Search Results (143)

By 2050, it is estimated that approximately 200 million people will be displaced due to the impacts of climate change. Vulnerability to climate change is shaped not only by environmental factors but fundamentally by systemic power relations and structural conditions present at both the places of origin and destination. In Latin America, climate-displaced persons predominantly settle in marginalised neighbourhoods, where widely accepted informality facilitates their rapid arrival but obstructs genuine progress and full integration as urban citizens. This paper critically examines the prevailing myths that justify the persistence of informality, revealing the socioeconomic challenges faced by climate migrants in the region. These four dominant myths are (1) Latin America’s inherently low productivity levels; (2) concessions by the ruling class enabling excluded groups to merely survive; (3) the perceived privilege of marginalised neighbourhoods to generate income outside formal legal frameworks, which supports their social capital; and (4) the limited benefits associated with formalisation. Debunking these myths is essential for developing effective public policies aimed at reducing informality and promoting inclusive urban integration, ultimately benefiting both climate migrants and host communities. Full article

Given that participating in or spectating sports events plays a vital role in enhancing individuals’ mental health, understanding the key factors that promote continued participation and attendance in sports events is of significant theoretical and practical importance within the context of sports tourism. From this perspective, the service quality of sports events and the image of the host destination have been identified as major determinants of sustained engagement among sports tourists. However, a review of the literature reveals that findings on the influence of sports event service quality and host destination image on the behavioral intentions of sports tourists have been inconsistent. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to employ a meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach to synthesize data from 39 independent studies comprising 16,335 participants, which were collected up to 30 September 2024, thereby providing generalizable conclusions. The results indicate that, first, host destination image is the most critical factor in enhancing visitor satisfaction. Additionally, the service quality of sports events significantly influences visitor satisfaction, which in turn impacts their future behavioral intentions. Second, tourist satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between event service quality and behavioral intentions, and it partially mediates the relationship between host destination image and behavioral intentions. Third, under the moderating effect of event scale (small scale vs. mega scale), host destination image and physical environment quality are more important in small-scale sports events than in mega-scale sports events. Furthermore, under the moderating effect of cultural context (Eastern vs. Western), service quality dimensions are more influential in Western cultural settings, whereas host destination image is more important in Eastern cultural settings. The significance of this study lies in its integration of previously disparate findings into a unified model, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships among the variables. The results provide broad implications for future academic research and practical insights for sports tourism practitioners. Full article

Choosing a rural destination today often comes down to one thing: how authentic it feels. In countries like Romania, where tradition is still woven into daily life, travelers are looking for something real and sustainable—but what exactly does that mean? And how can we measure it? This study takes a different approach. We created an Authenticity Index using fuzzy logic, a method that makes space for in-between answers and soft boundaries. It helped us capture how people actually perceive things like local food, architecture, and natural scenery—without forcing their opinions into rigid categories. We tested the index with real guest feedback from rural accommodation. The results showed that guests consistently valued sensory experiences—like nature and food—more than activities that required deeper cultural involvement, such as workshops or folk demonstrations. Instead of just producing a number, the index turned out to be a guide. It gives hosts a better idea of what really matters to their guests—even when those preferences are not always easy to define. More than that, it brings together what theory says with what visitors actually feel, supporting more sustainable tourism practices. And in rural tourism, that connection can make all the difference. Full article

The contribution of small-scale sporting events to tourism sustainable development in local communities has been well recognized in the literature. Small-scale running events in particular are essential in the promotion of sustainable tourism in the community due to their localized impact. Although research has largely focused on the demand side—including participants, spectators, and host communities—limited attention has been given to the supply side, particularly the perspectives of sport event organizers and their role in implementing sustainable practices. This study aims to address this gap and answer key research questions that concern the factors which contribute to the success of these events in relation to their economic, social, and environmental impacts through the lens of the events’ primary decision-makers, their organizers. This study employs an exploratory research method, conducting interviews with twenty-five organizers of diverse Greek running events that represent a variety of geographical contexts and event characteristics of the country, based on their long-standing presence. Findings contribute to sustainable sport tourism literature by developing a theoretical framework which encompasses the three dimensions of sustainability, highlighting inclusivity as a key component within the social dimension. Results indicate that organizers perceive their running events as having a positive economic impact and enhancing social cohesion. They are also aware of the potential environmental impact, like trail preservation, and consequently implement responsible measures to protect the environment. Organizers share a variety of specific strategies and practical suggestions aimed at improving the sustainability of running events, such as managing waste effectively or improving accessibility for diverse participants, offering transferable insights for other event planners and local authorities. This paper showcases the key role of organizers in developing partnerships to implement effective sustainable sport event practices in the destination. Full article

