Sustainability

2025

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22 pages, 4853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Anthropopressure on the Health Condition of Ancient Roadside Trees for a Sustainable City: Example of the Silver Maples (Acer saccharinum L.) Alley in Łódź (Central Poland)

by Andrzej Długoński, Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz, Jacek Krych, Przemysław Bernat, Katarzyna Paraszkiewicz, Aleksandra Walaszczyk and Justyna Marchewka

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083724 - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

This pilot study aims to evaluate the state of the natural environment in the Silver Maples Alley (SMA) in Łódź, Poland, by using interdisciplinary research methods combining landscape architecture and environmental microbiology. The research focuses on the ecological condition of the trees in [...] Read more.

This pilot study aims to evaluate the state of the natural environment in the Silver Maples Alley (SMA) in Łódź, Poland, by using interdisciplinary research methods combining landscape architecture and environmental microbiology. The research focuses on the ecological condition of the trees in SMA, a historical monument consisting of about 100 century-old silver maples (Acer saccharinum L.). As part of the analysis, the study examines the area’s soil properties, microbiological composition, and air quality, providing a comprehensive approach to assessing environmental quality. Microbial analyses were conducted to determine soil pH, the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the activity of Bacillus bacteria that produce biosurfactants for pollutant degradation. The results were compared with control sites with different Air Quality Index (AQI) values, including a park, a rural area, and a revitalized urban space. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental cleanliness correlates with the presence of pollutant-degrading microorganisms, particularly in areas with better air quality. This research contributes to understanding the role of green infrastructure, particularly old tree alleys, in urban ecosystems and public health. It also provides valuable insights into future management practices for historical green spaces. It highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between landscape architecture, microbiology, and environmental sciences to address pressing sustainable development challenges. Full article

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24 pages, 761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blockchain and NFTs in Tourism: Trending Paradigm for Sustainable Growth and Digital Transformation

by Raffaella Folgieri, Sergej Gričar and Tea Baldigara

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2976; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072976 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 367

Abstract

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a promising application of blockchain technology that can potentially disrupt various sectors, mainly tourism. While there have been conceptual discussions regarding the opportunities and challenges of utilizing NFTs for purposes such as digital souvenirs, ticketing, loyalty programs, and conservation [...] Read more.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a promising application of blockchain technology that can potentially disrupt various sectors, mainly tourism. While there have been conceptual discussions regarding the opportunities and challenges of utilizing NFTs for purposes such as digital souvenirs, ticketing, loyalty programs, and conservation initiatives, there remains a significant need for a robust methodological framework to assess the impact of real-world NFT implementations empirically. This paper presents the methodological foundation of ongoing research. It proposes a comprehensive approach to researching NFT initiatives within the tourism sector, which includes data collection methods, analytical techniques, and the design of a workbench for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs). The proposed framework combines quantitative and qualitative measures to capture the complex nature of NFT adoption, including financial performance, visitor engagement, user experience, and operational efficiency. By establishing standardized protocols and metrics, the proposed methodology aims to enable cross-study comparisons and contribute to developing the best practices for leveraging NFTs in the tourism industry. The work highlights the potential of NFTs to enhance visitor experiences, generate new revenue streams, and promote destinations as tech-savvy hubs, while also addressing ethical and sustainability concerns. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to evaluating NFTs initiatives, which can provide valuable insights for tourism organizations seeking to innovate and remain competitive in a digital landscape. Future research should focus on validating the framework through real-world case studies, exploring additional applications of NFTs in tourism, and addressing challenges related to data availability, technological integration, and stakeholder collaboration. Full article

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16 pages, 1960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Innovation and Sustainability in Rural Tourism: A Bibliometric Approach

by Maria Lúcia Pato and Ana Sofia Duque

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062574 - 14 Mar 2025

Viewed by 514

Abstract

Innovation and sustainability have become dynamic tools to foster success in rural tourism. However, the effects of the two concepts in rural tourism have been largely overlooked. Hence, it seems timely to present a quantitative survey of the literature in these topics. Based [...] Read more.

