Tourism and Hospitality

Research

19 pages, 616 KB

Open AccessArticle

Community-Based Sustainability Perceptions in Rural Destinations: The “Pueblos con Encanto” Program in Cruz Pampa–Yapatera, Peru

by Samanta Hilda Calle-Ruiz, Aldimir Farfan-Atoche, Luiggi Bruno Castillo-Chung and Johanna Elena Santa-Cruz Arévalo

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7040106 - 8 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1407

Abstract

The cultural valorization-based territorial recognition program has established itself as an effective strategy for fostering sustainability in rural tourism destinations. However, there is limited evidence of their influence from the community’s perspective. This study analyzes the relationship between the conditions of territorial recognition [...] Read more.

The cultural valorization-based territorial recognition program has established itself as an effective strategy for fostering sustainability in rural tourism destinations. However, there is limited evidence of their influence from the community’s perspective. This study analyzes the relationship between the conditions of territorial recognition promoted by the “Pueblos con Encanto” (Charming Villages) program and the sustainability of the Cruz Pampa–Yapatera tourist destination. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design. For the quantitative part, a structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 336 residents from the area, using simple random sampling. Data analysis included statistics and Pearson’s correlation. For the qualitative part, 13 interviews were conducted with representative members. These people have influence over the governance of the area. The results of the triangulation showed that, according to the residents’ perception, Cruz Pampa–Yapatera meets the requirements for the “Pueblos con Encanto” program. It is evidenced in its historical heritage and Afro-Peruvian cultural heritage, such as its cumananas, local cuisine, and religious festivities. However, it has deficiencies in infrastructure and tourist facilities that require improvements to strengthen the tourist experience and preserve its cultural identity. Furthermore, the “Pueblos con Encanto” recognition program is positively and significantly related to the current sustainability of the destination. The research demonstrates, through empirical assessment, a positive perception among the local population of sustainability in their community based on the “Pueblos con Encanto” program criteria. A process that should be incorporated into the evaluation framework for the granting of such recognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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19 pages, 539 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Sustainable Tourism Policies and Destination Management on Residents’ Empowerment and Sustainable Tourism Support: A Moderated Model of Destination Attachment

by Vasviye Özlem Akgun, Gözde Seval Ergun, Ahmet Ozturhan, Tekin Idem, Mikail Kolutek and Ozgur Yayla

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7040097 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1341

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the influence of residents’ perceptions of sustainable tourism policies and destination management (STP&DM) on residents’ empowerment and their support for sustainable tourism development (SUPSTD). Unlike previous studies, this study examines the moderating role of destination attachment (DA) [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to examine the influence of residents’ perceptions of sustainable tourism policies and destination management (STP&DM) on residents’ empowerment and their support for sustainable tourism development (SUPSTD). Unlike previous studies, this study examines the moderating role of destination attachment (DA) in the relationship between STP&DM and SUPSTD. The empirical findings reveal that STP&DM exert a positive and significant impact on the sub-dimensions of residents’ empowerment, namely psychological (PSYEM), social (SOCEM), and political (POLEM) empowerment. In particular, psychological empowerment and political empowerment were found to enhance residents’ SUPSTD. Moreover, the results confirm that DA functions as a moderator in the relationship between STP&DM and SUPSTD. Based on these outcomes, the study provides both theoretical and practical insights for industry practitioners, destination management organizations (DMOs), and scholars in the field of tourism and sustainability research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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25 pages, 1049 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insights from Football Stadiums as Tourist Destinations Using Online User Reviews

by Vasiliki Matika, Alkiviadis Panagopoulos and Ioannis A. Nikas

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7030076 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1724

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, trends in the construction or renovation of football stadiums have undergone rapid transformation. Simple sports venues are constantly evolving into multifunctional facilities and play a decisive role in shaping cities’ image. To date, significant emphasis has been placed [...] Read more.

