between sociocultural awareness and environmental awareness. Ref. [91] stated in their study that the nature consciousness present in the members of the society is closely related to the environmental awareness behaviors. On the other hand, [92] shows similar approaches to this research by sharing the conclusion that knowledgeable and nature-respecting societies have a coordinated respect for the environment. One of the biggest challenges faced by environmentally sensitive approaches such as sustainable tourism or development is the reasons for economic interests. Some ecological balance elements can be tolerated in order for businesses to try to maintain their current existence and for individuals to gain more financial gain [93]. Intensive tourism activities can be carried out, especially in undeveloped destinations in rural areas, due to its economic advantages. While this situation can negatively affect the ecological balance of the relevant destination, it can also cause irreversible damage [94]. However, it is also known that ecotourism activities carried out with correct and effective management turn into income sources that bring high economic gains for the region [95]. In addition, it can provide indirect contributions to the development of infrastructure and superstructure, as well as employment and education [96]. In this context, considering that the economic perceptions of the tourist guides reveal significant relations according to the results obtained regarding the relationship between environmental awareness, it is seen that the positive side of the economic perception and the side that creates environmental awareness outweighs. With the demand for the alternative tourism sector in recent years, an increase in the number of ecologically based travels can be seen [97].
It is stated that social sensitivity is formed in the context of environmental sustainability [98]. In addition, it is stated that the responsibilities of environmental policymakers such as ecotourism at the global level are increasing day by day [99]. In this research, where ecotourism perceptions are related to environmental awareness, it is seen that policies with similar sensitivity are taken into account.
It is estimated that as a result of the development of the level of education and the manifestation of nature consciousness, awareness of environmental consciousness about the ecological conditions in the universe where all living things live. From this point of view, the multidimensional perceptions of ecotourism and their approaches to environmental awareness of tourist guides, who play the most important role in the process of introducing and experiencing a destination, are discussed with this research and working hypotheses are formed. The approaches of the tourist guides who guide visitors and society towards ecotourism are very important for the development of environmental awareness.

6. Conclusions

In the process of the emergence of the concept of sustainability, the most basic dynamics is the protection of the environment and its ability to preserve its current existence. Natural areas can be adversely affected as a result of the pressure exerted by human existence on the ecological environment with each passing day. Especially in recent years, the environmental consequences of nature-oriented travels within the scope of tourism activities, which have grown rapidly, raise doubts. In addition to this, it was decided to conduct this research because the ecological and environmental information of the guides leading the tourists was not scientifically examined. In this direction, the study aims to examine the ecotourism perception and environmental awareness level of professional tourist guides who play a leading role in the tourism sector. All hypotheses put forward in the research were accepted. In this context, meaningful relationships and effects were determined according to the answers given by the tourist guides participating in the research according to the relevant variables.
It has been concluded that the positive outputs in the relationship between the environmental awareness levels of the tourist guides and the ecotourism perception will also have positive effects on the sustainable tourism movement. From this point of view, it is thought that although this research is tourist-guided, it can represent the stakeholders who produce services in all tourism activities. In addition, with the emergence of environmental awareness in terms of other tourism organizations, a more conscious approach is expected in ecotourism activities.
Environmental awareness, which is increasing day by day in line with sustainable tourism movements, allows tourism activities such as ecotourism to be carried out more carefully. With this study, new information is revealed by sharing the results through the guides. In addition, ideas are presented as a source for the development and study of research on the subject.

