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Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 15917

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jovana Brankov

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Guest Editor

1. Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
2. Institute of Sports, Tourism and Service, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
Interests: social geography; sustainable tourism; ecotourism; tourism management; community benefit; society and environment; water tourism; protected areas

Dr. Ana Milanović Pešić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: physical geography; hydrology; surface water; water quality assessment; water resources management; natural hazards

Dr. Claudete Oliveira Moreira

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Guest Editor

CEGOT, Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra, 3004-530 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: tourism; destination management; heritage; leisure activities; tourism system; local regional and national tourism development; destination planning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tourism, as a global reality, is highly dependent on the physical environment and a wide range of natural resources, including landscapes, water, soil, climate, wildlife, etc. It is generally believed that tourism presents a double-edged sword for the use and conservation of natural resources. Because it connects people with nature, it has a unique ability to spur environmental responsibility. If managed in a sustainable way it can also contribute to the conservation of natural resources and provide a social benefit for communities by improving living conditions. Therefore, natural heritage becomes an element capable of generating socioeconomic benefits of great relevance for the development of societies through its tourist use. On the other hand, if tourism is not sustainable (i.e., if it does not rely on the sustainable consumption and use of resources), it can have the opposite effect and devastate the environment it relies on. Considering this, any clarification of the positive/negative effects is helpful and leads to a better and more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between tourism and natural resources, and also provides valuable guidance in natural resource management.

This Special Issue focuses on the various ways in which tourism and natural resources relate. It will present analyses of the possibilities and challenges for the successful use of these resources in tourism, based on the principles of sustainable development. We invite authors, scientists, and professionals involved in the theoretical, methodological and practical studies of tourism and natural resources management to contribute articles that will stimulate the understanding and academic promotion of this topic. The multidisciplinary and integrative character will be one of the most appreciated attributes of this proposal, given that this topic usually requires the involvement of experts from several branches of science (tourism experts, geographers, biologists, planners, economists, etc.). The Special Issue is characterized by a wide scope, so all research presenting conceptualization or empirical work from various areas of knowledge on the use of any kind of natural resources (geological/geomorphological features, water resources, climate, biodiversity, soil, etc.) by tourism is welcome. All issues related to the socioeconomic and environmental aspects of the use of natural resources in tourism, as well as to the various obstacles, challenges and negative effects of their use, are also welcome in this Special Issue. We encourage the submission of original research articles offering interesting empirical insights and innovational theoretical contributions, as well as review articles.

The following list provides some examples of topics of interest, but is not limited to:

Contemporary trends in tourism based on physical environment;
Practices in the use of natural resources for sustainable tourism—case studies worldwide;
Protected areas and conservation of natural resources as a consequence of their use through tourist activity;
Regional development and community benefits through the use of natural resources for sustainable tourism;
Legal, institutional and planning regulations contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources in tourism;
Overconsumption and deterioration of natural resources as a consequence of tourism;
Crucial problems of sustainable use of natural resources in tourism in the world and proposals for relevant solutions;
Climate change and Nature-based tourism;
Water resources and Nature-based tourism.

Dr. Jovana Brankov
Dr. Ana Milanović Pešić
Dr. Claudete Oliveira Moreira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable tourism
natural resources
nature-based tourism
ecotourism
tourism in protected areas
sustainable planning, management and development
protection and conservation
regional development
community benefits
natural resources degradation

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 1383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Recreational Value in a Protected Forest Area Considering the New Environmental Paradigm (Case Study: Helen Forest, Southwestern Iran)

by Zohreh Khalili Ardali, Hamid Amirnejad, Soleiman Mohammadi Limaei and Sadegh Salehi

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072771 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 630

Abstract

This study investigates the recreational value of the Helen protected forest area, incorporating the new environmental paradigm into economic valuation. Visitors’ willingness to pay and its association with scores reflecting the new environmental paradigm were assessed through contingent valuation and a dual-dimensional questionnaire. Two models are employed: a base model with socio-economic variables and a model integrating new environmental paradigm. Results indicate that 83.04% of visitors are willing to pay for recreational use. The proposed amount, visit frequency, new environmental paradigm, age, gender, education, and income were found to significantly influence the acceptance of willingness to pay. Results indicated a strong positive correlation exists between new environmental paradigm and willingness to pay, highlighting the influence of environmental perspective. Average willingness to pay per household per visit is IRR 190,390.4 (USD 0.53), translating to an annual recreational value of IRR 22,629,264,215 (USD 64,088) for the entire Helen forest. The average new environmental paradigm scores for visitors stand at 57.36, with the statement “plants and animals have similar rights to humans” receiving the highest score of 28.4. These findings emphasize the importance of considering environmental perspectives in managing recreational sites. Integrating a new environmental paradigm into valuation methods can inform sustainable management strategies that balance economic development with environmental conservation and social well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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32 pages, 6192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Tourism near the City—A Case Study of Stolovi Mountain, Serbia

by Ivana Penjišević, Tamara Lukić, Saša Milosavljević, Bojana Jandžiković, Dejan Šabić, Jovan Dragojlović and Aleksandar Valjarević

