Search Results (1,977)

Algal blooms pose a serious threat not only to the lake ecosystem of Lake Bosten but also by negatively impacting its rapidly developing fisheries and tourism industries. This study focuses on Lake Bosten as the research area and utilizes multi-source remote sensing imagery from Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI. The Adjusted Floating Algae Index (AFAI) was employed to extract algal blooms in Lake Bosten from 2004 to 2023, analyze their spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving factors, and construct a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network model to predict the spatial distribution of algal-bloom frequency. The stability of the model was assessed through temporal segmentation of historical data combined with temporal cross-validation. The results indicate that (1) during the study period, algal blooms in Lake Bosten were predominantly of low-risk level, with low-risk bloom coverage accounting for over 8% in both 2004 and 2005. The intensity of algal blooms in summer and autumn was significantly higher than in spring. The coverage of medium- and high-risk blooms reached 2.74% in the summer of 2004 and 3.03% in the autumn of 2005, while remaining below 1% in spring. (2) High-frequency algal bloom areas were mainly located in the western and northwestern parts of the lake, and the central region experienced significantly more frequent blooms during 2004–2013 compared to 2014–2023, particularly in spring and summer. (3) The LSTM model achieved an R² of 0.86, indicating relatively stable performance. The prediction results suggest a continued low frequency of algal blooms in the future, reflecting certain achievements in sustainable water-resource management. (4) The interactions among meteorological factors exhibited significant influence on bloom formation, with the q values of temperature and precipitation interactions both exceeding 0.5, making them the most prominent meteorological driving factors. Monitoring of sewage discharge and analysis of agricultural and industrial expansion revealed that human activities have a more direct impact on the water quality of Lake Bosten. In addition, changes in lake area and water environment were mainly influenced by anthropogenic factors, ultimately making human activities the primary driving force behind the spatiotemporal variations of algal blooms. This study improved the timeliness of algal-bloom monitoring through the integration of multi-source remote sensing and successfully predicted the future spatial distribution of bloom frequency, providing a scientific basis and decision-making support for the sustainable management of water resources in Lake Bosten. Full article

This study investigates how staycations enhance the experiences of staycationers and foster stakeholder collaboration to promote sustainable tourism. A qualitative case study approach, guided by constructivist narrative inquiry, involved in-depth interviews with 21 key stakeholders and a comprehensive analysis of staycation packages from 10 four- and five-star hotels during a crisis. The study draws on stakeholder, collaboration, and social exchange theories, integrated with triple-bottom-line (TBL) principles, to highlight the resilience power of staycations and its contributions to sustainable tourism development. The findings revealed that staycations significantly enhance the sustainability of the industry. Remarkably, stakeholders demonstrated exceptional collaboration, forming an inclusive public–private partnership to address the crisis and advance sustainable tourism development. It emphasises the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration, advocating for a unified approach to destination management over counterproductive competition. Furthermore, a roadmap is proposed for future investigations, focusing on the role of staycations in promoting positive experiences and enhancing stakeholder collaboration for the sustainable development of the tourism industry during crises. The study emphasised the need for further investigation into specific stakeholders to address competitive imbalances during crises, offering insights that serve as a call to action for practitioners and scholars, thereby laying the groundwork for advancing the industry and enhancing destination reputations. Full article

The hospitality sector plays a crucial role in the tourism industry, undergoing a transformation driven by the intersection of service innovation and environmental practices. Competitiveness in this sector requires adaptation to market demands, with a focus on service innovation and environmental sustainability. This research aims to analyze the relationship between service innovation, environmental practices, and sustainable competitive advantage in Brazilian hospitality establishments. A quantitative and descriptive approach was applied to 300 individuals who stayed in Brazil. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire, utilizing the Snowball Sampling technique. The data collection was between 15 February and 20 June 2024. Data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling, which enabled the examination of multiple variables and the verification of hypothetical relationships. The research results validated the hypotheses tested, demonstrating that service innovation and environmental practices have a positive influence on sustainable competitive advantage in hospitality establishments. An important finding in the research refers to the correlation between these constructs, which highlights the importance of integrated strategies that consider innovation and environmental sustainability as key elements for organizational success in the hospitality sector. With its theoretical contribution, this research developed a framework for analyzing the relationships between the constructs. Full article

