Search Results (100)

Food, specifically those with heritage attributes, stands as one of the distinctive forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). To promote and preserve such heritage, brands have increasingly focused on incorporating heritage elements into the packaging. This research employs three studies conducted in China to explore how different representation styles of heritage elements (verbal vs. non-verbal) shape consumer brand preferences in food packaging. Study 1 confirmed that food packaging featuring heritage elements effectively enhances consumer brand preference. Moreover, consumers exhibit stronger preference for the verbal elements over the non-verbal ones for heritage food due to construal level theory. Study 1 also demonstrated the mediating role of perceived value. Study 2 validated that such an effect remained significant within a tourism shopping context. In addition, Study 3 revealed the moderating effect of purchase motivation. When purchasing food as a gift, consumers tend to adopt a more abstract processing level (e.g., symbolic meaning, cultural connotation), which enhances the effect of verbal heritage elements on brand preference, whereas for self-use purchases, consumers shift to a concrete processing level (e.g., taste or price), thus enhancing the effect of non-verbal representation style. This research enriches the research on heritage element application in food marketing, and offers suggestions for packaging design for heritage food. Full article

The main objective of this paper is to investigate how the interest in the value of performing arts and the awareness of the value of performing arts among local youth in Dhofar can influence their inclinations towards performing arts. Moreover, we have incorporated the perceived brand equity of the Dhofar region as a moderator in the proposed model. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of young residents in the Dhofar region (N = 415). The measurement instrument was developed based on the established literature concerning youth behavior, territorial branding, and the perceived value of performing arts. All items were measured using five-point Likert scales. The main theoretical constructs were operationalized as arithmetic means (composite scores) of their corresponding items: VPA (Value of Performing Arts, 9 items), APA (Awareness of Performing Arts, 10 items), YI (Youth Inclination, 11 items), and DBE (destination brand equity). Data analysis proceeded in several stages using Stata 17. The paper concludes that there is a positive and statistically significant effect of VPA on YI. Furthermore, our results confirmed that there is a positive relationship between the awareness of performing arts and youth inclination towards performing arts. Moreover, the results indicated that destination brand equity is not a significant moderator in the relationship, which means that there is no moderating effect of DBE that was confirmed on either path. This study underscores the need of preserving intangible cultural heritage by stimulating interests and developing suitable practices to make the Dhofarian youth inclined towards performing traditional arts. The findings of this study offer some policy implications to policymakers to sustain creating an interest in valuing traditional arts performance and increasing the awareness of these types of events, which are influential factors in shaping youth inclination towards performing traditional arts. The study suggests that generating awareness is vital in creating the intention among local youth to perform traditional arts. These findings suggest that policymakers provide support for traditional art performances by devising an institutional policy that provides structural support to increase interest and awareness. The paper is an original contribution as it has provided insights into how the extent of the interest in the value of performing arts and the awareness of the value of performing arts could influence the inclination of local youth to perform art activities in the Dhofar region. Secondly, this study explores whether perceived brand equity moderates this relationship. Full article

Eight Views is a time-honored East Asian cultural-landscape paradigm in which eight emblematic natural—cultural scenes fuse regional character, historical memory, and aesthetic ideals into a coherent narrative. It encodes the collective memory and identity of a city (or garden/region), a premodern ‘mental map’ or proto- ‘city brand’. In China, the historic Urban Eight Views are rooted in local environments and traditions and constitute significant, high-value landscape heritage today. Yet rapid urbanization has inflicted severe physical damage on these ensembles. Coupled with insufficient holistic and systemic understanding among managers and the public, this has led, during development and conservation alike, to spatial insularization, fragmentation, and even disappearance, alongside widening divergences in cultural cognition and biases in value judgment. Taking Longmen Haoyue in Chongqing, one of the historic Urban Eight Views, as a case that manifests these issues, this study develops a holistic–relational approach for the urban, historical Eight Views and explores landscape-based pathways to protect the spatial structure and cultural connotations of the heritage that has been severely damaged and is in a state of disappearance or semi-disappearance amid modernization. Methodologically, we employ decomposition analysis to extract the historical information elements of Longmen Haoyue and its internal relational structure and corroborate its persistence through field surveys. We then apply the FAHP method to grade the conservation value and importance of elements within the Eight Views, quantitatively clarifying protection hierarchies and priorities. In parallel, a multidimensional corpus is constructed to analyze online dissemination and public perception, revealing multiple challenges in the evolution and reconstruction of Longmen Haoyue, including symbolic misreading and cultural decontextualization. In response, we propose an integrated strategy comprising graded element protection and intervention, reconstruction of relational structures, and the building of a coherent cultural-semantic and symbol system. This study provides a systematic theoretical basis and methodological support for the conservation of the urban historic Eight Views cultural landscapes, the place-making of distinctive spatial character, and the enhancement of cultural meanings. It develops an integrated research framework, element extraction, value assessment, perception analysis, and strategic response that is applicable not only to the Eight Views heritage in China but is also transferable to World Heritage properties with similar attributes worldwide, especially composite cultural landscapes composed of multiple natural and cultural elements, sustained by narrative traditions of place identity, and facing risks of symbolic weakening, decontextualization, or public misperception. Full article

