Extending the GSTC Criteria to Sustainable Hotel Perception to Predict Visit Intention

This research explores Turkish visitors' perceptions of the “sustainable hotel” concept, its influence on their intention to stay at such hotels, and whether demographic differences affect these perceptions. GSTC criteria for sustainable hotels were utilized to assess the perceptions of hotel visitors in Türkiye. Data from 417 participants were analyzed to examine demographic differences and intentions to stay. The findings identified four main factors: Sustainable Management and Environmental Practices (SMEP), Regulatory Compliance and Social Responsibility (RCSR), Wildlife and Natural Area Conservation (WNAC), and Local Community and Economic Support (LCES). Overall, perception positively influences the intention to stay, with SMEP significantly affecting visit intention. The study found no differences in perceptions based on gender, age, and marital status, but differences were observed based on education, profession, and income. This study deepens the understanding of the "sustainable hotel" concept and provides valuable insights into future research.