Search Results (165)

The implementation of the trans-European tourist cycle route network “EuroVelo” is fostering new strategic importance for non-motorized mobility and the associated practice of cycling tourism. Indeed, slow tourism offers a pathway for the development of inland areas. The infrastructure supporting it, such as long-distance cycling and walking paths, can act as a vital connection, stimulating regeneration in peripheral territories by enhancing environmental and landscape assets, as well as preserving heritage, local identity, and culture. The regeneration of peri-urban landscapes through soft mobility is recognized as the cornerstone for accessibility to material and immaterial resources (including ecosystem services) for multiple categories of users, including the most vulnerable, especially following the restoration of green-area systems and non-urbanized areas with degraded ecosystems. Considering the forthcoming implementation of the Magna Grecia cycling route, the southernmost segment of the “EuroVelo” network traversing three regions in southern Italy, this contribution briefly examines the necessity of defining new development policies to effectively integrate sustainable slow tourism with the enhancement of environmental and landscape values in the coastal areas along the route. Specifically, this case study focuses on a coastal stretch characterized by significant morphological and environmental features and notable landscapes interwoven with densely built environments. In this area, environmental and landscape values face considerable threats from scattered, irregular, low-density settlements, abandoned sites, and other inappropriate constructions along the coastline. Full article

This study, in response to the optimization needs of fall risks for the elderly in the context of cultural and tourism integration in Hebei Province, China, established a quantitative correlation system between ten gait parameters and ten types of spatial risk factors. By collecting gait data (Qualisys infrared motion capture system, sampling rate 200 Hz) and spatial parameters from 30 elderly subjects (with mild, moderate, and severe functional impairments), a multi-level regression model was established. This study revealed that step frequency, step width, and step length were nonlinearly associated with corridor length, door opening width, and step depth (R² = 0.53–0.68). Step speed, ankle dorsiflexion, and foot pressure were key predictive factors (OR = 0.04–8.58, p < 0.001), driving the optimization of core spatial factors such as threshold height, handrail density, and friction coefficient. Step length, cycle, knee angle, and lumbar moment, respectively, affected bed height (45–60 cm), switch height (1.2–1.4 m), stair riser height (≤35 mm), and sink height adjustment range (0.7–0.9 m). The prediction accuracy of the ten optimized values reached 86.7% (95% CI: 82.1–90.3%), with Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit x² = 7.32 (p = 0.412) and ROC curve AUC = 0.912. Empirical evidence shows that the graded optimization scheme reduced the fall risk by 42–85%, and the estimated fall incidence rate decreased by 67% after the renovation. The study of the “abnormal gait—spatial threshold—graded optimization” quantitative residential layout optimization provides a systematic solution for the data-quantified model of elderly-friendly residential renovations. Full article

In the context of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rural revitalization strategy, scientifically assessing the carbon footprint of rural tourism is essential for promoting the sustainable development of the tourism sector. This study presents the first case analysis of the rural tourism carbon footprint in Guangdong Province, using Village B as a representative example. A tourism carbon footprint model for village B was developed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Based on empirical survey data, the tourism carbon footprint of Village B in 2024 was estimated at 7731.23 t, with a per capita carbon footprint of 38.656 kg/p/a. Among the contributing sectors, transportation accounted for the largest share (85.18%), followed by catering (6.93%) and accommodation (5.10%). As an ecotourism-oriented rural destination, Village B exhibited a relatively low carbon footprint from recreational activities. To facilitate the low-carbon transition of rural tourism in the study area and accelerate progress toward the “dual carbon” targets, it is recommended to optimize public transport infrastructure, promote green mobility, enhance the energy efficiency of rural dining and accommodation, and raise awareness of low-carbon tourism. Full article

