Search Results (306)

Small towns in mountainous regions face significant challenges in formulating effective landscape zoning strategies due to pronounced landscape fragmentation, which is driven by both the dominance of large-scale forest resources and the lack of coordination between administrative planning departments. To tackle this problem, this study focused on Yuqian, a quintessential small mountainous town in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The town’s layout was divided into a grid network measuring 70 m × 70 m. A two-step cluster process was employed using ArcGIS and SPSS software to analyze five landscape variables: altitude, slope, land use, heritage density, and visual visibility. Further, eCognition software’s semi-automated segmentation technique, complemented by manual adjustments, helped delineate landscape character types and areas. The overlay analysis integrated these areas with administrative village units, identifying four landscape character types across 35 character areas, which were recategorized into four planning and management zones: urban comprehensive service areas, agricultural and cultural tourism development areas, industrial development growth areas, and mountain forest ecological conservation areas. This result optimizes the current zoning types. These zones closely match governmental sustainable development zoning requirements. Based on these findings, we propose integrated landscape management and conservation strategies, including the cautious expansion of urban areas, leveraging agricultural and cultural tourism, ensuring industrial activities do not impact the natural and village environment adversely, and prioritizing ecological conservation in sensitive areas. This approach integrates spatial and administrative dimensions to enhance landscape connectivity and resource sustainability, providing key guidance for small town development in mountainous regions with unique environmental and cultural contexts. Full article

Dark skies, a vital natural and cultural resource, have been increasingly threatened by light pollution due to rapid urbanization, leading to ecological degradation and biodiversity loss. As a key strategy for sustainable regional development, dark sky parks (DSPs) not only preserve nocturnal environments but also enhance livability by balancing urban expansion and ecological conservation. This study develops a novel framework for evaluating DSP suitability, integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions, including the resource base (e.g., nighttime light levels, meteorological conditions, and air quality) and development conditions (e.g., population density, transportation accessibility, and tourism infrastructure). Using the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, we employ Delphi expert consultation, GIS spatial analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making to identify optimal DSP locations and prioritize conservation zones. Our key findings reveal the following: (1) spatial heterogeneity in suitability, with high-potential zones being concentrated in the GBA’s northeastern, central–western, and southern regions; (2) ecosystem advantages of forests, wetlands, and high-elevation areas for minimizing light pollution; (3) coastal and island regions as ideal DSP sites due to the low light interference and high ecotourism potential. By bridging environmental assessments and spatial planning, this study provides a replicable model for DSP site selection, offering policymakers actionable insights to integrate dark sky preservation into sustainable urban–regional development strategies. Our results underscore the importance of DSPs in fostering ecological resilience, nighttime tourism, and regional livability, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable landscape planning in high-urbanization contexts. Full article

Demre is one of the most important tourist destinations in Antalya province in terms of its natural and cultural heritage values, historical texture, and ecological diversity. Evaluating these potentials and managing them sustainably is of great importance. Management strategies that focus solely on improving ecological elements often fail to deliver the desired results because they tend to neglect the needs and perspectives of stakeholders. Participatory approaches are important for determining and prioritizing tourism strategies because they encourage participation and awareness, thereby facilitating the development of sustainable and effective management strategies. In this context, this study, which aims to contribute to the protection and sustainable management of tourism areas in Demre district using a participatory approach, conducted a SWOT analysis to assess the state of environmental management. Based on the data obtained, internal strategic factors scored 3415 points, while external strategic factors scored 2899 points. Ten sustainable tourism strategies were developed, primarily focusing on the SO strategy, which leverages the potential of the area by focusing on internal strengths and external opportunities, with the aim of increasing tourism opportunities in the region and developing and implementing effective management strategies. At the end of the study, tourism strategies were prioritized using the TOPSIS analysis. Full article

This study explores a strategic framework for the sustainable development of Northern and Central Euboea (Evia), Greece, through the preservation and promotion of cultural and environmental assets. This research aims to redirect tourism flows from overdeveloped coastal zones to underutilized inland areas by leveraging local heritage and natural resources. The methodology was developed within the context of the AEI research project and combines bibliographic research, stakeholder consultation, GIS analysis, and socioeconomic assessment. Based on this framework, a series of thematic cultural routes and agritourism initiatives were designed to enhance regional attractiveness and resilience. The study proposes the utilization of ICT tools such as GIS-based mapping, a digital development platform, and an online tourism portal to document, manage, and promote key assets. The socioeconomic impact of the proposed interventions was evaluated using an input–output model, revealing that each EUR 1 million invested in the region is expected to generate EUR 650,000 in local GDP and create 14 new jobs. The results underscore the potential of alternative tourism to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly in post-disaster rural regions. This integrated approach can serve as a model for other territories facing similar environmental, economic, and demographic challenges. Full article

