Desert environments face the challenge of promoting sustainable tourism while balancing economic growth with cultural and environmental preservation. In the context of rapid global tourism expansion, effective destination management becomes crucial for positive economic impact and long-term preservation. This study aims to identify key factors influencing the sustainability of tourism. It explores the interactions between local stakeholders, the supply of tourism products and services, and tourism governance. Utilizing structural equation modeling through the PLS-SEM method, data was collected from 150 stakeholders in desert environments. The findings reveal that the involvement of local tourism stakeholders and the supply of tourism products and services significantly impact sustainable tourism in the desert environment. However, we observe a lack of influence between tourism governance and sustainable desert tourism. The novelty of the study lies in the identification of promotional factors for sustainable desert tourism. The originality of this study lies in its in-depth exploration of the mechanisms for promoting sustainable tourism.

Achmad, F., Prambudia, Y., & Rumanti, A. A. (2023). Sustainable Tourism Industry Development: A Collaborative Model of Open Innovation, Stakeholders, and Support System Facilities. IEEE Access, 11, 83343–83363. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2023.3301574

Albayrak, T., Caber, M., & Aksoy, Ş. (2010). Relationships of the Tangible and Intangible Elements of Tourism Products with Overall Customer Satisfaction. International Journal of Trade, Economics and Finance, 1(2), 140–143. https://doi.org/10.7763/ijtef.2010.v1.25

Bednar, D., & Henstra, D. (2018). Applying a Typology of Governance Modes to Climate Change Adaptation. Politics and Governance, 6(3), 147–158. https://doi.org/10.17645/pag.v6i3.1432

Beierle, T. C., & Beierle, T. C. (1998). Public Participation in Environmental Decisions: An Evaluation Framework Using Social Goals. Unknown. https://doi.org/10.22004/AG.ECON.10497

Bensouda, M., & Benali, M. (2022). Overcoming Risk Aversion Regarding Energy Efficiency Practices through Mimetic Pressure and Financial Slack: Findings from the Moroccan Manufacturing Sector. Sustainability, 14(23), 16261. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316261

Bensouda, M., Benali, M., Moufdi, G., et al. (2023). Energy Audit as an Instrument to Tackle Internal Barriers to Energy Efficiency: Lessons from Moroccan Industrial Firms. Sustainability, 15(15), 11552. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511552

Bensouda, M., & Benali, M. (2023a). From “Fairly Good” to “Optimal” Energy Efficiency Practices within the Moroccan Manufacturing Sector: Are Financial Resources Sufficient? International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 13(3), 478–488. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.14046

Bensouda, M., & Benali, M. (2023b). The Role of Institutional Pressure and Dynamic Capabilities in Promoting Energy Efficiency Practices: Evidence from the Moroccan Manufacturing Sector. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 13(1), 352–361. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.13697

Benur, A. M., & Bramwell, B. (2015). Tourism product development and product diversification in destinations. Tourism Management, 50, 213–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2015.02.005

Beritelli, P., Bieger, T., & Laesser, C. (2007). Destination Governance: Using Corporate Governance Theories as a Foundation for Effective Destination Management. Journal of Travel Research, 46(1), 96–107. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287507302385

Boley, B. B., Strzelecka, M., & Watson, A. (2018). Place distinctiveness, psychological empowerment, and support for tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 70, 137–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2017.12.010

Butler, R. W. (2017). Tourism and resilience. CABI. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781780648330.0000

Castro-Spila, J., Torres, R., Lorenzo, C., et al. (2018). Social innovation and sustainable tourism lab: an explorative model. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 8(3), 274–290. https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-03-2018-0032

Chin, W. W. (1998). The Partial Least Squares Approach to Structural Equation Modeling. Modern Methods for Business Research, 295(2), 295-336.

Cocola-Gant, A. (2018). Tourism gentrification. Handbook of Gentrification Studies. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781785361746.00028

Cohen, E. (1984). The Sociology of Tourism: Approaches, Issues, and Findings. Annual Review of Sociology, 10(1), 373–392. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.so.10.080184.002105

Corfee-Morlot, J., Kamal-Chaoui, L., Donovan, M. G., et al. (2009). Cities, Climate Change and Multilevel Governance. OECD Environment Working Papers, No. 14, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/220062444715.

Cuvelier, P. (1998). Old and new forms of tourism: A socio-economic approach (French). Éditions L’Harmattan.

De Bruyn, C., Meyer, N. (2022). An assessment of the viewpoints of local stakeholders on tourism sustainability and local economic development (LED). Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 10(1), 82-96.

