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Tourism

Sustainable Tourism Development: A Study on Tourist Carbon Capability

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study published in the Environment, Development and Sustainability journal has shed light on the potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the tourist perspective. The research, led by Qingbin Song from the Macau University of Science & Technology, introduced the Tourist Carbon Capability Maturity Model (TC-CMM) to assess the potential of reducing emissions from the tourist perspective. The study analyzed data from 466 tourists in Macau and found that the majority exhibit carbon capability maturity at the initial stage, with factors such as age, education, and income significantly influencing carbon capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tourism industry significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, with the current research mainly focusing on emissions at regional and industry levels.
  • The Tourist Carbon Capability Maturity Model (TC-CMM) was introduced to assess the potential of reducing emissions from the tourist perspective.
  • The study analyzed data from 466 tourists in Macau and found that the majority exhibit carbon capability maturity at the initial stage.
  • Carbon Action Capability had the highest average score and significantly enhancing overall maturity.
  • Carbon Identification Capability had a 46.14% suboptimal performance rate, limiting maturity.
  • Factors such as gender, age, education, and income significantly influence carbon capabilities, with age identified as the most critical determinant.
  • Regional development showed no significant correlation, suggesting that economic and infrastructural thresholds alone may not sufficiently explain variations in carbon capabilities.
  • The research suggests targeted policies to enhance environmental awareness and promote sustainable tourism behaviors.
  • The study highlights the need for cross-cultural validation in future research to enhance the model's generalizability.

Statistics:

  • 466 tourists were analyzed in the study.
  • 46.14% of tourists exhibited suboptimal performance in Carbon Identification Capability.
  • 53.86% of tourists exhibited optimal or near-optimal performance in Carbon Identification Capability.
  • Carbon Action Capability had the highest average score, with an average rating of 4.23 out of 5.
  • Carbon Identification Capability had the lowest average score, with an average rating of 2.85 out of 5.
  • Age was identified as the most critical determinant of carbon capabilities, with tourists aged 25-35 exhibiting the highest carbon capability maturity.

Sources:

  • Promoting the Sustainable Development of the Low-carbon Tourism Industry From the Perspective of Tourists' Carbon Capability. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2025.
  • Environment, Development and Sustainability. Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands.
  • Qingbin Song, Macau University of Science & Technology, Natl Observat & Res Stn Coastal Ecol Environm Maca, Macau 999078, People's Republic of China.
  • Yaozhong Guo, Jiachao Ke, Ni Sheng, and Jinhui Li.

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