This study develops and tests an integrated structural equation model (SEM) linking Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), residents’ quality of life (QoL), and community participation in sustainable tourism governance (STG) across three emerging island destinations in Aceh, Indonesia. Drawing on survey data from 1266 residents, we employ confirmatory factor analysis and covariance-based SEM to (1) assess the direct effects of TALC-derived dimensions on residents’ QoL; (2) examine the influence of residents’ QoL on governance participation; and (3) evaluate both direct and indirect pathways linking TALC to STG. Rather than distinct life cycle stages, we conceptualize and measure residents’ perceptions of destination maturity based on key TALC dimensions, such as infrastructure development, tourism intensity, and institutional coordination. Results indicate that higher perceived destination maturity is positively associated with residents’ QoL (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), and that residents’ QoL strongly predicts governance participation (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). TALC dimensions also directly affect STG (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), with residents’ QoL partially mediating this relationship and accounting for 22.4% of the total effect. Multigroup SEM reveals consistent effect patterns across Weh, Pulo Aceh, and Simeulue. These findings illustrate how TALC-informed perceptions of destination maturity relate to residents’ quality of life and governance participation, suggesting that perceived well-being may play an important role in shaping community engagement in small-island tourism contexts. Full article

As climate change concerns, urban congestion, and environmental degradation intensify, cities prioritise cycling as a sustainable transport option to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve quality of life. However, rampant bicycle theft and poor security infrastructure often deter daily commuters and tourists from cycling. This study explores how advanced security measures can bolster sustainable urban mobility and tourism by addressing these challenges. A mixed-methods approach is utilised, incorporating primary survey data from Slovenia and secondary data on bicycle sales, imports and thefts from 2015 to 2024. Findings indicate that access to secure parking substantially enhances users’ sense of safety when commuting by bike. Regression analysis shows that for every 1000 additional bicycles sold, approximately 280 more thefts occur—equivalent to a 0.28 rise in reported thefts—highlighting a systemic vulnerability associated with sustainability-oriented behaviour. To bridge this gap, the study advocates for an innovative security framework that combines blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with encrypted Quick Response (QR) codes. Each bicycle would receive a tamper-proof QR code connected to a blockchain-verified NFT documenting ownership and usage data. This system facilitates real-time authentication, enhances traceability, deters theft, and builds trust in cycling as a dependable transport alternative. The proposed solution merges sustainable transport, digital identity, and urban security, presenting a scalable model for individual users and shared mobility systems. Full article

Grounded in information processing theory, this study explores how ecotourism decisions were formed within the rural district of Akdağmadeni (Türkiye), integrating both heuristic and systematic decision-making processes. The research adopts a two-phase mixed-methods design: First, it employs a survey-based factorial analysis involving 383 participants to examine preferences for nature-based activities such as trekking, cycling, and cultural tourism. Second, it uses in-depth interviews to investigate participants’ strategic evaluations of local landscape and heritage assets. The results reveal that individuals flexibly switch between intuitive and analytical judgments based on contextual factors. Key decision drivers identified include alignment with local development, ecological integrity, and socioeconomic contribution. This dual-process insight is operationalized through a novel “feature-based evaluation model” that synthesizes landscape identity values with cognitive-perceptual cues, providing a new lens for assessing geoheritage-based tourism behavior. It was determined that participants used both intuitive and systematic information processing strategies in their decision-making processes, and factors such as harmony with nature, economic contribution, and local identity were found to affect preferences. The study draws attention to the need to develop sustainable tourism policies, raise public awareness, and support infrastructure investments, and provides a road map for the effective use of the region’s ecotourism potential. Full article

Historical blocks are a vital component of urban cultural heritage, serving as a link for regional cultural inheritance and a carrier for showcasing urban charm. Enhancing the quality of cultural tourism experiences in these areas can activate the endogenous momentum of cultural tourism industries and foster a virtuous cycle of cultural heritage conservation and utilization. Currently, research on the relationship between historical block spaces and cultural tourism experiences remains deep, and related theoretical gaps also constrain sustainable revitalization practices. Therefore, in this study, 20 representative historic districts with distinct regional cultural characteristics and well-developed cultural tourism in the Huizhou area were selected as research objects. By integrating multi-source data such as geographic information and Dianping reviews and applying the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) statistical method, this study measures the correlation between the spatial morphology of Huizhou historic districts and cultural tourism experience indicators, identifying spatial influencing factors affecting cultural tourism experiences. The results show a significant correlation between the spatial form characteristics of historic districts and the quality of tourists’ cultural tourism experiences. Specifically, the regression coefficients of architectural space, transportation space, landscape space, and facility space in relation to the quality of cultural tourism experiences are significant at the p < 0.01 level. This paper innovatively conducts research from the perspective of urban design, employing a combined quantitative and qualitative analytical approach. The study fills existing gaps in quantitative analysis and empirical research on the spatial forms of historic districts and cultural tourism experiences and breaks through the limitations of qualitative research on traditional cultural tourism. It provides practical references for the organic protection of historical district buildings in the context of sustainable urban renewal. Full article

