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Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management

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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: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 9070

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariana Ramona Ciolac

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: sustainable development; rural tourism; agritourism; rural tourism entrepreneurship; smart strategies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Cosmin Alin Popescu

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: land use changes; sustainable development; infrastructure development; economy

Prof. Dr. Elena Peţ

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: marketing; marketing strategies; economic development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In order to develop harmoniously, a developed society must also maintain a high degree of sustainability; yet, the quality of people’s lives is directly linked to the way in which human needs are satisfied, with recent years demonstrating the need to reconcile these elements with those of sustainable development. Tourism is one of the fields that contribute to the satisfaction of socio-human needs and represents an integral part of modern life, given that it is becoming one of the most important economic activities of the contemporary world, a promoter of globalization, an engine of economic development, an opportunity to improve the quality of life, and a factor in sustainable development, or, in a nutshell, a stimulating factor for the global economic system. Thus, because all of society is involved in its development, tourism can be considered one of the most complex industries in the world.

At the same time, tourism is a means of regenerating the working capacity of the population, raising the level of training, a means of education, culture, and civilization. Therefore, achieving sustainability in this field and applying proper management and marketing in the areas with tourism potential must be a necessity, and at the same time an “innovative reality” of the moment, ensuring the reduction of disparities between communities. In this context, it is necessary to generate new patterns, new challenges, and a great deal of innovation to devise creative solutions regarding the capitalization of the natural and anthropic heritage and to generate the smart and sustainable development of those communities with tourism potential.

Therefore, the goals of Special Issue on Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management are oriented towards original research/studies, either at the global level or at the tourist destination level, and focus on concrete proposals related to the reimagining of tourism destination marketing and management, the transition from the paradigm of growth to the paradigm of sustainability, the creation of management and marketing strategies related to the tourist destination in order to remain competitive and generate the community development in the future, and on specific proposals for the sustainable exploitation of a local community’s unique resources so as to generate development.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome and research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Case studies regarding the innovative development of tourist activity in a given area;
Management and marketing proposals for tourism destinations;
Innovation and “branding” of representative tourist destinations;
Analysis of the impact and sustainability of tourist activity on the local community;
Management and marketing for sustainable forms of tourism.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mariana Ramona Ciolac
Prof. Dr. Cosmin Alin Popescu
Prof. Dr. Elena Peţ
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

sustainability
tourism management and marketing
smart development strategies
sustainable forms of tourism

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Travel Experience-Sharing Behavior on Chinese Social Media Platforms

by Chuanmei Chen, Normalisa Md Isa and Norkhazzaina Salahuddin

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3579; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083579 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 394

Abstract

This study investigates factors influencing Chinese travelers’ behavior in sharing travel experiences on social media, using the frameworks of Perceived Value Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and Social Influence Theory. This study aims to explore the intrinsic motivations and social factors that drive individuals to engage in sharing travel experiences and examine how these factors, along with personal characteristics, influence this behavior. Data from 489 participants were collected using a structured survey method and indicate that convenience value, emotional value, attitude, subjective norm, social identity, and group norm significantly affect sharing behavior, while monetary and social values do not. Additionally, personality traits such as openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness moderate the relationship between these values and the sharing behavior. This study contributes to the literature by providing a deeper understanding of the motivations underlying travel experience-sharing on social media in China and by examining how both intrinsic motivations and social influences affect this behavior. The findings offer practical implications for tourism marketers to prioritize seamless digital platforms, emotionally engaging experiences, and personalized campaigns. Governments can support these efforts by promoting policies that enhance platform convenience and foster social engagement. Focusing on Chinese travelers, this research also provides a cross-cultural perspective, deepening the theoretical understanding of travel experience-sharing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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24 pages, 2230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Digital Tourism Platforms in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the Industry 4.0 Era

by Adelina Zeqiri, Adel Ben Youssef and Teja Maherzi Zahar

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3482; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083482 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 998

Abstract

The intersection of digitalization and sustainability is reshaping the tourism industry, with digital platforms playing a transformative role in optimizing travel experiences while simultaneously influencing economic inclusivity, labor dynamics, and environmental responsibility. This paper explores how Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT)—are integrated into digital tourism platforms, assessing their dual impact on sustainability and market structures. The study develops a conceptual framework around five key dimensions: market power and digital dependency, AI-driven automation and workforce transformation, innovation and digital inclusion, sustainability innovations, and data security and governance. While digital platforms enhance personalization, operational efficiency, and eco-conscious travel, they also reinforce economic disparities, monopolization, and regulatory challenges, raising concerns related to SDGs such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption, and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The study highlights the need for equitable governance frameworks to mitigate risks associated with AI-driven monopolization, algorithmic bias, and data privacy violations while ensuring digital accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on platform economics, digital governance, and sustainable tourism transformation, offering policy and managerial implications for fostering an inclusive and environmentally responsible tourism industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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14 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Sustainable Tourism: An Activity-Based Segmentation of the Rural Tourism Market in China

by Lin Fu, Junko Sanada and Wenzheng Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3341; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083341 - 9 Apr 2025