Industrial heritage is increasingly becoming an important resource for sustainable urban renewal. With the acceleration of deindustrialization and urban transformation, Adaptive Reuse (AR) is regarded as the core path connecting heritage protection and functional renewal. Balancing the diverse value dimensions of AR has also become a key research focus. However, existing research mostly focuses on financial returns and investment efficiency, ignoring the long-term impact of community space and cultural dimensions on economic feasibility; at the same time, culture is often simplified into a tool for asset appreciation and urban branding, lacking a systematic model that reveals the structural role of culture in economic feasibility. Therefore, this study constructs a multi-attribute decision-making framework that integrates economic performance, community space, and cultural value. Using Guangzhou Guanggang New City as a representative case, the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), Analytic Network Process (ANP), and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were employed to screen and rank the highest-priority reuse schemes. The results show that the economic dimension holds the highest overall weight, followed by the community and cultural dimensions. This suggests that economic feasibility remains a key prerequisite for industrial heritage renewal, while cultural and community factors play an important supporting role in achieving long-term sustainability. This study provides a quantifiable assessment path for the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage and offers a basis for decision making in other cities seeking a balance between economic rationality and cultural sustainability. Full article

Understanding consumer perceptions of brand image is vital for the sustainable development of China Time-honored Brands, which combine cultural heritage with commercial value. This study aims to systematically analyze the brand image of Beijing’s time-honored restaurants by developing a large language model (LLM)-driven framework that advances beyond the limits of traditional text mining in semantic depth and adaptability. Using Dianping reviews from 2016 to 2022, we apply the Qwen3-32B model to map consumer feedback onto a Functional–Experiential–Symbolic (F–E–S) framework. Sentiment quantification and clustering analysis are employed to generate brand image profiles and identify common brand types, while topic modeling is used to uncover the specific consumer concerns shaping these perceptions. The results reveal a dual structure: the symbolic dimension, rooted in cultural heritage, is consistently high and stable, whereas the functional and experiential dimensions, associated with daily operations, are relatively low and highly volatile. Clustering further distinguishes two significantly different categories: comprehensive performers and heritage struggler brands. The key difference lies in whether brands can transform symbolic capital derived from historical legacy into positive consumer experiences through excellent operational performance. By integrating dynamic and structural perspectives, this study advances brand image research and provides data-driven insights to guide the targeted management and modernization of heritage brands. Full article

In the early 1990s, the decline of textile manufacturing due to various factors resulted in the abandonment of industrial sites previously utilized in Yazd. This study examines the regeneration of industrial heritage through place branding in a developing country, utilizing a case study approach. The objective is to design a framework for the development of a branding strategy aimed at the regeneration of industrial heritage sites in Yazd. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this study utilizes SWOT analysis through focus group discussions in conjunction with the Delphi method. Furthermore, in the strategy development process, the expert panel technique is employed to formulate Weihrich’s TOWS matrix. The findings indicate that the risk of textile heritage sites remaining unknown to tourists, as well as the potential for enhancing the identity of Yazd, received the highest mean scores. In contrast, the results indicate that the lowest mean scores were associated with the factors of multiple non-official brands in Yazd and the presence of basic tourist infrastructure. This study presents a comprehensive framework for the integration of place branding into industrial heritage regeneration initiatives, grounded in original empirical data, and offers valuable insights for policymakers, heritage managers, and urban planners. Full article

