COLEGIO DE SEBASTIAN – PAMPANGA, INC.

Sustainable Tourism Practices: Environmental Conservation and Filipino

Local Tourists’ Satisfaction

A Thesis Presented to the

School of Tourism and Hospitality Management of Colegio de

Sebastian City of San Fernando, Pampanga

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree

of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

Alvarez, Aibanjelyn

Juico, Christine Bea C.

Musngi, Sean Melvie S.

Reyes, Desiree B.

Jackie Lou Pineda-Santos,

MBA Adviser

May 2024

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Acknowledgment

This part is presented/ written in the first person voice. Researchers present the

individuals or groups to whom they are indebted to, who inspired them, or those that they

want to thank for in the completion of the paper.

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Approval Sheet

This thesis hereto entitled:

“Sustainable Tourism Practices: Equating Environmental Conservation and Visitor

Satisfaction in Tourism and Hospitality Industry”

Prepared and submitted by Aibanjelyn Alvarez, Christine Bea C. Juico, Sean Melvie S.

Musngi, and Desiree B. Reyes in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Bachelor of Science in _Tourism Management_ has been examined and is recommended

for acceptance and approval for ORAL EXAMINATION.

Jackie Lou Pineda-Santos, MBA

Thesis Adviser

Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination with a grade of on Month

DD, YYYY.

Name of Panel Chair

Chair

Name of Panel Member Name of Panel Member

Member Member

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree Bachelor of Science in

_Tourism Management_.

Jackie Lou P. Santos, MBA Daryl Malonzo, MS, RPsy, RPm, CPHR

Chairperson Chief Operating Officer

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Certificate of Proofreading

It is therefore certified that the thesis entitled,

“Sustainable Tourism Practices: Equating Environmental Conservation and Visitor

Satisfaction in Tourism and Hospitality Industry”

Has passed thorough grammar inspection and that the entire manuscript has already been

proofread.

Necessary formatting requirements were already been followed and attest that in my full

competence and abilities certifies that this manuscript is free of plagiarized concepts.

I further declare that this research be accepted due to its quality and that it adheres to the

rules of grammar and composition. Moreover, I am in full confidence to affix my

signature under as a testimony of the veracity of the manuscript.

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Table of Contents

Chapter I: Introduction

Background of the Study 1

Review of Related Literature & Studies 4

Research Framework 10

Statement of the Problem 11

Null Hypotheses of the Study 13

Scope and Delimitation of the Study 14

Significance of the Study 15

Definition of Terms 17

Acronyms 20

Chapter II: Methodology

Research Method 21

Research Design 23

Respondents of the Study and Sampling 23

Research Ethics 25

Research Instrument 27

Data Collection Procedure 28

Data Analysis 29

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Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Sustainable tourism by now is recognized as an indisputable concept in

tourism and hospitality when it comes to meeting the needs of society, the environment,

and the economy (Yang, et. al., 2023). With the never-ending increase in travel around

the world, the travel sector has to take an active role in the management of environmental

problems while maintaining high levels of customer experience. This study delves into

the environmental conservation initiatives and how these in turn influence visitor

enjoyment, particularly exploring how sustainable tourism practices are being

implemented.

Ardoin, et. al. (2015) conducted a systematic review of nature-based tourism's

potential to foster long-term stewardship behavior among travelers. Their review, which

spanned peer-reviewed tourism research published between 1995 and 2013, identified

only 30 empirical studies. These studies primarily indicated positive outcomes in

environmental knowledge but found inconsistent results concerning changes in

environmental attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, few studies examined environmental

behavior directly, with even fewer conducting long-term evaluations of sustained attitude

or behavior changes.

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The sustainability problem in the tourism and hospitality industry has been one of

the issues that have been brought to the world's attention while the world is gradually

becoming aware of the environmental impact of travel (Jasrotia, et al., 2021).

Destinations experience a challenge of reconciliation of the economic benefits and

environment conservation while the connection between sustainable practices and tourist

satisfaction is clear. While tourism and hospitality businesses bring economic

development and cultural exchange, they also negatively impact ecological nature and

culture. Therefore, the balance between the tourism requirements and conservation of the

natural and cultural resources which are at the core of the destination is imperative for

sustainability.