This study aims to examine the influence of sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and digital marketing on sustainable performance in tourism sector companies in Indonesia. In addition, the research investigates the indirect effects through knowledge sharing. Specifically, the study explores the moderating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational culture with sustainable performance. The research gap in this study lies in its approach, which combines several variables that have not been widely explored in the context of sustainability in the tourism facilities sector. The population of this research comprises all tourism facility companies operating in natural tourism areas in Indonesia that have been officially licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The sample consists of 103 tourism facility companies. Respondents selected were company leaders or managers deemed to possess in-depth knowledge of the company’s operations and business strategies. The analysis method employed was Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), utilizing SmartPLS 4.1.1.2 software to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and digital marketing significantly influence sustainable performance. However, sustainable leadership and organizational culture do not significantly influence digital marketing. Furthermore, the study confirms that knowledge sharing serves as a moderating variable that strengthens the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational culture with sustainable performance. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for tourism sector companies to enhance sustainable performance through the implementation of sustainable leadership, a supportive organizational culture, and effective utilization of digital marketing. Full article

The need to promote proximity tourism in natural areas has made the destinations in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula a benchmark in the development of tourism in traditionally rural and depressed areas. In Ciudad Real province, a sustainable territorial management project was developed based on the uniqueness of its volcanic geoheritage, leading to its designation as the UNESCO Global Geopark “Volcanes de Calatrava, Ciudad Real”. Geoparks promote sustainable activities such as geotourism; thus, an urban geotourism itinerary was proposed in Piedrabuena (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha) in order to make the natural and cultural geoheritage of a part of the geopark known, which is also a part of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region. For this purpose, 12 natural and cultural resources of the geoheritage of the Piedrabuena volcano, on which the urban centre is located, were identified, inventoried, characterized, and valorised as sites of geotouristic interest, and they were connected along a geotourism itinerary. This itinerary has a 4 km route and up to eight interpretive stops, which allows visitors and tourists to enjoy a geotourism experience based on the volcanic landscape of the geopark, laying the foundations for the creation of other similar experiences. Full article

The landscape of the Warmian municipality of Dobre Miasto has significant natural and cultural value. However, the municipality’s tourism potential remains untapped. The absence of comprehensive local zoning plans covering the entire municipality or most of its territory has disrupted the landscape, leading to the emergence of visually discordant elements. Due to rapid land-use changes in the Region of Warmia, the protection and preservation of its rich natural and cultural heritage are increasingly challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of natural and cultural resources, as well as tourism infrastructure, on the development potential of rural tourism in Dobre Miasto municipality in Poland’s historical region of Warmia. Attempts were made to identify spatial disparities in tourism attractiveness and to determine the ways in which the local environmental and the cultural landscape may support sustainable tourism planning. The results provide valuable insights for implementing appropriate land-use strategies and setting new directions for future development. Tourism infrastructure has to be modernized, expanded, and adapted to new projects, while ensuring that planning and tourism management align with the principles of sustainable development. The growth of tourism creates new opportunities for stimulating rural areas, but it requires careful planning and the implementation of policies that effectively regulate tourist flows while maintaining ecological and cultural integrity. Full article

Wine tourism has emerged as a thriving activity within the international wine sector, evolving from simple winery visits to immersive and experiential engagements. This study explores the role of wine tourism in Galicia, emphasizing its integration into the circular economy and sustainability frameworks. By analyzing visitor expectations and leveraging Galicia’s unique attributes—such as its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and renowned gastronomy—this research aims to position Galicia as a leading wine tourism destination in Spain. The study employs surveys targeting wineries, accommodation providers, and wine tourists to assess the impact of sustainable practices on economic performance and community development. Key findings indicate that activities related to renewable energy and sustainable tourism significantly enhance winery revenues, while also contributing to local economic growth and population retention in rural areas. The research concludes that a collaborative approach between public and private sectors is essential for designing a sustainable and circular economy in wine tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities. Full article

