Nature‐Based Sustainable Tourism: Resident Priorities, Governance Factors, and Quality of Life

ABSTRACT

This research examines nature‐based sustainable tourism destination development (NBSTDD) in Phuket, Thailand via the lens of Bottom‐Up Spillover Effect Theory, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) elements. A theoretical model is proposed, integrating these concepts, to understand their influence on locals' perceived quality of life (QoL) and their support for sustainable tourism development. A survey questionnaire was developed to gather data from Phuket residents on their concerns regarding the 17 UN SDGs and ESG dimensions, as well as QoL, sustainable community development, nature‐based tourism development, and the role of government officials in ESG aspects of sustainability. Covariance‐Based Structural Equation Modeling and fuzzy‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis are applied for the data. The study offers academic and managerial implications for sustainable development by identifying key sustainability priorities of residents and governance factors that can enhance QoL and garner community support.