Most of the tourist sites are found in environmentally delicate regions, thus

focusing on the preservation of flora and wildlife is the main emphasis in sustainable

tourism (Baloch et al., 2023). Sustainable tourism practices entail conservation

procedures and measures, which include: habitat rehabilitation, wildlife management the

movement of wildlife corridors, and the establishment of wild chimneys. Moreover, by

integrating environmental technologies and sustainable store management, such

approaches reduce the consumption of natural resources, including water and energy.

In the end, more and more travelers tend to favor the original, meaningful, and

authentic moments (Trišić, et. al., 2023). Sustainable tourism defends cultural heritage

and increases community participation, setting a scene for visitors to explore the local

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culture and way of living. Through both responsible travel and their concern to be tourists

of goodwill towards the visited spots, tourists are realizing the consequences of their

presence within the destination. Responsible tourism includes attention to animal welfare,

waste management, and environmentally friendly practices as well as support to local

businesses and the community to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences and

make sure that the adverse effects of tourism are kept to a minimum.

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Review of Related Literature

Sustainable tourism practices rely heavily on understanding the intricate interplay

between tourist behaviors, environmental conservation efforts, and destination

management strategies. This review examines key literature that elucidates the

connections between these variables, highlighting their significance in promoting

environmentally responsible tourism experiences and ensuring the long-term

sustainability of tourism destinations.

Environmental Conservation and Tourist Satisfaction

Chiu, et al. (2013) examine how travelers who participate in ecotourism behave in

an ecologically conscious manner. It suggests a behavioral model that explains how

tourists' environmentally conscious behavior is shaped by their perceptions of the value,

level of satisfaction, and engagement in activities related to their eco-travel experience.

This study has aimed to examine a structural link between environmental attitudes and

knowledge with behavioral intentions for protecting the environment, which is mediated

by tourist satisfaction. Environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes have a

direct impact on the behavior of tourists in the conservation of the environment.

(Najjarzadeh, M., et. al., 2018).

Valdivieso, et. al., (2015) encouraged the search for indicators to which the

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manager of the protected area would be able to identify the extent to which the activities

“would fulfill the tourism objectives”, such as the satisfaction of tourists, which is so

important for the sustainability of the protected area. In terms of services and facilities, as

well as human interaction with nature, tourism activities in natural environments imply

different consumption patterns for nature-based products and services (Fredman, et. al.,

2012).

Kusumah (2023) examines the connection between tourists, destination

sustainability, and satisfaction, placed within the context of an urban area in Indonesia.

The work which is based on sustainability destination loyalty and uses convenience

sampling to tap data from nonresident tourists. Data show that these images namely;

socioeconomic, cultural and environmental affect tourist satisfaction level which at the

end boosts customer loyalty. It is underscored in the study that fostering assessment of

tourists' perceptions on sustainability with a view of informing destination policies and

aiming to ensure longevity of tourism is of much strategic importance.

Madanaguli et al. (2023) develop a systematic literature review on the roles of

the rural tourism & hospitality sector operating with environmental sustainability

practices. Stakeholders are the review key components, and forces, obstacles as well as

advantages are outlined regarding environmentally sustainable rural tourism. This case

study outlines responsibilities of different stakeholders and gives recommendations

regarding future studies which could help to fill in existing knowledge gaps and boost

eco-friendly practices in rural tourism.

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The research aims at examining the impact of sustainability components on

residents' satisfaction which in turn promotes the development of the growing tourism

industry in Pakistan . Through the analysis of environmental awareness particularly as a

moderating factor, the study provides information on how the residents see the

sustainability which has impact on their level of satisfactions about tourism

development (Khan et al. 2022).

Demographic Profile

Demographic profiles, including age, marital status, occupation, and monthly

income, significantly influence travelers' perceptions and behaviors. Younger and older

travelers exhibit varying risk perceptions towards political climates, impacting

destination selection. Ferreira, et. al., (2022)

Plastic-Free Policies

The growing issue of plastic pollution has been connected to initiatives aimed at

promoting sustainability. Through the implementation of "plastic-free" projects like the

"Plastic Free Community," several towns have attempted to address this problem.