The Canary Islands have long been a major European destination for mass tourism, often associated with ‘sun-and-beach’ vacations. Critiques of mass tourism have intensified in recent years, as reflected in the 2024 protests in the Canary Islands, which linked mass tourism to economic inequalities and concerns about sustainability. Through the case example of Icelandic tourism to the Canary Islands, this research asks two questions: (a) why mass tourism destinations are appealing, and (b) how these reasons can be more fully understood within a broader geopolitical and structural context. The research methods include a survey conducted in Iceland in 2022 and an analysis of media coverage in Iceland related to the Canary Islands from 2017 to 2022. Survey data indicate that the islands are primarily perceived as an easily accessible, well-established holiday destination. Simultaneously, an analysis of media discussions reveals a limited discourse on the islands in Icelandic media, mainly focusing on tourism. The results illustrate how specific destinations become desirable by prioritizing infrastructure associated with mass tourism, where tourism’s impact on host communities, economies, and environments tends to be invisible. Full article

In the recent past, microbiome manipulation has emerged as a promising approach to improve plant growth performance by exploring the deep insight of plant–microbe interactions. The exploration of a plant microbiome either present on an ectosphere or endosphere can provide a far better understanding about the potential application of plant-associated microbes for the improvement of plant growth, protection from pathogen invasion, and tolerance to environmental stresses of a diverse nature. In this context, next-generation sequencing methods, omics approaches, and synthetic biology have made significant progress in plant microbiome research and are being frequently used to explore the intriguing role of plant-associated microorganisms. Despite the successfulness of conventional approaches, the incorporation of CRISPR/Cas9, RNA interference technology, rhizosphere engineering, microbiome engineering, and other manipulation techniques appear to be a promising approach to enhancing plant performance, and tolerance against biotic and abiotic stress factors. The present review presents the significance of plant microbe interaction, vital functional aspects, collaborative action, potential constraints, and finally the latest developments in bioengineering approaches destined for microbiome modulation with an objective to improve the performance of a host plant challenged with environmental stressors. Full article

This study examines how participation in the Thessaloniki International Fair (T.I.F.) influences exhibitors’ satisfaction and loyalty toward the host city of Thessaloniki. It investigates factors such as event organization, logistical support, business networking opportunities, and exhibitors’ interactions with local infrastructure and services. Using social exchange theory (S.E.T.) as a framework, this research investigates how positive exchanges, including cultural experiences, local hospitality, and professional interactions at the fair, drive destination loyalty. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with German exhibitors, to capture comprehensive insights into the factors shaping their perceptions. Results indicate high satisfaction with Thessaloniki’s cultural and culinary offerings, with local hospitality emerging as a significant factor in fostering emotional connections and loyalty intentions. However, transportation and accessibility were identified as areas for improvement, as these logistical issues detract from the overall experience and impose perceived ‘costs’ within the exchange. The findings highlight these factors’ roles in shaping destination loyalty and offer actionable recommendations for improving exhibitor experiences. The findings emphasize the broader implications for urban development, highlighting how trade fairs can serve as catalysts for city branding and infrastructural improvements, thereby strengthening Thessaloniki’s position in the competitive M.I.C.E. tourism sector. Full article

