Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 23 March 2026 | Viewed by 160
Special Issue Editors
Interests: human geography; governance; sustainable tourism; marketing; land use
Interests: tourism; storytelling; mapping; heritage; cognitive science
Interests: physical geographies; geomorphologies; geographical hazards and risks; natural and cultural heritage
Interests: geophysics applied for geohazards prevention and environmental problems; sustainable development goals; geophysics for infrastructure projects and geothermal energy; education; geotourism and geoheritage
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue aims to explore the evolving interconnections between nature-based tourism and sustainability, expanding on existing research that highlights tourism’s potential for conservation, community development, and place-based heritage valorization. Following research that has addressed ecotourism as well as sustainable tourism, the issue’s objective is to bridge these strands by foregrounding new insights into governance models, visitor–host relationships, and ecosystem resilience.
We particularly welcome interdisciplinary approaches that draw on diverse scientific fields to explore new and evolving topics, such as neurotourism and neuromarketing, and the constant redefinition of destination image dimensions. By doing so, the Special Issue will extend current debates and highlight how innovative research can inform practical strategies for sustainable development. The proposed manuscript could also address governance frameworks, participatory management, and innovative policies that balance visitor experience with biodiversity protection. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives, this collection will complement and extend current literature by highlighting emerging practices and critical challenges at the intersection of nature, tourism, and sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Donatella Carboni
Dr. Sonia Malvica
Dr. Andreea Andra-Topârceanu
Dr. Florina Chitea
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
- ecotourism
- heritage
- governance
- marketing
- interdisciplinarity
- visitor experience
- tourist policies
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