Innovation and sustainability have become dynamic tools to foster success in rural tourism. However, the effects of the two concepts in rural tourism have been largely overlooked. Hence, it seems timely to present a quantitative survey of the literature in these topics. Based on 94 articles published in the Scopus database, we found that innovation and sustainability in rural tourism is mostly a European concern, with the bulk of the articles published in the last ten years. China, Italy, and Spain are the main countries under analysis and the Sustainability Journal is the major outlet for dissemination of knowledge. This study can serve as a strategic guide for researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurs in the sector, supporting evidence-based decision-making. It has sought to understand the evolution of the existing literature on sustainable and innovative rural tourism; it has identified the most influential researchers and research centers that can promote future collaborations; and it has identified approaches and trends that are shaping the future of sustainable rural tourism. However, given the potential for innovation and sustainability towards rural tourism success, particularly in less developed and undeveloped countries, more research that ties all these three topics together is imperative. Full article

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41 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Analysis of Rural Tourism Development: Historical Evolution, Current Trends, and Future Prospects

by Lenka Soták-Benedeková, Jana Rybárová, Dana Tometzová, Andrea Seňová and Radim Rybár

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031045 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1506

Abstract

Rural tourism, traditionally a niche sector, has gained significance due to changes in societal conditions, emerging as one of the most resilient forms of tourism. This article uses bibliometric analysis to explore the development and current trends in rural tourism research. Data were [...] Read more.

Rural tourism, traditionally a niche sector, has gained significance due to changes in societal conditions, emerging as one of the most resilient forms of tourism. This article uses bibliometric analysis to explore the development and current trends in rural tourism research. Data were sourced from the Web of Science, yielding 1675 articles published between 1967 and 2023. Results reveal an average annual significant growth between 2008 and 2015, when 54.4% of all articles were published. Notable peaks include 142 publications in 2014 and a record 1230 citations in 2023, averaging 20.42 citations per article. Key contributions include identifying highly cited works, prolific authors, and leading institutions. Influential researchers such as Hall C. Michael, with 602 publications and an h-index of 67, and Carvalho Celia, a prominent European author, have shaped the field. The Universidad de Extremadura and the Chinese Academy of Sciences are among the top institutions, while journals like Sustainability and Tourism Management stand out for their influence. Six core research themes emerged: (a) the impact of rural tourism on agriculture and the environment, (b) the role of nature conservation and ecotourism in sustainable development, (c) ecological and sustainable approaches in biodiversity conservation, (d) biotechnological innovations in rural tourism, (e) demographic and social factors shaping outdoor recreation, and (f) the impact of rural tourism on sustainable development and community life. The study highlights the need for ongoing innovation to support sustainability goals and emphasizes the importance of understanding historical development and long-term trends in rural tourism research while offering insights into future research directions and practical applications. Full article

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24 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestic Cycling Tourism: Double Pollution, Greenhushing, and Slovenian Sustainable Travel

by Sergej Gričar, Štefan Bojnec and Violeta Šugar

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010295 - 3 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of domestic cycling tourism in Slovenia, focusing on “double pollution” and “greenhushing” practices. The aim is to evaluate the sustainability of cycling tourism by examining its indirect environmental impacts, particularly emissions from ancillary travel behaviours [...] Read more.

This study investigates the environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of domestic cycling tourism in Slovenia, focusing on “double pollution” and “greenhushing” practices. The aim is to evaluate the sustainability of cycling tourism by examining its indirect environmental impacts, particularly emissions from ancillary travel behaviours such as car usage to reach cycling destinations. Utilizing data from 2011 to 2021, this research employs factor analyses using the principal component analysis (PCA) extraction method and vector autoregression (VAR) modelling to explore relationships between key socioeconomic, environmental, and tourism-related variables. This study identifies three common factors influencing cycling tourism: (1) socioeconomic and urban dynamics, (2) tourism-driven environmental factors, and (3) climatic sustainability challenges. Results highlight that cycling tourism contributes to emissions due to associated car travel, counteracting its eco-friendly image. Findings reveal that favourable economic conditions and urbanisation drive tourism demand, while increased tourist arrivals correlate with higher emissions. This study also uncovers greenhushing, where stakeholders underreport the environmental costs of cycling tourism, leading to mistaken perceptions of its sustainability. This study concludes that, while domestic cycling tourism supports economic growth and health, its environmental benefits are compromised by ancillary emissions. Transparent environmental reporting, enhanced public transport, and local bike rental systems are recommended to mitigate these challenges and align cycling tourism with Slovenia’s sustainability goals. Full article

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2024

Jump to: 2025

36 pages, 4189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intangible Heritage, Education and Tourism as a Strategy for the Enhancement of the Value of the Dehesa and the Traditional Shepherd’s Trade

by Rebeca Guillén-Peñafiel, Ana María Hernández-Carretero and José Manuel Sánchez-Martín

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410997 - 15 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1175

Abstract

The dehesas are one of the most unique and characteristic landscapes of the Extremadura region. Together with their natural values, they are an environment in which trades, knowledge and ways of life rooted in the tradition of rural communities are still developed. However, [...] Read more.

