Going green: predicting tourists' intentions to stay at eco-friendly hotels – the roles of green attitude and environmental concern

Abstract

PurposeBy anchoring on the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) framework, this research aims to examine the effect of tourists' green ability, motivation and opportunity to access green information on digital media platforms (green AMO) on their intention to stay at green hotels. The study also tests the moderating role of environmental concern and the mediating role of green attitude in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted on large Facebook groups and by an international tour operator in March 2022. Through convenience sampling, 600 responses were collected from local and international tourists. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed to validate the research model.FindingsThe results reveal that tourists' intention to stay at green hotels is positively affected by their green AMO through indirect and direct channels. Specifically, green AMO indirectly effects tourists' intention to stay at green hotels by raising their green attitude. The results also indicate that the direct effect is moderated by environmental concern.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings demonstrate the importance of facilitating tourists' access to environmental information on social media platforms, which enhances green attitude and intention to stay at green hotels. This study also proposes practical solutions that managers of green hotels can employ to target green-oriented customers and conduct environmental campaigns on digital platforms.Originality/valueThe research is the first to investigate the effects of tourists' green AMO on their intention to stay at green hotels. It is also the first to explore the roles of environmental concern and green attitude in this relationship.