Sustainability

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16 pages, 4014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Should I Stay or Can I Go? Accessible Tourism and Mountain Huts in Gran Paradiso National Park

by Riccardo Beltramo, Stefano Duglio and Giulio Mario Cappelletti

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2936; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052936 - 2 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2694

Within the tourism sector, sustainability has been studied widely at different levels and with different lenses. In the last few years, many research activities have been carried out to assess the social dimension of tourism. Under this perspective, scholars have focused on the [...] Read more.

Within the tourism sector, sustainability has been studied widely at different levels and with different lenses. In the last few years, many research activities have been carried out to assess the social dimension of tourism. Under this perspective, scholars have focused on the accessibility of the tourism and hospitality sectors. This study represents the first-ever attempt to assess how tourists’ physical handicaps or special needs are considered in a very specific kind of accommodation facility: the mountain hut. To do so, semi-structured interviews were conducted with mountain hut managers about four mountain huts—29% of all the mountain huts located in Gran Paradiso National Park, the first established Italian protected area. The results underline both strong and critical points. Considering that many mountain huts are located in severe environments (e.g., medium-high altitudes and reachable only on foot), they have limitations in hosting visitors with physical constraints, who, on the other hand, normally do not attend this kind of facility. By contrast, all of the mountain hut managers were able to satisfy visitors with special food needs, for example, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, showing their capability to cope with new forms of tourism demands and expectations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

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12 pages, 5510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas: An Empirical Study in the Lazio Region

by Maria Giovina Pasca, Grazia Chiara Elmo, Gabriella Arcese, Giulio Mario Cappelletti and Olimpia Martucci

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031736 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2514

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the state of the art on services provided by protected natural areas in the Lazio region. The paper highlights the strengths and the aspects to improve in these protected natural areas to promote and incentivize accessible and inclusive [...] Read more.

The article aims to analyze the state of the art on services provided by protected natural areas in the Lazio region. The paper highlights the strengths and the aspects to improve in these protected natural areas to promote and incentivize accessible and inclusive tourism. An empirical investigation involving the region of Lazio (Italy) was performed, adopting a quantitative research design. First, the authors collected secondary data on the protected natural areas in the region and on the services available. Then, a questionnaire was used to quantitatively investigate the services provided to meet the needs of tourists with disabilities. The findings show that the structures provide essential services, such as marked paths, equipped bathrooms, various aids to overcome obstacles along the visit route and flooring that allows accessible transit. However, there is a need to invest in staff training and continuously update information on the websites. It is important to address the lack of information on the needs and expectations of disabled individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

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18 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Motivations in the Segmentation of Ecotourism Destinations: A Study from Costa Rica

by Mauricio Carvache-Franco, Wilmer Carvache-Franco, Ana Gabriela Víquez-Paniagua, Orly Carvache-Franco and Allan Pérez-Orozco

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179818 - 1 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3964

Abstract

In recent years, the interests and motivations of tourists for nature and leisure have increased. The objectives of this study include following: (i) identifying the underlying variables or motivational dimensions in ecotourism; and (ii) analyzing the demand segmentation in ecotourism. This empirical study [...] Read more.

In recent years, the interests and motivations of tourists for nature and leisure have increased. The objectives of this study include following: (i) identifying the underlying variables or motivational dimensions in ecotourism; and (ii) analyzing the demand segmentation in ecotourism. This empirical study was conducted in The Arenal National Park and The Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica, a country with ecological importance for ecotourism. The sample consisted of 310 surveys obtained in situ. For data analysis, factor analysis and a non-hierarchical K-means segmentation were performed. In the study, seven motivational dimensions in ecotourism were obtained, such as “Self-development”, “Interpersonal relationships and ego-defensive function”, “Nature”, “Building personal relationships”, “Rewards” and “Escape”. Moreover, the characteristics of the different segments are established according to their motivations; thus, there are three segments of ecotourists: “Reward and escape”, “Multiple motives” and “Nature”. The findings of this research provide management guides to public institutions and information for companies for developing products according to demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

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14 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public—Private Partnership Governance for Accessible Tourism in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

by Fabio De Matteis, Giovanni Notaristefano and Piervito Bianchi

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158455 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3468

Abstract

Tourism is a relevant sector in terms of social development, considering its contribution to the quality of life for people with special needs. Accessible tourism, by virtue of its complexity, requires the development of studies on the collaboration among different actors. This leads [...] Read more.

Tourism is a relevant sector in terms of social development, considering its contribution to the quality of life for people with special needs. Accessible tourism, by virtue of its complexity, requires the development of studies on the collaboration among different actors. This leads to this article’s research interest in the public—private partnership (PPP) as a managerial tool that allows cooperation and that can support the development of accessible tourism objectives in marine protected areas (MPAs). Applying the case study methodology, we investigate certain aspects characterizing PPPs governance. Answering the two proposed research questions, we conclude that (1) sharing similar moral values facilitates trust between the partners and (2) differing skills of the partners represent advantages in facing the complexity related to accessible tourism objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

16 pages, 1190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Value and Its Predictive Relationship with Satisfaction and Loyalty in Ecotourism: A Study in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park in Spain

by Conrado Carrascosa-López, Mauricio Carvache-Franco and Wilmer Carvache-Franco

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147860 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3709

Abstract

Ecotourism involves visiting natural areas to carry out environmentally friendly activities, contributing to environmental care. The present study aims to: (i) establish the dimensions of the perceived value in ecotourism applied to a natural park, (ii) analyze the dimensions of perceived value that [...] Read more.