Though it's uncertain if "plastic-free" activities have the potential to "snowball" into more

sustainable practices or if they are a "distraction" from more urgent environmental

challenges, local campaigns promote change and better environmental results.

MacDonald, A., et. al., (2021). There is growing pressure on hotels to reduce plastic use

and maintain the cleanliness of vacation destinations. Tourism experts have previously

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suggested several solutions, such as replacing visitors with waste collection initiatives.

Friedrich, D. (2023).

Proper Waste Management

The Global Waste Management Outlook, a collective effort of the United Nations

Environment Programme and the International Waste Management Association, is a

pioneering scientific global assessment of the state of waste management and a call for

action to the international community. Wilson, et. al., (2015). Waste management is

viewed as part of a generation, collection, and disposal system. A systems approach that

reveals its relationship to other parts of the system is examined in the light of producing

more sustainable practices. The move to a more sustainable society requires greater

sophistication to manage waste. A traditional reductionist approach is unsustainable as it

lacks flexibility and long-term thinking. A sustainable waste management system

incorporates feedback loops, is focused on processes, embodies adaptability, and diverts

wastes from disposal. Seadon, J.K., (2010)

Air Pollution

According to Landrigan, P. J. (2017), global elimination of ambient air pollution

will require courageous leadership, substantial new resources from the international

community, and sweeping societal changes. Cities and countries will need to switch to

non-polluting energy sources, encourage active commuting, enhance their transportation

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networks, redesign industrial processes to eliminate waste, and move away from the

resource-intensive so-called take make-use-dispose model of economic growth towards a

clean, sustainable, circular economic model.

Safety and Security

Safety and security became a crucial component of an integral tourist product.

The ability to provide tourists with a secure place to stay during their vacation increases

the appeal of a destination and its tourism offering. Safety and security represent a pre-

condition and a motive that many tourists consider crucial when choosing their

destination for a holiday. As a result, tourist locations must focus on increasing safety and

security, which will increase visitor satisfaction and interest in visiting and returning to a

destination (Alkier, Romina, et al., 2023).

Service Quality

According to Deng, et. al., one of the main parts of the tourist industry is

accommodation. The hotel sector is also characterized by intense competition among

service providers. Customers benefit from this competition by being offered a range of

accommodation choices,which has led to rising expectations (Oh and Kim, 2017). The

results showed that tourist satisfaction with destination amenities, accessibility, and

attractiveness was directly affected by service quality. Accordingly, this study made the

case that there is a substantial relationship between service quality and visitor satisfaction,

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and that as a result, service quality influences tourism by raising visitor satisfaction levels

(Al-Ababneh, M. 2013).

Destination Reputation

The tourism development of a destination is heavily dependent on its natural and

cultural resources (Su & Swanson, 2017) and has positive and negative effects on its

environment (Sheldon & Park, 2011; Su, Huang, & Pearce, 2019). Therefore, bearing the

sustainable development of tourism destinations in mind, organizations need to utilize

tourism resources in a responsible manner (Su. et. al., 2018; Su & Swanson, 2017).

Su L. et al. (2020) established and tested a conceptual model that analyzes how

visitors' attribution of destination social responsibility (DSR) motivations influences

destination trust and intention to visit an attraction. An accurate perception of the

destination's reputation helps minimize the risk of unsatisfactory travel experiences. On

the supply side, a favorable tourist destination reputation enhances the destination’s

competitive advantage and helps it to compete for visitors, investments, and skilled

human resources (Darwish, A., & Burns, P. 2019).

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Research Framework

The research framework of this study is to examine the relationship of

demographic profile between environmental practices and factors influencing tourist

satisfaction with Filipino local tourists in the province of Pampanga.

Sustainable tourism practices may have an impact on these factors. This research

framework is based on the hypothesis that tourist satisfaction and sustainable tourism

practices are positively correlated.

Thus, this study seeks to analyze and determine the Sustainable Tourism Practices:

Equating environmental conservation and Filipino local tourists’ satisfaction in the

province of Pampanga, utilizing the three key indicators- Demographic Profile,

Environmental Practices, and Tourist Satisfaction.

