Influence of Ecotourism Activities on Environmental Conservation through Visitors’ Awareness at Mangrove Hera Park, Dili, Timor-Leste.

  • Emilia Freitas Pereira Tour and Travel Management, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), Dili, Timor-Leste
  • Rachel Freitas Pereira Tour and Travel Management, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), Dili, Timor-Leste
  • Estanislau de Sousa Saldanha Graduate School, Dili Institute of Technology, (DIT), Dili, Timor-Leste
  • Agustinus Nahak Seran Tour and Travel Management, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), Dili, Timor-Leste
Keywords: Ecotourism, Environmental Conservation, Visitor Awareness, Sustainable Tourism, Timor-Leste.

Abstract

This study explores the influence of ecotourism activities on environmental conservation, with a specific focus on the mediating role of visitors' awareness in the context of Mangrove Hera Park, Dili, Timor-Leste. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from 133 park visitors through a structured questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the aid of SMART-PLS software. The findings reveal that ecotourism activities significantly enhance visitors' awareness, which subsequently exerts a positive impact on environmental conservation efforts. These results underscore the critical role of incorporating educational components into ecotourism initiatives to promote sustainable behaviors and support local conservation endeavors. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers and tourism practitioners, emphasizing the development of sustainable tourism strategies that prioritize community engagement and environmental stewardship.

 

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Published
2024-12-30
How to Cite
Pereira, E., Pereira, R., Saldanha, E. and Seran, A. (2024) “Influence of Ecotourism Activities on Environmental Conservation through Visitors’ Awareness at Mangrove Hera Park, Dili, Timor-Leste.”, Timor Leste Journal of Business and Management, 6, pp. 1-11. doi: 10.51703/bm.v6i0.182.