Search Results (83)

Based on a comprehensive review of the current research status of ecological compensation both domestically and internationally, combined with field survey data, this study delves into the issue of multi-stakeholder participation in the ecological compensation mechanisms of the Xin’an River Basin. This research reveals that the joint participation of multiple stakeholders is crucial to achieving the goals of ecological compensation in river basins. The government plays a significant role in macro-guidance, financial support, policy guarantees, supervision, and management. It promotes the comprehensive implementation of ecological environmental protection by formulating relevant laws and regulations, guiding the public to participate in ecological conservation, and supervising and punishing pollution behaviors. The public, serving as the main force, forms strong awareness and behavioral habits of ecological protection through active participation in environmental protection, monitoring, and feedback. As participants, enterprises contribute to industrial transformation and green development by improving resource utilization efficiency, reducing pollution emissions, promoting green industries, and participating in ecological restoration projects. Scientific research institutions, as technology enablers, have effectively enhanced governance efficiency through technological research and innovation, ecosystem value accounting to provide decision-making support, and public education. Social organizations, as facilitators, have injected vitality and innovation into watershed governance by extensively mobilizing social forces and building multi-party collaboration platforms. Communities, as supporters, have transformed ecological value into economic benefits by developing characteristic industries such as eco-agriculture and eco-tourism. Based on the above findings, further recommendations are proposed to mobilize the enthusiasm of upstream communities and encourage their participation in ecological compensation, promote the market-oriented operation of ecological compensation mechanisms, strengthen cross-regional cooperation to establish joint mechanisms, enhance supervision and evaluation, and establish a sound benefit-sharing mechanism. These recommendations provide theoretical support and practical references for ecological compensation worldwide. Full article

This study explores the role of community-centered farm-based hospitality in promoting sustainable rural development, with a focus on South Tyrol, Italy. A survey of 461 local residents assessed perceptions of agritourism’s impact on agricultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Factor analysis identified two main constructs—Agroheritage Sustainability and Empowered Eco-Tourism—which together capture the multifaceted benefits of agritourism. Agroheritage Sustainability reflects the preservation of traditional farming practices, cultural landscapes, and intergenerational knowledge, emphasizing the role of tourism in maintaining cultural identity and preventing land abandonment. Empowered Eco-Tourism highlights the socio-economic benefits of sustainable tourism, including community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and the creation of new economic opportunities. The study’s findings indicate that local residents view agritourism as a holistic approach that supports rural livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage and promoting ecological resilience. The analysis further supports the potential of farm-based hospitality as a model for sustainable rural development, aligning closely with EU policies and global best practices. The Roter Hahn initiative in South Tyrol serves as a practical example of this approach, demonstrating the value of certification programs in enhancing transparency, quality, and sustainability. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and tourism developers seeking to promote sustainable rural tourism globally. The contribution of this research lies in its empirical validation of a dual-construct model that links community engagement with agroecological and cultural sustainability, offering a transferable framework for evaluating agritourism as a lever for sustainable rural development in diverse regional contexts. Full article

The rising popularity of ecotourism on the Tibetan Plateau has intensified the tension between wildlife conservation and economic development. Conventional wildlife displays often fail to achieve high-fidelity, non-invasive representations of animal morphology and typically lack immersive, interactive features, limiting public engagement in ecological protection. To address these limitations, this study presents a fur simulation algorithm based on the Texture Procedural Overlay Technique (TPOT), integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) technology, focusing on the endangered white-lipped deer in the Sanjiangyuan region. The proposed TPOT-based algorithm enhances the visual realism of fur through multi-layered procedural texturing and physical property fusion. Combined with an AR-driven interactive framework, it seamlessly integrates high-resolution 3D models into real-world environments, significantly improving user immersion and engagement. Comparative experiments demonstrate that the approach surpasses traditional static display fidelity and animation rendering efficiency methods. User feedback further validates its effectiveness for scientific research and environmental education. This work introduces an innovative technological solution for wildlife conservation on the Tibetan Plateau and provides a practical reference for applying digital technologies in ecotourism. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed long-standing vulnerabilities in island tourism economies such as Crete and Chios, including seasonality, overdependence on mass tourism, and limited innovation adoption. This study investigates how sustainable tourism, regional development, and innovation interconnect in these two cases. Drawing on structured questionnaires addressed to tourism stakeholders in Hersonissos (Crete) and Chios, we apply a comparative analysis through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal a common interest in diversifying tourism offerings through digital transformation and alternative tourism models. Hersonissos demonstrates higher engagement with innovation-led strategies, while Chios reflects a cautious but growing inclination toward eco-tourism and cultural tourism initiatives. The study employs a comparative cross-sectional design based on structured questionnaires addressed to 71 tourism stakeholders in Hersonissos and Chios. Data were collected through purposive sampling that was completed in July 2023. As a practical outcome, we propose the Regional Innovation Index in Tourism—a composite tool designed to assess innovation readiness at the local level. This index enables policymakers to evaluate the strategic capacity of tourism regions and supports the formulation of long-term, place-based development strategies aligned with EU policy goals and the transition to a green economy. Full article

