Integrating Tourist Satisfaction and Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Management of Cultural Destinations

The growth of the tourism industry contributes substantially to economic development but simultaneously poses critical sustainability challenges particularly within the domain of cultural tourism. This study examines the role of sustainable tourism practices in empowering local communities and safeguarding both cultural heritage and environmental integrity. Amid rising public awareness of social and ecological issues, tourists increasingly favor environmentally responsible experiences that not only enhance satisfaction but also support local economies. However, phenomena such as overtourism threaten the long-term viability of cultural destinations and diminish the quality of visitor experiences. In response, this paper advocates for the integration of ecotourism and community-based tourism strategies as effective tools to mitigate sustainability risks. Utilizing a qualitative research design grounded in literature review and critical synthesis, the study explores the nexus between perceived environmental governance (PEG), tourist satisfaction, and revisit intention within the context of cultural tourism. A distinguishing feature of this research is its incorporation of sustainability principles into the conceptual framework of visitor behavior, alongside an intention within the context of cultural tourism. A distinguishing feature of this research is its incorporation of sustainability principles into the conceptual framework of visitor behavior, alongside an emphasis on the emerging role of digitalization in facilitating sustainable tourism practices an area that remains underexplored in existing literature. The findings indicate that meaningful cultural engagement and positive experiential outcomes significantly influence tourists’ intention to return. Nevertheless, the challenges of cultural commodification and environmental degradation necessitate comprehensive management approaches to ensure tourism development does not compromise local identities. The study concludes that enhancing visitor satisfaction through targeted marketing, authentic cultural programming, and active community participation can strengthen revisit intentions and promote sustainable tourism pathways. Overall, the research underscores the critical need to balance tourism expansion with the preservation of cultural and environmental values. Keywords: Sustainable tourism; cultural integrity; community empowerment; overtourism; tourist satisfaction; revisit intention; digitalization.