Limitations and Future Research

Although this study provides some practical implications in demonstrating the ecotourism impact of environmental and ecotourism awareness of Tour guides, some limitations still exist. Although we attempted to reach active tourist guides operating in Turkey, only a limited number of people could be reached. For this reason, it is recommended that a similar study be handled more comprehensively. Another limitation is that it focuses only on guides in the field of tourism. A study in which all tourism professionals are included in the ecotourism perception of environmental and ecotourism awareness will make significant contributions to the relevant literature.
With this research, the relationships between the ecotourism perceptions and environmental awareness levels of the tourist guides were found to be significant, with multidimensional dimensions, and the hypotheses were supported. However, it is thought that the subject can reveal new findings with further research, taking into account the scope and numerical participant statistics. In this respect, it is recommended to examine the subject with different perspectives and working methods for researchers in the relevant scientific field. More detailed findings can be obtained if both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used within the scope of the research. At this point, it is anticipated that the mixed research method will make this and similar studies more meaningful.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.Ü. and E.B.; methodology, A.E.İ.; software, M.Ü. and A.E.İ.; validation, E.B.; formal analysis, A.E.İ.; writing—original draft preparation, A.E.İ. and E.B.; writing—review and editing, A.E.İ., E.B. and M.Ü. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This research was approved by the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The images used in this work are cited with references and there are no copyright conflicts.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Sustainability 15 12616 g001
Figure 1. Conceptual model of the study. Source: Authors’ own compilation from literature review.
Figure 1. Conceptual model of the study. Source: Authors’ own compilation from literature review.
Sustainability 15 12616 g001
Table 1. Summary of the literature.
Table 1. Summary of the literature.
Author(s)Purpose of the StudyMethodologyFindings
Bagri et al. [62]To determine the environmental orientation and ecotourism awareness of touristsQuantitative Research
North India
Survey Application
300 Participants		Tourists traveling for pilgrimage and adventure purposes exhibit a superior environmental orientation compared to tourists for holiday purposes; adventurous tourists were found to have higher ecotourism awareness compared to the other two tourist groups.
Chiu et al. [63]To determine the environmental awareness of touristsQuantitative Research
Taiwan-Sicao Ecological Area
Survey Application
328 Participants		It has been determined that tourists’ perceived value, satisfaction and activity participation towards ecotourism activities encourage them to exhibit environmentally responsible behavior.
Chiu et al. [64]To investigate the role of destination image and value perception in shaping environmentally responsible behavior in ecotourism activities.Quantitative Research
Southern Taiwan-Ecological Area
Survey Application
332 Participants		It has been revealed that emotional image and perceived value can increase tourists’ environmental awareness and special interest in ecological environment.
Anup et al. [21]To identify the effects of ecotourism on the environment’s protection of social and cultural heritage, economic development and improvement of livelihoodsQuantitative Research
Nepal-Annapurna Protected Area
Meeting
142 Participants		It has been determined that ecotourism helps to protect the environment and socioeconomic development. In addition, it has been revealed that ecotourism provides employment at the local level and contributes to the increase in entrepreneurship.
Elands et al. [65]To determine the perceptions of local people towards ecotourism activitiesQuantitative Research
Bangladesh- Lawachara National Park
Survey Application
105 Participants		It has been determined that the perceptions of the local people towards ecotourism are mostly for positive effects such as the protection of biodiversity and the development of environmental awareness among local people and visitors.
Fang et al. [66]To investigate the relationship between university students’ environmental knowledge, environmental attitudes and behavioral intentions towards ecotourism.Quantitative Research
Survey Application
People’s Republic of China
420 Participants		It has been determined that university students’ environmental knowledge towards ecotourism positively affects their environmental attitudes.
Table 2. Factor analysis regarding environmental awareness scale.
Table 2. Factor analysis regarding environmental awareness scale.
FactorFactor LoadExplained VarianceEigenvalues
Environmentally Centered Judgments
People overuse nature and natural resources0.80035.9903.959
Animals and plants have the same right to live as humans.0.746
Although humans have very special abilities such as intelligence, they are still subject to the laws of nature.0.743
Today’s consumption habits cause very serious environmental disasters.0.729
Earth is like a spaceship with limited resources and living space.0.675
Human intervention in nature often results in disaster.0.673
The population is increasing beyond the carrying capacity of the world.0.586
Nature has a balance that can easily be disturbed.0.554
Human-Centered Judgments
People have the right to control nature.0.81219.7842.176
By learning all the subtleties of nature with human thought and intelligence, he will be able to control it as he wishes.0.755
People have the right to change nature according to their wishes and desires.0.576
KMO value: 0.847; Bartlett test of sphericity: 1474.343; s.d.: 253, p < 0.001; total explained variance: 55.773; overall confidence: 0.832; factor extraction method: principal component analysis; rotation method: Varimax.
Table 3. Factor analysis on the ecotourism perception scale.
Table 3. Factor analysis on the ecotourism perception scale.
FactorFactor LoadExplained VarianceEigenvalues
Economic contribution of ecotourism
Ecotourism provides the development of other commercial and industrial activities in the region.0.81332.4134.214
