Investigate the mediating role of infrastructure requirements for electric aviation between Egypt's initiatives and tourism sustainability in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels E.G.O.T.H Ismailia, Egypt

2 Tourism Studies PHD, faculty of tourism and hotels, Suez Canal University, Egypt

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how Egypt's governmental initiatives contribute to the integration of electric aviation within Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, thereby establishing it as a model for sustainable urban tourism. By concentrating on the essential infrastructure prerequisites for electric aviation, this study investigates the intermediary function of these prerequisites in the realization of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) sustainability objectives—namely environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The study adopts the triple bottom line (TBL) framework to evaluate the viability and prospective benefits of electric aviation technology in promoting sustainability. A quantitative methodology was implemented to achieve the stated research objectives. Data were gathered from personnel employed at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. The study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data obtained from 220 airport employees. The results indicate that the infrastructure supporting electric aviation exerts a favorable impact on the sustainability ambitions of the city, presenting an innovative approach for urban tourism advancement in Egypt. This research enriches the urban tourism discourse by elucidating the significance of sustainable aviation in advancing green city initiatives, thereby rendering it particularly pertinent to practices within urban tourism. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners seeking to harmonize aviation strategies with sustainable tourism development in prominent tourism destinations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this investigation represents the inaugural study to assess the potential ramifications of implementing electric aviation for sustainability within the context of Egypt.

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