The diffusion of new energy technology among the water sightseeing transportation industry: an evolutionary game perspective driven by tourists’ low-carbon behavior

Abstract This study investigates the diffusion of new energy technology among the water sightseeing transportation industry driven by the low-carbon behavior of tourists, particularly focusing on the influential role of green tourists. Using evolutionary game theory, the research reveals key findings: (1) Demand from green tourists significantly propels the adoption of new energy technologies. (2) Increased green tourist presence pressures companies to improve environmental standards and invest in sustainable practices. (3) The competitive landscape among sightseeing boat operators is heightened by the need to attract environmentally conscious consumers. And (4) simulations demonstrate that a green tourist proportion of 30% acts as a critical threshold, below which the diffusion of new energy technologies fails to initiate, while a proportion of 90% ensures complete market adoption. To enhance the influence of green tourists, the government could implement supportive policies, such as subsidizing new energy initiatives and promoting eco-friendly travel, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the water sightseeing transport sector.