Abstract:

The growing global concern about sustainability and resource management has highlighted the need to address food waste, particularly in tourism settings where waste levels can be significant. This study explored the influence of minimalism, religiosity, and environmental concerns on tourists' food waste avoidance behavior in experiential tourism settings. By understanding these psychological traits, this study aimed to contribute to promoting sustainable tourism practices. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining in-depth interviews with tourists visiting destinations in Kerala, India and surveying 459 tourists. Guided by the Theory of Mindful Consumption (TMC), this study found that minimalism encourages mindful consumption during travel, while religious beliefs foster a commitment to avoid waste. Both traits also increased environmental concerns, significantly motivating food waste reduction behavior. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and tourism operators to foster sustainable tourism aligned with SDGs 2, 11, and 12. This study makes a novel contribution by applying TMC to the context of experiential tourism, offering fresh insights into sustainable consumption practices.

Please choose your submission type: Full Paper

Primary Track: Sustainable and Responsible Business

Keywords: mixed method;survey;interviews

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Dr. FAZEEN A K