Search Results (110)

This study employs a mixed method. In-depth interviews and observational studies are among the data collection approaches used in qualitative research. The quantitative method measures the weight of respondents’ answers to the distributed questionnaire. The questionnaire, containing 82 items, was distributed to 202 tourists to collect their perceptions based on the 4A tourist components. The results indicate that tourists’ perceptions of attractions, accessibility, and ancillary services are generally positive. In contrast, perceptions of amenity services are less favorable. Using the scores from IFAS, EFAS, and the I-E matrix, the total weighted scores for IFAS and EFAS are 2.68 and 2.83, respectively. The appropriate strategy for BTV is one of aggressive growth in a position of strengths and opportunities. The study highlights key techniques, including the application of information technology in service and promotion, the strengthening of community and government roles, the development of infrastructure and facilities, the utilization of external resources, sustainable innovation, and the encouragement of local governments to issue regulations for halal tourism villages. By identifying drivers and barriers from an economic, environmental, social, and cultural perspective, the SWOT analysis results help design strategies that can make positive contributions to the development of sustainable, community-based halal tourism and digital information in the future. Full article

Spatial association analysis is essential for understanding interdependencies, spatial proximity, and distribution patterns within spatial data. The spatial scale is a key factor that significantly affects the result of spatial association mining. Traditional methods often rely on a fixed distance threshold (bandwidth) to define the scale effect, which can lead to scale sensitivity and discontinuity results. To address these limitations, this study introduces the Fuzzy Geographically Weighted Colocation Quotient (FGWCLQ) method. By integrating fuzzy theory, FGWCLQ replaces binary distance cutoffs with continuous membership functions, providing a more flexible and stable approach to spatial association mining. Using Point of Interest (POI) data from the Beijing urban area, FGWCLQ was applied to explore both intra- and inter-category spatial association patterns among star hotels, transportation facilities, and tourist attractions at different fuzzy neighborhoods. The results indicate that FGWCLQ can reliably discover global prevalent spatial associations among diverse facility types and visualize the spatial heterogeneity at various spatial scales. Compared to the deterministic GWCLQ method, FGWCLQ delivers more stable and robust results across varying spatial scales and generates more continuous association surfaces, which enable clear visualization of hierarchical clustering. Empirical findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the location of star hotels and supporting decision-making in urban planning. The method is available as an open-source Matlab package, providing a practical tool for diverse spatial association investigations. Full article

Tourist satisfaction models typically assume that service performance dimensions carry the same weight for all travelers. Drawing on Bourdieu, we reconceptualize age, gender, and region of origin as demographic capital, durable resources that mediate how visitors decode service cues. Using a SERVPERF-based survey of 407 international travelers departing Quito (Ecuador), we test measurement invariance across six sociodemographic strata with multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. The four-factor SERVPERF core (Access, Lodging, Extra-hotel Services, Attractions) holds, yet partial metric invariance emerges: specific loadings flex with demographic capital. Gen-Z travelers penalize transport reliability and safety; female visitors reward cleanliness and empathy; and Latin American guests are the most critical of basic organization. These patterns expose a boundary condition for universalistic satisfaction models and elevate demographic capital from a descriptive tag to a structuring construct. Managerially, we translate the findings into segment-sensitive levers, visible security for youth and regional markets, gender-responsive facility upgrades, and dual eco-luxury versus digital-detox bundles for long-haul segments. By demonstrating when and how SERVPERF fractures across sociodemographic lines, this study intervenes in three theoretical conversations: (1) capital-based readings of consumption, (2) the search for boundary conditions in service-quality measurement, and (3) the shift from segmentation to capital-sensitive interpretation in emerging markets. The results position Ecuador as a critical case and provide a template for destinations facing similar performance–perception mismatches in the Global South. Full article