Over the past 20 years, trends in the construction or renovation of football stadiums have undergone rapid transformation. Simple sports venues are constantly evolving into multifunctional facilities and play a decisive role in shaping cities’ image. To date, significant emphasis has been placed on developing stadiums as venues for sporting events, with a focus on supply-side perspectives, particularly in relation to design, marketing, and sustainability. However, we know relatively little about how the direct consumers of this product, the visitors to these facilities, experience and perceive these infrastructures, especially outside of match days. This paper follows a framework for researching this perspective, focusing on the services provided as key points of interest in stadium tourism, and on the written reactions on social networks. This framework is implemented by employing a set of well-known single-word themes, matching each review to these themes, and finally measuring the sentiment of the collected short texts as an implicit indicator of sentiment on the studied themes. Its realization is based on natural language processing, semantic similarity analysis, and sentiment evaluation to identify dominant themes, recurring lexical patterns, and emotional tones in visitor comments. The study concerns thirteen major European stadiums and reviews posted on Google and TripAdvisor. The research findings highlight the themes that shape a unique tourist experience, capturing tourist interests in stadium tourism in the post-COVID-19 era. Finally, the individual evaluation of the themes provides practical and clear tools for stadium managers, tourism operators, destination managers and legislators who seek to maximize visitor engagement and multiply the overall socio-economic value of these iconic infrastructures for the benefit of the wider urban environment that hosts them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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20 pages, 3004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Image-Based Analysis of Tourist Destination Perceptions: A Deep Learning and Spatial–Temporal Study in Slovenia

by Dejan Paliska, Aleksandra Brezovec and Gorazd Sedmak

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7020052 - 17 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1623

Abstract

In the context of fierce competition among tourist destinations and increasing difficulty of differentiation, developing a strong destination image is particularly important. A comprehensive understanding of how tourists perceive destinations through user-generated images can help destination management organizations (DMOs) design more effective marketing [...] Read more.

In the context of fierce competition among tourist destinations and increasing difficulty of differentiation, developing a strong destination image is particularly important. A comprehensive understanding of how tourists perceive destinations through user-generated images can help destination management organizations (DMOs) design more effective marketing strategies. This is especially relevant for destinations with spatially and temporally dispersed tourism resources and strong seasonal dynamics. This paper analyses inbound tourist photographs by combining deep learning techniques with spatial analysis to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of photo scenes and shifts in scene preferences among tourists. The study focuses on three distinct types of destinations in Slovenia—urban (Ljubljana), nature-based/alpine (Bled), and coastal (Piran, Izola, Koper)—providing insights into how image-based spatial scene analysis can inform destination marketing strategies. The results reveal significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity of scenes across micro destinations. Nature-based destinations exhibit lower topic entropy and fewer topic changes per user, whereas urban destinations show higher variability, with users changing topics on average five times per day. Seasonal effects are moderate: nature-based destinations display lower topic entropy in winter and higher in autumn and spring, coastal destinations show less pronounced seasonal variation, and urban destinations show almost none. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of tourist interests and offer practical guidance for DMOs in strategic marketing planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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30 pages, 703 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Profiles and Needs of Wine Tourists in Italy—“Eno-Slow” Tourism?

by Marzia Ingrassia, Simona Bacarella, Sandro Galluzzo and Stefania Chironi

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7010025 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1715

Abstract

Tourism has become a key sector of the global economy and a driver of economic growth. The Wine Routes are a specialized tourist offering that meets the needs of a segment of travelers, contributing to the enhancement and preservation of rural areas. Recent [...] Read more.

Tourism has become a key sector of the global economy and a driver of economic growth. The Wine Routes are a specialized tourist offering that meets the needs of a segment of travelers, contributing to the enhancement and preservation of rural areas. Recent studies have highlighted that among the reasons driving tourists to choose Slow tourism is the desire to discover local food and wine as an expression of territorial culture. This study assumes that the characteristics of Wine tourists may have changed in recent years. An extensive survey was conducted on visitors of Sicilian Wine Routes. The results examine Wine tourism and Slow tourism and their overlap for tourists who travel around rural territories following the lure of food and wine. The results highlight a new segmentation and the existence of a new profile of Eno-Slow tourists with new primary motivations and needs. On a global level, the new Eno-Slow tourist fits perfectly into the international trends of responsible and sustainable tourism, strengthening the image of wine-producing regions as models of balance between culture, nature, and quality of life. These findings are very important as they provide useful guidance for policymakers and stakeholders committed to the sustainable competitiveness of rural tourist destinations, both locally and internationally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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29 pages, 6910 KB

