Search Results (61)

The European Charter for Wine Tourism (2005) promotes the sustainable development of tourism activities associated with viticulture. The document identifies the active role that wine-growing territories must play in the conservation, management, and valorization of their resources. This study aims to understand the degree of linkage that this Charter establishes with initiatives for the heritage of wine culture, specifically focusing on wine museums in Spain. It examines how these museums contribute to defining a tourism development program, constructing a common strategic vision, and encouraging cooperation between the social and economic agents involved in the territory. As case studies, the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture (La Rioja), considered by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the best in the world, and the Valdepeñas Wine Museum (Castilla-La Mancha), an example of rehabilitation and musealization in the region with the highest concentration of vineyards in the world, have been chosen. The results show that both museums exemplify management, development, and cooperation in their respective territories, aligning with the theoretical assumptions established in the Charter. 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 paper investigates wine tourists’ preferences for the attributes of the wine tourism experience (WTEXP) in Italy and Turkey, exploring cross-cultural differences and similarities in two countries with diverse wine tourism development. Data were collected through an online survey of 253 wine consumers, and the Best–Worst Scaling method was employed in both countries to assess the perceived importance of selected WTEXP attributes that influence tourists’ choices. The samples were then segmented using cluster analysis based on key attitudinal scales (e.g., wine involvement), with BWS applied to each segment to further examine visitor preferences. The results show that both Italian and Turkish wine tourists prioritized expert-led tours but differed in other preferences. Italian tourists valued the winery’s aesthetic appeal, while Turkish tourists favored pre-visit informative sessions. Additionally, Italians placed less importance on accompanying events, while Turks considered the reputation of the wine, winery, or wine region the least significant factor. These preferences also varied within the clusters identified in each sample. This research represents the first comparison of consumer preferences in wine tourism between Turkey, a developing market, and Italy, a traditional Old World wine producer, while considering the diversity within each group. The findings provide key insights for wine tourism stakeholders, such as wineries and tourism managers, offering actionable recommendations to tailor their offerings for specific tourist segments to attract a larger number of wine tourists, enhance their experience, and foster sustainable growth of wine tourism. Full article

Community-led sustainable tourism represents a paradigm shift that emphasizes the role of local residents in shaping tourism initiatives that not only promote environmental stewardship but also enhance local economies and preserve cultural heritage. The research focused on two rural wine destinations, Banoštor in Serbia and Radda in Chianti, Italy, utilizing a constructivist epistemological approach to understand community-led tourism. The study aimed to assess how community involvement enhances the competitiveness of rural destinations, evaluates the social, cultural, and economic empowerment of local communities, and examines the role of community participation in sustainable tourism development. The factor analysis identified three key factors—destination competitiveness, local empowerment, and community participation—that collectively account for 86.25% of the variance in sustainable community-led tourism. This model highlights how community-led initiatives can enhance the competitiveness of rural destinations by attracting eco-conscious travelers and ensuring that economic benefits remain within the community, thus preserving local culture and traditions. Furthermore, active community participation in tourism planning is crucial for sustainability, as it fosters a sense of ownership and aligns tourism development with local values, ultimately leading to long-term benefits for both the community and the destination. To enhance competitiveness, Banoštor must improve wine offerings, invest in marketing, and develop infrastructure while empowering local communities through tourism initiatives, ensuring that local voices are heard and tourism revenues benefit residents. Full article

Wine tourism plays an important role in the development of the local economy but also in the promotion of Portuguese wines in Europe and the world. Enotourism is also a tool to achieve sustainable development through the promotion of wine producers and the preservation of the cultural landscape. At the same time, it can increase the living standards of the population, generating jobs and additional income. The main objective of the study was to present the level of development of wine tourism and to identify the benefits associated with its development in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. The study used qualitative and quantitative research. A spatial analysis of the determinants of demographic development and wine production based on diagnostic indicators was carried out using the Charvat and Schneider indexes. A correlation relationship was identified between the following diagnostic characteristics: wine production and wine tourism development, on the one hand, and tourism development and demography. The study identified problem areas, e.g., demographic regression and economic progression (based on wine production), and identified the relationship between wine production and wine tourism development and demographic development. The study area was the traditional European wine region of Douro wine region in Portugal. The UNESCO cultural landscape has been shaped by human activities over the centuries. An original research procedure was developed to diagnose the state of the LAUs and determine the impact of wine tourism on their development. The results of the research indicate that wine tourism is an example of tourism on the UNESCO trail, where production and consumption take place for the benefit of both tourists and entrepreneurs. Enotourism is also seen as an important source of income and an enabler of socio-economic development. Full article

