Search Results (531)

This study seeks to develop and evaluate a methodological framework for assessing the tourism potential of hillforts, by using a selected sample of 25 of these heritage resources located in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship. This region, as one of Poland’s most popular among domestic and international tourists, is increasingly confronting overtourism at its primary attractions. Concurrently, it possesses underutilised cultural assets, notably 250 remnants of gords/hillforts (grodziska in Polish) spanning various historical periods and dispersed across the whole area. Thus, to ensure the universality of the method, samples of hillforts from three main topographic zones of Lower Silesia were selected. In addition to the aim of testing the method, a secondary objective of the research involved conducting a preliminary assessment of selected hillforts’ tourism potential in different parts of the voivodeship. The methodology combined desk research and field studies across all selected archaeological sites. Concerning the primary objective, the developed assessment tool effectively replicated the multidimensional analytical framework characteristic of established methodologies, yielding reliable outcomes for evaluating gords’ tourism potential. However, modifications to the scoring system are recommended to enhance methodological precision. Regarding analysis of the 25 surveyed hillforts, the results indicate that objects from all zones mainly demonstrate high tourism potential, suggesting an opportunity for transformation into tourist attractions. The integration of hillforts into existing tourism infrastructure could significantly contribute to localised sustainable development across the region. The primary significance of these heritage resources lies in their capacity to facilitate the diversification of tourism offerings across distinct areas of the voivodeship. This development holds particular strategic value for northern poviats currently peripherally engaged in tourism economy. Moreover, by leveraging hillforts, communities obtain assets important in the process of building a common identity around cultural/historical place while safeguarding monuments. Concurrently, the most attractive southern poviats will benefit from the new attractions as they can help in mitigating overtourism pressures at overcrowded places, being an interesting alternative to the top attractions. This approach aligns with strategies to disperse tourist flows through specialised archaeological tourism products, thereby balancing economic benefits and local communities’ well-being with heritage preservation. Full article

Urban tourism has evolved into a complex adaptive system, where unregulated expansion disrupts the ecological balance and intensifies resource stress. Understanding the dynamic evolution and resilience mechanisms of the tourism ecological health network (TEHN) is essential for supporting sustainable urban tourism as a coupled human–natural system. Using Shanghai as a case study, we applied the “vigor–organization–resilience–services” (VORS) framework to evaluate ecosystem health, which served as a constraint for constructing the TEHN, using the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model for the period from 2001 to 2023. A resilience framework integrating structural and functional dimensions was further developed to assess spatiotemporal evolution and guide targeted enhancement strategies. The results indicated that as ecosystem health degraded, particularly in peripheral areas, the urban TEHN in Shanghai shifted from a dispersed to a centralized structure, with limited connectivity in the periphery. The resilience of the TEHN continued to grow, with structural resilience remaining at a high level, while functional resilience still required enhancement. Specifically, the low integration and limited choice between the tourism network and the transportation system hindered tourists from selecting routes with higher ecosystem health indices. Enhancing functional resilience, while sustaining structural resilience, is essential for transforming the TEHN into a multi-centered, multi-level system that promotes efficient connectivity, ecological sustainability, and long-term adaptability. The results contribute to a systems-level understanding of tourism–ecology interactions and support the development of adaptive strategies for balancing network efficiency and environmental integrity. Full article

The implementation of the trans-European tourist cycle route network “EuroVelo” is fostering new strategic importance for non-motorized mobility and the associated practice of cycling tourism. Indeed, slow tourism offers a pathway for the development of inland areas. The infrastructure supporting it, such as long-distance cycling and walking paths, can act as a vital connection, stimulating regeneration in peripheral territories by enhancing environmental and landscape assets, as well as preserving heritage, local identity, and culture. The regeneration of peri-urban landscapes through soft mobility is recognized as the cornerstone for accessibility to material and immaterial resources (including ecosystem services) for multiple categories of users, including the most vulnerable, especially following the restoration of green-area systems and non-urbanized areas with degraded ecosystems. Considering the forthcoming implementation of the Magna Grecia cycling route, the southernmost segment of the “EuroVelo” network traversing three regions in southern Italy, this contribution briefly examines the necessity of defining new development policies to effectively integrate sustainable slow tourism with the enhancement of environmental and landscape values in the coastal areas along the route. Specifically, this case study focuses on a coastal stretch characterized by significant morphological and environmental features and notable landscapes interwoven with densely built environments. In this area, environmental and landscape values face considerable threats from scattered, irregular, low-density settlements, abandoned sites, and other inappropriate constructions along the coastline. Full article