The transformation of traditional food markets into urban tourism destinations has garnered increasing attention, yet the mechanisms driving tourist motivations remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing a host–guest sharing model grounded in the Theory of Self-Regulation (TSR). Employing a mixed-methods approach, we first conducted grounded theory analysis on 358,700 words of travelogues, identifying six TSR-based constructs: host–guest sharing, sense of place, behavior attitude, desire, subjective norms, and behavioral intention. These constructs were then validated through structural equation modeling (SEM) using survey data from 416 tourists. Results indicate that host–guest sharing (β = 0.925) and sense of place (β = 0.947) are the primary drivers of tourist intention, mediated by behavior attitude (β = 0.662) and desire (β = 0.861). Subjective norms (β = 0.724) further reinforce intention formation. The findings highlight the centrality of authentic cultural experiences and resident–tourist interactions in shaping food market tourism. This research extends the TSR framework by integrating geographical and psychological perspectives and offering actionable insights for urban planners to enhance food markets as sustainable tourism attractions through improved service quality, cultural storytelling, and equitable space design. Full article

The Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp) in western Japan hosts several geologically significant heritage sites, including the Late Paleozoic Akiyoshi Limestone, the Late Triassic Mine Group, the Late Cretaceous Naganobori copper deposits, and the Akiyoshido Cave and karst plateau. The Akiyoshi Limestone at the Kaerimizu site originated as an atoll reef atop a seamount on an oceanic plate. It preserves approximately 80 million years of ancient marine environments and subduction-related tectonic histories. The Mine Group at the Momonoki site, with its coal-bearing strata, contains fossils of the earliest members of Diptera and Hymenoptera. The Naganobori copper mine at the Naganobori site played a vital role in Japanese society from the 8th to the 20th centuries. Meanwhile, the Akiyoshido site, renowned for its scenic beauty, is one of Japan’s most iconic tourist destinations. Using the IUGS guidelines and geoheritage assessment methodology, we reassessed the value and utilization of these geological heritage sites. The Kaerimizu and Momonoki sites were identified as internationally significant and ideal for scientific research. The Naganobori site was determined to be well-suited for educational purposes with national significance, while the Akiyoshido site was deemed optimal for geotourism with national significance. Full article

The growing awareness of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism highlights the need to identify innovative practices that promote sustainability in tourist destinations. This study investigates mega sporting events and their fundamental role in sustainable tourism; these events contribute to tourism promotion by regenerating and revitalizing host areas. However, the increasing demand for transparency in the management of public resources, aimed at ensuring the economic sustainability of the areas hosting these events, has heightened the focus on monitoring resource allocation. Beyond the use of technological innovations, it becomes essential to study the role of innovation in promoting sustainable tourism management practices to guarantee the economic sustainability of destinations hosting major sporting events. A key tool for planning tourism promotion and ensuring economic sustainability is undoubtedly economic impact analysis. Although numerous methods are available, the integration of multiple approaches enhances both the completeness and accuracy of such evaluations. This study proposes an innovative approach that combines different methods to provide a robust approach for economic impact analysis. This research validates the proposed approach through the analysis of two prestigious cycling competitions: the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. The proposed approach enables the identification of areas where targeted investments and strategic improvements can promote sustainable and long-term economic benefits for host regions. It can support decision-making processes to plan tourism promotion and ensure economic sustainability. Full article

Migration plays a crucial role in shaping destination countries’ social and economic landscapes, including in Ecuador. This study aims to explore the benefits and challenges of migration by analyzing the perceptions of Ecuadorians who have directly or indirectly encountered its effects. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 1048 Ecuadorians and conducted 27 in-depth interviews to capture various viewpoints. The findings reveal a complex perspective: 47% of respondents view migration positively, emphasizing economic opportunities and cultural enrichment, while 53% express concerns about issues such as employment mismatches and barriers to social integration. These insights highlight the need for further research, e.g., to explore tailored policy solutions and deepen the understanding of migration’s multifaceted impact on Ecuador’s society and economy. The results highlight the need to investigate how media perceptions of migration influence the attitudes and decisions of migrants and host communities to design more balanced and realistic information campaigns for informed decision-making. Full article

