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Article

Sustainable Behaviors Conceptualization for Forest Adventures Tours: The Case of Cloud Ocean Sites in Hyrcanian Forests Listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Property

by
Amir Ghorbani
1,†,
Kai Zhu
2,*,†,
Hossein Mousazadeh
3,*,
Farahnaz Akbarzadeh Almani
4,
Ali Zangiabadi
5,
Mahin Pireh
6 and
Lóránt Dénes Dávid
7,8,*
1
Department of Tourism, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73441, Iran
2
Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
3
Department of Regional Science, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, 1053 Budapest, Hungary
4
Department of Tourism Management, Budapest Business School, University of Applied Sciences, 1149 Budapest, Hungary
5
Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73441, Iran
6
Department of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6465, Iran
7
Faculty of Economics and Business, John von Neumann University, 6000 Kecskemet, Hungary
8
Institute of Rural Development and Sustainable Economy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Forests 2023, 14(5), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051034
Submission received: 13 April 2023 / Revised: 2 May 2023 / Accepted: 15 May 2023 / Published: 17 May 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Talking about Forest Culture Research from the Environment to Society)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The Cloud Ocean phenomenon in the Hyrcanian Forests, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most stunning yet lesser-known ecotourism destinations that has recently attracted the attention of adventure tours. However, the increasing number of ecotourists visiting these sites is expected to threaten the sensitive ecosystem of the Cloud Ocean sites. Therefore, this study aims to conceptualize sustainable behaviors for off-road forest tours in the Cloud Ocean sites of the Hyrcanian Forests. A combined qualitative-quantitative approach was adopted to achieve this aim, using the meta-synthesis method to cover the qualitative part and Smart PLS software for the quantitative data analysis. The qualitative assessment involved 19 participants, while the quantitative study included 240 experts who helped monitor and evaluate the indicators as components of the model. Previous literature has given little attention to the Cloud Ocean sites. Therefore, the conceptualization of sustainable behavior for forest adventure tours in these sites is considered the most significant contribution of this study. Paying attention to the dimensions of the proposed model can significantly reduce damage to these sites.

1. Introduction

Off-road adventure tours have a significant impact on the conservation function of ecotourism development [1], and critics have raised concerns about their negative effects on wildlife and forests despite ecotourism’s numerous advantages in promoting the socio-cultural and economic well-being of local communities [2]. In tourism projects that have close connections with the local community and wildlife, efforts should be made to protect wildlife while ensuring the well-being of the community, as suggested by Musikanski et al. [3]. Environmental pollution (such as water and sound pollution), waste accumulation, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, depletion of natural resources [4], and soil erosion and compaction are among the negative impacts of ecotourism in forests [5].
While ecotourism principles and implementation strategies have faced significant challenges in recent years [6], researchers believe that sustainable ecotourism training can positively influence the environment’s future [7]. Forest off-road ecotourists seek to discover the “truth” and “nature” of the tourism experience, retrieve the true nature of leisure, communication, and aesthetics in ecotourism, and reconstruct tourism creativity [8,9]. Trained ecotourists are expected to have more sustainable behavior in nature, with their primary motivation for traveling to nature being personal reflection and self-knowledge [10].
In recent decades, classical ecotourism has been widely criticized for its negative effects [11], and reflective interactions should be increased to mitigate these impacts [12]. Sustainability in ecotourism involves pursuing multiple experiences, “both-and” rather than “either-or” choices [13]. According to D’Urso et al. [9], in sustainable ecotourism, “every tourist has his own little story to tell, and these little stories replace the great, universal narrative of the past.” As these ecotourists are more concerned about their behavior towards nature and often travel in small groups to secluded places, they can contribute to sustainability and mitigate the negative effects of ecotourism. It is suggested that the definition of the value of sustainability must be co-created for its success [14]. However, critics of ecotourism argue that it has not fulfilled its obligations towards the environment and that its current form cannot guarantee sustainable tourism development [15].
Forests, as the main resources of flora and fauna, are directly affected by the negative consequences of off-road adventure tours [16]. Mass off-road tours have been shown to lead to forest decline, with the degree of forest loss due to ecotourism comparable to that caused by traditional development policies [17]. The destruction of forests is equivalent to the destruction of life [18].
Iran, with its desert plains and the Lut Desert World Heritage site, has become a popular destination for postmodern ecotourists who can promote sustainable tourism management [19]. The Hyrcanian Forests World Heritage site in Iran, after the Lut Desert, is the second natural site listed in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and has attracted the attention of many ecotourists [20]. The Cloud Ocean site is one of the most attractive destinations in the Hyrcanian Forests, suitable for adventure tours, but no study has been conducted on these sites, which are threatened by mass and untrained ecotourists. This study aims to present a conceptualization of sustainable behavior for forest adventure tours and answer the question of what adventure tours should consider in order to preserve the Cloud Ocean sites of the Hyrcanian Forests and prevent the negative effects of ecotourism on these sites. Finally, the results of the study will be presented in the form of a model. Therefore, the most important goals of this research are:
(1)
Identify the most significant harmful behaviors exhibited by ecotourists in the studied sites;
(2)
Investigate the current situation of the Cloud Ocean sites with regard to the effects of ecotourism development;
(3)
Identify and conceptualize sustainable behaviors for ecotourists based on the current situation of the studied sites.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Forest Adventure Tours (Impacts and Consequences)