Viewed by 345

Abstract

Rural areas are increasingly popular tourist destinations, contributing to socioeconomic development while also posing sustainability challenges. Recent research emphasizes that the sustainability of tourist destinations largely depends on the types of visitors they attract. This study aims to conduct a segmentation analysis of tourists’ motivations and behaviors in Chinese rural tourism to gain market insights and guide destination demand management with a focus on sustainable development. Survey data were collected from 517 tourists in northern China using a self-administered questionnaire. The results identify four key tourist groups: urbanists, food and architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and multiple experience seekers. Cluster analysis reveals that while most tourists prioritize leisure and entertainment, history lovers demonstrate a stronger interest in rural and agricultural experiences, positioning them as crucial to promoting sustainable tourism. In contrast, urbanists and food and architecture enthusiasts, though contributing economically, engage less with agricultural and environmental aspects, raising concerns about mass tourism and the erosion of rural authenticity. This research contributes to the expanding literature on rural tourism in China, providing insights into market segmentation as a tool for fostering sustainable development. It also offers practical implications for policymakers and destination managers to better align tourism strategies with sustainability objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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19 pages, 840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship Between Motivations, Satisfaction, and Loyalty: Insights from the Galápagos Islands, a World Heritage Site

by Mauricio Carvache-Franco, Miguel Orden-Mejía, Tahani Hassan, Orly Carvache-Franco and Wilmer Carvache-Franco

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3034; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073034 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 296

Abstract

Motivations for traveling to World Heritage natural destinations shape important theories for academic research. This study aims to analyze the influence of motivational factors on tourist satisfaction in the Galápagos Islands. The quantitative study was conducted in situ; a total of 407 valid questionnaires were collected at Mann Beach on San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Through structural equation modeling, the analysis identified key motivations contributing to satisfaction, with novelty-seeking and social interaction emerging as key determinants. In contrast, motivations such as learning and authentic coastal experiences were found to have an insignificant impact on tourists’ overall perceptions. The findings also confirmed a strong positive relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, demonstrating that satisfied tourists are more likely to return and spread positive word-of-mouth about the destination. These results highlight the importance of designing tourism experiences that align with visitors’ expectations for social interaction and novelty, thereby enhancing the sustainability and reputation of the Galápagos Islands as a unique destination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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18 pages, 517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Segmentation by Image Attributes in Island Marine Protected Areas: The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

by Mauricio Carvache-Franco, Orly Carvache-Franco, Tahani Hassan, Ivonne León-Espinoza and Wilmer Carvache-Franco

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041375 - 8 Feb 2025

Viewed by 630

Abstract

The image attributes of a tourist destination are the elements that make up the perception that visitors have about a place. Segmenting by image attributes is establishing subgroups of tourists, differentiating them by the way they perceive the image of the destination. The present study in a marine protected area aimed to (i) identify image attributes, (ii) establish segments based on image attributes, (iii) determine the relationship between image segments, satisfaction, and behavioral loyalty, and (iv) ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics of image segments in insular marine protected areas. This study was conducted in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, a marine protected Pacific Ocean area declared a World Heritage Site. A total of 407 surveys were collected in situ. The data were interpreted using factor analysis techniques and non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis. The results show four image attributes in marine protected areas: Staff Attention, Tourist Facilities, Nature and People, and Cultural Attractions. Likewise, three segments based on image attributes were identified: the Passive segment, with low scores overall; Nature, with high scores only in attributes related to nature; and the Want It All segment, with high scores in all image attributes. Among these groups, the Want it All segment demonstrates the highest satisfaction and loyalty levels. The results will serve as management guidelines for marine protected area administrators and contribute to academic literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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17 pages, 2198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Rewards Increase Tourists’ Willingness to Engage in Low-Carbon Behavior?

by Minsi Zhang, Zi Tang and Pengyu Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030829 - 21 Jan 2025

