Search Results (481)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence tourist behavior and revisit intentions in the context of halal tourism. The antecedent variables in this study included religiosity, digital halal literacy, halal destination features, contentment, and trust. This is a quantitative study that used travelers that visited halal tourism attractions in West Sumatra, Indonesia, as the sample population. The sample size was 400 respondents. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares–structural equation model (PLS-SEM). We discovered that religiosity is an important predictor of contentment and trust. Satisfaction was achieved through digital halal literacy and halal destination qualities and was found to have a significant influence on trust, tourist behavior, and revisit intentions. Finally, trust was found to have a significant association with intention to revisit and behavior. The results of this research are insightful for managers and policymakers on how to provide halal tourism attributes and analyze tourists’ digital halal literacy that lead to tourist satisfaction. This study also provides further knowledge to policymakers and local authorities on how to promote future tourist participation in halal tourism development in Indonesia; thus, it can help create more tourist returns for further visits to the same location in the future. Full article

This article aims to explore and analyze current issues and features of environmental protection in managing local tourism destinations based on the principles of sustainable development through the relevant literature and thus to provide an insight into major environmental measures and activities that should be implemented in practice, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability as a key factor in the development and success of local tourist destinations in today’s business environment. Qualitative methods were used, with the literature review based on content analysis by keywords. This particularly affects the business process efficiency and the participation of destination stakeholders and in many cases leads to a low level of environmentally sustainable destination practices. In addition to this theoretical approach, this study also has direct managerial implications for destination environmental business operations. An attractive and well-preserved environment is the primary factor of tourism and local tourism destination development and its success, as well as an integrated part of the tourism product. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature on environmental sustainability at local destinations, where prior work has often overlooked the integration of actionable, practice-oriented frameworks tailored for both researchers and practitioners. While theoretical insights into sustainable practices abound, there remains a scarcity of holistic analyses that bridge scholarly understanding with implementable strategies for on-the-ground application. To fill this void, our research provides a comprehensive overview and systematic analysis of current practices, with targeted emphasis on co-developing scalable frameworks for improving environmentally sustainable practices at local destinations. Full article

The rapid rebound of global tourism post-pandemic has intensified pressure on destinations like Istanbul and Athens, bringing overtourism debates into sharp focus. This study examined how five sustainability dimensions (economic, environmental, sociocultural, political, technological) shape residents’ overtourism perceptions and tourism support. Using PLS-SEM analysis of 285 long-term residents’ responses, this study reveals contrasting patterns between cities. In Athens, heightened awareness of environmental, economic, and sociocultural sustainability directly increases overtourism perceptions, subsequently reducing tourism support. Istanbul presents a counterpoint: environmental sustainability concerns alleviate overtourism perceptions, though without significant impact on tourism backing. Notably, political and technological dimensions show no statistically significant effects in either context. These findings demonstrate how sustainability perceptions are locally mediated, with identical factors producing divergent outcomes across cultural contexts. The study advances sustainable tourism literature by: (1) empirically validating context-dependent variations in resident attitudes, and (2) proposing a community-centered evaluation framework for policymakers. Recent study emphasizes the necessity of destination-specific strategies that prioritize residents’ nuanced sustainability concerns over generic tourism management approaches. Full article

Based on a literature review, the present article aims to present ecotourism as a transformative factor in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental contexts, revealing key elements for the sustainable development of ecotourism. To ensure that this objective is met, the review combines the insights of classical authors and many recent authors who have best addressed the subject. The review carefully selected consensual and contradictory arguments, reflecting on the relevance of each group, particularly in aspects such as the influence of emotional experience on behaviour and satisfaction, strategy and competitive advantage, cooperation and sustainability, and the influence of resilience on ecotourism. The impact of each perspective was presented without ignoring the major constraints that ecotourism faces in its search for a position in the tourism industry. This led the study to accept the fact that the active participation of the community is indispensable in the formula for the success of ecotourism. Some statistical data were consulted and analysed, which enabled the study to determine the quantitative impact of ecotourism on economic, social, and environmental life. In terms of benefits to communities, the review clarifies the fact that ecotourism serves as an instrument that mobilizes not only the additional value of products and services traded in the process, but also the return on investments and job creation. The combination of visiting activities with the involvement of tour guides contributes to maximizing profits in the destinations, thus supporting solid economic, social, and environmental development for the benefit of both ecotourism promoters and local communities. However, the analysis makes it clear that the economic, social, and environmental benefit depends on the degree of involvement of the local population. In terms of usability, for other studies, this review can contribute to the understanding and positioning of ecotourism in the search for a balance between satisfying socioeconomic and environmental interests. Additionally, it can serve as an aid to policy makers in their decisions related to ecotourism. 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