Despite the growing relevance of subnational development strategies in emerging economies, the literature lacks empirical applications of classical trade models to territorial productive specialization. This study addresses this gap by adapting the Heckscher–Ohlin–Samuelson (HOS) model to identify optimal specialization patterns in intermediate municipalities with asymmetric factor endowments. Using data from 2017 to 2021 for Tunja and Chiquinquirá (Colombia), we estimate capital-to-labor ratios and sectoral factor intensities to detect specialization aligned with local comparative advantages. The results show that Tunja exhibits capital-abundant conditions favoring specialization in sectors such as real estate, construction, and financial services, while Chiquinquirá demonstrates labor-intensive dynamics suitable for tourism and service industries. Methodologically, the study extends the HOS model to subnational scales, offering a robust analytical tool for regional policy formulation. This article contributes to the academic debate by bridging international trade theory and regional development, and it provides empirical evidence to support place-based industrial policies. Our findings emphasize the importance of aligning productive strategies with structural endowments to foster inclusive and sustainable development in emerging territories. Full article

This study identifies and refines the dimensions of cultural inheritance and innovative practices in industrial heritage-themed districts and develops a corresponding questionnaire scale. Based on the ABC model of attitudes, a conceptual model is constructed to examine the impact of cultural inheritance and innovation on tourist behavior, which is then empirically tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that the influence and mechanism of cultural inheritance and innovative practices on tourist behavior follow a continuous process in the sequence of cognition–affect–behavior tendency. All four dimensions of cultural inheritance and innovation exert a significant positive effect on tourist loyalty. Moreover, the affective component serves as a mediating factor within the chain reaction. This study constructs a new theoretical framework to explore how cultural inheritance and innovation jointly influence the formation of tourist loyalty and the underlying mechanisms, enriching the theoretical system of industrial heritage tourism and cultural management. It also provides practical theoretical support for district planning, design, and management. Full article

As the Metaverse continues to evolve as a transformative digital ecosystem, its environmental implications remain insufficiently examined within academic discourse. Despite growing interest in its technological and societal impacts, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluations that synthesize existing knowledge on its sustainability potential. This interdisciplinary narrative review addresses this gap by critically exploring how Metaverse technologies intersect with environmental sustainability across key sectors, including education, healthcare, tourism, e-commerce, manufacturing, and urban development. Employing a narrative review methodology informed by a systematic selection of scholarly and industry sources, the study consolidates current practices, emerging opportunities, and notable trade-offs. While the Metaverse presents promising avenues for reducing material consumption, optimizing urban planning through digital twins, and lowering emissions via virtual alternatives to physical travel, it also raises pressing environmental concerns, particularly related to high energy consumption, short hardware lifespans, and the rebound effects of intensified digital engagement. The findings suggest that environmental sustainability within the Metaverse is not inherent to its virtual nature but hinges on deliberate design, regulatory foresight, and the broader energy systems it depends on. This review offers timely insights for policymakers, technology developers, and sustainability advocates seeking to align immersive digital innovation with ecological responsibility and long-term planetary health. Full article

The Great Wall’s heritage, as an iconic symbol of traditional Chinese culture, has fostered prosperous development of the surrounding tourism industry. As a representative of linear cultural heritage, the Great Wall traverses mountainous regions and stretches thousands of kilometers. Given challenges such as climate change, complex geological conditions, and excessive tourism development, safeguarding the Great Wall’s heritage for sustainable tourism development is a pressing concern. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the interaction between ecological resilience and tourism development and to provide a coordinated spatial strategy for the sustainable management of Great Wall towns. From the perspective of ecological safety and resilience, this study focuses on towns located along the Beijing section of the Great Wall. Based on the foundational principles of ecological resilience assessment, an evaluation framework was established to assess the ecological resilience and tourism development levels of these towns during peak tourism periods. Furthermore, we applied a coupling coordination degree model to determine the relationship between ecological safety and resilience subsystems and tourism development. The analysis revealed the ecological safety, ecological resilience, and tourism development levels and their interrelationships in these towns. The assessment identified relatively safer areas such as the Gubeikou Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, and adjacent tourism towns, revealing the interrelationships among these elements. We not only identified areas with certain ecological risks but also those exhibiting middle ecological resilience capacities, such as the Shuiguan Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, and Jiuyanlou Great Wall, recommending moderate tourism development in these regions. For every town, this study also calculated the average and maximum values of the coupling coordination degree to guide future ecological construction and tourism strategies. Finally, we offer insights into the present state of ecological development in the studied regions and propose strategies to bolster ecological resilience and optimize spatial tourism layouts. Full article