This study examines rural walking tourism as a sustainable strategy for revitalizing regional economies and preserving natural environments, focusing on the DMZ Punch Bowl in South Korea. Although rural walking tourism has been widely promoted for sustainability, little is known about its operation in geopolitically sensitive and militarized ecological zones, such as the Korean DMZ. Adopting the qualitative case study method, we explored three essential conditions for sustainable rural walking tourism: environmental friendliness, experiential immersion and sense of place, and local economic revitalization through stakeholder cooperation. We employed a hybrid thematic analysis using inductive and deductive coding to analyze the triangulated data collected from interviews, field observations, and policy documents. In-depth interviews with ten walking tourism experts revealed that storytelling that emphasizes local history, ecological conservation, and unique cultural identity enhances tourists’ emotional attachment and sense of place immersion. The DMZ Punch Bowl case was selected due to its effective integration of these elements, achieved through a collaborative governance structure involving government agencies, military units, and local communities. The findings highlight that coordinated management and stakeholder cooperation are crucial for balancing land use policies, ecological preservation, and tourism safety. Additionally, walking tourism significantly contributes to local economic growth through direct spending, job creation, increased resident incomes, the sale of local specialties, and participation in experiential activities. This study provides valuable insights and a replicable model for sustainably developing walking tourism in similarly sensitive or ecologically significant rural areas. Full article

Internationally, there is a modern understanding of cultural heritage, including maritime/underwater cultural heritage (MUCH)—not merely as a passive relic of the past, but as a transformative driver for sustainable growth and innovation. The paper discusses the position of maritime cultural heritage (MUCH) in relation to the smart specialization strategies (S3) and its evolving role as a driver of sustainable growth, particularly within the context of the blue economy and smart specialization strategies (S3, S4) in Europe. It then focuses on the Greek context, where UCH-driven activities, particularly soft multi-use (MU) activities that combine UCH, diving tourism, and nature conservation, are gaining momentum, especially within marine protected areas (MPAs). Despite the growing interest, there is a lack of data, regulations, and a clear strategy for such activities, although the “National (Hellenic) Spatial Strategy for the Marine Space” (issued in 2025) suggests promoting low-impact diving tourism incorporating UCH. The research paper examines the benefits and barriers to implementing UCH-driven MUs, recommending the use of maritime spatial planning (MSP) to address relevant challenges. It suggests that integrating UCH with nature conservation and diving tourism in soft MUs could support a sustainable blue economy, through balancing cultural, ecological, social, and economic goals and fostering innovation through S3/S4 on a regional level. Full article

Ting, Tai, Lou, and Ge are types of ancient buildings that represent traditional Chinese architecture and culture. They are primarily constructed using mortise and tenon joints, complemented by brick and stone foundations, showcasing traditional architectural craftsmanship. However, research aimed at conserving, inheriting, and rejuvenating these buildings is limited, despite their status as Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units of China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the spatial distribution of Ting, Tai, Lou, and Ge buildings across China, as well as the factors driving differences in their spatial distribution. Tourist experiences and building popularity were also explored. The spatial analysis method (e.g., Standard deviation ellipse and Geographic detector), Word cloud generation, and sentiment analysis, which uses Natural Language Processing techniques to identify subjective emotions in text, were applied to investigated the research issues. The key findings of this study are as follows. The ratio of Ting, Tai, Lou, and Ge buildings in Southeast China to that in Northwest China divided by the “Heihe–Tengchong” Line, an important demographic boundary in China with the ratio of permanent residents in the two areas remaining stable at 94:6, was 94.6:5.4. Geographic detector analysis revealed that six of the seven natural and socioeconomic factors (topography, waterways, roads, railways, population, and carbon dioxide emissions) had a significant influence on the spatial heterogeneity of these cultural heritage buildings in China, with socioeconomic factors, particularly population, having a greater influence on building spatial distributions. All seven factors (including the normalized difference vegetation index, an indicator used to assess vegetation health and coverage) were significant in Southeast China, whereas all factors were non-significant in Northwest China, which may be explained by the small number of buildings in the latter region. The average rating scores and heat scores for Ting, Tai, Lou, and Ge buildings were 4.35 (out of 5) and 3 (out of 10), respectively, reflecting an imbalance between service quality and popularity. According to the percentages of positive and negative reviews, Lou buildings have much better tourism services than other buildings, indicating a need to improve services to attract more tourists to Ting, Tai, and Ge buildings. Four main types of words were used with high frequency in the tourism reviews collected form Ctrip, a popular online travel platform in China: (1) historical stories; (2) tourism; (3) culture; and (4) cities/provinces. Ting and Tai buildings showed similar word clouds, as did Lou and Ge buildings, with only the former including historical stories. Conversely, landmark was a high-frequency word only in the reviews of Lou and Ge buildings. Specific suggestions were proposed based on the above findings to promote tourism and revive ancient Chinese architecture. Full article

