Development and validation of sustainable tourism indicators: a mixed-method study

Abstract

The wide reliance of the tourism industry on the natural environment, local facilities, and transportation require to be catered through sustainable tourism indicators. However, the literature lacks in the careful assessment of sustainability indicators. In light of this, the present study aims to develop and validate the sustainable tourism indicators, particularly by introducing two novel dimensions of sustainable tourism, that is, infrastructural and technological sustainability, alongside the traditional dimensions. Methodologically, the Delphi method is used to reduce the initial list of indicators as a qualitative method, and the survey method is used to collect data for the selected cities of Pakistan as a quantitative method, with 450 responses. Subsequently, different methods including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) are used to assess the validity and reliability. Based on the broad-based participation of key stakeholders, out of 192 indicators, only 56 robust indicators, free from multicolleanirity, good internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity are retained. Results of the study highlight that comprehensively developed and validated indicators have improved the explanatory power of sustainability measurement, necessary for sustainable tourism development and monitoring of destinations. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by developing and validating sustainability indicators by expanding sustainable tourism dimensions. Practically, the verified and validated sustainability indicators are robust for policymakers and destination managers of the developing countries to formulate strategies and monitor the development of sustainable tourism.