Ecotourism involves visiting natural areas to carry out environmentally friendly activities, contributing to environmental care. The present study aims to: (i) establish the dimensions of the perceived value in ecotourism applied to a natural park, (ii) analyze the dimensions of perceived value that predict ecotourism satisfaction, and (iii) identify the dimensions of perceived value that predict ecotourists’ intentions to return, recommend, and provide positive word of mouth about the ecotourism destination as loyalty variables. The research was conducted in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park in Spain. The sample taken in situ consisted of 341 questionnaires. For data analysis, factor analysis and the stepwise multiple regression method were used. The results showed three dimensions of perceived value: economic, functional, and social and emotional. The “functional” value was the most significant predictor of ecotourists’ satisfaction, intentions to return, and to provide positive word of mouth. Likewise, the “functional” and the “social and emotional” dimensions were important predictors of tourists’ intentions to recommend these places. These findings will serve as management guides for different institutions and tourism service providers of protected areas to develop products according to tourists’ perceived value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

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16 pages, 1505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Motivations and Segmentation in Ecotourism Destinations. Application to Natural Parks in Spanish Mediterranean Area

by Conrado Carrascosa-López, Mauricio Carvache-Franco, José Mondéjar-Jiménez and Wilmer Carvache-Franco

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4802; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094802 - 25 Apr 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5169

Abstract

Ecotourism is one of the tourism variants with more annual growth. Motivation has become a fundamental criterion for travel behavior. Segmentation is used to identify the market niches of different tourism products and services. This study collects these three elements and is designed [...] Read more.

Ecotourism is one of the tourism variants with more annual growth. Motivation has become a fundamental criterion for travel behavior. Segmentation is used to identify the market niches of different tourism products and services. This study collects these three elements and is designed to examine demand segmentation and motivations in ecotourism. The analysis was carried out in the Albufera and Serranía de Cuenca Natural Parks, both located in the Mediterranean area in Spain. The analysis sample consists in 349 surveys obtained in situ. For the data analysis, a factor analysis and nonhierarchical K-media segmentation were performed. The results show eight motivational dimensions: “Interpersonal relationships”, “Self-development”, “Escape”, “Building personal relationships”, “Nature”, “Ego-defensive function”, “Rewards”, and “Fun”. According to tourists’ motivations, three ecotourist segments are obtained: “Nature”, “Multiple motives”, and “Reward and Escape”. This research can assist companies and institutions to improve tourism service offers and perform efficient marketing planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

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11 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inclusivity and Responsible Tourism: Designing a Trademark for a National Park Area

by Edgardo Sica, Roberta Sisto, Piervito Bianchi and Giulio Cappelletti

Sustainability 2021, 13(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010013 - 22 Dec 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4427

Abstract

Responsible tourism provides a particular lens by which to consider how to improve the sustainability of tourism with the ambition to enhance the positive impacts of mainstream tourism, while reducing the negative ones. In this view, facilitating travel for people with disabilities represents [...] Read more.

Responsible tourism provides a particular lens by which to consider how to improve the sustainability of tourism with the ambition to enhance the positive impacts of mainstream tourism, while reducing the negative ones. In this view, facilitating travel for people with disabilities represents an exceptional opportunity, and the idea that what is accessible to one traveler may be very difficult to access to another one with a different type of disability, makes inclusive tourism a relevant part of the global sustainable tourism agenda. The present study aims to provide empirical evidence on the adoption of the principles of responsible and inclusive tourism within a national park area. To this end, the paper discusses the case of the “E-Parks” research project which investigated the area of the Gargano National Park (Italy) with a special focus on the problems faced by tourists with disabilities, and on the improvements to enable all tourists to have the full enjoyment of their tourism experience. The study contributes, therefore, to enriching the empirical literature on inclusive and responsible tourism that has its application in the design of trademark procedural guidelines enabling tourists with different disabilities to access a protected natural area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

14 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accessible Tourism in Natural Park Areas: A Social Network Analysis to Discard Barriers and Provide Information for People with Disabilities

by Piervito Bianchi, Giulio Mario Cappelletti, Elisabetta Mafrolla, Edgardo Sica and Roberta Sisto

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9915; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239915 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4154

Abstract

Although regulations designed to meet the necessities of tourists with disabilities are allowing disables to travel more, they are still encountering barriers and discriminatory practices. A relevant obstacle in making the tourist policy effective is represented by the lack of information and communication [...] Read more.

Although regulations designed to meet the necessities of tourists with disabilities are allowing disables to travel more, they are still encountering barriers and discriminatory practices. A relevant obstacle in making the tourist policy effective is represented by the lack of information and communication about needs and expectations of disabled categories. In this context, the present paper focuses on the coproduction process of tourist public policies for disables by looking at the network that facilitates communication among the actors taking part in the process. We adopt the Social Network Analysis (SNA) to study the policy network, i.e., how public administrations and policy users (associations of citizens/people with disabilities and entrepreneurs) exchange information about the accessibility to the Gargano National Park, a protected natural area in the South of Italy. In particular, we investigate the role of entrepreneurial stakeholders in channeling information and the presence of policy brokers, i.e., stakeholders that spread the policies to the whole network. Our findings show that a limited number of actors involved in granting accessibility to tourists with disabilities is engaged in information exchanges. Moreover, information flows are guided by only one public administration that plays, therefore, a key role in the implementation of policies that support the parks’ accessibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accessible Tourism in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs))

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