GUESTHOUSES AS CATALYSTS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURIST BEHAVIOR AND DESTINATION SUSTAINABILITY

This study examines how guest houses contribute to responsible tourism development in Djerba, Tunisia. Using a qualitative research design, we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 international tourists to explore their experiences and behavioral changes during their stays. Our findings reveal that guest houses significantly influence tourists' adoption of sustainable practices through three key mechanisms: (1) the promotion of behavioral sobriety, characterized by conscious consumption patterns; (2) the facilitation of meaningful cultural exchanges between guests and local communities; and (3) the implementation of ecofriendly operational models that serve as practical examples of sustainability. The research demonstrates that these small-scale accommodations play a disproportionately large role in shaping destination-wide sustainable tourism practices, challenging conventional notions about the relative importance of different accommodation types. These insights contribute to tourism literature by providing empirical evidence of the transformative potential of alternative lodging options, while offering practical guidance for policymakers seeking to leverage community-based tourism initiatives. The study highlights the need for greater recognition of guest houses as crucial agents in sustainable tourism transitions, particularly in Mediterranean destinations facing similar developmental challenges. This study examines the contribution of guesthouses to the development of responsible tourism in Djerba, Tunisia. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 international tourists to explore their experiences and behavioral changes during their stay. The results reveal that guesthouses significantly influence tourists' adoption of sustainable practices through three key mechanisms: promoting behavioral sobriety, facilitating cultural exchanges between guests and local communities, and implementing environmentally friendly business models. The study demonstrates that these small-scale accommodations play a strategic role in developing sustainable tourism practices at the destination level, while contributing to environmental preservation, social development, and local economic growth. This research provides an in-depth analysis of how traditional guesthouses in Djerba, Tunisia serve as catalysts for responsible tourism development. The study employs a qualitative methodology based on comprehensive interviews conducted with 30 international tourists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Our investigation reveals that these small-scale accommodations play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourist behaviors through three interconnected mechanisms. The findings highlight those guesthouses successfully promote environmental consciousness by encouraging practices such as water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction among visitors. Furthermore, they facilitate meaningful social interactions between tourists and local residents, fostering mutual understanding and respect for cultural heritage. Economically, these establishments contribute to local development by sourcing products from nearby suppliers and creating employment opportunities for community members. What distinguishes this study is its demonstration of how guesthouses induce a shift toward "behavioral sobriety" - a concept describing tourists' voluntary adoption of more mindful consumption patterns during their stay. This transformation extends beyond the duration of the visit, influencing travelers' future choices and attitudes toward sustainability. The research offers practical implications for tourism stakeholders, suggesting that supporting such accommodation models could significantly enhance destination sustainability. Policy recommendations include creating favorable conditions for guesthouse operations and integrating their best practices into regional tourism strategies. These insights are particularly valuable for Mediterranean destinations seeking to balance tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation.