Destination image national identity youth career aspirations and support for tourism in an emerging destination

Resident support is fundamental to the social sustainability of tourism in emerging places; nonetheless, it is frequently viewed as a response to perceived effects. This study redefines assistance as a symbolic and prospective activity. An integrated model connecting destination image, national identity, tourism career aspirations, and behavioral intention to support tourism is examined through survey data from 418 Saudi university students, utilizing structural equation modeling, based on destination image theory, social identity theory, and the theory of planned behavior. The findings indicate a sequential mechanism: the destination image enhances national identity, which in turn influences tourism job goals, and these aspirations are the most significant predictors of support for tourism. Serial mediation substantiates that imagery affects support via identification and aspiration. The findings establish resident support as an identity-driven perspective on envisioned futures and emphasize the role of youth in ensuring tourism sustainability in swiftly evolving destinations.