INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND DESTINATION COMPETITIVENESS USING SEM

Abstract

Sustainable tourism has emerged as a critical driver of long-term destination competitiveness in a global landscape increasingly guided by sustainable development priorities. This study investigates the influence of sustainable tourism practices on destination competitiveness using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It specifically examines the mediating effects of economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sustainability on key competitiveness indicators. Data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews with tourists, tourism-related businesses, and government officials, providing a comprehensive and balanced perspective on the role of sustainability in enhancing destination appeal. The reliability of the measurement model was assessed via Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and SEM results demonstrated the significant impact of sustainability dimensions on tourism competitiveness.