عاطفه آقاهرو چابکی

Given the remarkable growth of animal tourism worldwide and the increasing concerns about animal welfare, this study was conducted to examine the role of Islamic teachings and ethical beliefs in shaping tourists’ awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward ethical animal tourism in Iran. The study population comprised all individuals who had experienced animal tourism in the past five years. From this population, 145 participants were selected using non-probability convenience sampling, and a questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS software, and structural equation modeling was employed to test the study’s conceptual model. The findings showed that Islamic teachings and ethical beliefs have a significant positive effect on awareness of ethical issues and on attitudes toward ethical animal tourism. Moreover, awareness and positive attitudes significantly influenced co-creation behaviors, participation, and behavioral intentions in the context of animal tourism. The results underscore the importance of religious and ethical values in promoting responsible tourist behavior. Strengthening education, raising public awareness, and developing ethical frameworks aligned with Islamic culture can play an effective role in improving animal welfare and supporting sustainable tourism development.