Leverage points for climate change mitigation at tourism destinations: A holistic interdisciplinary approach

This study examines strategic leverage points for climate change mitigation in small-scale tourism destinations, using an interdisciplinary approach that combines life cycle assessment (LCA) and behavioural experimentation. The purpose was to identify operational and behavioural interventions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining visitor satisfaction. The LCA, conducted at an animal park, revealed that heating systems in visitor facilities, particularly during off-peak seasons, represent critical infrequent decision points for emissions reduction. Although large-scale infrastructural changes, such as the adoption of renewable energy, may be beyond the reach of small businesses, targeted efficiency improvements and seasonally optimized operations can deliver meaningful climate benefits. On the demand side, a lab experiment tested a nudge + approach that combined subtle choice architecture with reflective, values-based communication. Results suggested that nudge + interventions increased the likelihood of visitors making more sustainable choices without diminishing the quality of the tourism experience. These findings suggest that combining shallow leverage points (e.g., operational efficiency, behavioural nudges) with deeper interventions (e.g., reframing goals, fostering sustainability-oriented mindsets) offers the greatest potential for contributing to a larger systemic change. For small-scale tourism destinations, integrating bottom-up innovation with supportive governance and strategic communication can provide scalable, context-sensitive pathways towards low-carbon futures. • Identifies leverage points for climate action in small-scale tourism destinations through an interdisciplinary study. • LCA in visitor facilities identifies key infrequent decision point. • Nudge + can increase sustainable choices without reducing visitor satisfaction. • Combines shallow operational changes with deeper mindset interventions. • Proposes integrated, governance-supported pathways to low-carbon tourism.