This study examines the role of public–private partnerships in promoting the sustainable development of travel destinations through a comparative analysis of two emblematic heritage-based hospitality projects: Dar Tantora in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, and Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, Italy. These case studies were analysed through both architectural–urban and economic–legal perspectives to highlight how public–private partnership models can support heritage conservation, community engagement, and responsible tourism development. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative indicators—such as projected profitability, tourist volume, and employment—with qualitative insights from interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis reveals that while both models prioritise cultural authenticity and adaptive reuse, they differ significantly in funding structures, legal frameworks, and governance dynamics. Dar Tantora exemplifies a top-down, publicly funded model integrated into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, whereas Sextantio reflects a bottom-up, private initiative rooted in social enterprise. The findings offer insights into how different public–private partnership configurations can foster sustainable tourism development, depending on local context, institutional frameworks, and strategic goals. The study contributes to the broader discourse on regenerative tourism, architectural conservation, and policy-driven heritage reuse. Full article

Generation Z (Gen Z; born 1997–2012) is reshaping global tourism through digital fluency, ethical awareness, and a desire for authentic, sustainable travel experiences. This study surveys 413 Gen Z travelers across France, Portugal, Romania, and the USA to map their booking behaviors, information sources, transport modes, accommodations, dining practices, and leisure activities. The findings reveal a strong preference for independent online bookings and social-media-influenced destination choices (Instagram, TikTok), with air and car travel being used for long-distance journeys and walking/public transit being used for local journeys. Accommodation spans commercial hotels and private rentals, while informal, local dining and nature- or culture-centered leisure prevail. Chi-square tests were performed to identify differences between countries. To reveal distinct traveler segments and their country’s modulations towards sustainability, a hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. The results uncover four segments: “Tech-Active, Nature-Oriented Minimalists” (32.3% in France); “Moderate Digital Planners” (most frequent across all countries, particularly dominant among Romanian respondents); “Disengaged and Indecisive Travelers” (overrepresented in the USA); and “Culturally Inclined, Selective Sustainability Seekers” (>30% in France/Portugal). Although sustainability is widely valued, only some segments of the studied population consistently act on these values. The results suggest that engaging Gen Z requires targeted, value-driven digital strategies that align platform design with the cohort’s diverse sustainability commitments. 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

Tourism development in coastal zones is often guided by marketing strategies focused on promotion, without real integration with the ecological, identity, and planning challenges facing these territories. This disconnection compromises environmental resilience, dilutes local cultural identity, and hinders adaptive governance in contexts of increasing tourism pressure and climate change. In response to this problem, the article presents the concept of Blue Marketing, a place-based, sustainability-oriented approach designed to guide communication, product development, and governance in marine and coastal destinations. Drawing on socio-environmental marketing and inspired by Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), the study proposes a Blue Marketing Decalogue (BMD), structured into three thematic blocks: (1) Ecosystem-focused sustainability, (2) cultural identity and territorial uniqueness, and (3) strategic planning and adaptive governance. Methodologically, the decalogue is empirically grounded in a territorial diagnosis of the Barbate–Vejer coastal corridor (Cádiz, Spain), developed through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), local planning documents, and field observations. This case study provides a detailed analysis of ecological vulnerabilities, cultural resources, and tourism dynamics, offering strategic insights transferable to other coastal contexts. The BMD incorporates both strategic and normative instruments that support the design of responsible tourism communication strategies, aligned with environmental preservation, community identity, and long-term planning. This contribution enriches current debates on sustainable tourism governance and provides practical tools for coastal destinations aiming to balance competitiveness with ecological responsibility. Ultimately, Blue Marketing is proposed as a vector for transformation, capable of reconnecting tourism promotion with the sustainability challenges and opportunities of coastal regions. Full article

Tourism management in coastal destinations is vital to guide activity towards sustainable practices that ensure lower social and environmental impacts with greater benefits for the local community and experiences for tourists, especially in mature destinations where the main product is the beach. The aim of this research is to calculate the Tourist Carrying Capacity (TCC) of a stretch of beach in Mazatlán, Mexico, under past, present, and future scenarios, under different intensities of use. The main findings indicate that by 2025 the Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) is 19,644, 29,822, and 4911 users with intensive, medium, and low occupancy levels, respectively. A decrease of −30.63% was found between the Effective Carrying Capacity of the 2025 scenario with respect to 2005 and a decrease of −68.90% is predicted for the year 2050 with respect to the current one, indicating an accelerated trend in the decrease of physical space and, therefore, greater pressure on the coastal ecosystem in case the trend of tourists goes upward, without being sustainably managed. These results are useful for agencies involved in beach and tourism management in mature coastal destinations. Full article