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Statement of the Problem

The problem under investigation is to comprehensively assess the role of

sustainable tourism practices in promoting environmental conservation within natural and

recreational areas. Specifically, the research aims to determine the extent to which

sustainable tourism practices contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Furthermore, the study seeks to understand visitor perceptions regarding the integration

of conservation initiatives into their tourism experiences and to identify the key factors

influencing visitor satisfaction in destinations embracing sustainable tourism practices.

1) What are the demographic profiles of the tourist be described in terms of:

a. Age

b. Marital Status

c. Occupation

d. Monthly Income

e. Municipality of Residence

2) How may the following environmental practices be assessed in terms of:

a. Plastic-free Policies

b. Proper Waste Management

c. Avoid Air Pollution

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3) How may the following factors influence tourist satisfaction in terms of:

a. Safety and Security

b. Service Quality

c. Destination Reputation

4) Is there a significant relationship between the demographic profile and

environmental practices of the respondents?

5) Is there a significant relationship between demographic profile and the

factors influence tourist satisfaction?

6) Is there a significant relationship between environmental practices and

factors influence tourist satisfaction?

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Null Hypothesis of the Study

The following is the Null Hyphothesis:

H0. There is no significant relationship between the demographic profile and

environmental practices of the respondents

Hypothesis of the Study

The following are the Hypothesis:

H1. There is a significant relationship between demographic profile and the factors

influence tourist satisfaction.

According to Mgonja, J. T. (2023), the relationship between demographic profiles

and factors influencing tourist satisfaction has been explored in various tourism studies.

Research has shown that demographic variables such as age, marital status, occupation,

and monthly income can impact tourists' perceptions and satisfaction levels.

H2. There is a significant relationship between environmental practices and factors

influence tourist satisfaction.

There is a significant connection between environmental practices and factors

influencing tourist satisfaction. Studies suggest that green hotel policies have a favorable

impact on tourists' views, contentment, intention to return, and propensity to promote

positive word of mouth. Furthermore, in the context of camping tourism, ecotourism

motivation has a beneficial impact on contentment, place attachment, and ecologically

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responsible behavior intention, eventually increasing visitor satisfaction and boosting

environmentally responsible behavior. Siam, R. (2023)

Scope and Delimitation

This study, conducted by the School of Tourism & Hospitality Management at

Colegio de Sebastian - Pampanga, Inc., focuses on the impact of sustainable tourism

practices on Filipino local tourists traveling within the country. The research will explore

how these practices balance tourists' needs and interests with environmental protection

and community well-being. It will examine a variety of factors that influence tourist

satisfaction and loyalty intentions, including safety and security, service quality, and

destination reputation. The research will use a random sampling procedure to survey

Filipino local tourists arriving at various points in the country, including ecotourism

enthusiasts, ensuring a representative and objective sample.

The study is limited to Filipino local tourists in the Province of Pampanga who

travel within the country. The research will not investigate the international tourists who

are residing in the Philippines. The study will not explore other aspects of the tourism and

hospitality industry outside of sustainable tourism practices. The research will focus

solely on sustainable tourism practices within the realm of tourism and hospitality

management and will not consider other industries or sectors. The study will not

investigate the attitudes of other stakeholders, such as tourism operators or local

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communities, towards sustainable tourism. The findings may not be generalizable to

other demographic groups due to the specific characteristics of the sample.

Significance of the Study

Environmental Conservation Organizations

The organization can use the study's findings to support regulations governing

sustainable tourism and work with the industry to achieve shared conservation goals. The

respondents will also understand the connection between tourism-related activities and

environmental effects.

Tourism and Hospitality Professionals

The study provides valuable insights for industry professionals, including

hoteliers, tour operators, and destination managers, helping them adopt and promote

sustainable practices that enhance both environmental conservation and visitor

satisfaction.

Local Communities

The study benefits local communities by emphasizing sustainable practices that

support economic growth while preserving cultural and natural resources. It promotes

community engagement and ensures that residents sustainability benefit from tourism.

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Department of Tourism

The respondent will primarily benefit from the result of the study. Understanding

that adopting sustainability increases the overall beauty of locations, making them more

attractive to conscientious travelers. It can lead to increased visitation and positive

reviews. Furthermore, Sustainable tourism practices build a positive reputation for the

Department of Tourism, showcasing its dedication to environmental conservation and

responsible tourism management.

