Search Results (63)

This study, based on multi-source data fusion and risk index models, has developed a comprehensive methodological system for evaluating the risk of forest fires caused by human factors. The system starts with four dimensions, i.e., exposure, hazard factors, vulnerability, and prevention and control capabilities, and constructs an evaluation framework with 19 secondary indicators. It also establishes single-category risk index models for four types of dominant fire sources: agricultural activities, religious ceremonies, tourism, and power distribution lines. Through weighted synthesis and exponential smoothing algorithms, it achieves daily dynamic risk forecasting. The research took the typical forest areas in the Mentougou, Changping, and Yanqing districts of Beijing as the application demonstration areas, collecting meteorological data, geographic information data, risk census ledgers, online hiking trajectories, and 2530 social survey questionnaires to complete the local parameter calibration and validation of the model. The retrospective analysis of 22 typical human-caused fire cases from 2018 to 2025 shows that the risk percentile of the ignition points in all cases was above 87.8%, indicating that the model has a good risk identification capability. Based on the evaluation results, differentiated control measures for different types of fire sources were proposed. The research results have been integrated into Beijing’s forest fire risk monitoring and early warning system, providing a scientific tool for the refined management of human-caused fire sources. Full article

Small Mediterranean islands relying on the sun–sea–sand (3S) tourism model face growing climate risks that threaten their tourism-dependent economies. This study evaluates climate suitability for 3S tourism on the Island of Vis by integrating the Climate Index for Tourism (CIT) with land- use and land-cover (LU/LC) spatial analysis. The integration is operationalized by overlaying CIT-derived seasonal suitability windows with LU/LC-based spatial vulnerability maps, enabling identification of micro-zones where natural buffers (forest cover and elevation) can offset thermal discomfort during peak heat stress periods. Observed data reveals declining ideal 3S conditions from July to October, with the island already exceeding 50 days per year of Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) above 35.1 °C, increasing by 0.7 days per year. Regional climate models tend to exhibit a cold bias over small Adriatic islands, largely related to their limited spatial horizontal resolution (12.5 km grid spacing). However, they robustly reproduce the direction of recent and projected warming trends. Future projections indicate that the annual number of strong heat stress days with PET above 35.1 °C increase from approximately one per year in the reference period to six under RCP4.5 and nine under RCP8.5, with both scenarios reducing ideal peak-summer conditions while extending favorable periods into transitional seasons. Spatial analysis shows that coastal zones have higher sealed surfaces and less forest cover, reducing natural shade and cooling capacity, while the island interior offers higher elevations, forest buffers, hiking trails, and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Drawing on social–ecological resilience theory, we conceptualize the island’s tourism system as an adaptive unit whose long-term viability depends on spatially diversified resource use and temporally extended seasonality. The integrated analytical framework identifies not only when conditions deteriorate but where alternative tourism resources exist, enabling more targeted adaptation planning and supporting diversification toward outdoor tourism forms. The novelty of this study lies in the systematic spatial integration of bioclimatic suitability assessments (CIT and PET) with LU/LC analysis at the micro-island scale. Such an approach moves beyond temporally focused climate–tourism indices to produce actionable, location-specific adaptation strategies. Full article

The rapid growth of hiking tourism presents a critical challenge for balancing visitor safety with the sustainable management of ecologically fragile mountain environments. Traditional models developed in urban settings struggle to capture the highly non-linear, heterogeneous, and zero-inflated characteristics of wilderness trekking behavior. In order to quantify the nonlinear and threshold-based effects of environmental variables on hikers’ spatial decisions in unstructured wilderness and to identify distinct behavioral regimes for segmented management, this study introduces an explainable machine learning framework to reconstruct hikers’ spatial decision-making in a complex mountainous system in Inner Mongolia, China. Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and LightGBM were compared in predicting trail density and the Euclidean distance to the nearest trail. Results show that transforming behavioral traces into continuous proximity surfaces dramatically improves model performance, with XGBoost achieving the highest predictive accuracy for Trail_Dist. By integrating the SHapley Additive exPlanations framework, this study moves beyond black-box prediction to reveal the nonlinear mechanisms driving hiker behavior. Key findings include: (1) Nighttime light range exhibits a U-shaped threshold effect as the primary anthropogenic attractor. (2) Elevation shows an exponential inhibitory trend above 1238 m. (3) Strong spatial coupling exists between elevation and slope, alongside a landscape compensation effect where high Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) areas attract off-trail movements. This research provides a robust methodological pathway for predicting behavior in unstructured outdoor environments. It offers a scientific foundation for smart scenic area management, including optimized route planning, precise ecological protection zoning, and targeted emergency rescue preparedness. Full article

