From Intention to Loyalty: Unfolding Tokenized Smart Contract Incentives in Ecotourism via Agent-Based Modeling

From the paper

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates how tokenized incentives supported by blockchain-enabled smart contracts can influence eco-tourists’ sustainable behaviors and loyalty. Even though the importance of environmental sustainability has been recognized, the tourism industry is still prone to an intention–action gap, because conventional loyalty structures do not have the features of immediacy, personalization, and transparency. An agent-based modeling (ABM) simulation was thus created to overcome these constraints and it was based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework. The model is primarily derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to elucidate the impact of perceived behavioral control on eco-intention and subsequently eco-action, with intrinsic motivation from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) serving as another psychological variable impacting persistence. A total of 200 synthetic agents were simulated over ten decision rounds when conditions of visibility, perceived value, and reward format were manipulated using gamification design principles. The results suggest the conditions of visibility and value increase eco-intention and eco-action; however, repeated actions and satisfaction in redeeming tokens emerge as more substantial predictors of loyalty intentions. The research indicates that tokenized incentives, with the help of smart contracts as automated and transparent tools, have the potential to increase the behavioral engagement of users and can serve as a foundation for a lasting loyalty program in context of ecotourism. The study applies a combination of TPB, ABM, and blockchain-enabled token systems, which add methodological and practical dimensions while providing actionable recommendations to address the intention-action gap in sustainable tourism through a programmable platform.