Friendly Behavior of Tourists with Nature (Case Study: Shirabad waterfall in Golestan Province in Iran)

Ecotourism is one of the most important types of tourism which plays a very important role in sustainable environmental development. Ecotourism is part of protecting theenvironment and understanding the needs of local people in the area. So you can help improve their quality of life. However, environmental problems are increasinglyprominent in ecotourism destinations, which seriously hinders their sustainable development. The purpose of this study was to gain information from tourists about their Friendly behavior with ecotourism on Shirabad waterfall in Golstan province in Iran. Methods: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to investigate relationships between variables criterion. Number of ۲۸۶ non-native visitors to Shirabad waterfall in Golestan province were surveyed using simple sampling method. Research datas were collected using a questionnaire ۱۵ items and analyzed by Lisrel and Spss softwares. Results: The results of the study showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between place attachment and tourist satisfaction with the Environmentally Friendly Behavior. Place Attachment also had a positive and significant relationship with tourist satisfaction. Discussion: Managers must satisfy tourists by increasing the number of clean toilets, faucets, supermarkets, pavilions, trash cans, barbecues, and children's entertainment facilities.

Keywords:

Ecotourism , Place Attachment , Tourist Satisfaction , Environmentally Friendly Behavior