The coordinated development of tourism and industrialization is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the tourism sector, as well as for ensuring long-term regional economic sustainability. This study is motivated by the observation that land is a key factor influencing the coordination between tourism and industrialization, yet the specific role of land use remains underexplored. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to investigate the nonlinear relationship and underlying mechanisms through which tourism development impacts industrialization, with a particular focus on land transfers. To achieve this, the study employs an empirical approach using multi-source data—including data on China’s A-level scenic areas and land transfers—combined with an econometric method. The results indicate a U-shaped relationship between both the quantity and quality of tourism resources and the growth of industrial enterprises, as well as an inverted U-shaped relationship between the concentration of tourism resources and industrial development. The research finds that tourism development influences industrialization through two primary land-related mechanisms: the factor competition effect and the resource conservation effect. This study also investigates the potential for synergistic development between the tourism and industrial sectors, providing valuable insights for the sustainable economic advancement of land-based tourism and industrialization. Full article

This study examines the intersection of renewable energy and tourism by exploring why domestic tourists visit wind farm sites for recreation. Traditionally seen as industrial facilities, wind farms are now recognized as dual-purpose attractions that promote environmental awareness and local economic growth. Using the Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) theory, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) as theoretical lenses, we investigate the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing wind farm tourism. The key determinants of tourist behavior include attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personal norms, and environmental beliefs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicates that personal norms have the strongest direct impact on tourists’ intentions (underscoring the importance of internalized moral obligations in this context), with additional indirect effects through environmental citizenship factors. The findings highlight wind farms’ potential to foster sustainability, community engagement, and rural development. Managerial recommendations include providing visitor amenities, targeted marketing, and community involvement to enhance wind farms’ appeal as tourism destinations. This study contributes to tourism theory by expanding the definition of attractions to include renewable energy sites. Future research should examine the moderating role of past behavior and incorporate additional environmental citizenship variables to deepen insights into wind farm tourism. Full article

Seeking to advance mutual clustering of the tourism economy and cultural industries while safeguarding cultural sustainability in tourism, this paper delves into the patterns of co-development and the contributing forces across spatial and temporal dimensions in the Yellow River Basin. Using a combined spatial and temporal analytical lens, along with spatial autocorrelation testing and a spatial Durbin model embedded in a synergetic systems approach, the present study analyzes the evolutionary characteristics of the spatiotemporal pattern of the collaborative agglomeration of the Yellow River Basin’s tourism and cultural industries in 2011 and 2021 and the internal mechanism of its influencing factors. We then propose countermeasures and suggestions to boost the quality–efficiency synergy agglomeration of the basin’s tourism and cultural industries. The results showed the following: ① From 2011 to 2021, a positive overall spatial autocorrelation was noted in the basin’s tourism and cultural industries. Temporally, it presented a variation trend of “rise–fall–rise”, and spatially, it presented a distribution characteristic of “higher in the central and eastern regions versus in its western parts”. ② From 2011 to 2021, the local spatial autocorrelation (LSA) of the basin’s tourism and cultural industries remained at a low level. Moreover, significant differences were noted in the LSA among different regions. In spatial terms, the clustering intensity of tourism and cultural industries was stronger in the central and eastern parts of the basin versus in its western parts. ③ Influencing variables for tourism–culture collaborative agglomeration across the basin involve both temporal superposition effects and spatial radiation driving effects. The industrial economy, policies, and innovation exert enduring effects on the development and cross-regional spillover outcomes of the two collaborative agglomerations. Serving as a theoretical reference and policy resource, this study addresses how to promote the quality–efficiency synergy in the Yellow River Basin’s tourism and cultural industries while enhancing cultural sustainability in the tourism industry. Moreover, it can also provide experiences and references for other similar regions. Full article

With the arrival of an aging society and the continuous extension of the human lifespan, the quality of life has not improved in a corresponding manner. People’s demand for happiness and health is increasing. As a result, a model emerged that integrates tourism and medical services, which is health tourism. This growing demand has prompted many service providers to see it as a business opportunity and enter the market. Tourism can help travelers release work stress and restore physical and mental balance; meanwhile, health check-ups and disease treatment can help them regain health. Consumers have long favored health and medical tourism because it helps relieve stress and promotes overall well-being. As people age, some consumers experience a gradual decline in physical functions, making it difficult for them to participate in regular travel services provided by traditional travel agencies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the service needs of health and medical tourism customers (tourists/patients) and the interrelationships among these service needs, so that health and medical tourism service providers can develop more customized and diversified services. This study identifies four key drivers of medical tourism services: medical services, medical facilities, tour planning, and hospitality facilities. This study uses the APA (attention and performance analysis) method to assess each dimension and criterion and utilizes the DEMATEL method with the NRM (network relationship map) to identify network relationships. By combining APA and NRM techniques, this study develops the APA-NRM technique to evaluate adoption strategies and identify suitable paths for health tourism services, providing tailored development strategies and recommendations for service providers to enhance the service experience. Full article