Amid ongoing societal development, tourists’ travel behavior patterns have been undergoing substantial transformations, and understanding their evolution has emerged as a key area of scholarly interest. Taking Beijing as a case study, this research aims to uncover the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of tourist flows and their underlying driving mechanisms. Based on digital footprint relational data, a dual-perspective analytical framework—“tourist perception–tourist flow network”—is constructed. By integrating the center-of-gravity model, social network analysis, and regression models, the study systematically examines the dynamic spatial structure of tourist flows in Beijing from 2012 to 2024. The findings reveal that in the post-pandemic period, Beijing tourists place greater emphasis on the cultural connotation and experiential aspects of destinations. The gravitational center of tourist flows remains relatively stable, with core historical and cultural blocks retaining strong appeal, though a slight shift has occurred due to policy influences and emerging attractions. The evolution of the spatial network structure reveals that tourism flows have become more dispersed, while the influence of core scenic spots continues to intensify. Government policy orientation, tourism information retrieval, and the agglomeration of tourism resources significantly promote the structure of tourist flows, whereas the general level of tourism resources exerts no notable influence. These findings offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the sustainable development and regional coordination of tourism in Beijing, and provide a valuable reference for the spatial restructuring of urban tourism in the post-COVID-19 era. Full article

The aim of the study is to carry out a technical assessment of a Hungarian baths complex, which is a major tourist center with approximately 180,000 visitors per year. The bath complex had been partially closed. Following the partial closure of the spa, a comprehensive survey was carried out, identifying four main problem areas: operational difficulties with the thermal and cold-water wells, outdated water treatment technology, structural damage to the swimming pool and general mechanical deficiencies. Based on these investigations, recommendations were made for a safe and sustainable reopening of the spa, such as the reactivation of the geothermal system, the installation of modern filtration and dosing systems, and the application of energy-efficient and intelligent technologies. Based on the recommendations, the safe, economical, and sustainable reopening of the spa can be achieved, while also providing guidance for the modernization of other spa complexes. A separate section presents detailed development proposals, such as restarting the geothermal system, applying modern water treatment technologies and intelligent control systems, renovating the pool structure, and modernizing the mechanical and electrical systems. These proposals contribute to the modernization of the spa infrastructure and can also provide guidance for solving technical problems in other similar facilities. 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

Urban growth often surpasses the actual needs of the population, leading to inefficient land use and long-term environmental challenges. This study provides an integrated perspective on urban landscape transformation by linking socio-demographic dynamics with ecological consequences, notably vegetation loss and increased impervious surfaces. The study area is Năvodari Administrative-Territorial Unit (ATU), a coastal tourist city located along the Black Sea in Romania. By integrating geospatial datasets such as Urban Atlas and Corine Land Cover with population- and construction-related statistics, the analysis reveals a disproportionate increase in urbanized land compared to population growth. Time-series analyses based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) from 1990 to 2022 highlight significant ecological degradation, including vegetation loss and increased built-up density. The findings suggest that real estate investment and tourism-driven development play a more substantial role than demographic dynamics in shaping land use change. Understanding urban expansion as a coupled social–ecological process is essential for promoting sustainable planning and enhancing environmental resilience. While this study is focused on the coastal city of Năvodari, its insights are relevant to a broader international context, particularly for rapidly developing tourist destinations facing similar urban and ecological pressures. The findings support efforts toward more inclusive, balanced, and environmentally responsible urban development, aligning with the core principles of Sustainable Development Goal 11, particularly Target 11.3, which emphasizes sustainable urbanization and efficient land use. Full article

Tourist satisfaction of nighttime urban lakes as scenic areas, such as the Daming Lake, is influenced by multiple factors, which are crucial for tourists’ experiences and the sustainable development of these areas. This paper explores the factors impacting nighttime visitor satisfaction at the Daming Lake Scenic Area. Basing our studies on analysis of the literature and questionnaire surveys, the study constructs a visitor satisfaction evaluation index system based on the Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory. Utilizing the revised importance-performance analysis method, the study identifies several significant influencing factors including the distinctive features of nighttime shopping products, the rich variety of nighttime tourscape and entertainment products, the aesthetically pleasing design of nighttime lighting products, the affordable price of nighttime dining products, and the diverse methods, reasonable pricing, and multimodal transit options of nighttime transportation. Furthermore, it finds the main factors that reduce tourists’ satisfaction in nighttime urban lakes include: premium pricing of nighttime shopping and dining products, transport infrastructure deficiencies, the cultural connotation of tourism products, and the safety of nighttime tourscape and entertainment products. This research provides insights to enhance satisfaction in urban lake scenic areas and expands the application of the tourist satisfaction theory. 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