Local Tourists and Tourism Students

Local tourists and education students derive benefit from the analysis by the act of

gaining a deeper comprehension of the environmental consequences that could be faced

when travelling. This knowledge will help them be responsible tourists and will, thus,

provide a path for them to make decisions which will support responsible tourism.

Moreover, the tourism course students can use these results to plan and work on their

education and future professions in the industry, while gaining the expertise in the area of

sustainable tourism.

The Local Communities and LGUs

This research is significant to local communities as well as LGUs, recommending

viable approaches that will drive economic growth and at the same time sustain the

cultural as well as natural resources in these areas. By actively engaging the communities

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that host tourists and adopting sustainable tourism initiatives, local communities have an

opportunity to capitalize on the benefits that tourism brings while at the same time

safeguarding both their unique culture and the environment. LGUs can further use the

study's results to design administrative plans and programs that give priority to

productive sustainable tourism development. Thus, the local economy will be more

inclusive and resilient.

Definition of Terms

Environmental Conservation - is the discipline that aims preservation of the ecosystem

from collapse due to human activities including agriculture that is not sustainable, land

clearing, and increasing consumption of the fossil fuels. This study looks at

environmental conservation of which as its operational definition is implementation of

actions aimed at protection of biodiversity, natural habitats, as well as reduction of

negative environmental human impacts (Teo, H. W. 2023, August 10).

Tourist Satisfaction - the level of satisfaction with which a tourism enterprise's products

and services meet or go beyond the expectations of visitors. For the sake of this study, the

definition of visitor/tourist satisfaction consists of the level of foretaste that the tourists

mentioned based on their experiences with tourism-related products such as

accommodation, attractions and activities (IGI Global. n.d.).

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Sustainable Tourism Practices - Sustainable tourism as defined by United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization

(UNWTO) is a tourism industry that caters to the needs of visitors, employers and the

environment; without making any assertion on current or future economic, social and

environmental impacts. Sustainable tourism, as implemented in the present study, is a

synonym of tourism practices that give priority to environmental conservation, cultural

preservation, and social engagement without sacrificing others profitable sides.

Ecological Degradation - is the process during which the environment gets deteriorated

in several ways. As such, the biological diversity and the ecological health are reduced.

For the purpose of this study, ecological degradation is operationally defined as the use of

words such as the deterioration of ecosystems and the habitats of wild plants and animals

that were destroyed by human activities such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate

change (Yadav, S K, et al., 2022).

Local Tourist - those who make journeys inside their own country or a nearby region for

leisure purposes visiting places and places of interests. A resident tourist in this study is

operationally defined as a person who takes leisure trips within their borders or

neighborhood to visit recreational areas and attractions that are found at locations they

can access easily (UNWTO).

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Sociocultural Impacts - include the impact of tourism on society and the individual

values, norms, way of life, behavior, and general quality of life of both the destination

area and tourists. The socio-cultural impacts result from changes in social interactions,

cultural norms, and unity within the community throughout the growth of the tourism

industry in the target location.

Ecotourism - is a type of nature tourism that fosters a consciousness about the

importance of the conservation of biodiversity, environment and people`s cultural

heritage among people and visitors. Moreover, it promotes specific emission reduction

procedures to neutralize any violation of the ecosystem. Under this study, ecotourism is

defined as responsible tourism that highlights nature-based experiences, conservation,

and cultural appreciation as part of a sustainable development model (UNWTO).

Equilibrium - is a term that refers to a state in which the forces that push for progress

are in perfect equilibrium and there is no change. In this study, equilibrium is

operationally represented as a condition that combines environmental conservation

initiatives, sociocultural impacts and economic aspects into one package in the realm of

sustainable tourism development (Chen, J. 2023, December).

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Acronyms

DOT - Department of Tourism

UNWTO - United Nations World Tourism

Organization UNEP - United Nations Environment

Programme LGUs - Local Government Units

PTSA - Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts

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Chapter II

Methodology

Research Method

This research will use quantitative research methods that will allow for the study

of sustainable tourism practices, their relationship with environmental conservation and

satisfaction of visitors in the tourism and hospitality industry in a comprehensive manner.