Recreation is a key ecosystem service provided by mountainous areas. The European Alps are a main attraction for tourists due to their natural landscapes. Nature-based recreation and ecotourism are an opportunity for local communities in alpine valleys. However, tourism may also represent a threat to fragile mountain environments when large numbers of tourists are involved in touristic models based on heavy use of resources. This study aims to provide insights into how local communities in an alpine valley, the Comelico Valley, see the current tourism demand and its future changes. Comelico shares similar environmental and landscape characteristics with the surrounding valleys but is less developed from the touristic point of view. We used the Delphi method on a panel of nine local tourism experts from different areas of operations. The results about the forecast of future activities to be prioritized highlight the importance of diversification of tourism offer towards sustainable activities closer to the concept of nature-based tourism and ecotourism. Activities to be prioritized for development were hiking and thematic hiking, forest well-being initiatives and experience laboratories. These results suggest a potential need to change the present model of mountain tourism towards a more diversified and soft approach to mountain recreation. Full article

Nature-based tourism in protected areas brings economic benefits but can also lead to negative environmental impacts, such as trail degradation. This study aimed to quantify hiking-induced degradation on the Mvubu and Nkonkoni trails in Enseleni Nature Reserve, South Africa. Data were collected through systematic sampling at 20 points along each trail, with 50-m intervals between sampling locations. Several trail degradation indicators were recorded, including: trail grade (TG), landform grade (LG), cross-sectional area (CSA), soil compaction, surface composition, soil texture, and soil moisture. Maximum incision depth (MID) and trail width (WID) were treated as response variables. Statistical relationships between degradation indicators and response variables were analysed using linear regression and partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two trails for several degradation indicators, including surface composition (specifically soil cover), soil compaction, soil texture, and soil moisture. PLSR models explained 19–20% of the variance in MID and 12–55% of the variance in WID. Such weak model performance suggests that trail degradation may be influenced by additional factors not measured in this study. In particular, human behavioural factors, such as hiker avoidance of muddy sections, may play an important role in shaping patterns of trail degradation beyond the measured environmental variables. Early signs of rill erosion were observed on the Mvubu Trail, while informal trail formation was evident on the Nkonkoni Trail. Consequently, the study recommends a dual-track strategy involving revegetation along with the installation of water bars and check dams on the Mvubu Trail to prevent rilling, and “Leave-No-Trace” visitor education for the Nkonkoni Trail to reduce informal path formation. Full article

Wellness tourism, mainly connected to meditation, thermal springs and spa resorts, is an emerging tourism sector. At the same time, contact with natural environments through physical exercise, hiking or walking in forests proves significantly positive in terms of stress reduction, relaxation, mental restoration and revitalization. In this framework, the unique natural landscapes of mountains, along with their plethora of local cultures, comprise important places for the development of wellness tourism based on hiking, mountaineering, forest bathing, yoga and Pilates practice. In view of this, an online study regarding 234 participants of hiking/mountaineering clubs and yoga/Pilates studios in northern Greece was conducted in 2022. In total, 16 clubs and studios participated in the questionnaire survey, with a random sample consisting of 68% women and 32% men. This study investigated the choices and preferences of people who visit mountains for hiking and mountaineering in Greece. The findings reveal that young people and especially women, who are well educated, engage dynamically in this male-dominated sector. Hiking and mountaineering appear to be habits of commitment and devotion rather than sporadic recreational activities; they are distributed throughout the year and hold strong potential for the sustainable development of peripheral mountainous communities. Relevant policies and spatial planning principles focusing on environmental and cultural responsibility, community involvement, gender inclusivity and diversity of target groups are further suggested to support the development of hiking- and mountaineering-based wellness tourism in mountainous Greece. Full article

This study examines the motivations, socio-demographic profiles, and behavioural orientations of residents in Northern Italy toward mountain and forest visitation, with a focus on their propensity to engage in forest-based health and wellness activities. The analysis draws on a large stratified survey conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, involving 1218 respondents, of whom 976 reported regular forest visitations. Exploratory factor analysis identifies two main attitudinal dimensions: “Health and Wellness-Driven Forest Engagement”, centred on psychophysical restoration, and “Comfort-Oriented Forest Use”, related to accessibility and low physical effort. Regression models show that wellness-oriented engagement is strongly associated with psychological well-being, walking and hiking habits, and gender, while comfort-oriented use reflects seasonal patterns and preferences for easily accessible forests. A small subset of respondents reports discomfort in forest environments, forming a distinct attitudinal barrier. Overall, the results indicate substantial potential for forest-based wellness tourism to support healthier lifestyles and diversify mountain economies. Policy implications highlight the need for accessible infrastructures, targeted communication, and the integration of wellness-oriented services into regional development strategies. Full article