China’s rapid urbanization has given rise to the phenomenon of “urban villages”, which are often regarded as chaotic fringe areas in traditional studies. With the rise of the concept of resilient cities, the value of urban villages as potential carriers of sustainable development has been re-examined. This study adopted research methods such as field investigations, in-depth interviews, and conceptual sampling. By analyzing the interlinked governance relationship between Xiamen City and the urban villages in the Bay Area, aspects such as rural housing improvement, environmental governance, residents’ feedback, geographical pattern, and spatial production were evaluated. A field investigation was conducted in six urban villages within the four bays of Xiamen. A total of 45 people in the urban villages were interviewed, and the spatial status of the urban villages was recorded. This research found that following: (1) Different types of urban villages have formed significantly differentiated role positionings under the framework of regional governance. Residential community types XA and WL provide long-term and stable living spaces for migrant workers in Xiamen; tourism development types DS, HX, BZ, and HT allow the undertaking of short-term stay tourists and provide tourism services. (2) These urban villages achieve the construction of their resilience through resisting risks, absorbing policy resources, catering to the expansion of urban needs, and co-construction in coordination with planning. The multi-cultural inclusiveness of urban villages and their transformation led by cultural shifts have become the driving force for their sustainable development. Through the above mechanisms, urban villages have become the source of resilience and sustainability of healthy cities and provide a model reference for high-density urban construction. Full article

In the context of cultural tourism integration, tourists’ spatial perception intention is an important carrier of spatial evaluation. In historic cultural districts represented by Jinan Mingfu City, tourists’ perceptual depth remains underexplored, leading to a misalignment between cultural tourism development and spatial quality needs. Taking Jinan Mingfu City as a representative case of a historic cultural district, while the living heritage model has revitalized local economies, the absence of a tourist perspective has resulted in misalignment between cultural tourism development and spatial quality requirements. This study establishes a technical framework encompassing “data crawling-factor aggregation-human-machine collaborative optimization”. It integrates Python web crawlers, SnowNLP sentiment analysis, and TF-IDF text mining technologies to extract physical elements; constructs a three-dimensional evaluation framework of “visual perception-spatial comfort-cultural experience” through SPSS principal component analysis; and quantifies physical element indicators such as green vision rate and signboard clutter index through street view semantic segmentation (OneFormer framework). A synergistic mechanism of machine scoring and manual double-blind scoring is adopted for correlation analysis to determine the impact degree of indicators and optimization strategies. This study identified that indicators such as green vision rate, shading facility coverage, and street enclosure ratio significantly influence tourist evaluations, with a severe deficiency in cultural spaces. Accordingly, it proposes targeted strategies, including visual landscape optimization, facility layout adjustment, and cultural scenario implementation. By breaking away from traditional qualitative evaluation paradigms, this study provides data-based support for the spatial quality enhancement of historic districts, thereby enabling the transformation of these areas from experience-oriented protection to data-driven intelligent renewal and promoting the sustainable development of cultural tourism. Full article

Trail erosion is a global issue, particularly in mountainous regions, that is largely driven by increased tourist flows and uncontrolled trampling. Our study was conducted in the Bucegi Mountains, Southern Carpathians, Romania, along three of the most frequented hiking trails, each with varying levels of difficulty. Two of these trails cross both the forest and alpine zones, and the other crosses only the alpine zone: Jepii Mici, connecting the Bușteni resort (960 m a.s.l.) to Babele Chalet (2200 m a.s.l.); Jepii Mari, linking Bușteni resort to the National Sports Complex Piatra Arsă (1960 m a.s.l.); and the trail between Babele Chalet and Omu Peak (2505 m a.s.l.). Our analysis focused on morphometric parameters, the volume of displaced soil, and associated geohazards, serving as indicators for assessing the degradation state of hiking trails and their suitability for mountain biking and tourist traffic. The findings reveal a high degree of trail degradation, highlighted by increased trail width, the development of parallel trail sections due to dispersed tourist traffic, areas with abrupt gradient changes, and sections severely affected by erosion, resulting in significant volumes of displaced soil. These factors hinder effective tourist traffic, including hiking and mountain biking, and degrade the mountainous landscape. Conversely, the results can be useful for both monitoring annual trail erosion rates and facilitating tourist access, tailored to individual and group interests, as well as the physical readiness of each tourist, to offer a more pleasurable and sustainable experience. Full article

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

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

This study explores the dynamics of motorcycle tourism in rural areas and its potential contribution to sustainable and regenerative development. A bibliometric analysis of management-related publications was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on topics such as tourism, motivation, rurality, and motorcycling. VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20) was employed to support this analysis. Based on the literature, a theoretical framework was developed, leading to four research hypotheses that aimed to empirically examine the relationships between cultural motivation, community interaction, type of accommodation, event location, and tourist behaviour. To test these hypotheses, structured questionnaires were distributed in person during rural motorcycling events in Portugal, yielding a valid sample of 233 respondents. The data were analysed using SPSS 28 software via statistical methods to reduce dimensionality and identify latent structures, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The results confirmed all four hypotheses, highlighting the importance of cultural motivation for return intentions, community interaction for perceived authenticity, accommodation type for destination recommendations, and event location for overall satisfaction. The study also identifies gender-related differences and reinforces the value of immersive, co-created experiences in enhancing the competitiveness of rural destinations. This theoretical contribution supports the advancement of motorcycle tourism as a sustainable niche while offering practical guidance for inclusive and regenerative tourism planning. Full article