The idea of this research is to make a quantitative analysis of the role that sustainable

tourism practices play in nature conservation and to demonstrate how these practices

influence the positive feelings towards the destination. Numerical data was used to

measure variables through a quantitative methodology, ensuring a level-headed approach

to investigation.

The goal of this study is to explore how the adoption of sustainable tourism

principles enhances environmental preservation works and in the long run, leads to visitor

satisfaction. First and foremost, it would be to pinpoint the major drivers or barriers that

either help or hinder the adoption of sustainable business practices by the destination

communities. This study will conduct a quantitative analysis to provide visitors and

others with fact-based findings about the efficiency of sustainable tourism ways for

achieving both environmental and visitor satisfaction objectives. The quantitative

methodology has been selected for this research to enable statistical analysis which would

enable for the objectification of the findings.

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Questionnaires and opinion polls will be distributed to a statistically

representative sample of tourists and industry professionals in an effort to determine

mutable factors such as satisfaction with the environment and participation in sustainable

conscientiousness (Borgstede & Scholz, 2021).

Step 1: The research process—where the goals are to improve tourists' behavior

towards environment conservation, sustainable tourism practices, between the tourism

and hospitality visitors' contentment—will be used to begin the research. Certain

cognitive questions anchor the exploration study, covering aspects such as tourist

population type, eco-friendly practices, and issues around tourist satisfaction.

Step 2: A quantitative research approach is preferred because it provides a means

to monitor the practices precisely and look for possibilities in changing the established

order. The methodology reflects in gathering some research instruments such as surveys,

and be certain that ethical factors are being observed. Sampling methods that give a

complete and diverse representation sample will be selected.

Step 3: EDP begins from collection and analysis of data that is done within three

stages: information gathering from tourists and industry professionals, followed by

statistical analysis to reveal the patterns and connections. In order to achieve this

objective, the investigation will focus on in-depth examination, explanation the findings

appeal to through immersive details concerning how sustainability practices can be

supported and its implications.

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Research Design

The research design for this study, suggestively, is descriptive, and serves to

present a detailed and precise analysis of sustainable tourism operations, environmental

conservation, and visitor's satisfaction. Descriptive research is commonly employed in

the identification of the present status as well as the main aspects associated with the

phenomena under investigation thus enabling researchers to have an in-depth insight into

the interplay between the sustainable practices and overall customer satisfaction within

the tourism and hospitality sector (Siedlecki, 2020).

Respondents of the Study

The primary target population for this research comprises Filipino local tourists,

including individuals of mixed heritage, specifically those traveling within the country.

Given the significant growth in domestic tourism, as reported by the Philippine Tourism

Satellite Accounts (PTSA), the study seeks to capture insights from this demographic.

According to the Regional Distribution of Overnight Travelers 2022, the population of

the province of Pampanga is 1,124,190. To identify the requisite sample size for the

distribution of questionnaires, the researchers utilized Raosoft, an online sample size

calculator. The study aims to gather responses from an adjusted number of respondents to

ensure statistical reliability and representativeness. According to the computation, the

researchers needed 385 respondents.

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Sampling Design

The study's respondents will be selected through random sampling to make the

sample representative and objective. A sampling procedure will be employed to survey

Filipino local tourists in the Province of Pampanga traveling within the country. The

selection of criteria will be illustrated through demographic factors like age, marital

status, occupation, and monthly earnings to guarantee a range of the sample.

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Research Ethics

The researchers will keep in mind all the ethical issues and will strive to

adhere to ethical principles to make sure that the character of the study remains

untouched and that the volunteers' rights and privacy are not violated. The consent of

participants will be obtained through a system that will require the purpose of the study,

the confidentiality of responses, and the voluntary nature of the participation must be

clearly stated. Ethical issues will be a point of focus throughout the research process as

we strive to build an open and respectful exchange between us and the participants.

The researchers will conduct a survey using Google Forms. When data collection

is complete, it is essential to properly handle any identifying information given by the

respondents, such as names, email addresses, and other personal information. The survey

questionnaires should be securely disposed of when all personal data is well managed,

and the confidentiality agreement will be implemented for the disposal process to make

sure participant's information is not accessed by other persons.

