This study investigated the structural relationship between tourist destination identification and environmental responsibility practices based on the social responsibility activities for visitors of marine sports tourist destinations where domestic travel has been active since COVID-19. Furthermore, we aimed to provide academic and practical implications by investigating the relationship between DSR, a major variable in sustainable marine sports tourism, and ERB. Data from a survey of tourists who participated in marine sports (n = 392) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping procedures. According to the analysis results, it was found that marine sports tourist DSR positively affected destination identification and ERB, and that tourist destination identification positively influenced ERB. Second, it was shown that the effect of the social responsibility of a marine sports tourist destination on ERB is mediated via the influence of tourist destination identification.

Understanding the effect of risk factors on tourists’ hesitation in choosing a destination is vital for successful management in tourism, especially in the pandemic era. Based on protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impact of sport tourists’ perceived risk associated with COVID-19 on their hesitation to choose a tourist destination in the context of water sport tourism. Further, we examined whether the relationship changes according to the levels of tourists’ destination image. Data from a survey of water sport tourists (n = 312) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping procedures. Findings of this research empirically demonstrated that risk factors influence hesitation in choosing a destination. Furthermore, the moderating effect of destination image on the influences of perceived risks on hesitation was identified. The study’s theoretical and practical contributions to the sport tourism literature are also discussed.

Introduction: Amid growing concerns about environmental sustainability, the sports and leisure industry has seen increased interest in green management practices. However, few empirical studies have explored how such practices influence consumer behavior in golf clubs. This study addresses that gap by examining how eco-friendly management affects golfers’ behavioral intention to revisit. Specifically, the study investigates the mediating roles of green image and perceived quality, and the moderating effect of green marketing in this relationship.Methods: To empirically test the proposed model, data were gathered from 252 South Korean golfers using structured field surveys. The questionnaire measured five constructs: eco-friendly management, green image, perceived service quality, green marketing exposure, and behavioral intention. Analytical methods included frequency analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test construct validity, reliability testing (Cronbach’s α), descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s correlation. To test mediation and moderation effects, regression-based analyses were conducted using Hayes’ (2013) PROCESS macro.Results: The statistical findings revealed three key insights. First, green image fully mediated the effect of eco-friendly management on behavioral intention, implying that consumers’ perception of the club’s environmental responsibility significantly influences their revisit decisions. Second, perceived quality also acted as a full mediator, indicating that environmental initiatives enhance service evaluations, thereby affecting loyalty behavior. Third, green marketing moderated the relationship between eco-friendly management and green image, suggesting that when marketing efforts are more active and visible, the positive impact on green image is amplified.Discussion: This research offers valuable contributions to the literature on environmental psychology and sustainable service management. It uncovers the psychological mechanisms—specifically green image and perceived quality—through which eco-friendly practices influence consumer behavior. Moreover, it highlights the role of green marketing in shaping environmental perceptions. For golf clubs aiming to enhance customer retention, this study suggests that sustainability initiatives must be effectively communicated and designed to improve both image and service quality. The results underscore the strategic importance of aligning operational greening with targeted environmental messaging.