Open AccessArticle

When Growth Impedes Resort Renewal: A Path Dependence Perspective on the Impact of Scarce Resources on Product Innovation in Atami, Japan

by Eric Hanada, Giles B. Sioen and Riki Honda

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7010003 - 23 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1556

Abstract

The Tourism Area Life Cycle shaped tourism research for decades, but its concepts Product Life Cycle and Carrying Capacity remain problematic. We apply a Path Dependence frame under an Urban Growth Machine Theory lens to explore the effects of growth pressure and resource [...] Read more.

The Tourism Area Life Cycle shaped tourism research for decades, but its concepts Product Life Cycle and Carrying Capacity remain problematic. We apply a Path Dependence frame under an Urban Growth Machine Theory lens to explore the effects of growth pressure and resource undersupply on the decline and rejuvenation of Japan’s former premier hot spring resort Atami. We conduct structured data collection utilizing sampling and coding methods to collect quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources, reconstructing Atami’s development paths. Findings suggest that growth pressure conflicted with local supply such as land, water, labor and created negative externalities, most notably high prices. Decision makers’ uncompromising focus on growth aggravated displacement of key actors, disrupting local communities and undermining the human agency needed for small-scale product innovation; empowered associations obstructing promotion and diversification efforts; encouraged extreme specialization depriving Atami of new independent businesses; and drove local opposition to major new projects, thereby stalling product renewal. The framework helped recontextualize Atami’s recovery and demonstrated the value of directly incorporating factors of capacity into analysis. Results link displacement to long-term sustainability risks affecting ‘replaceable’ resorts reliant on innovation. Unencumbered access to local resources for residents (housing, training) is proposed as mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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20 pages, 1020 KB

Open AccessArticle

When Values Matter More than Behavior: Behavioral Integrity in Air Travel and Climate Policy Support

by Hohjin Im

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(5), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6050273 - 9 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1201

Abstract

Aviation accounts for a disproportionate share of tourism-related carbon emissions. Many travelers express environmental concern but continue to fly, reflecting the well-documented attitude–behavior gap. This study examines the concept of flight behavioral integrity (i.e., the alignment between professed avoidance of air travel for [...] Read more.

Aviation accounts for a disproportionate share of tourism-related carbon emissions. Many travelers express environmental concern but continue to fly, reflecting the well-documented attitude–behavior gap. This study examines the concept of flight behavioral integrity (i.e., the alignment between professed avoidance of air travel for environmental reasons and actual flying behavior) to assess whether integrity profiles predict support for climate policy. Drawing on nationally representative survey data from Germany (N = 2410), respondents were classified into four groups based on flight avoidance attitudes and reported flight activity in the past 12 months. An elastic-net multinomial regression tested psychological predictors of group membership, and factorial ANCOVAs assessed differences in environmental and climate policy support. Results showed that flight avoidance attitudes, rather than recent flying behavior, were the primary predictors of both integrity profiles and policy support. Flight-avoidant respondents consistently reported stronger policy endorsement, regardless of whether they had flown. Contrary to expectations, recent fliers expressed marginally higher support than non-fliers, potentially reflecting compensatory mechanisms or sociodemographic factors. Findings suggest that there are opportunities for tourism operators and policymakers to engage travelers through value-based (vs. purely behavioral) sustainability initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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21 pages, 464 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tourism Innovation Ecosystems: Insights from Theory and Empirical Validation

by Jairo Jeronimo Coelho de Souza Filho, Sara Joana Gadotti dos Anjos, Francisco Antônio dos Anjos and Vitor Roslindo Kuhn

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(5), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6050272 - 9 Dec 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1391

Abstract

This study develops and empirically validates a theoretical model designed to assess the performance of tourism innovation ecosystems by integrating the dimensions of innovation, technology, and sustainability—dimensions that have typically been examined in isolation within the literature. The empirical investigation was conducted at [...] Read more.

