Search Results (13)

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are an emerging application of blockchain technology, with the potential to transform various industries, including tourism. Despite conceptual discussions that have highlighted opportunities and challenges associated with using NFTs—such as in digital souvenirs, ticketing systems, loyalty programmes, and conservation initiatives—there is a critical gap in the literature consisting of the lack of a structured methodological framework to empirically evaluate the impact of real-world NFT implementations. This study addresses this gap by proposing a conceptual model and methodological framework designed to assess NFT projects in the tourism sector. The framework integrates diverse data collection methods, advanced analytical techniques (including econometric analysis, natural language processing, and machine learning), and a technological workbench for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). To demonstrate its applicability, the framework is applied to the Dalmatia NFT project, an exploratory application in cultural tourism. The considered example highlights the potential of NFTs to enhance tourism experiences while addressing challenges such as scalability, sustainability, and user engagement. This study concludes with insights into the framework’s practical implications for stakeholders and outlines future research directions for empirical validation. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this study aims to provide a robust foundation for effectively integrating NFTs into the tourism industry. Full article

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a promising application of blockchain technology that can potentially disrupt various sectors, mainly tourism. While there have been conceptual discussions regarding the opportunities and challenges of utilizing NFTs for purposes such as digital souvenirs, ticketing, loyalty programs, and conservation initiatives, there remains a significant need for a robust methodological framework to assess the impact of real-world NFT implementations empirically. This paper presents the methodological foundation of ongoing research. It proposes a comprehensive approach to researching NFT initiatives within the tourism sector, which includes data collection methods, analytical techniques, and the design of a workbench for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs). The proposed framework combines quantitative and qualitative measures to capture the complex nature of NFT adoption, including financial performance, visitor engagement, user experience, and operational efficiency. By establishing standardized protocols and metrics, the proposed methodology aims to enable cross-study comparisons and contribute to developing the best practices for leveraging NFTs in the tourism industry. The work highlights the potential of NFTs to enhance visitor experiences, generate new revenue streams, and promote destinations as tech-savvy hubs, while also addressing ethical and sustainability concerns. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to evaluating NFTs initiatives, which can provide valuable insights for tourism organizations seeking to innovate and remain competitive in a digital landscape. Future research should focus on validating the framework through real-world case studies, exploring additional applications of NFTs in tourism, and addressing challenges related to data availability, technological integration, and stakeholder collaboration. Full article

Our research focuses on a complex and integrative analysis of bear presence in four tourist resorts in Prahova Valley, Romania: Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga and Predeal. Employing innovative mixed methods, including questionnaires, interviews, newspaper analysis, and consideration of the local toponymy, including bear-related names and souvenirs, we aim to highlight the extent to which a posthumanist attitude is evident in the region. The sustained appearance of bears is attributed to habitat invasion through deforestation, road construction, residential neighborhoods, and tourist infrastructure. Ambiguity arises from the presence of food sources and voluntary feeding both by locals and tourists. The mass media initially heightened fear and panic during the onset of human–bear interactions but later adopted a more tolerant tone regarding the bear’s presence in tourist resorts, reflecting an openness to the posthumanist approach in Prahova Valley. That is why locals express fear and concern about bear encounters, advocating for a clear separation between animal and human spaces. Tourists exhibit attitudes ranging from unconscious appreciation to ambivalence, often contributing to the problem through practices such as feeding bears for fun. The use of bear-related names for tourist establishments is identified as anthropocentric, despite their appeal for attracting tourists. Souvenir sales, through increasing socio-economic value and contributing to tourist experiences, are also recognized as anthropocentric. However, souvenirs can provide elements of support for bear conservation efforts and the equal consideration of human and non-human entities. This study concludes that a successful adaptive coexistence requires a posthumanist vision, overcoming anthropocentrism in a landscape altered by human activities, supported by bear management programs in Bucegi Natural Park, and conservation efforts in Prahova Valley in a landscape altered by people. Full article

This paper deals with the sustainability of tourism in Stolovi Mountain. The purpose of the research was to show that it is possible to develop sustainable tourism in unestablished localities, intending to reduce differences in regional development in the Republic of Serbia, and then refine the tourist offerings of already established tourist localities in the vicinity. Various literature sources were used in the research. GIS software (QGIS 3.12) was used in order to create geographic and other special maps. Field observations were conducted, which were used to perform an in-depth analysis. In addition, two surveys were conducted with people from Kraljevo and those coming from other places in order to determine the identity and recognizability of Stolovi Mountain. The significance of this research is in pointing out that the connection of tourist sites can enrich the offer and attract new visitors, but also in supplementing scientific knowledge about Stolovi Mountain. The main results of the research show that green forms of tourism will ensure ecological sustainability. Kraljevo, a nearby city, is home to the workforce that will care for the localities, provide material contributions for the preservation of nature, guide jobs and sell souvenirs. Stolovi Mountain could quickly be included in various tourist tours and begin to demonstrate the first positive economic effects, followed by sociodemographic ones. The affirmation of mountainous, sparsely populated areas will lead to uniform regional development. Full article

The Alice Springs sculptor Patricia Elvins created a number of busts of Indigenous Australian men, women, and children, which were distributed as casts for the gift and souvenir market. Produced between the early-1960s and the early-1990s, these varnished casts exist with four different artists’ signatures, representing collaboration with different production potters who produced the casts. Macroscopic analysis shows significant differences in weight between casts of the same bust. CT scanning was carried out to understand the make-up of these casts and to illuminate differences in production techniques. The scanning revealed that all figurines were cast, but that casting techniques varied not only between production potters but also among figurines of the same potter. It revealed differences in the densities of the casting material, both between and within specimens, suggesting that production was not standardized but occurred in smaller batches, possibly on demand of low-volume sales stock. The study has shown the potential of non-destructive CT scanning to go beyond this and serve as a tool to examine the casting process itself as well as to contribute to an understanding of the nature of the plasters used. Full article

Tea culture tourism is a product of the combination of agricultural tourism and ecotourism. After the COVID-19 period, this product is more and more popular. Tourism performance is an important index for measuring the development level of tourist destinations, and research on the influencing factors of tourism performance is an important way to promote the high-quality development of tea culture tourism. Using the tea tourism town of Wushan as a case study, 452 valid questionnaires were used as research data, and exploratory factor analysis, paired sample t-test and IPA analysis were applied. The results indicate that: (1) tourism performance is mainly divided into 5 dimensions and 22 specific indicators, including service quality, resource environment, tourism transportation, tourism-supporting facilities and tea tourism products; (2) there is a significant difference between the degree of importance and performance of visitors to each indicator, and the overall tourism performance of the case sites at an average level; (3) convenient service, professional service, business management, park traffic, parking conditions, environmental design, shopping environment, tea quality, and tea culture characteristics are potential advantageous factors, and ‘service with a smile’, accessibility, trail layout, overall image, air quality, natural scenery, landscape vignettes, network communication, public toilets, sanitation facilities, tourist service centers, tea travel activities, and tourism souvenirs are areas in need of improvement. Full article

Manor parks are characteristic cultural features in Polish agricultural landscapes. About 10,000 manor parks are estimated to exist in Poland, and due to their high natural, historic and scenic value, these features represent potential in terms of ecosystem services. To properly manage these sites, it is advisable to determine the preferences of its visitors. The present study presents the results of a quantitative survey based on a group of 352 young visitors to manor parks in south Poland. The results show that visitors with higher monthly incomes have a statistically significant higher awareness as far as caring for the authenticity and preservation of the natural and historical heritage of manor parks and forests. Conversely, for visitors with lower incomes, additional touristic promotion attractions (e.g., souvenirs, guided visits) are increasingly important. The results of the study provide an important basis of information for local authorities, as well as private owners, with regard to preserving the natural and historical values (which are closely connected with the scenic values) of these sites, as well as local tourism development. The values of nature, sustainability, tourism and the improvement of life quality are linked to the enhancement of manor parks, as these facilities are providers of ecosystem services. Full article

The development of geoeducation generates a link between people, landscapes, and their culture by recognising the geological potential around geosites and their conservation. Geosites have important scientific value and constitute a way of generating learning tools for the development of geoeducation. The city of Guayaquil, the main port of Ecuador, has a valuable geological and mining heritage, which has been affected by population growth and its invasion of protected areas, causing the displacement of animal species to the point of possible extinction. The research aims to assess geosites in the surroundings of the Gustavo Galindo campus, using the Spanish Inventory of Sites of Geological Interest (IELIG, Spanish acronym) methodology to promote geo-education in the context of sustainability. The methodological process includes (i) the inventory and initial selection of Sites of Geological Interest (SGI) based on interviews with experts and the analysis of primary data from potential sites; (ii) characterisation and semi-quantitative geosites assessment using the IELIG methodology; and (iii) qualitative assessment through SWOT analysis to formulate geotourism and geoeducation development strategies. This research emphasises the importance of promoting geological heritage in an urban area. It shows geotourism attractions represented by five SGI grouped into two types: geomorphological and petrological. In general, the SGI are in the “High” category of the degree of geological interest, ranging from 170 to 236.67. In addition, the study identified the lack of a geological culture and natural values of the university campus. It allowed the proposal of protection strategies (e.g., a geoconservation plan ensuring that the number of visitors does not exceed the maximum load capacity), geoscientific dissemination (e.g., creating games, museums, itineraries, launching geoeducational souvenirs, or developing educational content using augmented reality) and a detailed research based on evaluating sites for sustainable development. Full article