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020782 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 711

Abstract

This paper deals with the sustainability of tourism in Stolovi Mountain. The purpose of the research was to show that it is possible to develop sustainable tourism in unestablished localities, intending to reduce differences in regional development in the Republic of Serbia, and then refine the tourist offerings of already established tourist localities in the vicinity. Various literature sources were used in the research. GIS software (QGIS 3.12) was used in order to create geographic and other special maps. Field observations were conducted, which were used to perform an in-depth analysis. In addition, two surveys were conducted with people from Kraljevo and those coming from other places in order to determine the identity and recognizability of Stolovi Mountain. The significance of this research is in pointing out that the connection of tourist sites can enrich the offer and attract new visitors, but also in supplementing scientific knowledge about Stolovi Mountain. The main results of the research show that green forms of tourism will ensure ecological sustainability. Kraljevo, a nearby city, is home to the workforce that will care for the localities, provide material contributions for the preservation of nature, guide jobs and sell souvenirs. Stolovi Mountain could quickly be included in various tourist tours and begin to demonstrate the first positive economic effects, followed by sociodemographic ones. The affirmation of mountainous, sparsely populated areas will lead to uniform regional development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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31 pages, 1313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protected Natural Areas and Ecotourism—Priority Strategies for Future Development in Selected Serbian Case Studies

by Milena Cvetković, Jovana Brankov, Nevena Ćurčić, Sanja Pavlović, Milica Dobričić and Tatiana N. Tretiakova

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15621; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115621 - 04 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1238

Abstract

This research deals with the evaluation of tourist attractions in selected protected areas (PAs) in Serbia for the purpose of developing ecotourism. Using the integral AHP-SWOT method, two authentic mountain areas were analyzed—Stara Planina Nature Park and Suva Planina Special Nature Reserve. The results confirmed the presence of numerous natural and, to a lesser extent, anthropogenic resources that represent the basis for the future ecotourism activities. However, significant weaknesses were also registered, which are reflected in overall poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure and depopulation. The analysis also showed that the highest rated factors for the development of ecotourism are local products that should be offered on the regional market, as well as the use of the geographical position of both areas (near the state border) through the use of donor funds (IPA funds). The application of the AHP-SWOT method enabled the definition and prioritization of several development strategies, of which the ones with the greatest weight are based on the use of the variegated biodiversity of both PAs. This research advances knowledge about strategic decision-making in PAs and could be beneficial to destination managers for the creation of successful strategic plans. Results suggest that future actions should be aimed at maximizing the detected advantages, which means creating an appropriate development policy, drafting legislation, encouraging social mobilization activities and determining the institutional elements for the development and management of ecotourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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27 pages, 2011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Tourism Development and Ramsar Sites in Serbia: Exploring Residents’ Attitudes and Water Quality Assessment in the Vlasina Protected Area

by Ana Milanović Pešić, Tamara Jojić Glavonjić, Stefan Denda and Dejana Jakovljević

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15391; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115391 - 28 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1204

Abstract

This study aims to present the potential for sustainable tourism development on Vlasina Lake, which is, along with its surroundings, declared as a Ramsar site, Natural Asset of Exceptional Importance, IBA, IPA, PBA and Emerald area. A survey conducted among the residents indicated that they expressed positive attitudes towards sustainable tourism development, even though a small percentage of them are employed in tourism. Considering the lake as the most valuable part of this area, this study emphasized water quality assessment as the necessary condition for sustainable tourism development. Water quality indices (SWQI, CWQI and WPI) were used for water quality assessment for the period 2013–2022. Based on SWQI, Vlasina Lake has a good to excellent water quality and, according to WPI, has clean water suitable for tourism and recreation. The CWQI for overall water quality ranged from marginal to good. It is the highest for recreation, but it is based on only one parameter (pH), which is the limitation of this methodology. Based on field research, survey, water quality assessment and previous studies, it is concluded that this area has favorable conditions for developing various types of tourism, which could contribute to the future development of this undeveloped and unpopulated area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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15 pages, 1034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Destination Image Cohesion: A Comparison Study of Attractions on the Grand Canal, China

by Shan Jiang, Noel Scott, Li Tao, Shiqi Xiong and Yuan Qin

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13682; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813682 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1330