The field of tourism economics has consistently attracted big attention from scholars across various countries. Tourism is inherently linked to economic aspects. Concurrently, Indonesia has relocated its Ibu Kota Negara/National Capital City, now named “IKN”, from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. In addition to extensive public infrastructure development, the Indonesian government is also working to revitalize the tourism sector in IKN. To assess the economic feasibility of this sector, an in-depth study is necessary. This research aims to examine labor absorption, tourist visits, and economic growth as indicators of successful tourism economic performance. It also analyzes the variables that influence these indicators, including (1) wages, (2) occupancy rates, (3) room rates, (4) food and beverage facilities, (5) inflation, (6) hotel and lodging taxes, (7) restaurant and eating-house taxes, and (8) investment. The regression testing method employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). According to the data analyzed from 2013 to 2024, the authors identified three main points: First, tourist visits and inflation have positive and significant impacts on labor absorption. Second, labor absorption, wages, occupancy rates, economic growth, and investment positively and significantly influence tourist visits. Third, tourist visits, room rates, food and beverage facilities, and inflation have positive and significant effects on economic growth. The implications of this research can be enlightening for regulators and future initiatives. This is particularly important for guiding further empirical investigations and policy planning aimed at accelerating economic development in the tourism sector. Full article

This study explores the relationship between perceived quality and happiness among self-driving tourists, focusing on the impact of the self-driving journey and sightseeing stages on multi-stage satisfaction and happiness. An online survey was conducted, and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) of perceived quality, satisfaction, and happiness was constructed to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that overall satisfaction with the self-driving experience significantly affects tourists’ happiness, with the indirect effect of attraction satisfaction being particularly notable. Perceived quality indirectly influences happiness by enhancing satisfaction, with key factors including unique attractions, guide services, and innovative entertainment products. Additionally, the development of self-driving parking facilities, public information dissemination, road key nodes and scenery design, and vehicle intelligence levels are critical to enhancing tourists’ happiness. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the overall tourism experience. Full article

Rapid population aging worldwide has created pressing demands for transformative changes in tourism management and service provision, necessitating urgent age-friendly modifications to destination infrastructure and facilities. However, the existing research on age-friendly facility assessments has often relied on methods such as surveys and field observations, which are inefficient and highly subjective, significantly limiting their applicability. This paper proposes a novel age-friendly assessment method that integrates multiple computer-vision-based object detection and recognition models. By calculating the spatiotemporal occupancy rates of resting facilities and the proportion of elderly usage, this method enables an efficient quantification of the age-friendly adequacy of rest areas. Using field data collected from the Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area, we designed accuracy analysis and validation experiments, demonstrating that this method surpasses traditional approaches in both evaluation efficiency and accuracy. The results indicate that the service facility adequacy in the FangQiao and LingQiao rest areas is insufficient, with resting facility density below four per 100 m, making it difficult to meet the resting needs of elderly visitors. This method can effectively supplement current age-friendly facility assessment practices in tourist destinations, offering a scientific and efficient basis for infrastructure upgrades tailored to elderly needs. Full article

The impact of high temperatures on tourist flows in urban and rural areas is both complex and multi-dimensional, yet research remains limited regarding their spatial and temporal differences. This study aims to analyze the changes in tourist flows between urban and rural areas under high-temperature conditions and to identify the key factors driving these patterns, contributing to climate-resilient tourism planning. Using Shanghai, China, as a case study, we constructed an attraction-based tourist flow model with Baidu migration data, integrating a self-organizing feature map for urban–rural classification and Pearson correlation analysis to examine influencing factors. The results showed that high temperatures significantly reduced tourist flows in both urban and rural areas, with a more pronounced impact observed in rural areas. This reduction altered spatial patterns, shifting from a multicentric distribution to an urban-centered concentration. Furthermore, high temperatures affected the timing of tourist flows differently across regions. In urban areas, tourist flows tended to start earlier, and key driving factors, such as facility services and economic levels, remained stable and continued to exert a dominant influence. In contrast, rural tourist flows were delayed under high-temperature conditions, with tourists showing a preference for cooler attractions further from urban centers. These findings highlight the need for targeted climate adaptation strategies, including improving cooling infrastructure in urban areas and promoting eco-friendly, sustainable tourism initiatives in rural regions. This study offers empirical evidence to support policy efforts aimed at fostering coordinated urban–rural tourism development and advancing sustainable adaptation to climate change. Full article

