Search Results (781)

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

Understanding the factors that drive green buying intentions has become critical, as environmental issues continue to rise globally. The study investigates the influence of environmental commitment and green motivation on environmental identity and green purchasing intentions. Additionally, it assesses the mediating role of environmental identity in the relationships between environmental commitment, green motivation, and green purchasing intentions. Moreover, it examines the moderating effect of eco-conscious behaviour on the relationships between environmental commitment, green motivation, green identity, and green purchasing intentions. A total of 440 participants, who stayed in high-rate hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh, were asked to fill out the survey distributed. (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze data. The study outcomes confirmed that environmental commitment and green motivation significantly affect green identity and purchasing behavior. Besides, the results showed the essential mediator contribution of the environmental identity between environmental commitment and green motivation. In addition, it explains eco-conscious behavior as a moderator between the previously mentioned variables. The study contributes to the existing tourism literature by demonstrating the impact of green commitment and environmental motivation on making choices to buy eco-friendly products. Moreover, the results hold significant implications for researchers, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders. 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

The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents a systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis of 148 publications for the period 1993–2024 identified through Web of Science and Scopus, aiming to evaluate the current state of research on sports activities conducted in natural forest environments. Findings indicated a marked increase in scientific interest of this topic over the past two decades, with key contributions from countries such as England, Germany, China, and the United States. Researchers most frequently examined sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and orienteering for their capacity to provide physiological and psychological benefits, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. The literature analysis highlights ecological concerns, particularly those associated with habitat disturbance, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between recreation and conservation. Six principal research themes were identified: sports in urban forests, sports tourism, hunting and fishing, recreational sports, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Keyword and co-authorship analyses revealed a multidisciplinary knowledge base with evolving thematic focuses. In conclusion, the need for integrated approaches that incorporate ecological impact assessment, stakeholder perspectives, and adaptive forest governance to ensure sustainable recreational use of natural forest ecosystems is underlined. 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 sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship within the Urlaub am Bauernhof (UaB) cooperative network in Austria, offering an integrated model that unites financial, social, environmental, institutional, and marketing dimensions. Employing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) on data from 393 farm-based accommodation stakeholders, this research identifies sustainable entrepreneurship as comprising six interconnected dimensions: Economic Resilience and Diversification, Sociocultural Integration, Environmental and Regional Commitment, Market Visibility and Strategic Communication, Quality Assurance and Institutional Support, and Perceived Value and Branding. This multidimensional and hierarchically structured framework reflects the complex yet coherent nature of sustainability-driven entrepreneurship in cooperative tourism networks. The findings confirm the multidimensional nature of sustainable entrepreneurship and support the hypothesized structural relationships. The UaB network is presented as a transferable model that demonstrates how cooperative frameworks can enhance sustainability, regional identity, and rural revitalization, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for rural regions in the Western Balkans, where economic challenges, depopulation, and underdeveloped tourism infrastructure prevail. By illustrating a successful cooperative approach rooted in sustainability and regional identity, this study contributes to policy-making aimed at fostering resilient, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible rural tourism entrepreneurship in transitioning contexts. Full article

This research aims to determine the utilization levels of local products and the challenges and opportunities of creating a recognizable food-centered cultural identity based on collaborative networks developed between agriculture and tourism. This has the potential to strengthen collaborative entrepreneurship. It uniquely contributes to the existing literature by exploring the connections between agri-food and tourism, while proposing strategies to maximize business opportunities centered on food culture. Descriptive and inferential statistics are conducted based on primary data collected by distributing a questionnaire to 59 public and private organizations in the Peloponnese region in Greece, which has significant agricultural production but limited tourist flows. The results indicate a lack of collective action and business recognition of the value of regional food culture among participants. The human resources employed in tourism lack the skills to highlight traditional food heritage. The presence of structural and operational barriers undermines efforts to facilitate communication, manage suppliers, and enhance the visibility of products designated with Geographical Indications. This paper offers preliminary results; however, extensive future studies are needed to validate the findings fully. The study highlights key implications: Improved communication between stakeholders could enhance the management of the local food network. Agri-food and tourism businesses can develop educational programs and food-focused tourism packages that promote social cohesion and preserve cultural heritage. Full article