This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners. Full article

The multifunctionality of green infrastructure (GI) can be enhanced through intentional planning that promotes synergies among various functions while minimizing trade-offs. Despite its significance, methodologies for implementing this approach remain underexplored. This paper presents an application-oriented framework for GI planning that emphasizes the relationship between GI functional performance and the provision of ecosystem services. By reframing the issues of multifunctional synergies and trade-offs as quantifiable and spatially explicit problems associated with ecosystem services, the framework offers both a conceptual foundation and technical protocols for practical application. This framework was implemented in the Qinling–Daba Mountain Area (QDMB) in China to evaluate its practicality and identify potential challenges. The planned GI system aims to fulfill multiple functions, including biodiversity maintenance, water and soil conservation, eco-farming, and ecotourism development. Additionally, 73 wildlife corridors were established to connect GI elements, thereby enhancing habitat services for biodiversity. Furthermore, the analysis identified 245 townships and 273 sites as strategic areas and points requiring targeted intervention to mitigate potential multifunctional trade-offs. These locations are characterized by their location within protected areas, protected buffer zones, or wildlife corridors, or at the intersection of wildlife corridors with existing transportation infrastructure. The findings validate the framework’s practicality and highlight the necessity for additional research into the capacity of GI to support diverse human activities and the approaches to enhance GI elements’ connectivity for multifunctionality. Full article

Destination Management Organizations (DMO) increasingly harness social media to foster favorable online destination brand experiences (ODBEs) during travelers’ pre-trip planning. However, empirical knowledge about such experiences in ecotourism contexts remains limited. This study addresses the gap by proposing and validating an ODBE measurement scale adapted to ecotourism destinations. An online questionnaire was administered to Facebook users following seven certified Romanian ecotourism destinations, yielding 281 valid responses. Through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory composite analysis, the scale was refined into three components—hedonic, utilitarian, and spatio-temporal—capturing emotional immersion, rational evaluation, and destination-specific spatial perceptions. Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that ODBEs exert a strong, positive effect on two key behavioral intentions: visiting the destination (β = 0.913) and sharing destination information online (β = 0.875). This study advances theories on tech-mediated pre-travel experiences by emphasizing nature and local culture. The findings provide DMOs with practical guidance for creating effective social media content to enhance destination branding and support sustainable tourism. Full article

Tourism significantly contributes to the economic growth of countries, especially in insular areas such as Small Islands Developing States (SIDSs) or the outmost regions of Europe. If managed properly, ecotourism offers a sustainable alternative by promoting nature conservation while benefiting local communities. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology to assess the existing conditions in marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Macaronesian archipelagos for the development of ecotourism activities. To achieve this, the methodology of the Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism (MEET) was adapted to the unique environmental, social, and economic context of the region. A set of indicators was developed and refined through expert evaluation and the results revealed a strong level of satisfaction with the indicators created. This approach contributes to the sustainable management of MPAs by providing a practical tool to evaluate their potential for ecotourism development. The refined indicators can assist policymakers, MPA managers, and stakeholders in designing sustainable ecotourism products that align with conservation goals, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits for the Macaronesian region. Full article

Health and wellness tourism is a rapidly expanding segment of the global tourism industry, driven by increasing consumer awareness of well-being and lifestyle enhancement. As the demand for wellness travel grows, destinations are expected to offer high standards of safety, hygiene, rehabilitation, and holistic experiences. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key attributes and determinants for developing health and wellness tourism destinations by applying the 6As Tourism Development framework: Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, Available Packages, and Ancillary Services. A multi-criteria decision-making approach, specifically the TOPSIS, was employed to assess destination potential through a case study of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The results indicate that Attractions, Accessibility, and Amenities are the top three priorities for wellness tourists. Sub-criteria such as natural scenery, cultural significance, accessibility for all, safety, and accommodation quality are particularly influential. Three districts in Nakhon Ratchasima were found to exhibit distinct strengths—Pak Chong is best suited for rehabilitative tourism (e.g., aroma and water therapy), aligning with mind and nutrition wellness components; Wang Nam Khiao is ideal for ecotourism and cultural experiences, supporting environmental and nutritional dimensions; while Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima excels in sports tourism, supporting physical and nutritional well-being. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders to design sustainable, visitor-centered wellness destinations. The proposed framework supports strategic planning and resource allocation for health-focused tourism development. Full article