Most forest adventure tours are usually conducted in groups, as ecotourists prefer to travel to the forest with a group of friends and reminisce about their experiences by the campfire at night. These groups often comprise individuals from diverse backgrounds who come together to continue their journey [21]. However, opponents of forest adventure tours argue that although this program is supported by tourism stakeholders, it may lead to the destruction of flora and fauna [22]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ecotourist footprint traffic decreased, leading to a reduction in the negative effects of ecotourism on the environment [23]. In a similar study, the negative impact of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on the mental peace of mammals and the natural texture of fragile ecosystems, such as forests, was evaluated [24].
Recently, research has been conducted on the impacts of off-road vehicle tracks on runoff, erosion, and sediment delivery [25]. What can exacerbate the situation for sensitive ecosystems, such as forests, is that more ecotourists are interested in discovering pristine spots using adventure equipment, which expands the range of negative impacts. Heshmati et al. [26] argue that inexperienced off-road drivers pose a serious threat to ecotourism services, and the negative effects of off-road vehicles, such as the destruction of flora and fauna, soil disturbance, and disturbance to local communities, increase with the number of vehicles. Leaving the designated tourist routes during off-road programs in the forest and desert ecosystems can have fatal consequences for the environment and threaten the health of tourists. On another note, Kurniawan et al. [27] state that ignorance and lack of training in the principles of camping and garbage disposal have led to the accumulation of waste in forest areas. Additionally, choosing the right location for camping in the forest, according to certain principles and guidelines, can prevent damage to vegetation to a great extent [28]. Based on the research literature, the most important dimensions that need to be addressed and sustained in forest adventure tours, according to the forest ecosystem, are represented in Figure 1.

2.2. Cloud Ocean Sites and Hyrcanian Forests Tourism Potential

Ecotourism is an environmentally friendly leisure activity [5] that should take place within natural world heritage sites, such as the Hyrcanian Forests with cloud oceans, both to restore tourism and protect the environment. Moreover, creating an eco-friendly environment for tourists can guarantee the benefits of sustainable development [29]. However, it should be noted that the arrival of tourists in rural areas can contribute to the gentrification of tourism [30], which is currently happening in the north of Iran, where the Hyrcanian Forests are located. Forests are critical for tourism income [31], and nature-based tourism is often included in forest strategies [32]. Tourism connected to forests would be more beneficial for rural areas than for the forests themselves [33]. The “naturalness” of the forest is an essential component in supporting sustainable tourism development, and the relationship between forest benefits for tourism and different forest management practices remains unclear [34].
However, an increase in tourist pressure on forests may lead to adverse environmental effects if it is concentrated in rare areas [35,36], such as cloud oceans in the Hyrcanian Forests. This tendency could initiate a shift in tourists’ behavior, favoring remote, less populated destinations over overpopulated mass-tourism destinations [37]. This shift could strengthen the vitality, alignment, and trust among the local community, governments, and tourists and ultimately accelerate the marketing of the destination [38]. Postmodern ecotourism departs from the standards of mass ecotourism, supports nature, and respects the environment [39]. Forests provide many opportunities for recreation and relaxation, which are considered positive factors for human health and well-being [40]. Numerous studies have shown that forest therapy can affect mental health by regulating physiological responses, increasing positive emotions, and reducing negative emotions [41], increasing energy levels [42], developing comfort [43], and increasing positive feelings [44]. Additionally, forest therapy can improve the connection between forests and physical health [45,46,47]. Forest therapy tourism is capable of enhancing both physical and mental well-being [48,49]. The positive effects of forests on the mental health and well-being of individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and crisis have been confirmed [50]. Forests, including the Hyrcanian Forests in the north of Iran, have become a major destination for ecotourism in recent years and can be considered a cornerstone of ecotourism and sustainable development [51]. Images of Cloud Ocean sites are illustrated in Figure 2.
This paper focuses on promoting sustainable behaviors that minimize negative impacts on the natural and cultural resources of the Hyrcanian Forests. Specifically, the study examines sustainable behaviors related to forest adventure tours, which encompass recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The researchers identified five key sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours, including sustainable camping, sustainable vehicle routing, sustainable adventure, sustainable footprint, and sustainable capacity.
The paper highlights the importance of promoting sustainable behaviors to ensure the long-term viability of forest adventure tours and to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Hyrcanian Forests. To guide future research and practice in this area, the authors propose a conceptual framework for understanding and promoting sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Study Area

