This study investigates the influence of sustainability-focused social media narratives on the travel decisions of Millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z), two generations known for their environmental awareness and digital engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines the impact of social media campaigns, engagement levels, user-generated content (UGC), and sentiment analysis to assess perceptions of eco-tourism. Findings indicate that exposure to sustainability campaigns increases awareness but does not directly lead to behavioural changes. While Millennials and Gen Z show similar engagement patterns, Gen Z demonstrates a higher tendency to share sustainability content, aligning with their digital activism. Although user-generated content did not produce statistically significant results, trends suggest that authentic peer-driven narratives may influence preferences for eco-friendly travel choices. The sentiment analysis reveals mixed emotional responses, with neutral and skeptical tones reflecting uncertainty about the practical impact of sustainability efforts. These findings highlight the need for interactive, emotionally engaging campaigns and emphasize the potential of shareable content formats to promote eco-conscious tourism behaviours.
Sailesh et al. (Mon,) studied this question.