Deng, J., King, B., Bauer, T. (2002). Evaluating natural attractions for tourism. Ann. Tour. Res, 29(2), 422-438. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(01)00068-8

Dewey, D. R., & Lu, K. H. (1959). A Correlation and Path‐Coefficient Analysis of Components of Crested Wheatgrass Seed Production1. Agronomy Journal, 51(9), 515–518. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1959.00021962005100090002x

Durbin, J. C., & Ralambo, J. A. (1994). The Role of Local People in the Successful Maintenance of Protected Areas in Madagascar. Environmental Conservation, 21(2), 115–120. https://doi.org/10.1017/s037689290002453x

Eakin, H. C., & Patt, A. (2011). Are adaptation studies effective, and what can enhance their practical impact? WIREs Climate Change, 2(2), 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.100

Ekanayake, E. M., Long, A. E. (2012). Tourism development and economic growth in developing countries. Int. J. Bus. Financ. Res, 6, 61-63.

El Hafid, M., El Assri, H., Sair, A. (2017). Moroccan gastronomy as a key factor of tourism attractiveness in Morocco. In: Innovative Approaches to Tourism and Leisure: Fourth International Conference IACuDiT, Athens. Springer International Publishing. pp. 323–338.

Elliott, A., & Woodward, W. (2007). Statistical Analysis Quick Reference Guidebook. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412985949

Falk, R. F., Miller, N. B. (1992). A Primer for Soft Modeling. University of Akron Press.

Fornell, C., Cha, J. (1994). Partial Least Squares. In: Bagozzi, R. P. (editor). Advanced Methods of Marketing Research. Blackwell.

Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104

Frînculeasa, M. N., & Chiţescu, R. I. (2018). The perception and attitude of the resident and tourists regarding the local public administration and the tourism phenomenon. HOLISTICA – Journal of Business and Public Administration, 9(2), 137–152. https://doi.org/10.2478/hjbpa-2018-0017

Giampiccoli, A., Saayman, M. (2017). Community-based tourism, responsible tourism, and infrastructure development and poverty. Afr. J. Hosp. Tour. Leis, 6, 1-28.

Gössling, S., Scott, D., Hall, C. M., et al. (2012). Consumer behaviour and demand response of tourists to climate change. Annals of Tourism Research, 39(1), 36–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2011.11.002

Granberg, M., Bosomworth, K., Moloney, S., et al. (2019). Can Regional-Scale Governance and Planning Support Transformative Adaptation? A Study of Two Places. Sustainability, 11(24), 6978. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11246978

Gudergan, S. P., Ringle, C. M., Wende, S., et al. (2008). Confirmatory tetrad analysis in PLS path modeling. Journal of Business Research, 61(12), 1238–1249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2008.01.012

Hadach, M., & Tebbaa, O. (2015). Partnerships between tourism stakeholders for the implementation of sustainability, the case of the Marrakech Tensuft Alhaouz region, Morocco (French). La Revue Gestion et Organisation, 7(2), 69–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rgo.2015.07.006

Hair Junior, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M. (2014). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). SAGE Publications, Inc

Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J. (2010). Multivariate Data Analysis: A Global Perspective. Pearson Education.

Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2012). Partial Least Squares: The Better Approach to Structural Equation Modeling? Long Range Planning, 45(5–6), 312–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2012.09.011

Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2011). PLS-SEM: Indeed a Silver Bullet. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 19(2), 139–152. https://doi.org/10.2753/mtp1069-6679190202

Hall, M. C., Sharples, L., Mitchell, R., et al. (2003). Food Tourism Around the World: Development, Management and Markets. Butterworth-Heinemann: Elsevier.

Hanssen, G. S., Mydske, P. K., & Dahle, E. (2013). Multi-level coordination of climate change adaptation: by national hierarchical steering or by regional network governance? Local Environment, 18(8), 869–887. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2012.738657

Hardy, A. L., & Beeton, R. J. S. (2001). Sustainable Tourism or Maintainable Tourism: Managing Resources for More Than Average Outcomes. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 9(3), 168–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580108667397

Hazebroucq, J. M. (2006). Innovative destinations and development of tourism (French). Market and organizations, 1(3), 117-153 (French).

Heinen, J. T. (1993). Park–People Relations in Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal: A Socio-economic Analysis. Environmental Conservation, 20(1), 25–34. https://doi.org/10.1017/s037689290003719x

Henseler, J., & Chin, W. W. (2010). A Comparison of Approaches for the Analysis of Interaction Effects Between Latent Variables Using Partial Least Squares Path Modeling. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 17(1), 82–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705510903439003

Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2014). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8

Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., Sinkovics, R. R. (2009). The Use of Partial Least Squares Path Modeling in International Marketing. In: New Challenges to International Marketing. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1474-7979(2009)0000020014

Henseler, J., & Sarstedt, M. (2012). Goodness-of-fit indices for partial least squares path modeling. Computational Statistics, 28(2), 565–580. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00180-012-0317-1

Hjalager, A. M. (2002). Repairing innovation defectiveness in tourism. Tourism Manag, 23(5), 465-474. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(02)00013-4

Hough, J. L. (1998). Financing Marine Protected Areas: The Role of the GEF. Parks, 8, 53-49.