The dehesas are one of the most unique and characteristic landscapes of the Extremadura region. Together with their natural values, they are an environment in which trades, knowledge and ways of life rooted in the tradition of rural communities are still developed. However, ancestral knowledge and practices are in danger of disappearing. Faced with this problem, this study is focused on the benefits of tourism, using sustainability criteria to evaluate their ability to educate and to increase awareness and sensitivity of the importance of maintaining this intangible cultural legacy. Based on this premise, the main objective is to determine and analyze tourists’ evaluations of the traditional shepherd’s trade and the educational possibilities of agritourism experiences. For this purpose, a survey was carried out among 102 tourists who visited different cheese dairies in an Extremadura region that offers agritourism experiences. In addition, this work also aims to know the current situation of the shepherd’s trade, identifying the benefits of its conservation and determining the threats that hinder its preservation. It also seeks to determine the solutions that could safeguard it. To this end, the Delphi method was used and 26 experts, mainly shepherds and shearers, were interviewed. The results reveal that tourists can identify the educational and cultural functions associated with pastoralism. They also recognize increased curiosity, empathy and environmental awareness as the main benefits derived from the tourism experience. The interviews reveal the suitability of disseminating the heritage and educational value of the dehesa through sustainable tourism experiences to increase interest in the rural world, revalue ancestral knowledge and contribute to its preservation. Full article

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27 pages, 1218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Sustainable Tourism Through Virtual Travel: Generation Z’s Perspectives

by Igor Mavrin, Corina Turșie and Marius Lupșa Matichescu

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10858; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410858 - 11 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

In the contemporary travel landscape, virtual reality (VR) integration has ushered in a novel paradigm, particularly influential among Generation Z. This demographic, inherently familiar with digital technologies, increasingly gravitates towards virtual tourism, an eco-friendly and resource-conscious alternative to traditional travel. Virtual tourism, the [...] Read more.

In the contemporary travel landscape, virtual reality (VR) integration has ushered in a novel paradigm, particularly influential among Generation Z. This demographic, inherently familiar with digital technologies, increasingly gravitates towards virtual tourism, an eco-friendly and resource-conscious alternative to traditional travel. Virtual tourism, the alternative to actual travel, offers immersive experiences that are both accessible and sustainable, reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional tourism. This paper examines how virtual travel could serve as a sustainable travel practice, crucial for preserving cultural and natural resources while providing meaningful experiences. The appeal of virtual tourism lies in its ability to deliver diverse and enriched experiences without the physical and environmental costs of travel. This form of tourism not only aids in conserving sensitive ecosystems and heritage sites but also offers inclusivity for individuals unable to travel due to economic or physical barriers. Furthermore, virtual tourism’s potential to simulate endangered or inaccessible sites can play a pivotal role in educational initiatives and global awareness. This study explores the motivations behind Generation Z’s engagement with virtual travel through detailed analysis and empirical data. It discusses how virtual tourism could be strategically developed to support sustainable tourism practices. This approach underscores a shift towards more responsible and conscious travel behaviours aligned with the sustainable values of Generation Z. The purpose of this paper is to detect the main trends in the development of virtual tourism as the new form of travel, with special emphasis on Generation Z’s preferences in future virtual travel as a substitute for actual physical travel. Full article

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29 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourist eXperience Considering Cultural Factors: A Systematic Literature Review

by Oriella Ortiz, Cristian Rusu, Virginica Rusu, Nicolás Matus and Ayaka Ito

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210042 - 18 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4040

Abstract

This article examines Tourist eXperience (TX) and cultural factors from the perspective of Customer eXperience (CX). TX is understood to be the interactions with and responses of tourists to the products, systems, and services provided by organizations they engage with before, during, and [...] Read more.