The Hyrcanian Forests are located in the northeastern part of Iran and are considered one of the most valuable ecosystems inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List [52]. The forests stretch between latitude 37°25′17.3″ N and longitude 55°43′27.4″ E, covering 850 km2 of the northern slopes of the Alborz mountain range, facing the Caspian Sea up to an elevation of 2800 m [53]. The cloud ocean phenomenon is more visible at these heights. The history of these broad-leaved forests dates back 25–50 million years. Due to human and natural factors, a significant portion of these forests has been lost, and the remaining part is scattered among the northern provinces of Iran (Figure 3) [20]. Visiting the Hyrcanian Forests is an ultimate pleasure for tourists, and millions of people travel there on holidays. The cloud ocean phenomenon occurs in different parts of the Hyrcanian Forests, usually forming where the surface of the clouds becomes lower than the surface of the earth due to climatic conditions. UNESCO reports that most of the Hyrcanian Forests are located in the northern provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan in Iran. Therefore, the cloud ocean phenomena were identified in these provinces (Table 1). According to statistics from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism, the total number of tourist arrivals in the three studied provinces was 34 million people in the first two months of the current year. The three provinces have approximately 550 accommodation units, with approximately 30% of these units located in areas near the Cloud Ocean.

3.2. Methodology

This study utilized a combined qualitative-quantitative approach, employing the “survey description” method. The qualitative meta-synthesis approach involved reviewing various resources, including books, articles, theses, domestic and international publications, and reliable electronic databases, as well as consulting with experts. The Delphi method was utilized to design the qualitative model (conceptual framework). Two statistical populations were selected for the qualitative and quantitative studies. The convenience sampling method was used to recruit tour guides to complete questionnaires for the quantitative study. The tour guides were contacted through tour companies operating Cloud Ocean site tours in the Hyrcanian Forests region and were informed about the study’s purpose and nature before being asked to participate voluntarily.
Nineteen university faculty members from the Tourism and Forest Studies Department participated in the qualitative assessment, while 240 tour guides, managers of tourist camps in the sites, and members of the Cloud Ocean tourism tour completed questionnaires for the quantitative study. For structural equation modeling, a sample size of 5–15 observations was determined for each measured variable. The questionnaire contained 30 items, and a maximum necessary sample size of 240 was calculated based on 8 observations per item. The validity of content was calculated using the relative coefficient of content validity (CVR) and the content validity index (CVI), while the reliability of the data collection tool was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability coefficient. PLS-SEM methods were used for data analysis.
The raw and final variables were determined using the meta-synthesis and expert Delphi methods. In the Delphi process, the raw indicators were screened in three stages to obtain the final indicators. At least 50% of the experts were required to give a similar answer to one of the options for each indicator in the initial agreement. The final agreement was reached in the third round with at least 55% similar responses, and the final variables were obtained. Additionally, subthemes were identified through content analysis of the responses provided by the expert panel members during the three Delphi rounds. These subthemes were used to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the topic under investigation.