The objective of ensuring equal access to and enjoyment of tourism for the broadest spectrum of individuals, regardless of age or ability, is a fundamental right for all, as explicitly outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the initiatives aimed at actualizing the aims and objectives of the Convention, the discrepancy between the supply and demand for accessibility remains considerably high in Italy. In fact, numerous accessibility issues persist in information, services, transportation, tourist destinations, accommodations, and various types of facilities and attractions. The inadequacy of long-term planning and the lack of a comprehensive perspective on accessibility further exacerbate the situation in Italy. In light of these considerations, this paper aims to examine, via a survey conducted on a sample of potential users, the challenges and opportunities for the development of inclusive forms of accessible tourism and to recommend a reference framework for best practices that encompasses, in addition to barriers, the elements that enhance accessibility and usability of cultural activities for individuals with disabilities, serving as a reference point to assist in the planning and governance of sustainable tourism policies. This paper aims to answer three fundamental research questions to improve the conditions of the Italian tourism system: What is the perception of people with disabilities regarding their ability to travel in Italy? What needs to be improved to achieve a good tourism experience for people with disabilities in Italy? Which parameters should be considered for proper planning of accessible and inclusive tourism in Italy? Full article

The number of individuals with disabilities around the world and in Poland is constantly increasing. Social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and social integration are among the Sustainable Development Goals, which include inclusive tourism. Fostering inclusion in the tourism industry contributes to improving quality of life in marginalised communities, community involvement in tourism development planning, and ethical activities related to the production and consumption of tourism services. Making attractions accessible to people with disabilities also contributes to enriching the tourist offerings of a region. The aim of this study is to assess the accessibility of tourist attractions in the Świętokrzyskie region, located in central Poland. The natural, cultural, and historical attractions there create potential for the development of various forms of tourism. The accessibility of 20 major tourist attractions for people with mobility, sight, and hearing impairments was examined. The results indicate a varying level of adaptation of facilities to the needs of the surveyed groups. Recreation and entertainment facilities are the best adapted, while sacred and historical facilities are the least adjusted. The majority of adaptations were directed towards individuals with mobility impairments, with blind and partially sighted people as well as deaf and partially hearing people often being overlooked. The identified barriers to adaptation included the excessive cost of adaptation and the limitations of the historic nature of the building. The inadequate preparation of attraction staff to support disabled individuals was also highlighted, as well as the importance of modern technology in creating accessibility and the need to promote inclusion among attraction managers and in regional policy. The article also includes an analysis of the local government’s measures aimed at social inclusion. Full article

Heritage sites are vital resources for the tourism industry due to treasures such as world heritage sites. Caravanserais are newly inscribed world heritage sites that, beyond their historical roles, are now capable to be developed as tourist attractions. This study aims to propose a framework based on a multi-criteria decision-making system to evaluate Persian caravanserais’ potential for development as tourist attractions. This study focuses on Isfahan Province in Iran, with a specific emphasis on eight caravanserais within the province that are listed as UNESCO world heritage Sites. A total of 39 relevant criteria related to network connectivity and access, tourist attractions, facilities and services, climatic conditions, geomorphological features, and hazards were utilized to assess the heritage tourism potential. The BMW-WLC multi-criteria decision-making model was applied to determine tourism development suitability and rank the studied caravanserais. The results revealed that a significant portion of the area (34%) is classified as having very high suitability, while only 6% is identified as having very low suitability. The analysis reveals varying tourism potential among caravanserais. Gaz and Gaba Abad rank high overall but require climate adaptation strategies. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively assesses the heritage tourism potential of caravanserais, providing a data-driven, multi-criteria approach to sustainable development. Full article

North Sumatra has abundant natural resources and potential as a tourist destination for the wider community. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted natural tourism, including in North Sumatra, where several tourist attractions have closed their businesses. This study aims to formulate policy priorities for the impact control and restoration of natural tourism sites in North Sumatra. We analyzed the decline in visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on the number of visitors, the types of tourist attraction facilities that suffered the most damage, the influence of facility type on the decline in tourist visits, and the aspects of tourism that decreased the most and should be prioritized for improvement. A descriptive statistical analysis, difference tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were used. We found factors that influenced visitor changes before and during the pandemic, as well as afterwards. Our results show that an important development priority is to control the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the decline in tourist attractions. We also propose important recommendations for priority policies aimed at the restoration of facilities in the post-COVID-19 development of natural tourism in North Sumatra. Full article

As urbanization accelerates in developing countries and populations continue to grow, the demand for sustainable urban regeneration becomes increasingly urgent. This study explores how urban regeneration can be integrated with tourism development to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. Using the theory of organic regeneration, this study emphasizes the role of localized, small-scale interventions that enhance the urban environment while boosting tourism appeal. Through field research at the Tianjin Cruise Terminal, this study applies the KANO model to classify user needs and prioritize design interventions based on the needs of various user groups, including tourists, exercisers, anglers, and local residents. By analyzing user group activity frequencies, the study identifies Must-be, One-dimensional, and Attractive needs, and utilizes weight analysis to assess the impacts of different facilities on user satisfaction. This approach ensures that the design guidelines effectively address both essential and value-enhancing features. The findings provide more suitable design guidelines for improving tourism infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the overall urban experience. Full article