Abstract

The Grand Canal is located in the north-eastern and central-eastern plains of China, running from Beijing in the north to Zhejiang province in the south, and is the longest canal in the world (1800 km) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From a tourism perspective, the Grand Canal can be considered as a linear heritage attraction linking many individual heritage sites. This research was conducted with a mixed qualitative–quantitative method in the 2021–2022 period. First, in-depth interviews with an unstructured methodology of image measurements were conducted to determine attributes of the perceived destination image (PDI) of the Grand Canal as a whole. Next, a measurement scale was developed using these attributes to examine the PDI of two canal sites near Beijing. A total of 274 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis. The results identify differences between the two sites’ PDI and the overall image of the Grand Canal. The t-test results shows that, in terms of the CDI, Shichahai Park has much better tourism activities, while Tongzhou Canal Park has better water quality. Shichahai Park’s ADI provides a stronger image of pride/impressive heritage of the Tongzhou Canal Park. Based on these results, a marketing strategy is proposed and discussed. This is the first study to develop a method and measurement scale to examine cohesion in the PDI of linear heritage attractions. The method may be used by other linear heritage management practitioners to link their attractions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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21 pages, 3506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourists’ Motivation in Wetland Destinations: Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve Case Study (Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve)

by Vladimir Stojanović, Maja Mijatov Ladičorbić, Aleksandra S. Dragin, Marija Cimbaljević, Sanja Obradović, Dragan Dolinaj, Tamara Jovanović, Anđelija Ivkov-Džigurski, Jelena Dunjić, Milena Nedeljković Knežević and Vladimir Marković

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9598; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129598 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1052

Abstract

The main objectives of this research were twofold: firstly, to evaluate tourists’ perception of Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve, one of the four significant protected areas within the Serbian part of Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve, and secondly, to identify the motivations behind tourists’ visits to wetlands and their overall satisfaction with the visits. In addition, this study was also focused on the relationships between aforementioned constructs and tourists’ socio-demographic characteristics and visit characteristics. Finally, this study attempts to address the relationships between tourists’ motives for their visit, their image perception and satisfaction. The research findings showed that each of the three remaining factors had significant relationships with Satisfaction and experience. The research was conducted in the form of the survey in the period between May 2020 and April 2022 on the sample of 216 visitors. The research findings showed that each of three remaining factors had significant relationships with Satisfaction and experience. Relationships are also found between identified improvement requirements, Motivation for spending time particularly in wetlands, and perceived biodiversity image. Finally, there are significant relationships between duration of the visit with Satisfaction and experience and Motivation for spending time in nature and future behavior. Practical implications of the research results might be beneficial for managers of wetland destinations, in order to improve the offer in line with tourists’ preferences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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19 pages, 2491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Landscape in Sustainable Tourism Development—A Study of Identification and Evaluation of Landscape Qualities of the Vrbanja Basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Vesna Rajčević, Tanja Mišlicki Tomić, Irena Medar-Tanjga, Mlađen Trifunović, Neda Živak and Aleksandra Petrašević

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076121 - 01 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

The concept of landscape has opened up a vast field of contemporary multidisciplinary research. Character identification, typology, digital presentation, protection and evaluation from the aspect of tourist suitability are some of the main topics. Unfortunately, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a very small number of complex studies that try to study landscapes in the function of tourism development. The main purpose of the research is the identification of landscape characters, the creation of their typology, and the assessment of their suitability for the development of sustainable tourism in the area of the Vrbanja river basin. The methodological procedure consisted of three steps. The first was a desk study, which included a review of data from the available literature and maps of hydrological, geological, pedological, geomorphological, and climate studies of this area. In this way, the geographical basis of the research was created in the form of four thematic maps (relief, hydrographic, pedological, and forest complex maps) using the ArcGIS 10.8 software. The second step was the spatial identification of landscape types in the area of the studied basin. This was done in ArcGIS 10.8 by overlaying and combining the obtained thematic maps of the basin. The result was a map with four general types and 14 subtypes within the Vrbanja basin. The third and final step was the evaluation and assessment of the suitability of each type of landscape for tourism activities. The assessment was made by scoring factors of anthropogenic influence, natural characteristics, and visual impression on a Likert scale of 1–4. The final results of the research show that the high mountain areas with forest and semi-rural type and the hilly areas with forest and rural landscape type have the greatest overall suitability for the development of tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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17 pages, 13638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empirical Investigation of the Motivation and Perception of Tourists Visiting the Apuseni Nature Park (Romania) and the Relationship of Tourism and Natural Resources

by Tamás Telbisz, Zoltán Imecs, András Máthé and László Mari

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054181 - 25 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

