PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY AND THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND DIGITAL FORESTRY

Abstract

Sustainable ecotourism has become a vital strategy for balancing conservation, community well-being, and economic development. This study empirically examines the factors driving sustainable ecotourism performance by integrating community participation, digital forestry adoption, digital literacy, and economic sustainability within a structural framework. Primary data were collected from 350 respondents linked to ecotourism destinations, and the analysis employed a two-stage approach. First, multiple regression analysis assessed the individual impact of community participation and digital forestry adoption on economic sustainability. The results showed that both variables significantly and positively influence economic sustainability. Second, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using LISREL 8.80 was used to evaluate the measurement and structural models. The model demonstrated an excellent fit (χ²/df < 2, RMSEA = 0.015, p > 0.05), confirming the robustness of the constructs. SEM results indicated that economic sustainability acts as a strong mediator connecting community participation and digital forestry adoption to sustainable ecotourism performance. Moreover, digital literacy enhanced the effectiveness of digital forestry adoption, emphasizing the moderating role of technological capability. Overall, the findings affirm that both community-based initiatives and technological advancements are crucial for improving sustainable ecotourism performance. The study offers significant managerial and policy implications for enhancing ecotourism practices, fostering stakeholder participation, and integrating digital tools into destination management.