The responses from Google Forms will be automatically saved to a Google

spreadsheet. The researchers will download the spreadsheet containing the responses and

store it securely on the local system. After downloading the spreadsheet, the researchers

will review the data and extract any relevant insights or conclusions necessary for their

analysis or report. After examining the data and gathering relevant insights, the

spreadsheet has to be deleted from the Google Drive account.

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The researchers also securely delete any copies of the sheet from the computer or

other devices to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to the data. Furthermore, if the

researchers printed out the responses for analysis or presentation, they must ensure that

the printed copies are securely shredded after use to prevent potential data violation.

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Research Instrument

The main tool of this study would be a structured questionnaire that aims

to collect quantitative data. The research questions have not been adopted due to the

absence of similar information and no relevant questionnaires. The questionnaire will

feature a variety of closed questions and a Likert scale for gathering the respondents’

opinions and getting to know their perceptions. Questions will be addressed in different

areas such as green tourism, protection of the environment and customer satisfaction

(Jebb et al. 2021). It is divided into four parts.

Part I includes the respondents’ demographic profile, including their age, marital

status, occupation, monthly income and municipality of residence.

However, Part II concentrate on the environmental practices such as plastic-free

policies, proper waste management, and avoid air pollution.

Part III of the instrument discuss the factors influencing tourist satisfaction such

as safety and security of the tourist, service quality that tourists’ experience, and

destination reputation.

The employing of the Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree will

give us an in-depth view of respondents' attitude and perception and subsequently will

lead to a complete investigation of their perception.

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Data Collection Procedure

In conducting the study, the researchers created a planned procedure. At the

beginning of the data collection procedure, the quantitative approach will be used to

collect structured and numerical data. This methodology will help researchers

systematically understand how sustainable practices in the tourism business can

contribute to providing the best environmental conservation and customer satisfaction

within the tourism and hospitality industry. Researchers can assess the strength of

relationships and patterns by using quantitative methods. It provides in-depth insights

into such factors as the determinants of sustainability in tourism.

After that, the researchers will ask for the permission of selected respondents by

signing the consent form that the researchers prepared. The researchers will not force the

respondents to participate in answering the questionnaires. Respondents have enough

time to complete the survey questionnaires. The researchers provide clear instructions in

each question for the respondents before they answer.

This step ensures that the implicit knowledge is not limited to insights from a

certain narrow perception of sustainable tourism. Through collecting first-hand

information from a broad range of age groups and famous tourist sites, this study can

generate a clearer picture of the industry's environmental conservation and visitors'

experience.

The questionnaire will be composed of closed questions, and a Likert scale will be

used to assess the extent of visitors' opinions and views on sustainable tourism practices,

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environmental conservation, and visitor satisfaction. With the help of a questionnaire,

researchers strive to obtain detailed information about tourists' preferences, their

behavioral modes, and their attitude toward sustainable tourism, which greatly assists in

understanding how these practices influence the environment's condition and how

satisfied visitors are with them.

Data Analysis Procedure

The analysis of gathered data will be built around two statistical techniques,

which are descriptive and easy to understand so as to convey the association between

variables present in the dataset. Descriptive statistics covering indicators such as average,

median, and standard deviation will allow for a brief description of the central tendency

and variability in the data. This structure makes it an easy presentation of the main

characteristics which in return will clear the way for finding trends or patterns among the

variables. This descriptive analysis will be followed by the analysis of Pearson

correlation coefficient to investigate the correlation of various variables with the

dependent variable (Chao, 2017).

The research aims to quantify these connections and explore if any particular

demographic factors are essential for attaining sustainable tourist behaviors. Moreover, a

t-test will be conducted to investigate the statistical significance of any differences

observed in the visitor satisfaction scores between these two groups and to determine the

basis of any discrepancies.

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This statistical tool can be a useful one, which can help to find out whether there

exists statistically significant variations between different demographic groups or

between those who actively practice sustainable tourism and those who do not (Al-kassab

et al., 2021). In general, the statistical methods suitable for their simplicity and meaning

will be able to reveal the complexity of the relationship between the sustainable tourism

practices, visitor profiles and guests overall satisfaction in the tourism and hospitality

sector.

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Dear Respondents,

We are asking to spare a few minutes of your time to fill in the following

questionnaire. The researchers gather surveys on tourist preferences and environmental

behaviors in the tourism industry. Your feedback is very much important for us in finding

the ways of how we can upgrade tourist journeys as well as protect natural surroundings.