4. Data Processing and Analysis

To process the data in the PLS environment, several steps were taken to reach the final model. First, the data were subjected to descriptive analysis and examined for normal distribution to determine the suitability of PLS as an analysis method. In this study, the data did not exhibit normal distribution, which justified the application of PLS as the most appropriate method. In the second step, the factor loading output was derived from the data. To do this, the factor loading coefficients between the indicators and the questions related to each indicator had to be higher than 0.4. In this step, the convergent and divergent validities were also calculated. In the third step, the T-value and the R-Square were calculated to determine the goodness of fit (GOF) of the output model [54]. The data were then analyzed descriptively, as presented in Table 2.

5. Fitness of the Final Model Indexes

Figure 4 presents the factor loading output and the Z significance coefficient (T-value). The factor loading coefficients between the indicators and the questions were found to be higher than 0.4, and the T-value was higher than 1.96, indicating a significant relationship between the indicators and the questions.

5.1. Convergent and Divergent Validities of the Model Elements

The results of Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity are presented in Table 3. Table 3 presents the validity and reliability of the model elements separately. A Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability of 0.7 were considered appropriate, while a mean-variance extracted value of 0.5 was deemed acceptable [55]. The average divergent validity calculated for the model elements was higher than the variance shared among them, indicating that all the model elements had good validity and reliability.

5.2. R-Square or R2 of the Model

The effect of an exogenous element on an endogenous element of the model was evaluated using the R-Square criterion, which is a suitable measure of model fit. Three criteria of weak, medium, and strong were suggested for measuring the model, corresponding to the values of 0.19, 0.33, and 0.67, respectively [54]. The R-squared coefficients of the model are presented in Table 4.

5.3. Goodness of Fit of the Model

To evaluate the fitness of the model, the GOF criterion was calculated using Equation (1).
GOF = (Communalities Bar × R2 Bar)0.5
Table 5 presents the method used to interpret the output numbers from the model. Based on the table, the final fitness of the model was found to be at a suitable level.

5.4. Designing the Final Model

After determining the quality of the elements, the final model was designed (Figure 5).

