Introduction

The findings from field observations on nature tours indicate that experienced nature tourists, compared to less experienced ones, exhibit higher levels of environmentally responsible behaviors. This group also establishes a deeper connection with the natural environment, which can be the result of frequent and meaningful interactions with nature. Such differences provide a rich field for initiating scientific studies and evidence-based research. Given the increasing necessity of protecting the environment and preventing the negative consequences of human activities, promoting responsible behaviors among nature tourists is of strategic importance. Responsible behavior is recognized as one of the essential factors in preserving the environment, and with the increase in nature-based travel, the need for education and investment in this area has become more prominent than ever. Among the important issues is the identification of factors that can strengthen the intrinsic motivations of nature walkers so that they can have the greatest impact on protecting the natural environment voluntarily and at minimal cost. Previous studies in this field have examined factors such as subjective well-being, which play an important role in promoting responsible behavior.



Methodology

The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. Data collection was carried out using two approaches: survey and library. The statistical population included Iranian nature hikers, and using the Cochran formula, the sample size was determined to be 384 people; however, in order to increase the accuracy of the results, 410 people were questioned. The sampling method was cluster and simple random. The data collection tool was an electronic questionnaire with a closed structure and based on a five-point Likert scale (from "very much" to "very little"), the design of which was mainly based on theoretical background and literature on the subject.



Findings

- The effect of the variable of previous experience of nature tourism on the responsible behavior of nature tourists, the path coefficient value is estimated to be 1. Considering that the value (P-value) is less than 0.05, it can be said that this value is significant at the error level of 0.05.

- The effect of the variable of connection with nature on the responsible behavior of nature tourists, the path coefficient value is estimated to be 0.347. Considering that the value (P-value) is less than 0.05, it can be said that this value is significant at the error level of 0.05.

- The effect of the variable of subjective well-being on the responsible behavior of nature tourists, the path coefficient value is estimated to be 0.327. Considering that the value (P-value) is less than 0.05, it can be said that this value is significant at the error level of 0.05.

- The effect of the variable of previous experience of nature tourism on the connection with nature, the path coefficient value is estimated to be 0.238. Given that the P-value is less than 0.05, it can be said that this value is significant at the 0.05 error level.

- The effect of the frequency of nature tourism experience on the link with subjective well-being, the path coefficient value is estimated to be 0.336. Given that the P-value is less than 0.05, it can be said that this value is significant at the 0.05 error level.



Discussion and Conclusion

This study has examined the factors affecting responsible behavior of nature tourists. Given Iran's climatic diversity, cultural richness, and the variety of natural landscapes it enjoys, in recent years we have witnessed a significant increase in the trend towards nature tourism in the country; a phenomenon that, despite its economic and cultural benefits, has brought with it numerous negative environmental consequences. Hence, the need to protect natural resources and preserve ecological heritage for future generations has become an unavoidable necessity. Within the framework of this study, the variables of "previous nature tourism experience", "connection with nature", and "subjective well-being" were selected as factors affecting responsible environmental behavior, and the conceptual model of the research was drawn using theoretical background. The collected data were examined through descriptive and inferential analyses. What distinguishes this research from previous studies is its focus on emerging and less studied dimensions of responsible ecotourism behavior. The findings show that simply having a high level of ecotourism experience cannot lead to the promotion of responsible behavior in individuals, but rather this relationship becomes meaningful when it is influenced by mediating variables such as connection with nature and subjective well-being. In other words, the quality and context of the experience matter, and not every experience will necessarily lead to responsible behavior.

- Given the significant relationship between the frequency of ecotourism experience and connection with nature, which in turn affects responsible environmental behavior, it is suggested that a coherent program be developed for less experienced groups such as students and youth. In this regard, targeted training and careful monitoring of these groups' first ecotourism experiences can lead to the formation and strengthening of a sense of belonging to nature and ultimately to the emergence of environmentally responsible behaviors.

- Given the positive relationship between the frequency of ecotourism experiences and the promotion of subjective well-being—which in turn strengthens responsible behavior—it is suggested that initial ecotourism experiences take place under controlled conditions and with the necessary training. In particular, the deployment of trained guides in sensitive and vulnerable ecotourism destinations can lead to the improvement of tourists' subjective well-being and the promotion of their environmentally responsible behaviors in the long term.