Systems Approach and Management for Urban Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

Global tourism in general and urban tourism in particular have become the dominant socio-economic activities worldwide. However, until recently, the economic aspect of tourism dominated the governance of destinations that resulted in destruction of socio-ecological systems, especially in urban areas. Urban areas have already suffered the pressure of population growth and internal migration, pollution, congestion, waste problems, and transportation issues. The tourism sector exacerbated the urban problems beyond conventional solutions in the context of traditional urban planning. Therefore, a new urban governance is needed to reconcile ‘tourism’ and ‘urbanization’ as these two active dimensions are inseparable. The paradigm of sustainability can guide these processes towards long-term solutions to the present problems that are associated with old policies. A significant element that is indispensable to the sustainability of urban destinations is collective action and a holistic approach where communities are actively involved in new forms of governance. With the application of digital technology, the dissemination of information and sharing is highly available. The new digital platforms make it possible to invite and involve communities to manage and protect their own habitats. Last but not least, path creation should replace the path-dependent mentality.

In recent decades, addressing our planet's environmental issues has necessitated a holistic strategy and a trans-disciplinary approach linked to urban sustainability, which has inspired increased urban innovation and improved quality of life. Therefore, the purpose of this Special Issue is to explore contemporary challenges to achieving greater sustainability and resilience from various research perspectives and scientific methods to encourage innovation and adaption in social and economic, and environment dimensions in the urban context. The main areas include:

• Urban innovation and sustainability management;
• Urban health and insurance;
• Land use and landscape planning;
• Urban infrastructure and service design and management;
• Low carbon and greenhouse gas in urbanization;
• Sustainable urban tourism and marketing;
• Urban waste management and circular economy;
• Urban agriculture/farming and food marketing;
• Urban technology and smart city;
• Urban logistics and sustainable consumption;
• Urban transportation and metropolitan development;
• Urban water management;
• Urban resilience and risk management;
• Urban green space.

Prof. Dr. Vilas Nitivattananon
Prof. Dr. Habib Alipou
Guest Editors

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