Ivey, J. L., Smithers, J., de Loë, R. C., et al. (2004). Community Capacity for Adaptation to Climate-Induced Water Shortages: Linking Institutional Complexity and Local Actors. Environmental Management, 33(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-003-0014-5

Jamal, T. B., Getz, D. (1995). Collaboration theory and community tourism planning. Annals of tourism research, 22(1), 186-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(94)00067-3

Janadari, M. P. N., Sri Ramalu, S., Wei, C., Abdullah, O. Y. (2016). Evaluation of measurement and structural model of the reflective model constructs in PLS-SEM. In: Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium-2016 South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL); December, 2016; Oluvil, Sri Lanka.

Jefferson, A., Lickorish, L. J. (1988). Marketing Tourism: A Practical Guide. Longman Group UK Ltd.

Joreskog, K. G., Wold, H. (1982). The ML and PLS Techniques for Modeling with Latent Variables: Historical and Comparative Aspects. Syst. Under Indir. Obs, 1, 263-270.

Kerimbergenovich, A. A., Kamilovich, S. S., Tursinbaevich, A. R., et al. (2020). Ecotourism development in the Republic of Karakalpakstan: historical places and protected areas. J. Crit. Rev, 7(12), 1258–1262. http://dx.doi.org/10.31838/jcr.07.12.220

Khan, I. U., Khan, S. U., & Khan, S. (2022). Residents’ satisfaction with sustainable tourism: the moderating role of environmental awareness. Tourism Critiques: Practice and Theory, 3(1), 72–87. https://doi.org/10.1108/trc-04-2022-0007

King, C. S., Feltey, K. M., & Susel, B. O. (1998). The Question of Participation: Toward Authentic Public Participation in Public Administration. Public Administration Review, 58(4), 317. https://doi.org/10.2307/977561

Kline, R. B., & Seffah, A. (2005). Evaluation of integrated software development environments: Challenges and results from three empirical studies. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 63(6), 607–627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2005.05.002

Kotler, P., Armstrong, G., Saunders, J., Wong, V. (1999). Principles of Marketing, 2nd ed. Prentice Hall Europe.

Le Galès, P. (1995). From city government to urban governance (French). Revue Française de Science Politique, 45(1), 57–95. https://doi.org/10.3917/rfsp.451.57

Le Galès, P., & Lorrain, D. (2003). Governing very large metropolises (French)? Revue Française d’administration Publique, 107(3), 305–317. https://doi.org/10.3917/rfap.107.0305

Lebel, L., Anderies, J. M., Campbell, B., et al. (2006). Governance and the Capacity to Manage Resilience in Regional Social-Ecological Systems. Ecology and Society, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.5751/es-01606-110119

Lee, T. H. (2013). Influence analysis of community resident support for sustainable tourism development. Tourism Management, 34, 37–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.03.007

Leouifoudi, R. (2021). Approaches to territorial development through mountain tourism in Morocco: the case of Azilal province (French) [PhD thesis]. Angers University.

Leslie, D. (2012). The responsible tourism debate. Responsible Tourism: Concepts, Theory and Practice, 17–42. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781845939878.0017

Lewis, R. C., Chambers, R. E. (1989). Marketing Leadership in Hospitality: Foundations and Practices. Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Li, M., Liu, T., & Qiu, S. (2019). Governance of Sustainable Tourism Development in China. Journal of China Tourism Research, 16(2), 261–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/19388160.2019.1637317

Lozato-Giotart, J. P., Leroux, E., Balfet, M. (2012). Tourism management: territories, offers and strategies (French). Pearson Education France.

Marks, G., Hooghe, L. (2003). National identity and support for European integration. WZB Discussion Paper, Berlin, Germany.

Michopoulou, E., Darcy, S., Ambrose, I., et al. (2015). Accessible tourism futures: the world we dream to live in and the opportunities we hope to have. Journal of Tourism Futures, 1(3), 179–188. https://doi.org/10.1108/jtf-08-2015-0043

Newig, J., & Moss, T. (2017). Scale in environmental governance: moving from concepts and cases to consolidation. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 19(5), 473–479. https://doi.org/10.1080/1523908x.2017.1390926

Njoya, E. T., & Seetaram, N. (2017). Tourism Contribution to Poverty Alleviation in Kenya: A Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Analysis. Journal of Travel Research, 57(4), 513–524. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517700317

Park, E., & Kim, S. (2015). The potential of Cittaslow for sustainable tourism development: enhancing local community’s empowerment. Tourism Planning & Development, 13(3), 351–369. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2015.1114015

Pellizzoni, L. (2003). Uncertainty and Participatory Democracy. Environmental Values, 12(2), 195–224. https://doi.org/10.1177/096327190301200204

Petrovic, J. J. M. M. D. (2013). Sport and recreation influence upon mountain area and sustainable tourism development. J. Environ. Tour. Anal, 1, 80-89.

