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Leisure for Sustainable Future: Exploring Sustainable Environmental Leisure Activities

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 8595

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Departament of Educational Science, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
Interests: leisure; intergenerational relationships; service-learning; values
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Social and Human Science, Deusto Cities Lab Katedra, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
Interests: leisure; benefits; barriers; cities; human sustainable development

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departament of Educational Science, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
Interests: leisure; intergenerational relationships; service-learning; culture

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Sustainability explores the complex relationships that leisure, in its diverse expressions (cultural, touristic, sportive, recreational, technological, etc.), establishes with the environment in terms of sustainability. The concepts of Sustainability and Environment are understood from a holistic view which, apart from the environmental perspective, includes other dimensions such as Sustainability (social, economic and cultural), rural and urban environments, and nature. Thus, the challenges associated with achieving sustainability in cities, the phenomenon of mobility, tourismphobia and climate change are taken into consideration.

When referring to Sustainability, we are talking about new models of economic development, production and consumption patterns, and the importance of leisure industries. Leisure’s impact on the planet and present and future societies cannot be overlooked. Is sustainable leisure possible? Is it consistent with the right to leisure? Does leisure have an environmental footprint with the carrying capacity of cities and other touristic destinations and climate and intergenerational justice? How does leisure affect equal opportunities, social cohesion or the distribution of wealth? How can leisure contribute to every being’s quality of life, security and good living?

If sustainability is taken as the new paradigm that supports harmony among the planet, the ecosystems, and the economic, social, cultural or environmental necessities of current and future generations, leisure is called upon to play an increasingly active role in sustainable development, reducing its impacts and leading new ways of thinking, managing, and acting; otherwise, overcoming this challenge will be impossible.

This Special Issue encourages professionals, scholars, and policymakers to share their reflections, investigations and good practices. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Leisure and environmental sustainability (leisure practices affected by climate change, biodiversity, animal rights, ecological justice, leisure and carrying capacity, contribution to urban sustainable mobility and ecological transition processes, the preservation of public spaces, natural spaces, the recovery of degraded spaces, tourismphobia, responsible tourism, regenerative tourism, etc.);
  • Leisure and economic sustainability (new ways of leisure governance, leisure and entrepreneurship, responsible consumption, circular economy experiences, sustainable leisure and competitiveness, leisure industries, etc.);
  • Leisure and social–cultural sustainability (equal opportunities, health and well-being, social cohesion, cultural identities, cultural heritage, diversity and inclusion, citizen participation, social classes, technology and social media, solidary leisure, leisure education, human sustainable development, leisure and common good, values and ecology, games and technology, etc.);
  • Leisure and communities (intergenerational leisure, elderly, functional diversity, students, women, leisure etc.);
  • Leisure and governance (leisure, cultural, leisure actors, cooperations, competitiveness, human sustainable development, sustainability plans, etc.).

We encourage the submission of articles that encompass these topics, as they are vital components in the larger narrative of sustainability, leisure and the environment.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. María de los Ángeles Valdemoros-San-Emeterio
Prof. Dr. María Jesús Monteagudo
Dr. Cristina Medrano Pascual
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

  • leisure
  • sustainability
  • society
  • culture
  • economy
  • communities
  • governance
  • tourism
  • intergenerational

