سیامک تره

The rise of nature-based travel and ecotourism has brought both intentional and unintentional environmental harm, raising concerns about sustainable practices. This study examines how tourists' prior experiences with nature influence their mental well-being, connection to nature, and adoption of responsible environmental behaviors. Focusing on Iran, a country with rich natural and cultural resources, the research explores mechanisms to promote sustainable ecotourism development. Using a descriptive-survey methodology, data were collected from Iranian ecotourists via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings reveal significant relationships: connection to nature positively impacts responsible environmental behavior, as does mental well-being. Prior ecotourism experiences significantly enhance both connection to nature and mental well-being. Mediation analysis shows that the frequency of ecotourism experiences indirectly influences responsible environmental behavior through mental well-being and connection to nature, with no direct significant effect. These results underscore the importance of fostering emotional and psychological ties to nature to encourage sustainable tourism practices. The study highlights the potential for ecotourism to contribute to environmental conservation by enhancing tourists' well-being and ecological awareness, offering valuable insights for sustainable planning in ecotourism destinations.