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<p>This study investigates how smart mobility (SM), technology-enabled transport systems (TETS), sustainable corridor features, and coordinated regional policies (CRP) shape regional connectivity (RC) and tourism integration (TI) across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Guided by the Smart Tourism Ecosystem (STE) theory, the research conceptualises mobility systems as interconnected digital–physical networks that enhance the traveller experience and facilitate cross-border tourism flows. The model is further grounded in the Sustainable Mobility Framework (SMF), emphasising low-carbon transport, multimodal integration, and environmentally responsible mobility development. Additionally, the study draws on Regional Integration Theory (RIT) to examine how harmonised policies, unified mobility standards, and cross-border coordination reinforce tourism cohesion and inter-country mobility. Using a sample of N = 250 frequent travellers and mobility users, the study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate direct, mediating, and moderating relationships among mobility constructs, travel satisfaction (TS), RC, and TI. Results show that SM significantly enhances TS, adoption intention, corridor performance, and cross-border ease, while mobility corridor development (MCD) has a strong influence on RC (β = 0.52). The TETS substantially improves destination attractiveness (β = 0.48). Mediation analyses confirm the key roles of TS, RC, and cross-border accessibility (CBA), whereas sustainability readiness (SR) and CRP strengthen these relationships through significant moderating effects. To complement the behavioural findings, a Best–Worst Method- Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (BWM–TOPSIS) hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is used to prioritise strategic corridor development alternatives. The BWM results highlight smart infrastructure, cross-border digital systems, and multimodal integration as the most influential criteria. TOPSIS ranking identifies the GCC Railway Smart Corridor as the optimal solution for advancing regional TI. The study presents a comprehensive framework that integrates STE, SMF, and RIT, utilising empirical and decision-analytic methods to provide actionable insights for designing innovative, sustainable, and regionally harmonised mobility corridors. These corridors enhance multi-destination tourism and support long-term integration within the GCC.</p>

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Smart and sustainable mobility corridors for regional tourism integration in the GCC: a hybrid PLS-SEM and MCDM approach

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月13日

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  • WAJAHAT ALI,
  • Muhammad Tahir,
  • Seemab Raza,
  • Muhammad Imran Shahid

摘要

This study investigates how smart mobility (SM), technology-enabled transport systems (TETS), sustainable corridor features, and coordinated regional policies (CRP) shape regional connectivity (RC) and tourism integration (TI) across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Guided by the Smart Tourism Ecosystem (STE) theory, the research conceptualises mobility systems as interconnected digital–physical networks that enhance the traveller experience and facilitate cross-border tourism flows. The model is further grounded in the Sustainable Mobility Framework (SMF), emphasising low-carbon transport, multimodal integration, and environmentally responsible mobility development. Additionally, the study draws on Regional Integration Theory (RIT) to examine how harmonised policies, unified mobility standards, and cross-border coordination reinforce tourism cohesion and inter-country mobility. Using a sample of N = 250 frequent travellers and mobility users, the study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate direct, mediating, and moderating relationships among mobility constructs, travel satisfaction (TS), RC, and TI. Results show that SM significantly enhances TS, adoption intention, corridor performance, and cross-border ease, while mobility corridor development (MCD) has a strong influence on RC (β = 0.52). The TETS substantially improves destination attractiveness (β = 0.48). Mediation analyses confirm the key roles of TS, RC, and cross-border accessibility (CBA), whereas sustainability readiness (SR) and CRP strengthen these relationships through significant moderating effects. To complement the behavioural findings, a Best–Worst Method- Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (BWM–TOPSIS) hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is used to prioritise strategic corridor development alternatives. The BWM results highlight smart infrastructure, cross-border digital systems, and multimodal integration as the most influential criteria. TOPSIS ranking identifies the GCC Railway Smart Corridor as the optimal solution for advancing regional TI. The study presents a comprehensive framework that integrates STE, SMF, and RIT, utilising empirical and decision-analytic methods to provide actionable insights for designing innovative, sustainable, and regionally harmonised mobility corridors. These corridors enhance multi-destination tourism and support long-term integration within the GCC.