Exploring the formation mechanisms of tourists’ heritage responsibility behavior: insights from symmetric and asymmetric perspectives

This study investigates the mechanisms driving tourists’ Heritage Responsibility Behavior (HRB) at cultural heritage sites, based on survey data from 416 visitors to the Dujiangyan World Heritage Site. Using both symmetrical and asymmetrical methods, the study examines the relationships between heritage interpretation, perceived value, place attachment, and HRB. The findings indicate that heritage interpretation, perceived value, and place attachment play important roles in shaping HRB through various direct and mediating pathways. Furthermore, the study identifies 13 distinct factor combinations leading to high HRB, with emotional value, functional value, interpretive principles, place dependence, and place identity emerging as necessary conditions for fostering HRB. The results demonstrate that HRB formation is driven by the synergistic effects of multiple variables rather than a single factor. These insights enhance our understanding of HRB and provide practical strategies for heritage site managers to improve conservation efforts and promote sustainable site management.