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1066 KiB  
Article
The Lost View: Villager-Centered Scale Development and Validation Due to Rural Tourism for Traditional Villages in China
by Yanan Li, Muhammad Azzam Ismail, Asrul Aminuddin, Rui Wang, Kaiyun Jiang and Haowei Yu
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062721 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 795
Abstract
Traditional villages are the convergence points for rural tourism and cultural heritage, with their uniqueness deriving from their enduring cultural genes. Villagers serve as the continuators of traditional villages, the transmitters of cultural heritage, and active participants in rural tourism, all predisposing villagers [...] Read more.
Traditional villages are the convergence points for rural tourism and cultural heritage, with their uniqueness deriving from their enduring cultural genes. Villagers serve as the continuators of traditional villages, the transmitters of cultural heritage, and active participants in rural tourism, all predisposing villagers to adopt key positions in these areas. However, villager-centered research has not been systematically explored. This gap may be due to the marginalization of villagers in developing rural tourism and cultural heritage, the challenges associated with measuring villager-centered impacts, and the lack of appropriate measurement tools. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a scale to assess the impact of rural tourism on villagers. Using Shangzhuang Village and Guoyu Village in China as case studies, a total of 305 samples were collected. Through construct dimensions, potential item generation, scale purification, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and reliability and validity testing, a villager-centered tourism impact scale was established, encompassing 13 items across three dimensions: economic, social, and cultural. The findings provide a new tool for village leaders, tourism developers, and policymakers to effectively incorporate villagers’ perspectives into rural tourism and heritage preservation efforts, contributing to the sustainable development of traditional villages and their associated tourism. Full article
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16 pages, 1434 KiB  
Article
Sustainability, the Balanced Scorecard, and Event Tourism: The SBSC-ET Model
by Mary Jo Dolasinski, Chris Roberts and Lisa Young
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2174; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052174 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1388
Abstract
Conceptualized in this paper is the integration of sustainability into the strategic balanced scorecard for event tourism (SBSC-ET), emphasizing a holistic approach to managing event tourism. The community perspective focuses on cultural preservation and social equity, while the host location perspective addresses site [...] Read more.
Conceptualized in this paper is the integration of sustainability into the strategic balanced scorecard for event tourism (SBSC-ET), emphasizing a holistic approach to managing event tourism. The community perspective focuses on cultural preservation and social equity, while the host location perspective addresses site sustainability, economic impacts, and stakeholder balance. The providers perspective highlights operational efficiency and sustainability, and the tourist perspective promotes responsible tourism and value co-creation. By organizing metrics according to stakeholder roles and objectives, the SBSC-ET ensures improved management of event tourism, addressing multiple dimensions of sustainability, including community needs, economic impacts, operational efficiency, and tourist experiences, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved. Full article
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28 pages, 1041 KiB  
Article
Creating a Value Proposition for Tourists in Times of Heightened Risks
by Nataliya Chukhray, Kateryna Yarmola, Ivanna Dronyuk and Andrii Chukhrai
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051916 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 808
Abstract
In the context of increased competition and unpredictable external circumstances, understanding the needs and demands of consumers has become a decisive factor in meeting their expectations, which affects the competitiveness of tourism enterprises. Changes in consumer behavior, driven by heightened risks, necessitate rethinking [...] Read more.
In the context of increased competition and unpredictable external circumstances, understanding the needs and demands of consumers has become a decisive factor in meeting their expectations, which affects the competitiveness of tourism enterprises. Changes in consumer behavior, driven by heightened risks, necessitate rethinking the approaches to shaping the value proposition of tourism products. This article aims to identify the factors that must be considered when forming a value proposition for tourism consumers by determining the impact index of various factors (especially the risks) on tourism product choices. It was suggested and proven that safety is crucial in creating a value proposition in times of heightened risks. This study used Ukraine as an example to develop a conceptual approach to creating a value proposition for tourists during times of increased risks by determining the impact index of various factors (components of the tourism product, components of tourism services, and tourism risks) on the choice of tourism product. Additionally, based on the survey results in Ukraine, the weighting coefficients of each factor were calculated, and the overall impact indices of each group of factors on consumer choice were determined. The study results allowed for conclusions about the new consumer requirements and expectations for developing effective strategies. Compared with other methods, we considered tourism products and services and tourism risks, which allowed us to obtain more accurate valuation results. The approach and the study’s results can be used in other markets with high risks and unpredictability. Full article
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19 pages, 1226 KiB  
Article
Use and Promotion of Bicycles for Sustainable Urban Mobility: The Case of Bizkaia
by María Jesús Monteagudo, Fernando Villatoro, Roberto San Salvador del Valle and Nerea Aranbarri
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031147 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
In today’s global scenario, any aspiration for sustainable development centers around cities. Decades of a hegemonic motor vehicle culture have led to unprecedented levels of noise and environmental pollution, urban congestion, sedentary lifestyles, and increased vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Mobility, [...] Read more.
In today’s global scenario, any aspiration for sustainable development centers around cities. Decades of a hegemonic motor vehicle culture have led to unprecedented levels of noise and environmental pollution, urban congestion, sedentary lifestyles, and increased vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Mobility, thus, becomes a cornerstone in transitioning toward more sustainable urban models, where active mobility is unquestionable. More and more cities are focusing on promoting urban cycling, not only as a leisure practice, but also as an alternative mode of transport. This article delves into the progress and current situation of cycling in Bizkaia, a city in the Basque Country in northern Spain. Based on the insights from and knowledge of seventeen experts, it explores the main challenges and strategic actions necessary to promote its expansion as a sustainable urban transport mode. The study employs a qualitative methodology, with results affirming the importance of some of the “key factors” identified in the literature as essential for any transition toward sustainable urban mobility through cycling. Among these key factors, sports leisure is highlighted due to its central role as a facilitator in the acquisition and consolidation of these new mobility habits. The study concludes by advancing five fundamental premises, the main contribution of this work, that encapsulate essential knowledge, without which any strategy to promote cycling as an alternative mode of sustainable urban mobility may falter. Full article
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15 pages, 5944 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Carbon Footprint of the 2024 Italian K2 Expedition: A Path Towards Sustainable High-Altitude Tourism
by Antonella Senese, Anees Ahmad, Maurizio Maugeri and Guglielmina Adele Diolaiuti
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010344 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1468
Abstract
Often considered the most pristine natural areas, mountains are the third most important tourist destination in the world after coasts and islands, contributing significantly to the tourism sector (15–20%). Tourism is economically important for many mountain communities and is among the key drivers [...] Read more.
Often considered the most pristine natural areas, mountains are the third most important tourist destination in the world after coasts and islands, contributing significantly to the tourism sector (15–20%). Tourism is economically important for many mountain communities and is among the key drivers of economic growth in mountain regions worldwide. However, these high-altitude places are under increasing pressure from activities such as expeditions and trekking, which can contribute to the degradation of mountain ecosystems. In this study, we focused on the Italian expedition to K2 in July 2024, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of the first ascent in 1954. In particular, we assessed its environmental impact by estimating the expedition’s carbon footprint. We also discussed the different impact compared to the previous Italian expeditions. Overall, the 2024 Italian expedition to K2 had a carbon footprint of 27,654 kg CO2-eq, or 1383 kg CO2-eq per team member that flew from Italy. Air transport (i.e., the flight from Italy to Pakistan via Islamabad) was the largest source of emissions (91.7%, divided into 66.4% for passengers and 25.4% for cargo). Waste incineration was the smallest contributor (1.1%). Instead of using traditional diesel generators, the 2024 expedition used photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, eliminating further local greenhouse gas emissions. At the carbon credit price of 61.30 USD/ton of CO2 or 57.02 EUR/ton of CO2, offsetting the expedition’s emissions would cost 1695 USD or EUR 1577. This approach seems feasible and effective for mitigating the environmental impact of expeditions such as the one performed in 2024 by Italians. Full article
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Review