This article explores the niche sector of literary tourism with a focus on the works of Italian writer Beppe Fenoglio in the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato area of Piedmont, Italy. It questions whether literary tourism can contribute to the cultural sustainability of a landscape. Nowadays, this area is already a well-established tourist destination known for its food and wine; however, Fenoglio’s work offers a different perspective, highlighting a specific heritage comprising the area’s rural life, local culture, and history of the Resistance movement. The research used a mixed method approach with documentary analysis, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. “Fenoglians” (tourists motivated by Fenoglio’s life and works) were identified, and their characteristics were explored. The results cannot be generalized, as the chosen sampling method does not provide sufficient materials for broad application. While being a small group, these special interest tourists represent an opportunity for tourism diversification. This article concludes that Fenoglio’s literary tourism offers a distinctive experience, fosters new interpretations of the landscape, and strengthens collective memory of the Resistance. It highlights the importance of local communities in understanding how fictional narratives shape tourist perceptions of a destination as well as their role in preserving the community’s collective memory and landscape. Full article

This research examined how food and wine pairing affects the sustainability in local hospitality settings. This study focused on hospitality employees’ attitudes in Srem, where it explored the importance of integrating local produce, the economic and environmental benefits of reduced food miles, and customer satisfaction through authentic experiences. Key research questions investigated the perceived value of food–wine pairing, factors that influenced sustainable practices, and employee motivation. Data were gathered via a structured survey that highlighted challenges like limited ingredient availability and high costs. The results show that the employees recognized the importance of sustainability but displayed limited motivation for further initiatives. The findings suggest that enhancing local sourcing can bolster economic resilience and cultural preservation, promoting a sustainable tourism model for the region. This study recommends additional research on ecological impacts and local community benefits to further embed sustainability in hospitality practices. Full article

This study comprises a systematic literature review of 68 articles published between 2010 and 2024, identifying and coherently grouping the wine tourism sector’s adoption of technological innovation practices. The articles were analyzed using a framework developed from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The selection criteria included peer-reviewed, full-length articles in English emphasizing technological innovations in the wine tourism sector. The results highlight several key trends in technological innovation applied to wine tourism. The innovations were categorized into five areas: digital marketing and promotion, sustainability and innovation, immersive technologies (AR/VR), e-commerce and distribution models, and smart technologies for winery management. The review reveals a growing interest in digital marketing and immersive technologies in promoting wine tourism through digital platforms and creating engaging tourist experiences through virtual and augmented reality. The review focuses only on peer-reviewed studies published in English, which may limit its global scope. Books and non-peer-reviewed articles may have introduced further developments in technological innovation that are not captured in this review. This study is a post-COVID-19 review of technological innovation in wine tourism. The findings provide significant implications for researchers and policymakers, suggesting future research areas and offering insights on how public funds can support wine tourism’s digital transformation and sustainability Full article

While aspiring to become internationally valued producers of high-quality wines, certain Romanian wineries recently turned towards wine tourism. Given the increasing role of smart devices and online-based information in holiday selection and planning, the main objective of the paper is to evaluate the online presence, informational content and effectiveness of Romanian wineries’ websites for the promotion of wine tourism. This evaluation comprised 53 features tested in previous research and organized into four categories: main website characteristics, wine tourism, marketing, and education. Based on content analysis conducted on 154 websites of wineries identified in all Romanian regions, scores were computed and, subsequently, wineries were classified, mapped, and evaluated. The findings show that certain basic features are overall available, while exclusive features that could positively influence tourist preferences and experiences are insufficient in terms of design, education, and marketing characteristics. Less than 50% of the analysed websites inform about wine tasting activities, less than 35% specify visiting hours, and less than 20% mention tourist amenities. The websites that indicate other local wineries, allied industries or tourist attractions represent exceptions. This study underlines the importance of leveraging digital tools within the marketing strategy of wineries and the need to enhance networking among regional stakeholders as prerequisite for sustainable development. Full article

The braided cord vineyard management system of the La Orotava Valley (Canary Islands, Spain) is a unique technique in the world that has been developed in the northern area of the island of Tenerife since the introduction of the first strains from Europe after the conquest of the Canary Islands and that synthesizes the unique wine cultural landscape of the territory. The future sustainability of this landscape seems to be inescapably linked to policies in favour of environmental, social and economic development, primarily through wine tourism. To do this, the methodology addresses the opinions of 16 in-depth interviews of key informants from the sector to understand this cultural landscape’s degree of use and enhancement. The results indicate significant progress in the revaluation and sustainability of the braided cord system (BCS) as part of the public–private strategy in search of its recognition as a BIC. Likewise, the winery sector recognizes the need to move towards a management model for the wine sector of the La Orotava Valley, where wine tourism has a more significant role, that seems to be closed based on the projects and initiatives under development. Full article

In March 2024, UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) released for publication the Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainable Tourism (SF-MST). The SF-MST is claimed to give a full account of tourism’s current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. An important motivation for the development of the SF-MST is recognition that standard economic measures such as GDP do not capture important dimensions of people’s well-being. While the SF-MST contributes to the development of an international statistical framework for tourism, this paper argues that failure to adequately incorporate well-being outcomes within its recommended range of ‘sustainability’ indicators greatly restricts the scope and policy significance of the SF-MST. The paper concludes with suggestions for further extensions of the SF-MST framework to strengthen its policy relevance. Full article

