Long-Term Effects of an Informal Education Program on Tourist Environmental Perception

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors worldwide, with significant overarching impact on environment, including negative effects caused by tourist inappropriate behavior while vacation. By providing informal educational activities, tourism also has an educative role that leads to positive learning outcomes and beneficial environmental effects. Here we present short- long-term a project for education (Glocal Education) carried out in three travel destinations, aimed at promoting sustainability variables (knowledge, attitude, awareness) participating tourists. Since psychological components can affect outcomes, considered satisfaction identification its values, as well intention hosting tour operator again future. Tourists were asked complete evaluation questionnaires times: before Glocal Education right after activities (i.e., still vacation), least year from initial participation. Short- tested, possible relations between these (satisfaction, identification, intention) experience verified. Overall, knowledge, attitude awareness increased short term, long knowledge decreased, remained constant. In cases, showed relation variables, which suggested their structuring carrying activities. This study suggests be advantageous stakeholders terms customer loyalty. Such contribute enhance environment literacy, allowing tourists observe human activity, understand how day-to-day actions, even if small, might help address some current concerns conservation.