This study examines hiking within the context of active lifestyle trends, with a particular focus on the implications of physical limitations for its implementation in forest environments. The primary objective is to analyze how hiking offerings can be adapted to account for varying physical constraints that influence the selection and accessibility of forest landscapes. Special emphasis is placed on the intersection of forest-based recreation and geotourism, as both natural settings provide not only opportunities for physical activity but also unique geological and ecological values that shape visitor experience. The research emphasizes the role of physical fitness as a key factor in segmenting hiking participants, introducing it as a measurable parameter for categorization. To achieve this, the study applies quantitative methods, including motor ability tests, physical fitness assessments, somatic measurements, and verification of tourist categorization. Statistical analyses employed include descriptive statistics of performance values, two-sample t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The framework for designing hiking experiences highlights the importance of integrating forest trails and geotourism sites into accessible tourism planning. This approach demonstrates the potential benefits of incorporating physical fitness considerations into hiking development, ultimately enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and safety in forest and environments. Full article

Mountains in metropolitan cities serve as fundamental features that shape urban landscapes. When incorporated into leisure contexts, mountain resources enhance community well-being and contribute to tourism. However, existing studies rarely address urban mountain tourism within the broader context of political implementation or its role in sustainable urban development. This study explores Seoul, a mountainous city that is experiencing a growing interest in hiking tourism among foreign visitors. Two approaches were used in this study. First, institutional narratives at the national and municipal levels were analyzed to understand how mountain leisure was promoted within sustainable urban agendas around the new millennium. Official documents reveal that the city has been developing pedestrian-centered urban regeneration and promoting welfare provision through urban greening strategies. Second, 8862 hiking reviews posted by international tourists on AllTrail were analyzed to identify the experiential attributes. The findings confirm that accessibility and aesthetics are the dominant attractions for hiking tourism in Seoul. Accessibility stems from pedestrian-centered development, whereas aesthetics reflect strategies that promote nature-based leisure for urban residents. This study suggests that hiking tourism in the metropolitan context has practical implications for integrating mountain resources into sustainable city planning. Full article

The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents a systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis of 148 publications for the period 1993–2024 identified through Web of Science and Scopus, aiming to evaluate the current state of research on sports activities conducted in natural forest environments. Findings indicated a marked increase in scientific interest of this topic over the past two decades, with key contributions from countries such as England, Germany, China, and the United States. Researchers most frequently examined sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and orienteering for their capacity to provide physiological and psychological benefits, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. The literature analysis highlights ecological concerns, particularly those associated with habitat disturbance, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between recreation and conservation. Six principal research themes were identified: sports in urban forests, sports tourism, hunting and fishing, recreational sports, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Keyword and co-authorship analyses revealed a multidisciplinary knowledge base with evolving thematic focuses. In conclusion, the need for integrated approaches that incorporate ecological impact assessment, stakeholder perspectives, and adaptive forest governance to ensure sustainable recreational use of natural forest ecosystems is underlined. Full article

This study aimed to re-evaluate a historical war supply route within the context of cultural tourism, to revitalize its natural, historical, and cultural values, and to integrate it with existing hiking and trekking routes. Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies were utilized, and land surveys were conducted to support the analysis and validate the existing data. Data for slope, one of the most critical factors for hiking route selection, were generated, and the optimal route between the starting and destination points was identified using least cost path analysis (LCPA). Historical, touristic, and recreational rest stops along the route were mapped with precise coordinates, and both the existing and the newly generated routes were assessed in terms of their accessibility to these points. Field validation was carried out based on the experiences of expert hikers. According to the results, the length of the existing hiking route was determined to be 15.72 km, while the newly developed trekking route measured 17.36 km. These two routes overlap for 7.75 km, with 9.78 km following separate paths in a round-trip scenario. It was concluded that the existing route is more suitable for hiking, whereas the newly developed route is better suited for trekking. Full article