This study develops and empirically validates a theoretical model designed to assess the performance of tourism innovation ecosystems by integrating the dimensions of innovation, technology, and sustainability—dimensions that have typically been examined in isolation within the literature. The empirical investigation was conducted at two major tourism destinations: a pilot phase in Las Vegas, followed by the main study in Orlando, USA. Data collection was facilitated via the Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform, and analysis was conducted using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), enabling the examination of eight hypotheses across seven constructs. The findings provided evidence of both convergent and discriminant validity and supported five of the eight proposed hypotheses. Specifically, the study confirmed significant relationships among technology acceptance and adoption, adoption and innovation generation, innovation and both sustainability and overall ecosystem performance, and adoption and sustainability. Conversely, collaboration and actor-integration barriers did not exhibit significant effects in Orlando, which is consistent with its mature institutional environment. Innovation emerged as a mediating variable linking technology and sustainability, exerting a substantial influence on overall ecosystem performance. This research advances the theoretical consolidation of the tourism innovation ecosystem concept and offers actionable insights for destination managers aiming to foster innovation, facilitate the adoption of connective technologies, and implement sustainable strategies. The proposed model demonstrates empirical robustness and practical relevance, providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing and enhancing smart, resilient tourism destinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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20 pages, 727 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accommodation Tax as a Tool of Financial Management of Destination: Insights from Selected European Countries

by Vanda Maráková, Ewa Wszendybył-Skulska and Lenka Dzúriková

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(5), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6050258 - 26 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

Accommodation tax represents an increasingly important fiscal instrument for financing tourism development and destination management organizations (DMOs). This paper examines the structure, distribution, and utilization of accommodation tax revenues in Slovakia, with comparative insights from Switzerland. Drawing on financial data from 905 Slovak [...] Read more.

Accommodation tax represents an increasingly important fiscal instrument for financing tourism development and destination management organizations (DMOs). This paper examines the structure, distribution, and utilization of accommodation tax revenues in Slovakia, with comparative insights from Switzerland. Drawing on financial data from 905 Slovak municipalities (2017–2023), the study investigates the relationship between taxation, public–private funding, and sustainability-oriented expenditures. The results highlight that accommodation taxes serve as both a stable and flexible revenue source for DMOs but remain geographically uneven, reflecting disparities in tourism density and local administrative capacity. The study contributes to tourism economics and governance literature by illustrating how destination funding evolves in emerging European economies. Theoretical and practical implications for equitable and sustainable DMO financing are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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13 pages, 282 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pro-Environmental Orientation of Tourism Enterprises as a Factor of Sustainable Competitiveness

by Tünde Dzurov Vargová and Daniela Matušíková

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(5), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6050230 - 4 Nov 2025

Viewed by 908

Abstract

Tourism enterprises are increasingly pressured to align competitiveness with sustainability, yet limited evidence exists from Central and Eastern Europe. This study investigates the role of eco-friendly orientation as a determinant of customer satisfaction and perceived competitiveness in the Visegrad Four (Slovakia, Czech Republic, [...] Read more.

