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Articles | 2026-02-28

Driving Ecotourism Intention in The Era of Sustainable Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review Integrating SOR and Experience Economy Perspective

Riki Riswandi, Sri Widyastuti, Arissetyanto Nugroho
Quantitative Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026), pp. 15-32 https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.qems4644 Published: 2026-02-28
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Abstract

This study aims to identify the main determinants of Ecotourism Intention (EI) by emphasizing the mediating role of Destination Image (DI) and Tourist Satisfaction (TS) through the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) and Experience Economy Theory (EET) approaches. This review uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, with article searches conducted on the Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria covered publications from the period 2010–2025, written in English, published as peer-reviewed journal articles, and containing at least one variable from Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE), Sustainable Tourism (ST), Destination Quality (DQ), TS, or DI. From an initial 300 articles, 29 relevant articles were selected for thematic and descriptive analysis. The results show that Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE), Sustainable Tourism (ST), and Destination Quality (DQ) are the primary stimuli influencing Ecotourism Intention (EI) both directly and indirectly through Destination Image (DI) and Tourist Satisfaction (TS). Destination Image (DI) acts as a cognitive mediator that shapes positive destination perceptions, while Tourist Satisfaction (TS) serves as an affective mediator that strengthens tourists' behavioral intent. The chained mediating relationship of DI and TS was found to be consistent within the SOR and Experience Economy models. Variations in context were observed, where Destination Image (DI) is more dominant in event/festival destinations, while Tourist Satisfaction (TS) is more influential in service and infrastructure-based destinations. This research extends the theoretical understanding of Ecotourism Intention (EI) through the integration of (SOR) and (EET), and provides practical implications for destination managers in designing strategies to enhance tourist experiences, implement sustainability principles, and strengthen destination image.

Keywords

Ecotourism Intention, Memorable Tourism Experience, Sustainable Tourism, Destination Quality, Tourist Satisfaction, Destination Image, SOR, Experience Economy.

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How to Cite

Riswandi, R., Widyastuti, S., & Nugroho, A. (2026). Driving Ecotourism Intention in The Era of Sustainable Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review Integrating SOR and Experience Economy Perspective. Quantitative Economics and Management Studies, 7(1), 15–32. https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.qems4644

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