Drama is a wine region in northern Greece with a local economy based on agricultural production. Despite its historical and geographical setting, the wine tourism industry is not very well developed in the wine-growing region of Drama. Although the sustainability of territorial development is often linked to local food and wine heritage, it seems that the implicated parties are not totally convinced. For this qualitative case study, we first conducted interviews with the management of the local wineries to determine the reason behind the low number of wine tourists in the area. Then, a workshop was organized, and all relevant parties were invited to increase awareness through education while also attempting to find mutually agreeable solutions through working group table discussions and the presentation of findings. Taking advantage of and preserving the cultural heritage through the cooperation of the related regional businesses, regional/central authorities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was concluded to be an important tool for organizing new initiatives that will boost wine tourism. Full article

This study aims to make a significant contribution to the development of a model for integrating research in the wine sector, innovative knowledge, and family businesses with the traditional mode of production in the context of the introduction of modern production technologies with a view to sustainability and the improvement of services in tourism. From a methodological point of view, the research is based on the case study and, in particular, on Casa Paladin, a family business in the Italian wine sector, which bases its strategy on innovation in production processes and customer relations to obtain high product quality with the aim of meeting consumer needs. The findings underscore the crucial role of family businesses in preserving cultural and traditional elements in the wine sector, with technology and innovation serving as vital drivers for their development. Casa Paladin’s commitment to innovation in production processes and products is evident, emphasizing sustainability as a core element that impacts customer relationships and product quality. Enotourism, including tastings, festivals, and fairs, emerges as a significant aspect contributing to the promotion of the company’s history, culture, and traditions. This study posits Casa Paladin as a notable example in the Italian wine industry, offering transferable insights for other businesses. Its successful integration of culture, innovation, and sustainability contributes to a broader understanding of the contemporary role of family businesses in the Italian wine sector. Full article

Wine tourism is emerging as one of the most important forms of alternative, sustainable tourism in wine countries, such as Greece, in the post-COVID-19 era. In this paper, consumers’ motives for wine tourism in Greece today are investigated regarding (i) their consumption habits related to wine, (ii) their experience with wine tourism, (iii) the parameters that would encourage their visit to a wine region, such as wine, the winery, and general regional characteristics, and (iv) the source of information consulted for a wine tourism experience. The questionnaire was conducted from April to May 2023, with 595 participants, via the Google Forms platform. The statistical analysis was performed with basic tools, as well as cross and chi-square tests, to analyze the data. The highlights of the results indicate that consumers (the participants of the survey) consume more wine today than before the pandemic (57%) and have previous experience in wine tourism (59.8%), with the majority of them having visited a winery more than once (67.4%). The most popular activity at the winery was found to be wine tasting (46.6%), followed by open discussion about wine (35.2%), and, at the regional level, visiting the sights (46%) and doing activities in nature (30.6%). Future participants are looking for innovation in wine tourism, with trained staff (77.5%) and organized tours (74.3%), the organization of wine festivals and other events (71.9%), opportunities to explore the local community, such as the outdoors (83.5%) and its culture and history (70.9%), during their visit, and available information on wine tourism opportunities online (73%). They also are encouraging the transition of the Greek wine tourism industry to the digital world. Based on the overall results, three types of support are proposed for the successful, sustainable development of wine tourism in wine-producing countries. Full article

The subject of generations and their differences has been intensely analyzed and debated. Each generation has its own characteristics, regardless of the element that differentiates them. Gen Z’s relationship with tourism has been approached in recent years from various perspectives by many scholars. For the current research, representative characteristics were identified as important for Gen Z: off-the-beaten-path locations and experiences. Off-the-beaten-path locations refer to small-scale destinations, under-tourism, local businesses, sustainability, and local traditions. All of the aspects mentioned before are typical of rural tourism. Experiences are introduced by various elements of rural attractiveness: material cultural heritage (MCH) and immaterial (ICH), the living human treasures program (LHT), wine tourism, products with a protected designation of origin (PDO), products with a protected geographical indication (PGI), culinary diversity, and other rural leisure facilities. Two purposes have been established: to identify the relationship between Gen Z and rural tourism and its components defined by cultural heritage and traditional gastronomy, and to construct a predictive model regarding Gen Z’s behavior when traveling to rural destinations. For this, we performed a quantitative investigation among university students from Romania using an online survey. Using 280 Gen Z respondents from 323 valid responses, we performed a direct logistic regression. The results showed that they value local gastronomy and unique attractions, which we can include in MCH. The price represents an important element when choosing an accommodation unit. Due to the constantly increasing share of Gen Z in the tourism market, destinations and tourism operators will have time to prepare and adapt to new realities. Transversal research will benefit from the opportunity to compare Gen Z’s preferences and changes over time. Full article