CEBA Faculty Member Wins Best Paper Award at International Tourism Conference in Abu Dhabi

Dr. Jeanette Ong Lyn, A faculty member from the College of Economics and Business Administration (CEBA), Nizwa earned the Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches to Tourism and Sustainable Development held in Abu Dhabi, UAE on January 19, 2026. The recognition highlights the growing research excellence of CEBA scholars in advancing sustainable tourism studies aligned with national and regional development priorities.

The winning paper, titled “The Evolution of Green Certification on Sustainable Travel Behaviors: Insights into Tourists’ Consciousness and Industry Support,” examines the determinants of sustainable travel behavior within the context of Oman’s transformation agenda under Oman Vision 2040. Focusing on tourist sites in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the study analyzed 391 survey responses to assess how tourists’ awareness of green certifications, the clarity and accessibility of sustainability information, environmental values, trip purpose, and industry support mechanisms influence responsible travel practices.

The paper reveals that clarity of sustainability information and tourists’ environmental values significantly predict sustainable behavior, while simple awareness of eco-labels alone does not produce meaningful behavioral change. The research also confirms that environmental values exert a stronger influence on leisure travelers compared to business travelers, suggesting that travel purpose moderates sustainability behavior.

By demonstrating that sustainable tourism behavior is shaped not only by individual consciousness but also by contextual and institutional support, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, destination managers, and tourism stakeholders. The recognition at this prestigious international conference reinforces CEBA’s commitment to producing impactful research that contributes to sustainable tourism development in Oman and beyond.


Writeup by: Mr. Elbert Bryan Roceta Vidal