Thanks to ecotourism, the purchasing power of the local people increases.0.786
Ecotourism creates new job opportunities for local people.0.691
The development of ecotourism improves the economic situation of the region.0.690
Ecotourism improves the quality of life of the people.0.683
Ecotourism acts as a bridge in the recognition of different cultures.0.634
Ecotourism is a type of tourism that provides escape from stress and relaxation.0.564
The socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism
Ecotourism enables the public to keep the environment cleaner.0.78731.5004.095
Ecotourism provides support for the protection of nature.0.775
Ecotourism helps to preserve the historical-cultural texture.0.724
Ecotourism contributes to the promotion of the region.0.687
Ecotourism enables people to take pride in their national and cultural values.0.670
Ecotourism offers a holiday alone with nature.0.627
KMO value: 0.914; Bartlett test of sphericity: 2958.538; s.d.: 45, p < 0.001; total explained variance: 63.913; overall confidence: 0.923; factor extraction method: principal component analysis; rotation method: Varimax.
Table 4. Factor analysis on ecotourism awareness scale.
Table 4. Factor analysis on ecotourism awareness scale.
FactorFactor LoadExplained VarianceEigenvalues
Awareness of the benefits of ecotourism
Ecotourism is a type of tourism that protects the environment and contributes to local welfare.0.83847.2794.728
Ecotourism is a nature-friendly type of tourism.0.807
Ecotourism makes people more conscious about culture and environment.0.789
Ecotourism is a tourism product that includes nature-related tours and activities.0.782
Ecotourism is a type of tourism that describes and teaches nature.0.745
Ecotourism provides relief from stress.0.737
Ecotourism provides additional income to the public. 0.728
To develop ecotourism, ecological product sales should be made.0.671
Ecotourism knowledge
I know about ecovillages.0.87217.0901.709
I know enough about ecotourism.0.835
KMO value: 0.886; Bartlett test of sphericity: 1736.487; total explained variance: 64.369; overall confidence: 0.887; factor extraction method: principal component analysis; rotation method: Varimax.
Table 5. Correlation analysis for variables.
Table 5. Correlation analysis for variables.
Environmentally Centered JudgmentsHuman-Centered JudgmentsEconomic Contribution of EcotourismThe Socio-Cultural and Environmental Contribution of EcotourismAwareness of the Benefits of EcotourismEcotourism Knowledge
Environmentally Centered JudgmentsPearson Correlation1
Sig. (2-tailed)
N336
Human-Centered JudgementsPearson Correlation0.384 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N336336
Economic Contribution of EcotourismPearson Correlation0.520 **0.314 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.0000.000
N336336336
The Socio-Cultural and Environmental Contribution of EcotourismPearson Correlation0.596 **0.288 **0.724 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.0000.0000.000
N336336336336
Awareness of the Benefits of EcotourismPearson Correlation0.654 **0.329 **0.803 **0.863 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.0000.0000.0000.000
N336336336336336
Ecotourism KnowledgePearson Correlation0.286 **0.179 **0.278 **0.322 **0.395 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.0000.0010.0000.0000.000
N336336336336336336
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Table 6. Regression analysis results on the effect of environmental awareness on ecotourism perception and ecotourism awareness.
Table 6. Regression analysis results on the effect of environmental awareness on ecotourism perception and ecotourism awareness.
ModelsNon-Standardized CoefficientsStandardized CoefficientsLevel of
Meaning		ToleranceVIF
βStd. Errorβ
Fixed1.4130.216 0.000
Environmentally centered judgments0.4800.0510.469 0.8521.173
Human-centered judgments0.1100.0410.134 0.8521.173
Dependent Variable: Economic contribution of ecotourism
R: 0.535; R2: 0.286; Adjusted R2: 0.282; F: 66.726, p < 0.001
Fixed1.3880.206 0.000
Environmentally centered judgments0.5870.0490.569 0.8521.173
Human-centered judgments0.0570.0390.070 0.8521.173
Dependent Variable: Socio-cultural and environmental contribution of ecotourism
R: 0.599; R2: 0.359; Adjusted R2: 0.335; F: 93.337, p < 0.001
Fixed1.1110.187 0.000
Environmentally centered judgments0.6180.0440.620 0.8521.173
Human-centered judgments0.0720.0360.090 0.8521.173
Dependent Variable: Awareness of the benefits of ecotourism
R: 0.660; R2: 0.435; Adjusted R2: 0.432; F: 128.269, p < 0.001
Fixed1.8330.299 0.000
Environmentally centered judgments0.3100.0710.248 0.8521.173
Human-centered judgments0.0830.0570.084 0.8521.173
Dependent Variable: Ecotourism knowledge
R: 0.291; R2: 0.084; Adjusted R2: 0.079; F: 15.355, p < 0.001
Table 7. Regression analysis results on the effect of on ecotourism perception.
Table 7. Regression analysis results on the effect of on ecotourism perception.
ModelsNon-Standardized CoefficientsStandardized CoefficientsLevel of
Meaning		ToleranceVIF
βStd. Errorβ
Fixed0.6310.142 0.000
Awareness of the benefits of ecotourism0.8430.0360.821 0.8441.185
Ecotourism information−0.0380.029−0.046 0.8441.185
Dependent Variable: Economic contribution of ecotourism
R: 0.804; R2: 0.646; Adjusted R2: 0.644; F: 304.487, p < 0.001
Fixed0.5460.121 0.000
Awareness of the benefits of ecotourism0.9010.0310.872 0.8441.185
Ecotourism information−0.0180.025−0.022 0.8441.185
Dependent Variable: Ecotourism socio-cultural and environmental impact
R: 0.863; R2: 0.745; Adjusted R2: 0.743; F: 485.688 p < 0.001
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Üzülmez, M.; Ercan İştin, A.; Barakazı, E. Environmental Awareness, Ecotourism Awareness and Ecotourism Perception of Tourist Guides. Sustainability 2023, 15, 12616. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612616

AMA Style

Üzülmez M, Ercan İştin A, Barakazı E. Environmental Awareness, Ecotourism Awareness and Ecotourism Perception of Tourist Guides. Sustainability. 2023; 15(16):12616. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612616

Chicago/Turabian Style

Üzülmez, Meral, Aysen Ercan İştin, and Ebru Barakazı. 2023. "Environmental Awareness, Ecotourism Awareness and Ecotourism Perception of Tourist Guides" Sustainability 15, no. 16: 12616. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612616

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