Viewed by 975

Abstract

As rational economic beings, economic gains in behavior influence consumers. Consequently, rewards influence consumer behavior, which leads to altruism and warm traits. This motivates consumers to enhance their willingness to behave in a pro-social way. Previous studies demonstrate that rewards can positively influence the environmentally conscious consumption behavior of consumers. However, their impact on the willingness of tourists to adopt low-carbon behavior is overlooked. Promoting low-carbon behavior, incentive services are becoming increasingly prevalent in tourism. Encouraging tourists to start behaving in a low-carbon way is of particular importance for sustainable tourism. Authors have combined rewards and the low-carbon behavioral intentions of tourists based on stimulus–organism–response theory to explore the positive emotions of tourists triggered by rewards. This theory posits that positive emotions will further boost tourist willingness to engage in low-carbon behavior. Thus, we conducted three experiments to investigate three key areas, namely, the role of rewards in influencing tourists’ willingness to become involved in low-carbon behavior, the impact of rewards on the generation of positive emotions, and the impact of positive emotions with regard to the readiness to become involved low-carbon behaviors. The results indicate that rewards exert a positive effect on emotions, which influences the inclination to engage in environmentally friendly behavior. Additionally, the extent of environmental knowledge moderates the willingness to participate in such activities. This paper provides original insights into the factors influencing the willingness of tourists to participate in low-carbon practices and provides valuable managerial guidance for the sustainable development of tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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33 pages, 3061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ski Resort vs. Altitude and Latitude: Competitiveness from the Perspective of the Consumers

by Marijana Pantić, Tamara Maričić and Milena Toković

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020601 - 14 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

Serbian ski resorts’ altitude and latitude are lower than in most European ski resorts. In the context of climate change and the Serbian Government’s plans to keep opening new ski resorts, this study examines the competitiveness of Serbian ski resorts in the eyes of domestic tourists, hence the justification of new developments. This research was carried out in three steps: a statistical analysis of a survey conducted among domestic tourists, an interpretation of the context based on responses to open-ended questions, and a comparison of Serbia’s most popular ski resorts with leading ski resorts in Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, and France. The results showed that Serbian tourists focus on value for money, skiing, and ski infrastructure quality rather than additional activities such as cultural tours, entertainment, or wellness. In the context of international discussions on climate change impacts, environmental consequences of ski resorts, and survey results, we recommend that future strategies of ski resort operators in Serbia focus on developing and promoting complementary activities to winter sports and prioritizing the redevelopment of existing ski resorts rather than constructing new ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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28 pages, 2533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Opportunities for Capitalizing on Tourist Potential in Hunedoara County through Rural Tourism Activities and Supporting the Development of the Local Community

by Camelia Mănescu, Nicoleta Mateoc-Sîrb, Tabita Cornelia Adamov, Diana Marin, Sebastian Moisa and Marius-Ionuț Gordan

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198296 - 24 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

The need to diversify economic activities in rural areas is essential for stimulating sustainable development. In this regard, rural tourism can be an effective tool for supporting the development in rural areas. The purpose of this article was to identify the favorability of Hunedoara County for rural tourism activities, which would contribute to the sustainable development of tourism. Rural tourism activities would generate economic and social benefits both for local communities and for tourists, and at the same time preserve and protect the cultural and natural values of the area. The research methods used to carry out this study are both qualitative (documentary study) and quantitative (a questionnaire applied in order to identify the perceptions of tourists with respect to the tourist development potential of Hunedoara County through rural tourism). The main results of the research consist in the identification of some directions for future development of Hunedoara County. These directions would, in the future, lead to an increase in the visibility of local rural communities; to the preservation of local traditions and customs, while promoting sustainability and respect for the environment; and to the implementation of a plan for sustainable development through rural tourism in the studied area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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36 pages, 1407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Legislative and Economic Conditions on Romanian Agritourism: SWOT Study of Northwestern and Northeastern Regions and Sustainable Development Strategies

by Ramona Vasilica Bacter, Alina Emilia Maria Gherdan, Monica Angelica Dodu, Ramona Ciolac, Tiberiu Iancu, Luminița Pîrvulescu, Anca Monica Brata, Alexandra Ungureanu, Roxana Mihaela Bolohan (Cociorva) and Ioana Camelia Chebeleu

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7382; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177382 - 27 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1554

Abstract

Agritouristic guesthouse expansion in Romania has been influenced by the interaction between legislative and economic conditions. In this comparative study, we examine the northwestern and northeaster development regions through a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) in order to gain insight into how these factors affect the expansion of agritourism. The objective is to measure the impact of regulatory frameworks and economic landscapes on the establishment and evolution of agritourism businesses. Final findings reveal distinct regulatory environments, accessibility of finance, and market dynamics across regions. On the practical level, this research highlights the importance of legislative and economic conditions in stimulating or hindering the development of agritourism. The findings provide strategic insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance sustainable growth in the agritourism sector, focusing on targeted responses adapted to regional challenges and opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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