This article examines Tourist eXperience (TX) and cultural factors from the perspective of Customer eXperience (CX). TX is understood to be the interactions with and responses of tourists to the products, systems, and services provided by organizations they engage with before, during, and after their trip, which significantly impact their experience and thus their satisfaction and loyalty. Considering cultural factors allows us to understand how the values and beliefs of tourists and their destinations relate to and affect TX. Based on this understanding, this research conducted an exhaustive review of the literature in the databases of Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct from 2012 to 2024, identifying 45 publications directly related to the following research questions: (1) What is TX? (2) What dimensions/attributes/factors influence TX? (3) What methods are used to evaluate TX? (4) How is culture analyzed in TX? We found a holistic definition of TX that corresponds to a subjective perception developed before, during, and after the trip, influenced by both the tourist’s culture and the destination. The most used evaluation methods for data collection were questionnaires/surveys and interviews. Additionally, it is important to understand the significance of culture in TX, as cultural clashes can generate both positive and negative perceptions in tourists. Full article

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16 pages, 1135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Enhanced Strategies to Ensure New Sustainable Destination Tourism Trends Among the 27 European Union Member States

by Micaela Pinho and Fátima Leal

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9844; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229844 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 2508

Abstract

The United Nations 2030 Agenda defines the priorities and aspirations for global development based on seventeen ambitious sustainable development goals encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Tourism plays a vital role in the list of actions for the people and the planet. While [...] Read more.

The United Nations 2030 Agenda defines the priorities and aspirations for global development based on seventeen ambitious sustainable development goals encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Tourism plays a vital role in the list of actions for the people and the planet. While the tourism industry drives economic growth, its environmental and social impact is equally high. Sustainable tourism aims to reduce the damage caused by the tourism industry, protect communities, and guarantee the industry’s long-term future. These changes require tourists’ collective and concerted effort. The question arises whether tourists are willing to be more demanding about sustainability when looking for a destination. This study uses artificial intelligence to classify a new trend in European citizens’ search for sustainable destinations and to generate intelligent recommendations. Using data from the Flash Eurobarometer 499, we use a tree-based algorithm, random forest, to obtain intelligent citizens classification systems supported by machine learning. The classification system explores the predisposition of citizens to contribute to the three pillars of sustainability when choosing a destination to visit based on gender, age, and the region of living. We found that European citizens place little emphasis on the social sustainability pillar. While they care about preserving the environment, this competes with the cultural offerings and availability of activities at the destination. Additionally, we found that the willingness to contribute to the three pillars of sustainability varies by gender, age, and European region. Full article

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17 pages, 477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Embedding Sustainability in Tourism Education: Bridging Curriculum Gaps for a Sustainable Future

by Asunción Fernández-Villarán, Basagaitz Guereño-Omil and Nagore Ageitos

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9286; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219286 - 25 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1982

Abstract

The evolving challenges in the tourism industry, particularly those related to sustainability, demand significant revisions to current degree programs. This paper presents the design of a higher education curriculum for tourism studies at a Spanish university, responding to industry needs for broader, high-level [...] Read more.

The evolving challenges in the tourism industry, particularly those related to sustainability, demand significant revisions to current degree programs. This paper presents the design of a higher education curriculum for tourism studies at a Spanish university, responding to industry needs for broader, high-level knowledge and skills, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and socially responsible practices. The curriculum prioritizes critical and strategic thinking alongside liberal reflection to empower students to lead in sustainable tourism development. Developed collaboratively with the entire tourism faculty, the curriculum design was informed by an extensive analysis of 105 international university courses, 204 job offers, feedback from 195 alumni, and ongoing consultations with professionals and community partners. Grounded in the concept of curriculum space and the philosophic practitioner framework, the curriculum integrates knowledge, soft skills, and attitudes to foster an innovative, sustainable learning ecosystem that prepares graduates to tackle the complexities of modern tourism with a focus on long-term environmental and social impacts. Full article

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19 pages, 10838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Beaches Losing Their Capacity to Receive Holidaymakers? The Case of Ofir, Portugal

by Sara Silva, Jorge Novais, António Vieira and Tiago Marques

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8891; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208891 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1424

Abstract

Coastlines are suffering from the effects of erosive processes, the decrease in sediment supply, the rise in mean sea level, and the construction of coastal infrastructure and drainage works, which are further exacerbated by global climate change. The area of the Parque Natural [...] Read more.