The competitiveness of rural tourism destinations holds significant implications not only for local livelihood sustainability and regional development but also for the preservation and continuity of human civilization. However, developing countries face a critical challenge where rural tourism destination competitiveness is being progressively undermined by the pervasive homogenization of tourism products. The existing literature demonstrates limited engagement with mitigation strategies for tourism product homogenization in examinations of rural destination competitiveness. This study conceptualizes tourism product homogenization as a manifestation of the tragedy of tourism commons, proposing that self-governance can foster rural tourism destination competitive advantages through resolving such collective action dilemmas. Employing a combined IAD-SES framework, the investigation analyzes interview data from Yuanjia Village in Shaanxi Province, China. The analysis delineates how self-governance dynamically enhances and sustains rural tourism destination competitiveness through four institutional mechanisms: provision rules, appropriation rules, monitoring protocols, and sanctioning systems. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the competitiveness driven by self-governance demonstrates the capacity to align individual interests with collective societal benefits. This research contributes to tourism scholarship by identifying novel institutional determinants of tourism destination competitiveness and proposing a policy framework for addressing product homogenization challenges throughout the rural tourism area life cycle. Full article

Travel and tourism are essential to global economies, generating social, economic, and environmental impacts. However, there is a lack of standardized methodologies to assess the environmental footprint of tourist destinations beyond carbon footprint analysis. This study introduces the Greentour tool, the first of its kind to evaluate the environmental impact of accommodation, restaurants, and tourism activities using nine environmental indicators from a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective. The tool applies a hybrid bottom-up and top-down approach, integrating data from tourist establishments and destination managers. The tool was tested in four tourist destinations in Spain and Portugal (Rías Baixas, Camino Lebaniego, Lloret de Mar, and Guimarães), revealing that transportation is the primary contributor to environmental impacts, ranging from 60% to 96% of total emissions, particularly in air-travel-dependent destinations. Food and beverage services are the second-largest contributor, accounting for up to 26% of emissions, while accommodation ranks third (1–14%). This study highlights the significant role of electricity consumption and food choices (e.g., red meat and dairy) in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. Despite challenges in data collection, particularly for food and transport statistics, the Greentour tool has demonstrated robustness and adaptability across diverse destinations, making it applicable worldwide. This tool provides key insights for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and businesses, supporting the integration of sustainability strategies into public policies and industry best practices. Future research should focus on expanding its use to additional destinations to foster science-based decision-making and promote more sustainable tourism practices globally. Full article

This paper explores the relationship between accommodation choices and visitor interests, and characteristics in the emerging cross-border Karst Geopark, a geologically rich nature-based destination. It examines how demographics, interests, and activity preferences influence lodging decisions. Findings indicate that older visitors, women, and repeat tourists favor agritourism, whereas first-time and cross-border travelers prefer private rooms for greater flexibility. Additionally, interests in geotourism and cycling significantly shape accommodation preferences. The study highlights the need for destination managers and accommodation providers to tailor offerings to visitor expectations, enhancing tourism benefits. Methodological limitations, including sample imbalance and overlooked external factors, are discussed, with recommendations for future research to refine predictive models and incorporate supply-side attributes. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and tourism stakeholders in developing targeted, sustainable accommodation strategies. Full article

Angling tourism is becoming increasingly important at Central Europe’s largest lowland reservoir, Lake Tisza. The lake, created in the 1970s, covers 127 km² and has been increasingly used for recreational and nature conservation purposes recently. This study seeks to identify anglers’ site selection preferences at Lake Tisza, considering hydrological and ecological aspects, in support of sustainable site management. In order to achieve this, an in-person questionnaire survey was carried out covering the whole area during springtime 2024. During the survey period, a total of 224 anglers provided answers about their preferred location and recreational characteristics. Data processing was carried out using SPSS 26 and ESRI ArcGIS version 10.4.1. Based on the created catchment area map, it was found that a significant proportion (74%) of anglers arrive from within a 50 km radius, but the lake also has appeal outside the country. A total of 53.1% of respondents visit the lake several times per month, typically for fishing purposes. In addition, cycling, walking and picnicking are popular recreational activities among anglers. The respondents considering different landscapes (pictures showed by the interviewers) for angling prefer shaded areas with vegetation and a narrow view of the wide expanse of water (62%). The results of the open-ended questions indicate that site selection is primarily based on the existence of a shadow (49.5%), and suitability for fishing is only the second aspect (40.6%). Our study also highlighted the international trend that anglers are more interested in leisure activities in a green environment. In addition, the results have practical significance for more successful recreation planning and sustainable site management. Full article