This article seeks to demonstrate the value of landscape character assessment in addressing the unique needs of remote areas, located at national insular borders, with lower levels of development and economic activity. The paper assesses and presents the predominant landscape character of a remote agricultural area in the north part of the island of Crete in Greece, the specific assets of various landscape character types with the main productive economic sectors, leading to a proposal for tourism development sustainable strategies. To achieve this, a landscape character assessment methodology was applied in combination with a literature review and landscape evaluation per each economic sector. The goals of a landscape strategy for the area were formulated to preserve and enhance the landscape character and uniqueness, as natural and cultural heritage, for the benefit of the island inhabitants. At the end, landscape strategies for the planning, management and protection of the specific area were proposed for its sustainable development. Full article

With increasing wind energy infrastructure developments, better understanding of its impacts on tourism is needed. This study examines international visitors’ attitudes toward wind farms in Iceland and investigates how locational factors affect their compatibility with tourism. Based on a survey answered by 1005 departing visitors, this study reveals that 92% are concerned about climate change. However, a lower proportion, 76%, support the use of wind energy in Iceland. Central European visitors are the most likely to be negatively affected by wind energy development, while Asian visitors showed the greatest interest in visiting a wind farm in Iceland. Among visitors from the leading countries of origin, French tourists were the most negative toward wind energy development in Iceland. Wind farms were perceived as most suitable in industrial, offshore, and agricultural areas, whereas their suitability was considered lowest in national parks and other protected natural areas and cultural heritage areas. Positive attitudes toward the use of wind energy positively affected the perceived suitability of wind farms in all of the discussed areas, while a lower perceived compatibility of wind farms with the tourist experience had a negative effect. The study highlights the importance of careful spatial planning and participatory approaches to improve compatibility between tourism and harnessing wind energy. Full article

The rapid pace of urbanization is contributing to ecological degradation and poses a threat to regional ecological security. Addressing these issues requires effective strategies to mitigate existing environmental challenges. Ecological networks, as the spatial foundation for ecosystem services, play a critical role in reducing environmental degradation. By reconfiguring the spatial relationship between human activities and natural ecosystems, anthropogenic pressures on land can be alleviated. However, most current research focuses on administrative boundaries, which limits spatial continuity and regional coordination. Therefore, constructing ecological networks from a cross-regional perspective is essential for integrated ecological management. This study uses the Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integration Demonstration Area as a case study. We construct a blue–green ecological network by applying ecological footprint analysis, Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), landscape connectivity assessments, the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model, and gravity modeling. Practical strategies for integrating the ecological network into territorial spatial planning are also explored. The key findings are as follows: (1) The demonstration area contains 33 ecological source areas, including 20 primary sources located near administrative boundaries and central lakeshore wetlands. A total of 333 ecological corridors were identified. First-grade corridors are primarily located in rural areas, traversing agricultural land and water bodies. (2) We recommend corridor widths of 200 m for first-grade corridors, 60 m for second-grade corridors, and 30 m for third-grade corridors. These widths are based on species characteristics and land use types, and are found to be conducive to species migration and habitat connectivity. (3) We propose the development of tourism landscape zones from a cross-regional perspective, leveraging existing ecological and cultural resources. The multifunctionality of corridors is redefined through the integration of ecological and social values, enhancing their spatial implementation. This framework provides a practical reference for constructing cross-regional blue–green ecological networks and informs spatial planning efforts in other multi-jurisdictional areas. Full article

Universal accessibility in cultural heritage is a key challenge to ensure the inclusion of all visitors in historical and tourist environments. The aim of this research is to analyze the current state of research on universal accessibility to cultural heritage in Spain, identifying the key institutions, themes, and trends within this field. Additionally, it seeks to assess how these findings relate to national priorities and highlight gaps in the implementation of accessibility measures. This study employed the PRISMA 2020 framework to select and analyze 1035 scientific articles published between 2010 and 2025, retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Bibliometrix (an R package) and Biblioshiny were used to analyze the data. The results show an exponential growth in publications since 2018, highlighting key areas such as accessible tourism, digitalization, the use of technologies for heritage documentation, urban planning, and geo-heritage conservation. It is concluded that accessibility in cultural heritage is an expanding interdisciplinary field with increasing international significance. It is recommended to continue exploring innovative technological solutions, strengthen governance strategies, and expand studies to rural and natural environments to ensure truly universal accessibility. Full article