The sustainable management of natural reserves is increasingly prioritized within the global tourism sector, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Santurbán Moorland in Colombia. As a high-altitude Andean ecosystem providing essential water resources, the Santurbán Moorland faces mounting pressures from tourism growth and mining activity. This study assesses the adoption of sustainable tourism practices among tourism service providers (TSPs) in the region and identifies key gaps to inform policy and academic interventions. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach was applied, integrating surveys based on the European Tourism Indicators System (ETIS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, as well as structured interviews, field observations, and document analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis identified “sustainable management” as the most robust dimension (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.953); however, no TSPs reported using renewable energy, and less than 5% of employees had received formal training in tourism. The main challenges include the lack of environmental certification, insufficient infrastructure, and limited communication of sustainability practices. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted public policies, financial incentives, and specialized academic training to strengthen sustainable practices. The results offer insights into the challenges faced by emerging ecotourism destinations and provide strategic guidelines to support a balance between environmental conservation and local socioeconomic development. Full article

With the increasing amount of attention paid to sustainable tourism, balancing tourism growth with ecosystem conservation has become critical. As one of the most concentrated forms of tourism, island tourism is subject to distinct ecological pressures, making the study of tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior (TERB) both urgent and necessary. However, research on TERB in island tourism remains limited. In this study, we investigated Jeju Island as a case study and, based on 575 valid responses, integrated the value–identity–personal norm (VIP), value–attitude–behavior (VAB), theory of planned behavior (TPB), and complexity theory models to explore the formation pathways of TERB systematically. Structural equation modeling (SEM) confirmed that the core components of the VIP, VAB, and TPB models positively influence the development of TERB, while nationality emerged as a significant moderator. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) further revealed six causal configurations, highlighting the diverse and non-linear TERB pathways. These findings will serve as significant theoretical insights into TERB and provide practical strategies for utilizing ecotourism as a tool for sustainable island tourism development. Full article

Rural tourism and agritourism are essential drivers of sustainable economic development in mountain regions, generating income opportunities while preserving cultural and natural heritage. The North-West region of Romania has significant potential in this sector. Yet, tourism development is unevenly distributed, and the integration of local economic activities remains limited, an imbalance that reduces the overall impact of tourism on regional sustainability and economic resilience. To assess viable strategies for agritourism development, the study applies the TOPSIS method, evaluating four key criteria: infrastructure accessibility, diversity of tourism experiences, service quality, and long-term economic sustainability. A survey was conducted with 102 respondents, and the collected data were analyzed using the TOPSIS framework to determine the most effective development approaches. The findings indicated that the ecotourism trails represent the most favorable strategy (Ci = 0.678), followed by promoting local products within tourism (Ci = 0.602) and expanding rural guesthouses (Ci = 0.467). In contrast, integrated tourism packages and tourist information centers ranked lower, suggesting that infrastructure investment and the strategic use of local resources should be prioritized. These insights provide practical recommendations for policymakers, investors, and local stakeholders, emphasizing the need for targeted support in ecotourism and rural economic initiatives. Furthermore, the study contributes to academic research by offering a structured, replicable approach to evaluating rural tourism development. By highlighting sustainable investment directions, the findings support efforts to enhance Romania’s rural tourism competitiveness while fostering economic growth in mountain regions. Full article

The general aim of this paper is to analyse theoretical perspectives on ecotourism, co-production, and co-management, seeking to understand how these approaches interact and promote the sustainability of natural food resources and sustainable management practices. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach with exploratory and descriptive objectives, utilising a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify and examine the key studies related to the subject. The main findings indicate that ecotourism fosters biodiversity conservation, which sustains local food practices and provides significant economic benefits for local communities through co-production and co-management between stakeholders. The community emerges as a principal active resource in planning and management processes by creating opportunities for environmental education; integrating local knowledge and experiences to develop a unique, multidimensional adaptive capacity; and promoting system regulation. Moreover, the analysis of the examined works highlights the importance of environmental education programmes, flexible institutions open to dialogue with the community, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Lastly, a framework is presented that depicts the relationship among ecotourism, co-production, co-management, and socio-ecological resilience, based on five premises. This framework proposes a holistic approach to achieving socio-ecological resilience in food practices and the sustainable management of resources. Full article

This study examines attitudes toward achieving a sustainable balance in ecotourism using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, focusing on economic and environmental factors shaping sustainable practices. Data were collected from tourists, local residents, and managers in Serbia and Croatia, encompassing diverse perspectives on natural resource conservation, economic benefits, and community engagement. The results indicate that natural resource conservation significantly contributes to local participation, tourist awareness, and community engagement, with notable differences observed among respondent groups. Economic benefits also positively influence these mediating factors, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainability goals. The MGA revealed significant differences between respondent groups, highlighting that managers and local communities in Croatia demonstrated higher levels of awareness and participation compared to Serbia, while differences among tourists were less pronounced. This research contributes to the sustainable tourism literature by integrating perspectives from various stakeholder groups and emphasizing the importance of community involvement and environmental preservation. Practical implications include recommendations for policymakers and managers to develop strategies that encourage stakeholder participation and promote sustainable tourism development. Full article

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