This paper investigates a sustainable proposal for tourist hospitality. It presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis to evaluate the set-up phase of a new hostel by comparing two different scenarios of interior design: one with new furniture and another with reused furniture (collected thanks to the involvement of the local community). This LCA analysis is applied to the case of a public hostel located in a small village along the Italian VENTO cycleway. By focusing on the reuse of existing structures and objects, rather than constructing or producing new ones, the study aims to explore environmentally conscious hospitality, which can also include positive social impacts. The results of the analysis also demonstrate the relevance of applying sustainable practices during the setting-up phase of the hospitality building, enlarging the usual approach that is more dedicated to the “using” phase (concerning the energy savings in heating and cooling or the reduction in plastic waste, the laundering of towels and bedding, and the single-use of personal care products). Full article

In the second decade of the 21st century, escape rooms became one of the primary forms of leisure entertainment. Poland was one of Europe’s largest and most innovative markets for this type of entertainment. However, two unpredictable events (a fatal fire and the COVID-19 pandemic) resulted in a dramatic decline in the escape room sector. The main aim of this study is to provide an in-depth characteristic of the development of the escape room sector in Poland in 2014–2024, from the creation of the first room through booming popularity to the rapid decline and crisis in recent years. The author used statistical data obtained from the lockme.pl website, an industry report from 2018, their own research, and the available academic and popular science publications. The conducted cause-and-effect analysis allowed for the identification and definition of the main factors that contributed to the escape room sector’s unprecedented development and the factors responsible for its subsequent fall. The obtained results enabled the author to analyse and describe the unique life cycle of the escape room sector in Poland. Furthermore, spatial analysis allowed the author to find certain regularities in the location of this type of attraction, as well as the course of the geographic spread and shrinkage of the analysed phenomenon (in the territory of the country and 10 of its biggest cities). The presented results carry essential theoretical and practical implications. They point, among other things, to the need for the management to take paradoxical, apparently mutually contradictory actions (coopetition) and sometimes measures that might seem completely irrational (planning responses to unlikely threats as part of strategic crisis management). Full article

This paper explores the intersection of tourism and environmental theories, highlighting how sustainability serves as a critical bridge between the two disciplines. Tourism theories such as Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) provide insights into destination development and tourist behavior but often lack an ecological perspective. The environmental framework, including Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT) and Common-Pool Resource (CPR) Theory, emphasizes sustainable resource management and the interconnectedness of human activities and natural systems. This paper examines common concepts such as carrying capacity, sustainable development, and behavioral insights while also identifying tensions between economic growth and environmental preservation. Case studies from Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Thailand illustrate practical applications of these theories in real-world settings, revealing how tourism can be both a threat and a tool for conservation. My paper concludes that integrating environmental impact assessment (EIA) and community-based tourism (CBT) models into tourism planning can lead to better long-term resource management. It recommends the adoption of stricter regulations on tourism development in fragile ecosystems, the implementation of eco-certifications, and the promotion of locally governed tourism initiatives. These strategies will ensure the sustainability of both tourism activities and the ecosystems on which they depend. Full article

This study examines the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and gross domestic product (GDP) in the tourism industry, using annual time series data from 1955 to 2019 for Greece and 1930 to 2019 for Italy. The Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) model was used to determine the threshold point at which the tourism-induced Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) emerges in each stage of tourism, as indicated by the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model. The existence and direction of causality between CO₂ emissions, GDP, and tourist arrivals was determined using the Toda–Yamamoto Granger causality test. The analysis emphasizes the complex relationship between economic growth, environmental degradation, and the tourism industry. The EKC hypothesis is supported by empirical findings that show a strong long-term cointegration between tourist arrivals, GDP, and CO₂ emissions. This suggests that, while tourism growth initially contributes to environmental degradation, it also fosters conditions for sustainable development as economies progress, providing critical insights for policy-makers seeking to promote environmentally sustainable tourism. Full article