Plog, S. C. (1974). Why Destination Areas Rise and Fall in Popularity. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 14(4), 55–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/001088047401400409

Rhodes, R. A. W. (2000). The Governance Narrative: Key Findings and Lessons from the Erc’s Whitehall Programme. Public Administration, 78(2), 345–363. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9299.00209

Rhouiri, M., Meyabe, M. H., Benmoussa, S., & Bensouda, M. (2024). Energy policy to overcome energy efficiency barriers: A Literature Review. Procedia Computer Science, 241, 324-329

Ross, S., Wall, G. (1999). Ecotourism: towards congruence between theory and practice. Tour. Manag, 20, 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00098-3

Sabatier, P. A., Focht, W., Lubell, M., et al. (2005). Swimming Upstream. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/6577.001.0001

Sarstedt, M., Hair, J. F., Nitzl, C., et al. (2020). Beyond a tandem analysis of SEM and PROCESS: Use of PLS-SEM for mediation analyses! International Journal of Market Research, 62(3), 288–299. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470785320915686

Simpson, M. C. (2008). Community Benefit Tourism Initiatives—A conceptual oxymoron? Tourism Management, 29(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2007.06.005

Smith, S. L. (1994). The tourism product. Ann. Tour. Res, 21(3), 582-595. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(94)90121-X

Stafford, J. (1995). Microeconomics of Tourism (French). Les Presses de l’Université du Québec.

Strydom, A. J., Mangope, D., Henama, U. S. (2019). Making community-based tourism sustainable: Evidence from the Free State province, South Africa. Geo J. Tour. Geosites, 24(1), 7-18.

Strzelecka, M., Boley, B. B., & Woosnam, K. M. (2017). Place attachment and empowerment: Do residents need to be attached to be empowered? Annals of Tourism Research, 66, 61–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2017.06.002

Tenenhaus, M., Vinzi, V. E., Chatelin, Y.-M., et al. (2005). PLS path modeling. Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, 48(1), 159–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csda.2004.03.005

Tocquer, G., Hazebroucq, J.-M., & Zins, M. (1999). Tourism marketing (French). Gaëtan Morin.

Tomozeiu, D., & Joss, S. (2014). Adapting adaptation: the English eco-town initiative as governance process. Ecology and Society, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.5751/es-06411-190220

Tosun, C. (2000). Limits to community participation in the tourism development process in developing countries. Tourism management, 21(6), 613-633. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(00)00009-1

Urry, J. (1990). The ‘Consumption’ of Tourism. Sociology, 24(1), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038590024001004

Urry, J., & Larsen, J. (2011). The Tourist Gaze 3.0. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446251904

Vellas, F. (1992). Tourism (French). Paris: Economica.

Vinzi, V. E., Trinchera, L., Amato, S. (2010). PLS Path Modeling: From Foundations to Recent Developments and Open Issues for Model Assessment and Improvement. Handbook of Partial Least Squares: Concepts, Methods and Applications, 47-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-32827-8

Waligo, V. M., Clarke, J., & Hawkins, R. (2013). Implementing sustainable tourism: A multi-stakeholder involvement management framework. Tourism Management, 36, 342–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.10.008

Wang, C., & Hsu, M. K. (2010). The Relationships of Destination Image, Satisfaction, and Behavioral Intentions: An Integrated Model. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 27(8), 829–843. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2010.527249

West, P. C., Brechin, S. R. (1991). Resident Peoples and National Parks: Social Dilemmas and Strategies in International Conservation. Ambiente & sociedade 6(2), 189-192. DOI:10.1590/S1414-753X2003000300012

Wetzels, M., Odekerken-Schröder, G., Van Oppen, C. (2009). Using PLS Path Modeling for Assessing Hierarchical Construct Models: Guidelines and Empirical Illustration. MIS Quarterly, 33(1), 177. https://doi.org/10.2307/20650284

Xu, J. B. (2010). Perceptions of tourism products. Tourism Management, 31(5), 607–610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.06.011

Yasarata, M., Altinay, L., Burns, P., et al. (2010). Politics and sustainable tourism development – Can they co-exist? Voices from North Cyprus. Tourism Management, 31(3), 345–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.03.016

Yunis, E. (2006). Sustainable Tourism at Archaeological World Heritage Sites. Of the Past, for the Future: Integrating Archaeology and Conservation, 148-156.

Zhu, W., Zhang, L., Li, N. (2014). Challenges, function changing of government and enterprises in Chinese smart tourism. In: Information and communication technologies in tourism. Business, Computer Science. pp. 553-564.