This study investigates sustainability-oriented design and production practices in Slovenia, focusing on brand-led approaches grounded in local innovation, cultural heritage and community engagement. Through mapping of Slovenian fashion enterprises, the research identifies and analyzes core sustainability and circularity strategies including zero- and low-waste design, recycling, upcycling and the development of adaptable, long-lasting garments. Further attention is given to participatory design methods involving consumers, the strategic social media use for community building and service-based circular economy models such as lifetime garment repair. Technological and production innovations, localized supply chains and small-scale production models are assessed for their role in reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainable supply chain management. The study also analyzes initiatives to shorten the fashion loop, including dematerialization and production minimization, as pathways to reduce resource consumption. Methodologically, the study combines empirical fieldwork, participant observation and literature review to deliver a comprehensive analysis of Slovenia’s sustainable fashion sector. The findings contribute to the global discourse on regional and place-based sustainability in fashion demonstrating how design-driven, small- and medium-sized enterprises can integrate circular economy principles, cultural continuity and collaborative innovation to foster environmentally responsible and socially embedded fashion. Full article

This article commences by noting that most accounts of Spiritualism during World War One and its aftermath consider that it was harnessed to assist either with the war effort, or to provide comfort for those on the Home Front who were grieving for the dead or missing. However, as this article uncovers and elaborates, there was a brand of Spiritualism which looked beyond this nationalism to provide a form of universalism which sought to heal the wound of both current and past conflicts, instead to provide a world of harmony in the post war world. The population of England was to be reunited culturally with its dead through a rewriting of the history of the Reformation, informed by Spiritualist contact with the Tudor World and individuals within it. By looking at the wartime and immediately post wartime careers of three individuals (Edward Bligh Bond, William Packenham-Walsh and Margaret Murray) the article demonstrates the work of this area of Spiritualism to suggest collective approaches to reconciliation and the writing of past historical wrongs. These individuals also provide evidence of a commitment to creating a shared psychological, anthropological and cultural heritage that would bring Europeans together to transcend the rationalist nightmare created during the war years. Full article

Sichuan Paocai is a representative traditional fermented vegetable in China, which is deeply embedded in local geographical and cultural heritage. However, regional differences in product characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, the physicochemical properties, volatile compounds, and microbial communities of Paocai from seven production regions in Sichuan (named FB, AB, BZ, CD, DZ, MY, and YS) were systematically investigated. Parameters including pH, salinity, nitrite, organic acids, and color were determined, while volatile profiles were analyzed using an electronic nose and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 294 volatile compounds were identified, with alcohols, esters, and isothiocyanates emerging as the major contributors to flavor differentiation. UMAP and OPLS-DA analyses revealed distinct regional clustering, which was consistent with electronic nose profiling, and 111 volatile compounds were identified as key aroma markers. Microbial diversity was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, demonstrating that Lactobacillus, Lentilactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Weissella were the dominant taxa, although the richness varied significantly across regions. An LEfSe analysis further identified region-specific biomarkers, including Pediococcus, Lactococcus, and Leuconostoc in FB; Lactobacillus in AB; Pediococcus ethanolidurans in BZ; Levilactobacillus in DZ; Lentilactobacillus in MY; and a more diverse microbiota in MS. A correlation analysis highlighted the pivotal roles of distinct microbial groups in shaping and transforming flavor compounds across different regions. Overall, these findings provide scientific guidance for the development of high-quality, region-specific products and contribute to the protection, branding, and market competitiveness of geographically indicated foods. Full article

Cultural ecosystem services are difficult to evaluate due to their subjective nature and the lack of indicators of the benefits they provide to people. This study applied an innovative methodology to assess the cultural landscape’s ecosystem services in the coastal countryside of La Janda in Cádiz, Spain, based on heritage assets situated outside urban centers. After identifying 700 cultural landmarks scattered throughout La Janda that represent the region’s cultural values and foster feelings of identity and belonging at a local level, public domain routes totaling 243.78 km have been selected to appreciate them. These routes have been incorporated into an Android application, enabling users to access a bibliographic summary of the landmarks and generate data on social preferences when contemplating cultural heritage. Integrated into a Public Participation Geographic Information System, these data serve as an indicator for evaluating cultural ecosystem services and support efforts to conserve and enhance the cultural capital spread across the territory. These data also allow for the identification of symbolic and emotional values linked to place identity, offering valuable inputs for sustainable place-branding strategies that promote the territory beyond conventional tourism models. Full article