6. Discussion

The aim of this study was to design a sustainable development model for postmodern ecotourism in the Cloud Ocean sites of the Hyrcanian Forests in Iran. These forests are among the last natural forests with deciduous trees in the world [2]. Due to their unique species, high biodiversity, natural attractions, and ancient history, they have the potential to attract many tourists. However, due to the increasing demand for resorts, limited natural resources for recreation, and the lack of suitable ecotourism projects and planning, visitors cannot take advantage of many natural attractions. Additionally, the lack of balance in population density and natural resources has led to the destruction of some areas [56]. One of the most attractive potentials of the study area is the cloud ocean and forest therapy sites, which have recently attracted the attention of mass ecotourists. However, due to the fragile ecosystem of the Cloud Ocean sites, ecotourism can be considered a direct threat to them. Hartoyo et al. [57] identified uncontrolled ecotourism as a significant threat to forests and a major concern for researchers.
In this study, using the meta-synthesis and Delphi method based on expert opinions, ten endogenous and exogenous dimensions were identified to form the raw model. Not paying attention to these dimensions, which are the most important presuppositions of travel to Cloud Ocean sites, has caused significant damage to the study area in recent years. In the next step, the initial model was designed, and the prepared questionnaire was distributed to the participants. The collected data were processed to determine the quality of the proposed model. The results revealed that the model had a strong goodness of fit. Since the participants largely agreed with the experts, it had the potential to be successfully implemented. The model comprised two groups of exogenous and endogenous elements, each of which included five sub-elements. During the structural equation modeling in a PLS environment, the endogenous elements were examined as the main variables, and their impacts on the exogenous elements were measured and included in the model outputs.
The endogenous elements of green tourism consist of green solo trips, green footprint, green vehicle routing, green camping, and green adventure. Green tourism is ethical, and responsible tourists who are committed to green tourism try not to disturb the peace and life of local people, do not pollute the environment, and enhance the value of biodiversity and ecosystems by reducing costs. If such trips are undertaken individually (green solo trips), their effects on sustainable development would be even greater. Yang et al. [58] identified self-actualization, self-improvement, and behavioral control as key drivers of solo travel intention. Green solo trips can be more helpful during diseases and crises that threaten tourism [59]. In addition to maintaining the health of tourists, green solo trips protect the Hyrcanian Forests in line with the goals of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and sustainable development programs. Tourists on green solo trips have the opportunity to discover local attractions in the visited places, which would not be possible on group tours. The investigation of green footprints is strongly felt in the study of sustainable tourism development of world heritage sites in Iran.
Sustainable camping in forest ecotourism involves using environmentally friendly practices and minimizing the impact on natural ecosystems while enjoying the beauty of the forest [26,60]. Choosing a sustainable campsite is an important aspect of practicing sustainable camping in forest ecotourism. These campgrounds often have amenities like composting toilets, fire pits, and water pumps to make the camping experience more comfortable while minimizing the impact on the environment. Ecotourists should avoid creating new campsites, as this can damage vegetation and disturb the natural ecosystem. Instead, they should look for campgrounds that practice sustainable management practices, such as composting, recycling, and using renewable energy sources.
Moreover, sustainable camping in forest ecotourism involves minimizing the amount of garbage and waste generated during camping. Tourists should bring reusable containers and utensils and avoid using single-use items. They should not leave any trash behind, as it can harm wildlife and pollute the environment. Fruit and vegetable scraps should be composted in a compost bin or buried in a hole away from the campsite. If tourists need to dispose of waste, they should use designated receptacles or facilities provided by the campground. Instead of disposable products, tourists should consider reusable waste solutions like washable dishcloths, cloth napkins, and reusable food containers. Camping is often associated with campfires, but it is important to practice sustainable and safe campfire practices when camping in a forest ecotourism setting. Before starting a campfire, tourists should check for any fire restrictions or bans in the area. If tourists plan to have a campfire, they should use local firewood that is already dead and down and never leave the fire unattended. Tourists should keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby to extinguish the fire if necessary.
Codified planning can guarantee a sustainable footprint in touristic areas [61]. Considering the rapid growth of tourism in the Hyrcanian Forests and its transformation into economic activity, forest therapy, and forest tourism pilot in Iran, it is necessary to fully utilize the potential of tourism, especially in Cloud Ocean sites. Strengthening the potential of sustainable footprint studies in tourism is essential to meet the requirements of sustainable development [62]. Lee et al. [63] emphasize the importance of promoting green energy to combat environmental degradation and strengthen the sustainable footprint in tourism areas while also taking into account the country’s economic and security issues. Sustainable vehicle routing emphasizes preventing vehicles from entering tourist areas, especially forests and protected areas. In fact, tourism management studies must carefully consider the subtle differences between ecotourism and the destruction of nature. The ecotourism industry, which has formed in the Hyrcanian Forests in recent years, has provoked excitement in off-road riding in the pristine nature of these areas.
The acceptance of nature tourism by some tourists has led to the formation of off-road tours in natural areas, which can result in the destruction of pristine nature under the wheels of two-wheel drive vehicles. This is known as one of the most critical factors contributing to the degradation of the Hyrcanian Forests. Therefore, establishing a sustainable vehicle routing system that adheres to the principles of sustainable development and green tourism is essential to protect the Hyrcanian Forests and maintain the satisfaction of both the local community and interested tourists. Developing the necessary infrastructure for ecotourism, such as eco-friendly accommodations, can have many economic benefits for touristic areas and their inhabitants. The establishment of such accommodations, referred to as “sustainable adventure,” requires special recreational vehicles [64]. Therefore, initiatives aimed at encouraging camping can potentially enhance the accessibility and sustainability of recreation and tourism [65,66]. Given the differences in the ways of holding sustainable camping, unique rules, the distinctiveness of the Hyrcanian Forests, and the principles of sustainable development, official organizations should closely supervise the procedure for holding such camps and issuing necessary permits.

