Inducing pro-environmental behavior in tourists for the sustainable development of Japan's tourism and hospitality industries

2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 20KK0031
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
• Principal Investigator: 齊藤 広晃 立命館アジア太平洋大学, 国際経営学部, 准教授 (30794812)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 永井 隼人 和歌山大学, 観光学部, 講師 (80784280) ; YOO KateInyoung 関西外国語大学, 外国語学部, 助教 (10834773) ; 柏木 翔 神奈川大学, 国際日本学部, 助教 (70713907) ; 鎌田 裕美 一橋大学, 大学院経営管理研究科, 准教授 (00456287)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-10-27 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: PEB / tourists / hospitality / hotel

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

In AY2020, we mainly conducted an extended literature review for tourists’ pro-environmental behaviours both in Japanese and English, then identified that there is a lack of study investigating the reasons why Japanese tourists do (and do not) engage in pro-environmental behaviours during their stay at hotels. To address this research gap, we decided to develop a survey questionnaire to identify the fundamental reasons that influence (or hinder) Japanese tourists’ pro-environmental behaviours. Currently, we are finalising the pilot survey.

We also approached the hotels that potentially support our project in Tokyo, Osaka and Beppu. In Tokyo and Osaka, our members conducted a series of interviews with the managers to identify their thoughts on hotels’ pro-environmental practices and impressions about their guests’ pro-environmental behaviours during their stay. With this data, we plan to write a manuscript in AY2021, which we aim to submit to the International Journal of Hospitality Management or the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.

Although the COVID-19 situation deterred our progress to some extent, we have been able to more or less keep on track with the project.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

While the COVID-19 situation affected our travel plans and face-to-face meeting plans, we strategically worked together by using online platforms and conducted meetings (once in three weeks). Furthermore, our members have an extensive network with the hotel industry in Japan, which helped us to reach out to potential industry collaborators.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In AY2021, we will continue our data collection through a survey (e-survey using Rakuten Insight) and interviews (either online or face-to-face in Tokyo/Osaka) in Japan, and aim to write the drafts of two manuscripts.

However, it is expected that we may not be able to travel domestically and internationally. Thus, we will discuss, and consider revising the data collection method and analysis for the next phase of the study.

Causes of Carryover

Due to the COVID-19 situation, domestic and international travels were disrupted. The unused funds from AY2020 will be reallocated after revising the AY2021 plans.