Coastlines are suffering from the effects of erosive processes, the decrease in sediment supply, the rise in mean sea level, and the construction of coastal infrastructure and drainage works, which are further exacerbated by global climate change. The area of the Parque Natural do Litoral Norte (North Coast Natural Park) reveals worsening erosion rates and the transformations directly affect the natural resources that support tourism activities, particularly beach and nature tourism. As part of the CLICTOUR project, we have selected the coastline from Restinga de Ofir to Bonança Beach as a case study. The ESRI ArcGIS software and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) were used to quantify coastline migration and identify the impacts on beach morphology between 2010 and 2023. Based on this information, we calculated changes in carrying capacity and scenarios for visitor usage availability to ensure the protection of fauna and flora, as well as the safety of beachgoers. The results of the linear regression rate confirm the coastline has retreated during the period analyzed (2010–2023). The outcome of these dynamics is noticeable in the beach area, promoting its reduction in area and leisure quality. Considering climate change, this study shows the importance of developing resilience strategies for coastal territories that serve as traditional summer destinations. Full article

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11 pages, 236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Tourism Dynamics: Understanding the Impact of Tourist Stays on Regional Revenue and Development

by Eleonora Santos

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8403; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198403 - 27 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2465

Abstract

Utilizing a dataset covering four Portuguese NUTS II regions from 2009 to 2022 and employing multiple regression analyses, this research challenges traditional tourism theories by providing empirical evidence on how various factors—average stay, overnight stays, and foreign guests—affect regional revenue in tourist accommodations. [...] Read more.

Utilizing a dataset covering four Portuguese NUTS II regions from 2009 to 2022 and employing multiple regression analyses, this research challenges traditional tourism theories by providing empirical evidence on how various factors—average stay, overnight stays, and foreign guests—affect regional revenue in tourist accommodations. In the context of sustainable tourism development, these findings have revealed a significant negative relationship between average stay duration and revenue, indicating that longer stays may be associated with lower daily revenues. This necessitates a re-evaluation of tourist spending behavior and accommodation of pricing strategies to promote economic sustainability. This study underscores the consistently positive impact of overnight stays on revenue, reinforcing the importance of maximizing overnight stays as a strategy for sustainable economic growth within the tourism sector. Additionally, the mixed results regarding the proportion of foreign guests reveal varying regional impacts, suggesting that region-specific strategies are essential for optimizing revenue from international tourists in a sustainable manner. This research integrates these factors to offer practical insights for refining revenue strategies in tourism management, emphasizing the need for multifaceted theoretical models that account for the complexity of sustainable tourism dynamics. Future research should focus on these nuanced approaches to better understand and manage the interplay between tourism dynamics and sustainable development. Full article

17 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Sustainable Tourism Paradigm: Resilience and Adaptation

by Tanja Mihalic

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177838 - 9 Sep 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 13796

Abstract

In recent decades, sustainable tourism has emerged as a central paradigm, attracting growing scholarly interest. External factors, such as the SDGs, climate change agendas, smart and digitalized tourism, cyber and astronaut travel, pandemics, and shifting trends in economic competitiveness, mass tourism, and overtourism, [...] Read more.

In recent decades, sustainable tourism has emerged as a central paradigm, attracting growing scholarly interest. External factors, such as the SDGs, climate change agendas, smart and digitalized tourism, cyber and astronaut travel, pandemics, and shifting trends in economic competitiveness, mass tourism, and overtourism, are shaping the 21st-century paradigmatic landscape, challenging both the theoretical “what” and practical “how” of the sustainable tourism paradigm. Using Kuhn’s paradigmatic framework and the Web of Science bibliometric database from 1991 to 2022, this analysis traces trends in sustainable tourism research, advances in academic communication through influential co-citation networks and interdisciplinarity, and the emergence of alternative and quasi-paradigms. The findings suggest, first, a positive trend in tourism scholarly research production; second, weak and diverse communication and interdisciplinarity, as scholars do not sufficiently collaborate in co-citations; and third, the coexistence of the sustainable tourism paradigm with numerous alternative, rival, and quasi-paradigms. The lack of influential knowledge communication highlights the need for the academic tourism community to reconsider its knowledge generation practices. Enhanced collaboration through co-citation and interdisciplinary cooperation is crucial for fostering a deeper and shared understanding of multiple tourism-related concepts. Further thematic and interactive research is needed on the resilience and adaptability of the sustainable tourism paradigm. This article contributes to advancing sustainable tourism scholarship by advocating for a more influential and adaptable paradigm to ensure its relevance amidst emerging challenges. Full article

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