Increasing the efficiency of using gypsum binders can be carried out by using not natural gypsum raw materials, but calcium sulfate-containing waste from various industries (phosphogypsum, borogypsum, citrogypsum, etc.). As the main source material in the work, we used gypsum-containing waste from a faience factory in the form of waste molds for casting dishes, souvenirs and plumbing fixtures. It has been established that the optimal binding system is formed by mixing powders of dihydrate technogenic gypsum from a coarse and fine earthenware factory with average particle diameters of 3.473 microns and 3.065 microns in a percentage ratio of 30:70, respectively. Using a computer software developed by the authors, which makes it possible to simulate the microstructure of a raw mixture taking into account the contact interaction of particles and calculate the average coordination number, models of binary packing of particles were constructed at various ratios of their diameters. Studies of the strength of composites obtained on the basis of bidisperse systems have shown the presence of an extremum in the region of mixtures containing 30% coarse powder. With optimal packing, a large number of phase contacts are formed due to the regulation of the grain composition of the bidisperse system. It was revealed that a brick based on the waste of two-water gypsum from earthenware production has 2.5–5 times better characteristics of compressive strength than traditional building wall products based on natural gypsum. At the same time, the strength immediately after molding is more than 3 times higher than that of traditional gypsum products. Even higher indicators are achieved when adding microcalcite in addition to the waste of earthenware production, in this case, the compressive strength is 3–6 times higher, and the strength immediately after molding is almost 3 times higher than that of traditional gypsum products. Full article

Collecting of natural souvenirs causes destruction of the natural environment as well as social and economic problems. The article shows that the next generation will have a tendency to aggravate such problems by collecting natural souvenirs. To discover the preferences of young people related to collecting natural souvenirs, the authors performed a survey in Poland on a sample of 426 persons aged 21–30. The survey has shown that 80.7% of young people participating in tourist trips bring souvenirs to their places of residence. As much as 61.4% collect natural souvenirs. Most people bring shells (53.9%), rocks (22.7%), and sand from seaside beaches (18.0%). Natural souvenirs are important to young Poles. This is confirmed by the following major motivations for collection: natural souvenirs are unique (26.2%), genuine (23.8%), bring back the best memories (22.6%), and cannot be bought in stores (14.5%). Only 9.8% of those surveyed oppose bringing of natural souvenirs, 5.2% deem such practices unlawful, and 11.2% recognize their detrimental effect on local tourist attractions. The article presents demarketing actions, which can largely stem the negative phenomenon of collection of natural souvenirs. Full article

Utilizing butterflies in souvenirs escalates their exploitation, which occurs even with protected species. Visitors affect both tourism sustainability and butterfly populations. Thus, parks must establish visitor management practices to secure tourism, including butterfly-trading activities to provide social and economic benefits, while still maintaining butterfly populations and environmental sustainability. This research examined the relationships between visitors’ motivations, environmental attitudes (deontological status, legal compliance, and political activism), and preference regarding butterfly souvenirs. Data were collected using an on-site survey of 455 respondents at Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in Indonesia and analyzed using factor analysis, correlation, and logistic regression. Results showed that visitors’ motivations were divided into four categories: challenge and freedom, nature appreciation, social relationships, and escape from routine. Visitors showed high deontological status, legal compliance, and political activist attitudes, valued the attributes of butterfly souvenirs highly, and strongly preferred souvenirs with authenticity value. Significant correlations existed among motivation, attitude, and preference for butterfly souvenir attributes. Logistic regression results revealed that with more frequent visits, better souvenir quality, and higher education levels, the possibility of visitors purchasing butterfly souvenirs increased. Prior knowledge regarding regulations prohibiting protected butterfly trading diminished this possibility. This study further discusses how visitors’ sociopsychological information can be used to minimize negative impacts caused by overtourism. Full article

Business sectors are essential for community prosperity, and thus it is important to investigate the recovery of businesses after disasters. However, current studies on business recovery after natural disasters are limited, particularly a lack of empirical observations in developing countries. Our observations of the patterns and transformations of small businesses in the recovery process after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China can bridge this gap and provide a valuable contribution to academia. We conducted research through a four-year longitudinal study to track small business recovery in Beichuan County since 2014. Field observations, repeat photography, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The operating status, business type, and spatiotemporal changes of small businesses in the new business district, Banaqia, were demonstrated. Overall, less than 50% of the planned shops were occupied and in operation, and this figure keeps declining from 2014 to 2017. Catering, garments, and souvenirs are the primary business types, but they show individual patterns in terms of sustainable development and spatial configuration. The results help to inform the development of recovery policies following disasters in developing countries. Full article

The concept of ecosystem services, which are the direct and indirect benefits of nature to humans, has been established as a supporting tool to increase the efficiency in decision-making regarding environmental planning. However, preceding studies on decision-making in relation to ecosystem services have been limited to identifying differences in perception, whereas few studies have reported cooperative alternatives. Therefore, this study aimed to present a method for cooperative decision-making among ecosystem service stakeholders using Q methodology. The results showed three perspectives on ecosystem services of small mud flat areas: ecological function, ecotourism, and human activity. The perspectives on cultural services and regulating services were diverse, whereas those on supporting services were similar. Thus, supporting services were considered crucial for the cooperative assessment and management of small mud flat ecosystems as well as for the scientific evaluation of regulating services. Furthermore, this study identified practical implementation measures to increase production through land management, to manufacture related souvenirs, and to link them to ecotourism. Overall, our results demonstrated the ideal process of cooperative decision-making to improve ecosystem services. Full article