Tourism enterprises are increasingly pressured to align competitiveness with sustainability, yet limited evidence exists from Central and Eastern Europe. This study investigates the role of eco-friendly orientation as a determinant of customer satisfaction and perceived competitiveness in the Visegrad Four (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary). Empirical research was conducted on a sample of 478 enterprises, including hotels, guesthouses, spas, agritourist facilities, and travel agencies. Data were collected between January and June 2025 using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. The findings demonstrate that enterprises adopting more extensive environmental practices report significantly higher customer satisfaction (r = 0.43, p < 0.01) and perceived competitiveness (r = 0.38, p < 0.01). Factor analysis identified three key dimensions of environmental orientation: ecological operations, ecological innovations, and ecological marketing. Regression analysis highlighted ecological marketing, particularly the adoption of certifications and eco-labels, as the strongest predictor of competitiveness. ANOVA revealed significant cross-country differences, with Slovak and Czech enterprises outperforming Polish and Hungarian counterparts. The results suggest that ecological initiatives are essential for long-term competitiveness, providing both strategic guidance for managers and policy implications for fostering supportive regulatory and financial frameworks across the region. This study makes a novel contribution by offering one of the first large-scale empirical analyses of the link between sustainability and competitiveness in Central and Eastern Europe, a region where such research is still scarce. Theoretically, it extends the application of Ecological Modernization Theory to the tourism sector, while practically it provides actionable recommendations for managers and policymakers on integrating eco-certification and ecological marketing into their strategies. These insights underline the dual role of environmental orientation as a driver of both customer satisfaction and competitive advantage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

26 pages, 1639 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring Youth Tourists’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Improving Community-Based Tourism Associated with Cultural Preservation in Vietnam

by Van Quy Khuc, Duc Ngoc Doan, An Thinh Nguyen, Khac Lich Hoang, Khanh Cuong Le, Thi Truc Tran, Dieu Huong Le, Thi Huyen Nguyen, Thi Quynh Trang Tran and Phuong Thao Doan

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040219 - 17 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4228

Abstract

Community-based tourism (CBT) is deemed a powerful means for enhancing community well-being and ethnic cultural preservation (CP). However, its sustainability has been challenged by resource scarcity, environmental pollution and funding instability in Vietnam. This study investigates young tourists’ perceptions of and financial contributions [...] Read more.

Community-based tourism (CBT) is deemed a powerful means for enhancing community well-being and ethnic cultural preservation (CP). However, its sustainability has been challenged by resource scarcity, environmental pollution and funding instability in Vietnam. This study investigates young tourists’ perceptions of and financial contributions to community-based tourism associated with cultural preservation (CBT-CP) at Lac Village, a key White Thai ethnic site in Phu Tho province. Specifically, the contingent valuation method (CVM) coupled with an interval regression model was used to analyze the data obtained from 275 respondents during December 2024 to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for CBT-CP and identify influencing factors. We found that nearly 50% of the respondents are willing to contribute financially, with an average of roughly USD 4.45 per visit. This leads to total contributions of USD 2413 for all respondents and USD 1541 for respondents with a high certainty level of commitment. Additionally, we found that key barriers to WTP for CBT-CP are fiscal transparency concerns, personal financial limitations, and individual determinants. These findings offer many policy implications for mobilizing young tourists’ untapped funding, strengthening local management capacity, and advocating for enhanced transparency to improve CBT-CP in the study area and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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19 pages, 741 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Beyond Tourism: Community Empowerment and Resilience in Rural Indonesia

by Rudy Pramono and Juliana Juliana

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040210 - 13 Oct 2025

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4987

Abstract

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is increasingly pivotal for sustainable rural development in emerging economies, particularly in culturally rich nations like Indonesia. The vulnerability of tourism-dependent communities, starkly exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgent need to understand how CBT can foster socio-economic resilience—the [...] Read more.

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is increasingly pivotal for sustainable rural development in emerging economies, particularly in culturally rich nations like Indonesia. The vulnerability of tourism-dependent communities, starkly exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgent need to understand how CBT can foster socio-economic resilience—the capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from shocks. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CBT governance models and socio-economic resilience in rural Indonesia, identifying the critical factors that enable communities to thrive amidst adversity. A comparative qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on three tourism villages in Yogyakarta (Nglanggeran) and Bali (Penglipuran, Jasri). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation conducted from June to August 2024. The findings reveal that villages with inclusive participation, strong local leadership, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms (e.g., Nglanggeran) demonstrate higher resilience, characterized by economic diversification, robust social capital, and strong adaptive capacity. In contrast, top-down governance (Penglipuran) or entrepreneurial but fragmented initiatives (Jasri) can limit inclusivity and adaptability, constraining resilience. This research contributes to the CBT literature by providing a comparative analysis of resilience outcomes across different governance contexts in Indonesia. It offers a refined framework for understanding how local institutions and community agency interact to build resilience. The study provides practical insights for policymakers and community leaders, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive governance, strategic partnerships, and economic diversification to enhance the long-term sustainability and resilience of tourism-dependent communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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18 pages, 443 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Balancing Growth and Tradition: The Potential of Community-Based Wellness Tourism in Ubud, Bali

by Ira Brunchilda Hubner, Juliana Juliana, Diena Mutiara Lemy, Amelda Pramezwary and Arifin Djakasaputra