Over the past three decades, global tourism has significantly contributed to the world economy, driven by factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and rising disposable incomes. However, alongside these economic benefits, tourism’s environmental impact remains a pressing concern, involving resource depletion, pollution, and substantial carbon emissions. Despite extensive research on these issues, there remains a gap in the literature regarding how state social responsibility and sustainability can be effectively integrated into tourism policies, particularly in prominent tourist destinations like Spain. This study addresses this gap by employing a combined qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative (survey) approach to explore the dual role of tourism in economic growth and environmental sustainability. Focusing on Spain as a case study, the research highlights both the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable tourism practices. It examines the influence of factors such as the host country’s image, quality of life, the home country’s purchasing power parity (PPP), and the geographical distance between home and host countries on tourists’ destination choices within the framework of Stakeholder Theory. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of these factors, offering critical insights for researchers and policymakers striving to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability globally. Full article

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) represents the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA. Only 20% of patients present surgically resectable and potentially curable tumors at diagnosis, while 80% are destined for poor survival and palliative chemotherapy. Accordingly, the advancement of innovative and effective therapeutic strategies represents a pivotal medical imperative. It has been demonstrated that targeting the immune system represents an effective approach against several solid tumors. The immunotherapy approach encompasses a range of strategies, including the administration of antibodies targeting checkpoint molecules (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) to disrupt tumor suppression mechanisms and active immunization approaches that aim to stimulate the host’s immune system. While vaccines have proved effective against infectious agents, vaccines for cancer remain an unfulfilled promise. Vaccine-based therapy targeting tumor antigens has the potential to be a highly effective strategy for initiating and maintaining T cell recognition, enhancing the immune response, and ultimately promoting cancer treatment success. In this review, we examined the most recent clinical trials that employed diverse vaccine types to stimulate PDA patients’ immune systems, either independently or in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ICIs, and monoclonal antibodies with the aim of ameliorating PDA patients’ quality of life and extend their survival. Full article

Based on the consensus that visiting friends and relatives (VFR) contributes to sustainable regions by developing place attachment, this qualitative study shows how VFR hosts and visitors express place attachment, and how this is formed and modified. This paper is based on interviews with a total of 16 hosts and guests who had tourism experiences together in South Korea (Korea). The findings describe the place attachment formation and transition processes of both the hosts and the guests. For hosts, extant place attachment and VFR hosting experience affected each other. Hosts especially expressed that the opportunity to explore new places contributed to redefining the relationship between themselves and Korea, which affected place attachment. Among the guests, VFR visits of Koreans living abroad and non-Korean guests appeared to have different mechanisms for place attachment formation, enhancement, and recovery. Cognitive, affective, and conative realms of place attachment were captured within narratives that expressed refreshment, recharged energy, and relaxation. The interactions between the host and guest affected place attachment, as did the experience of revisiting familiar places and local non-touristic experiences during the visit. Such perceptions and experiences of place attachment development further suggest the role of place attachment building through VFR in attaining the sustainability of a destination region. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by enhancing the nuanced understanding of how place attachment is expressed in the VFR context and by discovering the context of the formation and change of place attachment of diverse hosts and guests. The study is also significant in that it advances knowledge about how place attachment facilitates the sustainability of the regions through the lens of VFR. Full article

The close connection between community residents and tourists in heritage tourism sites strengthens the relationship between people and places. To explore the mechanisms of host–guest interaction and the driving factors of residents’ willingness to participate in tourism in heritage tourism destinations, this study adopts a mixed-method approach combining qualitative research and quantitative analysis. The results of the study show that host–guest symbiosis in heritage tourism destinations goes through four stages: identity qualification, bodily co-presence, common focus, and emotional solidarity. Quantitative research (SEM) reveals the impact of residents’ welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding towards tourists on the sense of community belonging, as well as the subsequent response of willingness to participate in tourism. Through the analysis of the host–guest interaction mechanisms and symbiotic relationships in heritage tourism sites, the key emotional factors influencing residents’ participation in tourism are revealed. Full article