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22 pages, 752 KiB  
Review
European Tourism Sustainability and the Tourismphobia Paradox: The Case of the Canary Islands
by Antonio Sánchez-Bayón and Frank Daumann
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031125 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
The growth of the tourism sector has led to overtourism in many destinations, which can negatively affect sections of the local population. This often results in a phenomenon known as tourismphobia, which describes the fact that residents develop reservations about tourists and take [...] Read more.
The growth of the tourism sector has led to overtourism in many destinations, which can negatively affect sections of the local population. This often results in a phenomenon known as tourismphobia, which describes the fact that residents develop reservations about tourists and take -not always legal- countermeasures; these measures are not sustainable in the long term, leading to the tourism paradox (with less economic activity). The origins of this phenomenon have so far been insufficiently analyzed. This article aims to present an explanatory approach for the emergence of this phenomenon based on the structural-cognitive model and to illustrate it using the example of the Canary Islands. For the Canary Islands, it can be shown that both the political opportunity structures allow for significant scope, and resource mobilization is comparatively easy to achieve. On the micro level, the high costs of overtourism for many residents, combined with relatively low returns from tourism and the non-prohibitive costs of countermeasures, lead to collective action against overtourism –manifesting as tourismphobia. In this way, this article provides a viable explanation for the emergence of tourismphobia and thus makes a significant contribution to knowledge in this field of research. Complementary analytical resources are also outlined, combining Austrian economics and new-institutional economics. Full article
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