7. Limitations and Future Work

The novelty of the research topic brings both opportunities and limitations to the study and provides interesting avenues for future research. One significant limitation of the current study is the seasonal nature of the Cloud Ocean phenomenon in the studied sites. As a result, Cloud Ocean tours are arranged according to the appropriate time, leading to a protracted cross-sectional study process. Additionally, some operators of Cloud Ocean tours are reluctant to allow direct communication between researchers and tour leaders or ecotourists.
Future research could explore the long-term impact of implementing sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours in the Hyrcanian Forests, including examining their effect on the environment, visitor satisfaction, and local communities. Comparative research could be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours in the Hyrcanian Forests against those in other UNESCO World Heritage sites, enabling the identification of best practices for promoting sustainable tourism across different locations.
Behavioral economics could be employed to understand the motivations and decision-making processes behind sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours, including examining the role of incentives, social norms, and default options. Future research could also explore the attitudes and motivations of tour operators toward promoting sustainable behaviors, including the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing such practices. Finally, visitor perspectives on sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours could be examined, including evaluating the impact of educational programs, marketing campaigns, and other interventions aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices. Conducting further research in these areas would advance our understanding of the effectiveness of sustainable behaviors in forest adventure tours and inform strategies for promoting sustainable tourism in other locations.