Rural tourism is closely linked to a local’s tradition, identity, and cultural heritage. When staying in a specific tourist destination, a modern tourist expects a complete experience of the destination. Experience is necessary in rural tourist accommodation where guests can feel the local culture, nature, gastronomy, environment, and heritage. However, what about the interior design of the accommodation facility and the furniture design that will provide a rural and at the same time modern atmosphere? The paper aims to explore the traditional heritage, culture, indigenous elements, and ornamentation of rural artifacts of Istria, a region in Croatia, to propose a conceptual design of functional contemporary furniture for furnishing the living room in tourist accommodation. The furniture collection, with visual and artistic elements, surface treatment, construction, and selected sustainable materials and ornamentation, aims to brand the indigenous rural Istrian heritage, while at the same time combines an innovative contemporary expression. The research is divided into two stages: the first stage was conducted during field research using photography, observation, and interview methods, and the collected data from this stage served as inspiration for designing a furniture collection in the second stage. The second stage uses the cyclical method of the creative process to design new sustainable furniture concept, consisting of a table, stool, chest of drawers, and coffee table, which form a collection in the tourist interior environment. This furniture design model that uses original heritage to brand the rural environment and increase the attractiveness of accommodation in rural areas could be applied to other locations so tourists can fully experience the rural area they visit and achieve experiential, relaxed holidays and amenities, thus supporting the sustainable development of rural tourist destinations. The practical implications of this research have yet to be confirmed. It is desirable to investigate the impact and satisfaction of users in such designed interiors and confirm such a concept. This will require the engagement of architects and designers and hotel accommodation owners, as well as and the support of economic entities, local authorities, and the government, who need to systematically change the ways of branding rural values to achieve a holistic approach to the tourism offer. Full article

The image attributes of a tourist destination are the elements that make up the perception that visitors have about a place. Segmenting by image attributes is establishing subgroups of tourists, differentiating them by the way they perceive the image of the destination. The present study in a marine protected area aimed to (i) identify image attributes, (ii) establish segments based on image attributes, (iii) determine the relationship between image segments, satisfaction, and behavioral loyalty, and (iv) ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics of image segments in insular marine protected areas. This study was conducted in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, a marine protected Pacific Ocean area declared a World Heritage Site. A total of 407 surveys were collected in situ. The data were interpreted using factor analysis techniques and non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis. The results show four image attributes in marine protected areas: Staff Attention, Tourist Facilities, Nature and People, and Cultural Attractions. Likewise, three segments based on image attributes were identified: the Passive segment, with low scores overall; Nature, with high scores only in attributes related to nature; and the Want It All segment, with high scores in all image attributes. Among these groups, the Want it All segment demonstrates the highest satisfaction and loyalty levels. The results will serve as management guidelines for marine protected area administrators and contribute to academic literature. Full article

Tourism is a dynamic industry that significantly contributes to the global economy, driven by the increasingly diverse preferences of tourists. Addressing these preferences requires sophisticated decision-making models capable of handling the uncertainty and subjectivity of human judgments. This study proposes sustainable models for effectively capturing and evaluating individual tourist preferences using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP). These models leverage the strengths of the AHP to construct a flexible decision-making framework that adapts to diverse tourist preferences, offering personalized recommendations. In this study, three main criteria are considered: types of tourism, tourism facilities, and tourism areas. Tourists are encouraged to provide their preferences for these criteria and sub-criteria, enabling the AHP and Fuzzy AHP to recommend suitable destinations. An analysis was conducted with 30 respondents providing pairwise comparisons of the tourism criteria, which were then used to generate tourist attraction recommendations using both the AHP and Fuzzy AHP. The study assessed respondents’ satisfaction with the recommendations, finding that both methods were effective, with a slight preference for the Fuzzy AHP due to its ability to better capture individual preferences. The results underscore the potential of these models in sustainably enhancing decision support systems in the tourism industry, offering tailored recommendations that align more closely with tourist expectations. Full article