This study focuses on cultural and urban development policies under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, exploring the content and semantic structure of discussions on the “East Asian Cultural Capital” project on the Weibo platform. It analyzes how national cultural development policies are reflected in the discourse system related to the “East Asian Cultural Capital” on social media and emphasizes the guiding role of policies in the dissemination of online culture. When China announced the 14th Five-Year Plan in 2021, the strategic direction and policy framework for cultural development over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025 were clearly outlined. This study employs text mining and semantic network analysis methods to analyze user-generated content on Weibo from 2023 to 2024, aiming to understand public perception and discourse trends. Word frequency and TF-IDF analyses identify key terms and issues, while centrality and CONCOR clustering analyses reveal the semantic structure and discourse communities. MR-QAP regression is employed to compare network changes across the two years. Findings highlight that urban cultural development, heritage preservation, and regional exchange are central themes, with digital media, cultural branding, trilateral cooperation, and cultural–economic integration emerging as key factors in regional collaboration. Full article

While accelerating globalization and technological transformation, traditional food products occupy a vulnerable yet strategically important position, straddling the line between cultural preservation and the need to remain economically viable. This study assesses both the sustainability and economic potential of traditional food items specific to Bihor County, Romania, with particular attention to their integration into contemporary value chains. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured surveys with 137 local consumers and semi-structured interviews with 20 regional producers. This research focused on consumer awareness, purchasing behavior, and producers’ readiness to engage with digital tools, within the broader framework of human-centered development and the Industry 5.0 paradigm. Findings reveal a modest but consistent link between familiarity and the willingness to pay a premium, although the frequency of consumption appeared to be unaffected. Sustainability emerged as a widely held value, commonly associated with seasonality, natural ingredients, and artisanal methods. On the supply side, producers showed a cautious openness to digital adoption, often tempered by a strong desire to preserve traditional practices. Based on these insights, this study outlines a territorially grounded framework for enhancing the resilience of traditional foods. Policy recommendations include support for user-friendly digital platforms, improved rural infrastructure, and initiatives that reinforce the regional gastronomic identity. Full article

Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in strengthening local identity and fostering socio-economic development. However, its effective enhancement requires an inclusive decision-making process capable of integrating the diverse perspectives of stakeholders. This study introduces an innovative participatory governance model applied to the case of Taverna, Calabria. This study adopted a methodological framework grounded in co-design and co-evaluation, and the research examined the impacts and opportunities associated with a collaborative management process for cultural heritage. The proposed framework consists of five key phases: defining a strategic vision, analyzing the territorial context, co-designing enhancement strategies, implementing actions, and monitoring their impact. The findings highlight the effectiveness of this approach in shaping strategies grounded in local identity, inclusive community engagement, and long-term sustainability. The experience of Taverna’s collaborative decision-making project demonstrates that an inclusive governance process can generate tangible benefits in terms of social innovation, economic growth, and heritage conservation. Full article

In an increasingly competitive global tourism context, territorial branding plays a key role in enhancing the visibility, identity, and resilience of regions. This study focuses on the Algarve, a region in southern Portugal, and investigates how innovation and competitiveness are reflected in its digital communication strategy. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines the quantitative analysis of 689 social media posts published in 2024 on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube with the qualitative content analysis of 38 documents and the official website of Algarve. The findings reveal a coherent and visually appealing brand narrative centred on the coastal identity of the Algarve, complemented by content related to nature, gastronomy, and cultural heritage. Instagram stands out as the most engaging platform, particularly when posts adopt a participatory tone, emotional storytelling, and references to specific locations. However, only 6.4% of the content surpassed the 1% engagement threshold, suggesting limited audience connection. The website presents a broader thematic range but under-represents intangible heritage and local products.The Algarve brand successfully projects an aspirational image based on landscape and leisure but would benefit from greater content diversification, enhanced stakeholder integration, and expanded narrative strategies to strengthen digital engagement and destination competitiveness. Full article

World Heritage plays a vital role in promoting sustainable urban development. Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have gained recognition as an effective instrument for urban revitalization in recent years. The Cities, Culture, and Creativity (CCC) framework introduced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank emphasizes the core role of culture and creativity in enhancing urban competitiveness, attractiveness, and sustainability. Based on that framework, this study takes Pingyao as a case study, using a literature review and non-participatory observation, systematically examines its assets and resources, assesses the outcomes at the spatial, economic, and social levels, and explores how CCIs, with the support of enabling factors, contribute to urban revitalization. The findings indicate that Pingyao, relying on its historical and cultural heritage, promotes the development of CCIs, resulting in significant spatial optimization, economic growth, and social benefits, while also shaping unique cultural brands. This study verifies the applicability of the CCC framework in analyzing the urban revitalization mechanism, further reveals the role of CCIs in the revitalization of World Heritage cities, enriches the urban regeneration theory, and offers theoretical and practical reference for the revitalization and sustainable development of other World Heritage cities. Full article