Thank you for taking your time in answering this questionnaire! Your honest answers

will assist our research on local tourists in advancing sustainable tourism practices in

environmental conservation and increasing visitor satisfaction.

The Researchers

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Questionnaire Consent Form

I (respondent’s name) hereby give my

permission to Christine Bea Juico, Aibanjelyn Alvarez, Desiree Reyes, and Sean Melvie

Musngi (researchers) to allow me to respond to their questionnaire. I understand that their

work is for academic purposes. I also understand that my responses and identity will be

kept confidential and anonymous.

By proceeding with the questionnaire, I acknowledge that I have read and

understood the above information and consent to participate.

Signature Over Printed Name:

Date:

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Kindly put a check (√ ) mark on the item that corresponds to your choice of answer.

I. Demographic Profiles
a. Age
b. Marital Status : Single Married Widowed Separated
c. Occupation : Student Employed Self-employed
Private
Public

d. Monthly Income: Less than P20,000 P20,001-30,000 P30,001 – 40,000

P40,001 – 50,000 More than P50,000

e. Municipality of Residence:
□ Angeles City □ Masantol
□ Apalit □ Mexico
□ Arayat □ Minalin
□ Bacolor □ Porac
□ Candaba □ San Fernando
□ Floridablanca □ San Luis
□ Guagua □ San Simon
□ Lubao □ Santa Ana
□ Mabalacat □ Santa Rita
□ Macabebe □ Santo Tomas
□ Magalang □ Sasmuan

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II. Tourists' Environmental Practices

Kindly put a check (√ ) mark on the item that corresponds to your choice of answer.
Likert Scale -
1 (Strongly Disagree), 2 (Disagree), 3 (Agree), 4 (Strongly Agree)

1 2 3 4
(SD) (D) (A) (SA)
Environmental Practices
Proper Waste Management
I agree that productive waste management is essential to
the sustainable future of tourism destinations.
I attempt to dispose of my garbage appropriately while
visiting tourist destinations.
I agree that tourists destination provides an educational
awareness about proper waste management disposal.
I am willing to participate in the waste management
activities while I enjoy my vacation.
Plastic-free Policies
I support destinations promoting plastic-free policies.
I agree that businesses in tourist destinations need to
give plastic-free options for the product’s packaging.
I agree that a destination should make educational
awareness activities to educate visitors about the
positive effects of decreasing plastic waste.
I agree about implementing penalties for visitors
or businesses that will not follow plastic-free
policies in tourist destinations.
Avoid Air Pollution
When I travel, I look for destinations with good air
quality.
I agree to adjust my transportation options, such as
employing public transit or walking.
To minimize air pollution while traveling.
I agree to pay an additional payment for eco-friendly
transportation that helps reduce air pollution.
I would recommend travel and lodging providers who
prioritize environmental sustainability or programs
focused on reducing air pollution.

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III. Factors Influencing Tourist Satisfaction

Kindly put a check (√ ) mark on the item that corresponds to your choice of answer.
Likert Scale -
1 (Strongly Disagree), 2 (Disagree), 3 (Agree), 4 (Strongly Agree)

1 2 3 4
(SD) (D) (A) (SA)
Factors Influencing Tourist Satisfaction
Safety and Security
When I want to travel to a new destination, I agree that
researching the destination makes me guarded and
secure.
To enhance my safety and security standards, I agree to
pay more for my accommodations.
I am more likely to visit destinations with visible
security measures (e.g., near police stations, surveillance
cameras).
I feel safety and security issues influence the entire travel
experience.
Service Quality
I look for reviews and ratings of services before
visiting a new destination.
I recommend a destination based on the quality of
services I received.
Service quality significantly influences my overall
satisfaction with the tourist destination.
I would prioritize visiting destinations known for their
exceptional service quality over others.
Destination Reputation
I look for information about the reputation of a
destination before planning a travel.

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I visit a destination with a positive reputation, even

though I'm not as familiar with it.
I agree with friends and family's recommendations
or referrals when they come from a place with a
positive reputation.
I agree to ignore negative aspects of a destination's
reputation if it offers unique attractions or experiences.

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