This study investigates the impact of web-based augmented reality (Web AR) on destination visit intention through the lens of a stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework, a technology acceptance model (TAM) and flow theory into an integrated theoretical framework. This study aims to address gaps in the literature by providing insights about the relevance of augmented reality to tourism marketing effectiveness. Structural equation modeling was used to test this conceptual framework using AMOS23 on quantitative data collected from questionnaires distributed locally and internationally and applied to 384 participants after going through a Web AR destination experience. The findings confirmed that Web AR stimuli (i.e., interactivity and vividness) positively impact tourists’ destination visit intention through the tourist organism in terms of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived certainty, perceived enjoyment and perceived immersion. Therefore, the promotion of destinations through augmented reality technology contributes to the development of sustainable tourism. The findings of this study will shed light on an alternative idea for destination marketing to inspire destination management organizations (DMOs) wishing to develop a competitive edge and win within the tourism industry. The results thus contribute to the Web AR and the tourism marketing literature by providing theoretical guidance through a framework for the AR tourism experience, as well as a reference for DMOs. Full article

The present study explores residents’ perceptions of Stintino (Sardinia, Italy) as a tourist destination. The municipality is predominantly known for La Pelosa beach, widely regarded as one of the most attractive coastal sites in Europe. However, its popularity has raised critical issues related to carrying capacity and seasonal overcrowding, contributing to a tourism model centered almost exclusively on beach-related activities. This study aims to investigate how locals conceptualize their place beyond the dominant seaside narrative, particularly considering Stintino’s identity as a former fishing village with a strong maritime tradition. As part of Italy’s designated inner areas, Stintino also embodies a deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage, further reinforcing the need for its preservation. Adopting a photovoice-based participatory visual methodology, this study engaged 15 local stakeholders from key sectors (hospitality, fishing tourism, retail, gastronomy, and cultural institutions) who produced and discussed photographic representations of their lived experience of the territory. The visual material was thematically analyzed using a conceptual framework informed by theories of place perception and social representations. The findings suggested a multifaceted territorial storytelling rooted in local heritage, symbolic spaces, and everyday practices. Tourism governance strategies could incorporate community-based approaches, such as participatory mapping and inclusive narrative development, to foster more sustainable and place-sensitive promotion models. Full article

With the rapid development of the tourism industry, scientific evaluation of tourism resources is crucial to realize sustainable development. Especially how to quantify resource advantages in international tourism cities has become an important basis for tourism planning and policy making. However, the limitations of traditional evaluation methods in the allocation of indicator weights and nonlinear data processing make it difficult to meet the development needs of international tourism cities. Therefore, this study takes Guilin, an international tourist city, as the research object and proposes a hybrid framework integrating fuzzy neural network (FNN) and analytic hierarchy process-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (AHP-FCE). Based on 800 questionnaire data covering tourists, practitioners, and local residents, the study constructed a multilevel evaluation system (containing 12 specific indexes in the three dimensions of nature, service, and culture) using the Delphi method of expert interviews. It is found that AHP-FCE can effectively analyze the hierarchical relationship of evaluation indexes, but it is easily affected by the subjective judgment of experts. In contrast, FNN can effectively improve evaluation accuracy through the adaptive learning mechanism, and it especially shows significant advantages in dealing with tourists’ perception data. The empirical analysis shows that Guilin has obvious room for improvement in “environmental friendliness” and “cultural communication effectiveness”. The integration framework proposed in this study aims to enhance the scientific validity and accuracy of the assessment results, and provides reference and inspiration for the sustainable development of Guilin international tourism destination. 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

Community-led rural tourism plays a crucial role in promoting economic sustainability and cultural preservation by prioritizing local needs and values. Active resident participation fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, essential for the long-term success of tourism initiatives. A study of 386 residents from Bregenzerwald, Austria—selected for its established community-led tourism model and strong local engagement—characterized by a balanced gender distribution and high education levels, investigated the factors influencing local engagement in tourism, including perceived benefits, empowerment, trust, place attachment, and resource accessibility. Complementary interviews with 31 stakeholders from Fruška Gora, Serbia—chosen as an emerging rural tourism destination with potential for sustainable development—further emphasized the significance of community agency and empowerment. Through factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM), the research validated its conceptual framework, demonstrating the transferability of the Bregenzerwald model to other rural contexts. Two key constructs emerged: tourism empowerment and sustainable belonging, jointly explaining 84.655% of the variance. Tourism empowerment underscores residents’ recognition of tourism as a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and cultural safeguarding, while sustainable belonging reflects a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and social cohesion. Stakeholders from Fruška Gora echoed these findings, highlighting tourism’s role in economic development, cultural identity reinforcement, and environmental stewardship. The results illustrate that rural tourism, when community-led, serves as a comprehensive development tool, fostering economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social solidarity. The Bregenzerwald model offers a valuable framework for enhancing community participation and sustainable tourism development in other rural regions seeking holistic growth. Full article