Effective water governance is essential for sustainable development amidst water scarcity challenges in semi-arid regions like Esmeraldas Province, which has substantial agrotourism potential. Yet, fragmented governance and chronic water shortages threaten its viability. Using a mixed-method approach, this study analyzed how sustainable water governance can support agrotourism development in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. This study combined policy gaps analysis, stakeholder surveys (policymakers, farmers, community leaders, and tourism operators), and water availability using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) from 1980 to 2022. The results revealed a lack of policy regulation and water infrastructure as the major governance gaps that need more intervention. The survey respondents indicated that water is mainly used for domestic and economic activities and the conservation of natural ecosystems. The SPEI revealed a significant drought trend falling below −3, with severe drought years coinciding with many crop losses and a fall in tourism. This study highlights the interconnection between water governance and agrotourism in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, proposing a strategic framework that incorporates adaptive governance principles and inclusive participation mechanisms, emphasizing targeted capacity building to strengthen water management practices and enhance the Sustainable Development Goals for agrotourism resilience. Full article

As climate change intensified water scarcity in Southern Europe, tourism-dependent regions such as Portugal’s Algarve faced growing pressure to adapt their water management systems. This study investigated how hotel groups in the Algarve have adopted and communicated water reuse technologies—specifically desalination and greywater recycling—under environmental, institutional, and reputational constraints. A comparative qualitative case study was conducted involving three hotel groups—Vila Vita Parc, Pestana Group, and Vila Galé—selected through purposive sampling based on organizational capacity and technology adoption stage. The analysis was supported by a supplementary mini-case from Mallorca, Spain. Publicly accessible documents, including sustainability reports, media coverage, and policy frameworks, were thematically coded using organizational environmental behavior theory and the OECD Principles on Water Governance. The results demonstrated that (1) higher organizational capacity was associated with greater maturity in water reuse implementation; (2) communication transparency increased alongside technological advancement; and (3) early-stage adopters encountered stronger financial, regulatory, and operational barriers. These findings culminated in the development of the Maturity–Communication–Governance (MCG) Framework, which elucidates how internal resources, stakeholder signaling, and institutional alignment influence sustainable infrastructure uptake. This research offered policy recommendations to scale water reuse in tourism through financial incentives, regulatory simplification, and public–private partnerships. The study contributed to the literature on sustainable tourism and decentralized climate adaptation, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6.4, 12.6, and 13. Full article

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

Cultural heritage in insular regions faces increasing challenges due to overtourism, seasonal economies, and insufficient protection frameworks. This study investigates the adaptive reuse of Sarakina Mansion, a deteriorated 18th-century estate on the island of Zakynthos, as a model for integrating cultural heritage preservation with sustainable tourism. The research addresses the gap in localized strategies for heritage-led development in the context of islands with overtourism. Through a qualitative case study methodology—including site analysis, archival research, and stakeholder interviews—this paper explores how abandoned cultural assets can be reactivated to foster community engagement and diversify tourism models. Two distinct SWOT analyses were conducted as follows: one at the territorial level (Zakynthos Island) and another focused on the island’s cultural heritage. The findings highlight key obstacles such as environmental degradation and policy fragmentation, but they also reveal opportunities for adaptive reuse grounded in local identity and sustainable practices. The proposed reuse scenario for Sarakina promotes partial structural stabilization and community-driven cultural programming, aiming to create a hybrid open-air cultural hub. This study contributes a replicable framework for reimagining neglected heritage assets in overtourism-affected areas, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

The objective is to present the theoretical contributions offered by the methodology for studying sustainable tourism in protected natural areas, capable of promoting environmental protection and sustainable local development in communities. This research was carried out in Machalilla National Park. The deductive method was applied, which allowed for the analysis of the problem, the consultation of general theories related to the topic studied, and the establishment of premises and objectives that led to conclusions on the topic studied. A mixed research approach was used, integrating contributions from the analyses carried out for the treatment and processing of information. The techniques used included a survey of tourism stakeholders, a semantic differential for tourists, and an expert evaluation method to validate the proposal under study. The theoretical and methodological systematisation of tourism sustainability in protected natural areas was achieved. The results show the need to broaden the scientific debate and transfer knowledge on the relevance of sustainable tourism as an alternative for sustainable development in rural communities. Full article

Tinos Island, part of the Cyclades Complex in the central Aegean Sea, represents a distinctive case of geocultural heritage where geological formations and cultural identity intersect. This study evaluates the geoeducational and geotouristic potential of Tinos’ geosites using GEOAM methodology, which assesses their scientific, educational, and conservation value. Six geosites are examined to explore their geoeducational potential, including prominent locations such as the Tafoni formations and the Exombourgo granite massif. The findings highlight the significance of these sites, while also identifying challenges related to infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable management. By integrating geoethics into geotourism practices, Tinos can adopt a balanced approach that enhances environmental conservation alongside community-driven economic benefits. The study underscores the need for collaborative initiatives to optimize the island’s geoheritage for education and tourism, ensuring its long-term preservation. Geotourism, when responsibly implemented, has the potential to strengthen local identity while advancing sustainable tourism development. 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