8. Conclusions

Sustainable travel may seem difficult at first glance, but if continued, it will become a habit. Sustainability not only makes tourists feel better, but it also transfers a better feeling and energy to the local people and the surrounding environment, respectively. Traveling with a loving view of nature is not only a choice for tourists, but it may become mandatory for them over time. The negative impact of tourism on the environment is serious in some regions, so having a full understanding of this impact may leave no place for a tourist to travel to every region easily.
This study attempted to provide fundamental insights into the dimensions of sustainable tourism development in the Hyrcanian Forests in terms of endogenous elements. It also sought to provide specific knowledge on how to create a proper model for fostering postmodern tourism in these forests and exploring its impact on local communities. These results were significant as they suggested that the well-being of the local people in the Hyrcanian Forests, compatible tourism, and forest conservation were all equally important. In particular, this study showed that a multidimensional understanding was necessary for tourism studies.
To promote well-being in society and tourism destinations, it was suggested that international projects involving tourists and stakeholders should be carried out in the form of action-oriented activities in line with the sustainable development of world heritage sites. It was also suggested that tourists, when planning their trips, should choose eco-friendly destinations where the tourism industry officials and local people pay the most attention. In the study area, where many ecotourism activities have been formed, efforts should be made to make accommodations compatible with the rules, needs, and goals of green hotels, which use renewable energy, eco-friendly detergents, and intelligent waste separation. Business owners should also be educated about the requirements of such accommodations.
To preserve the forest ecosystem, walking in the entire Hyrcanian Forests should be institutionalized, as it is in the forest parks located within the area of these forests (e.g., Alangdareh forest park, Qoroq forest park, etc.). Issuing camping and climbing permits within the Hyrcanian Forests without monitoring how they are held is a serious concern among environmentalists and Hyrcanian Forest lovers. As a solution, these licenses should be reduced to a minimum and sufficiently supervised, and necessary training should be given to tour operators.
The proposed model for sustainable development can be used in other similar areas, especially those receiving a large influx of tourists. The dimensions of this model can be further examined in the form of a quantitative-qualitative study in the future. Training ecotourist groups based on the dimensions of the model and making them comply with it can guarantee the protection of the environment through ecotourism. Such training can be considered the missing link in ecotourism.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, H.M., A.G. and K.Z.; methodology, H.M. and A.G.; software, A.G. and H.M.; validation, K.Z., F.A.A., M.P. and A.Z.; formal analysis, F.A.A., M.P. and A.Z.; investigation, F.A.A., M.P. and A.Z.; resources, K.Z.; data curation, A.G. and H.M.; writing—original draft preparation, H.M. and A.G.; writing—review and editing, K.Z.; visualization, A.G. and H.M.; supervision, K.Z. and L.D.D.; project administration, H.M., L.D.D. and K.Z.; funding acquisition, K.Z. and L.D.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data developed in this study will be made available on request to the corresponding authors.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Doctoral School of Economic and Regional Sciences (MATE), Hungary. The researchers would like to thank the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism for providing the supporting letter (with number 992/132/3221) and those who participated in the interviews and helped us in conducting this research.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Forests 14 01034 g001 550
Figure 1. Most important dimensions of forest adventure tours based on a literature review [22,23,24,25,26,28].
Figure 1. Most important dimensions of forest adventure tours based on a literature review [22,23,24,25,26,28].
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Forests 14 01034 g002 550
Figure 2. Cloud ocean phenomenon in the Hyrcanian Forests.
Figure 2. Cloud ocean phenomenon in the Hyrcanian Forests.
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Forests 14 01034 g003 550
Figure 3. Location of the Cloud Ocean sites.
Figure 3. Location of the Cloud Ocean sites.
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Figure 4. Factor loading output and T-value.
Figure 4. Factor loading output and T-value.
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Figure 5. Sustainable behaviors model for Hyrcanian Forests adventures tours in Cloud Ocean sites.
Figure 5. Sustainable behaviors model for Hyrcanian Forests adventures tours in Cloud Ocean sites.
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Table
Table 1. Cloud Ocean sites in the Hyrcanian Forests.
Table 1. Cloud Ocean sites in the Hyrcanian Forests.
RowProvinceSite Name
1GuilanMasal
Amlash
Subatan
Damash
Eshkourat
2MazandaranOwpart (At the borderline between Semnan and Mazandaran provinces, Iran)
Filband
3GolestanAbr (A part of the oldest Hyrcanian Forests with rare plants and animal species, located along the Azadshahr-Shahroud road.)
Jahan Nama
Table
Table 2. Descriptive analysis of the variables.
Table 2. Descriptive analysis of the variables.
VariableNumberAverageMedianModeStandard DeviationVarianceVariation RangeMaxMin
Sustainable camping2402.3352.2413.0000.6020.4332.764.2461.245
Sustainable vehicle routing2402.4512.4513.0000.6550.5462.8333.4091.106
Sustainable adventure2402.4563.2243.0000.7930.5432.673.6121.000
Sustainable footprint2402.3972.5673.0000.4650.2222.3333.0001.000
Sustainable Capacity2402.3452.8712.4810.5510.2452.0003.0001.000
Model2402.4223.5552.6550.4530.1232.3333.6011.000
Table
Table 3. Validity and reliability of the model elements.
Table 3. Validity and reliability of the model elements.
Model structuresα > 0.7Results of the composite reliability criterionCR > 0.7The results of the mean-variance extracted (convergent validity)AVE > 0.5Divergent validityAVE A V E
Sustainable camping0.8540.7230.5550.7050.84
Sustainable vehicle routing0.7110.9450.5910.8510.922
Sustainable adventure0.7420.9330.5950.5950.772
Sustainable footprint0.7470.8990.6830.7650.875
Sustainable capacity0.8550.9240.8190.8020.896
Model0.7230.7190.6440.7050.84
Table
Table 4. R-Squares or R2 of the model.
Table 4. R-Squares or R2 of the model.
The proposed modelR-Squares(R2)Criterion ValuesInterpretationModel Status
0.8550.19Weak
0.33 Medium
0.67Strong*
* indicates that the model state is in the strongest equilibrium state.
Table
Table 5. Goodness of fit of the model.
Table 5. Goodness of fit of the model.
GOF R2CommunalityGOFCriterion ValuesInterpretationModel Status
0.855Sustainable camping0.713 0.01Weak
Sustainable vehicle routing0.6910.25Medium
Sustainable adventure0.6290.36Strong*
Sustainable footprint0.573
Sustainable capacity0.613
Model0.566
Average value0.8550.6300.734
* indicates that the model state is in the strongest equilibrium state.
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Ghorbani, A.; Zhu, K.; Mousazadeh, H.; Almani, F.A.; Zangiabadi, A.; Pireh, M.; Dávid, L.D. Sustainable Behaviors Conceptualization for Forest Adventures Tours: The Case of Cloud Ocean Sites in Hyrcanian Forests Listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Property. Forests 2023, 14, 1034. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051034

AMA Style

Ghorbani A, Zhu K, Mousazadeh H, Almani FA, Zangiabadi A, Pireh M, Dávid LD. Sustainable Behaviors Conceptualization for Forest Adventures Tours: The Case of Cloud Ocean Sites in Hyrcanian Forests Listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Property. Forests. 2023; 14(5):1034. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051034

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ghorbani, Amir, Kai Zhu, Hossein Mousazadeh, Farahnaz Akbarzadeh Almani, Ali Zangiabadi, Mahin Pireh, and Lóránt Dénes Dávid. 2023. "Sustainable Behaviors Conceptualization for Forest Adventures Tours: The Case of Cloud Ocean Sites in Hyrcanian Forests Listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Property" Forests 14, no. 5: 1034. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051034

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