Based on a comprehensive review of the current research status of ecological compensation both domestically and internationally, combined with field survey data, this study delves into the issue of multi-stakeholder participation in the ecological compensation mechanisms of the Xin’an River Basin. This research reveals that the joint participation of multiple stakeholders is crucial to achieving the goals of ecological compensation in river basins. The government plays a significant role in macro-guidance, financial support, policy guarantees, supervision, and management. It promotes the comprehensive implementation of ecological environmental protection by formulating relevant laws and regulations, guiding the public to participate in ecological conservation, and supervising and punishing pollution behaviors. The public, serving as the main force, forms strong awareness and behavioral habits of ecological protection through active participation in environmental protection, monitoring, and feedback. As participants, enterprises contribute to industrial transformation and green development by improving resource utilization efficiency, reducing pollution emissions, promoting green industries, and participating in ecological restoration projects. Scientific research institutions, as technology enablers, have effectively enhanced governance efficiency through technological research and innovation, ecosystem value accounting to provide decision-making support, and public education. Social organizations, as facilitators, have injected vitality and innovation into watershed governance by extensively mobilizing social forces and building multi-party collaboration platforms. Communities, as supporters, have transformed ecological value into economic benefits by developing characteristic industries such as eco-agriculture and eco-tourism. Based on the above findings, further recommendations are proposed to mobilize the enthusiasm of upstream communities and encourage their participation in ecological compensation, promote the market-oriented operation of ecological compensation mechanisms, strengthen cross-regional cooperation to establish joint mechanisms, enhance supervision and evaluation, and establish a sound benefit-sharing mechanism. These recommendations provide theoretical support and practical references for ecological compensation worldwide. Full article

Virginia’s coastal location and abundant marine resources make its seafood industry a vital contributor to the state’s economy, supporting both local communities and tourism. This study applied input–output models and updates the economic contributions of the Virginia seafood industry using 2023 data, building on models developed for 2019 that capture both direct effects and broader economic ripple effects. In 2023, the industry generated USD 1.27 billion in total economic output and supported over 6500 jobs—including watermen, aquaculture farmers, processors, and distributors—resulting in USD 238.3 million in labor income. Contributions to state GDP totaled USD 976.7 million, and tax revenues exceeded USD 390.4 million. The study also evaluates the economic role of Virginia seafood products sold in retail stores and restaurants, based on secondary data sources. In 2023, these sectors generated USD 458 million in economic output, supported more than 3600 jobs, produced USD 136.7 million in labor income, and USD 280.8 million in value-added. Combined tax contributions surpassed USD 74 million. Importantly, the analysis results for the Virginia seafood products from retail and restaurant should not be summed to the seafood industry totals to avoid double-counting, as seafood products move as output from one sector as an input to another. These results provide evidence-based insights to guide decision-making, inform stakeholders, and support continued investment in Virginia’s seafood supply chain and related economic activities. Full article

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

The value realization of ecological products is an important part of rural and agricultural development. As a significant force for protecting traditional agricultural systems and promoting rural revitalization, agricultural heritage systems (AHSs) have formed diverse value realization paths of ecological products in the process of dynamic protection and adaptive management. Through theoretical research, this article analyzed the characteristics of ecological products in AHS sites (EPAHSSs) and summarized the framework of value realization paths of EPAHSSs. Then, the Wannian Rice Culture System in China was selected as a case for conducting empirical research. The results showed that EPAHSSs exhibit obvious uniqueness in terms of climate environment, germplasm resources, farming and breeding models, and cultural heritage. The value realization paths of EPAHSSs mainly include industrial development support, such as the extension of agricultural industrial chains and the development of tourism, as well as fiscal transfer payments. The case analysis results indicated that Wannian County contains a rich variety of ecological products and developed a value realization pathway mainly based on the integration of industries and supplemented by fiscal transfer payments during the process of protection and development. However, further optimization is needed to promote the development of tourism and other paths. This study not only contributes to the sustainable development of the Wannian Rice Culture System, but the proposed framework is also applicable to other heritage systems and similar regions. Full article