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040205 - 9 Oct 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5672

Abstract

This study examines community-based wellness tourism (CBWT) in Ubud, Bali, focusing on ownership structures, community participation, and the role of local traditions. Using a qualitative design, the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with wellness stakeholders and field observations of spas and yoga [...] Read more.

This study examines community-based wellness tourism (CBWT) in Ubud, Bali, focusing on ownership structures, community participation, and the role of local traditions. Using a qualitative design, the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with wellness stakeholders and field observations of spas and yoga centers. The findings reveal that spas are predominantly locally owned and staffed, ensuring value retention and skill development, while flagship yoga and retreat centers are dominated by non-local actors, creating risks of economic leakage and weaker cultural stewardship. Community involvement is strong in operations but limited in planning and governance, highlighting a policy–practice gap. Integrating Balinese traditions, such as Usada Bali and Melukat, could enhance authenticity but requires careful protection against commodification. The findings reveal that locally owned spas contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through local value retention, employment creation, and skill development, while non-local dominance of yoga and retreat centers risks economic leakage and weakened cultural guardianship. The study also identifies gaps in governance and planning, underscoring the need for inclusive participation and capacity building to align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Integrating Balinese traditions, such as Usada Bali and Melukat, highlights the opportunities for safeguarding cultural heritage, provided that protocols against commodification are enforced. To address these challenges, the study proposes a strategic framework emphasizing governance reform through a quadruple-helix model, shared-equity ownership, standardized human capital development, and protocol-based cultural guardianship. Despite the limitations of this being a single-case, cross-sectional study, the findings contribute to wellness tourism research by shifting attention from visitor demands to governance and equity. The study offers practical strategies for institutionalizing CBWT in Ubud while providing a transferable model for destinations seeking to balance growth with tradition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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28 pages, 2457 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Domestic Tourist Flows and Tourism Industry Agglomeration in the Yangtze River Delta, China

by Quanhong Xu, Paranee Boonchai and Sutana Boonlua

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040204 - 6 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2110

Abstract

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region has experienced rapid development in its tourism industry, establishing itself as a leading force within China’s tourism sector. However, significant regional disparities continue to hinder its sustainable development. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to analyze the [...] Read more.

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region has experienced rapid development in its tourism industry, establishing itself as a leading force within China’s tourism sector. However, significant regional disparities continue to hinder its sustainable development. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of domestic tourist flows and tourism industry agglomeration patterns in the region. Using city-level data from 2016 to 2022, the analysis employs a comprehensive methodology including standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard deviation ellipse, and locational entropy. The main findings are as follows: (1) In the pre-pandemic period (2016–2019), absolute disparities in tourist flows widened, whereas relative disparities narrowed. During the pandemic (2020–2022), absolute disparities decreased, while relative disparities initially increased before contracting. (2) Tourist flows displayed a southeast–northwest gradient, with high-value areas clustered along the southeastern coast. Standard deviation ellipse analysis reveals that tourist flows were primarily distributed along the eastern coastal corridor, parallel to the coastline. Prior to the pandemic, tourism growth showed a tendency toward spatial equilibrium; however, this trend was disrupted during the pandemic, resulting in a more decentralized spatial pattern. (3) Throughout the pandemic, tourism industry concentration increased significantly in most cities. Cities with renowned scenic attractions and diversified economic structures demonstrated stronger resilience, while those heavily reliant on tourism were more vulnerable to the pandemic’s effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Tourism Destinations)

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