As part of an international project, national parks and nature parks established in karst regions are examined, with a primary focus on how local residents, visitors and influential figures (i.e., park managers, mayors) perceive the advantages and disadvantages of a specific park. The study area in this paper is the Apuseni Nature Park (Romania). The main natural resources of this park are: the karst (morphology and hydrology), the forests and the landscape. In order to explore the perception and motivation of tourists visiting the park, a field survey using a convenience sampling strategy was conducted in 2019 and 2021 at eleven sites in the park. The results show that among the motivations, the “search for relaxation” option is the most frequently selected (43%), but “interest in caves” (34%) and “interest in karst terrains” (29%) were also relatively popular. In terms of public support for potential developments, one positive result of the questionnaire is that developments involving sustainability and nature conservation (visitor centre, education trails and viewpoints) enjoy significantly more support than developments that put a strain on the environment (adventure parks and expansion of entertainment facilities). The awareness of geotourism should be improved, but even at the current level it can be said that geotourists are an important segment of the park’s visitors. A careful development of tourism can be recommended for the park, but it must ensure that the principles of sustainability are taken into account during the developments. Given the environmental and economic challenges, strengthening the organization of the park is suggested in order to better protect the threatened natural resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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Review

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32 pages, 4247 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tourism and Conservation Empowered by Augmented Reality: A Scientometric Analysis Based on the Science Tree Metaphor

by Paola Patricia Ariza-Colpas, Marlon Alberto Piñeres-Melo, Roberto-Cesar Morales-Ortega, Andres-Felipe Rodriguez-Bonilla, Shariq Butt-Aziz, Sumera Naz, Leidys del Carmen Contreras-Chinchilla, Maribel Romero-Mestre and Ronald Alexander Vacca Ascanio

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16847; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416847 - 14 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1236

Abstract

Technology has emerged as an essential tool that has revolutionized the conditions for travelers to fully immerse themselves in the culture, gastronomy, and recreation of the places they explore. This literature review aims to understand the crucial contributions currently shaping the implementation of augmented reality as an enriching technological support for user experiences in tourism and the conservation of natural heritage. While the literature on this topic is scattered across specialized databases, this review provides a unique opportunity for a deeper and more cohesive analysis. Employing the metaphor of the tree of science, we have developed two valuable approaches to the data collected during our bibliographic exploration. On the one hand, we have examined scientometric statistics related to the countries, authors, universities, and research and technological development centers that are at the forefront of creating innovative augmented reality-based applications to promote tourism and conservation. On the other hand, we have conducted an evolutionary analysis based on the tree of science to trace the origins of the most significant contributions and understand how they have evolved over time in this dynamic and ever-developing field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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20 pages, 6706 KiB

Open AccessReview

Linking Geoheritage or Geosite Assessment Results with Geotourism Potential and Development: A Literature Review

by Ľubomír Štrba, Andrea Vravcová, Michaela Podoláková, Lenka Varcholová and Branislav Kršák

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9539; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129539 - 14 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Geotourism is sustainable tourism form which is primarily based on the existence of geoheritage. Many research studies have been devoted to assessing geoheritage in last two decades, from various perspectives. Depending on the assessment methods and results, authors of such studies often refer to potential geotourism development based on specific geoheritage values. This paper, based on a study and analysis of relevant literature retrieved from WoS and Scopus databases, focuses on assessment criteria and their relevance to geotourism development for the general public. The results show that the absolute majority of assessment methods are probably of high importance for experts. However, in terms of effective application of the assessment results to sustainable geotourism development, different criteria should be used, including visual attractiveness, uniqueness, accessibility, safety, and the possibility of gaining knowledge. In this regard, extensive research is required on how geoheritage and its interpretation appeal to visitors, especially among the lay public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Use of Natural Resources—Contemporary Practices and Management Challenges)

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