The accessibility of nature trails for people with motor disabilities and impairments stands as a significant challenge for inclusive tourism. In the present study, we would like to present a review of research, approaches, and solutions to enable people with motor impairments to enjoy nature trails independently or with assistance. The study is conducted from the perspective of public bodies that aim to reduce the accessibility barriers for People with Disabilities (PwDs) by adapting and improving the conditions of the trails and by providing clear and comprehensive information about the difficulties that hikers may encounter on a trail while using a specific aid. The paper initially presents the wide variety of aids for outdoor mobility, including both those to be used independently (i.e., self-propelled wheelchairs that can be equipped with additional small wheels, off-road wheels and/or auxiliary drives) and those that require assistance (e.g., single-wheeled wheelchairs). Then, we shift focus onto the difficulty classification of trails for PwDs, analysing papers and guidelines that tried to define objective evaluation criteria such as the slope, the trail surface, and the length of the sloping sections. Starting from these studies, the paper proposes a synthesis of the different classifications that consider, for the first time, all the aids available on the market, thus filling the gaps of the single studies. In the last sections, we present some national and international guidelines with tailored and practical solutions to improve the accessibility of nature trails and some studies about the inclusive planning that directly involves PwDs, as well as on the need for a better training of tourism service providers. The present work aims to stimulate a debate on the barriers and opportunities related to the accessibility of hiking trails, contributing to making nature a truly accessible experience for all. Full article

Wilderness areas are declining worldwide. A major reason is large-scale forestry activities like logging. At the same time, wilderness offers unique opportunities for recreation in natural and remote environments, enabling communities to gather economic income based on wilderness tourism. An outstanding element of wilderness areas is primary forests. Wilderness is often understood as untouched nature, unchanged by human intervention. For visitors, wilderness resembles a counter-world, enabling them to escape from everyday life. The present study investigates whether forestry activities have an effect on the attractiveness of primary forests for wilderness tourism. This question is answered based on a case study in the Făgăraş Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania). The findings show that primary forests are a unique selling point in tourism. Forestry activities are associated with direct (loss of biodiversity) and indirect (change of target group) effects. Forestry activities not only cause changes in forests as a tourism attractor, but also change the attractor’s contexts, by rendering access difficult or by destroying hiking trails. This paper makes theoretical and practical contributions. From a theoretical point of view, it reflects the concept of wilderness tourism and highlights the importance of contexts (i.e., access paths) for the attractiveness of wild forests. From a practical point of view, it highlights the importance of distinguishing various target groups and different degrees of naturalness to maintain a nuanced portfolio of recreational opportunities in wild forests, for example by referring to established management tools like the recreation opportunity spectrum. Full article

This study aims to determine the potential of the area for diversifying ecologically based tourism and recreation activities, with a focus on balancing conservation and use to reduce the pressures on natural and cultural landscape values. Data related to the area were examined according to sustainable tourism principles, resulting in the identification of five feasible ecologically based tourism and recreation activities. In the subsequent phase, to analyze the compatibility of these activities with the area’s natural and cultural landscape values, suitability class values were mapped using GIS, based on evaluation criteria and indicators. The analysis identified suitable and highly suitable areas for camping, hiking, trekking, landscape, and nature photography, which were marked on the maps. By overlaying the activities, optimal land use was determined to cover 16.25% of the total area. Finally, the activities were assessed within the optimal land use framework using one-way analysis of variance, and relationships between different groups were identified. As a result, the most suitable activities for the study area were landscape and nature photography, while caravan camping was identified as a suitable activity. Full article

In recent years, various scholars have called for the development of new forms of cultural tourism aimed at enhancing inland areas. Following this, this paper presents a method for semi-automatically constructing itineraries for cultural tourism, utilizing a geo-dataset of literary quotations, including quotes and itineraries that can offer ideas for new storytelling, envisioning landscapes and cultural references for territorial valorization. This pilot case study focuses on the Dolomite area of the Fiemme and Fassa valleys, a well-known tourist destination also famous for its historic wood production. This study is based on a dataset of geolocated travel reports from 11 different 19th-century authors. These descriptions are classified into Points of Interest (POIs), and the point layer is integrated with a linear layer of the road and path network. Variables such as bus stops and travel time are also considered. The entire process is automated through a script that generates maps of optimal routes for each author, along with corresponding tables of travel times. This method enables the use of this dataset to design and develop specific cultural routes considering different variables. As a result, a cartography of multiple itineraries is proposed, which can serve as a tool for promoting cultural, sustainable and slow tourism development in an alpine inland area. Full article