Sustainability

Research

18 pages, 1792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism Competitiveness versus Sustainability: Impact on the World Economic Forum Model Using the Rasch Methodology

by Vidina Tais Díaz-Padilla, Irena Travar, Zamira Acosta-Rubio and Eduardo Parra-López

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13700; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813700 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1848

The pandemic changed the strategic business approach of tourist destinations on a global scale. Given this new scenario, there is a need to implement sustainability strategies that are aligned with economic, social, and environmental aspects to continue competing in the international tourism market. [...] Read more.

The pandemic changed the strategic business approach of tourist destinations on a global scale. Given this new scenario, there is a need to implement sustainability strategies that are aligned with economic, social, and environmental aspects to continue competing in the international tourism market. Therefore, identifying these strategies, specific to each destination, is a key variable for tourism competitiveness. To help destination managers, this paper aims to measure tourism competitiveness in terms of sustainability. Using the Rasch model, the analysis confirms that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent and, thus, measure tourism competitiveness. In addition, the results obtained show that the countries with the highest socioeconomic development are the most competitive tourist destinations, and the most relevant SDGs for tourism competitiveness are related to prosperity and social guarantees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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21 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Tourism Technologies, Revisit Intention, and Word-of-Mouth in Emerging and Smart Rural Destinations

by Zabih-Allah Torabi, Mehdi Pourtaheri, Colin Michael Hall, Ayyoob Sharifi and Fazlollah Javidi

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10911; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410911 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4730

Abstract

This study examines the influence of the various attributes of smart tourism technologies (STTs) on tourists’ intentions to revisit locations and engage in word-of-mouth (WOM) activities regarding emerging and smart rural tourist destinations in Iran. A sample of 590 tourists who visited these [...] Read more.

This study examines the influence of the various attributes of smart tourism technologies (STTs) on tourists’ intentions to revisit locations and engage in word-of-mouth (WOM) activities regarding emerging and smart rural tourist destinations in Iran. A sample of 590 tourists who visited these destinations following the COVID-19 pandemic participated in the study. The findings reveal that three attributes of STTs, namely, informativeness, accessibility, and interactivity, positively contribute to tourists’ memorable experiences (ME). Furthermore, ME, satisfaction, and the willingness to engage in WOM recommendations are identified as predictors of tourists’ intention to revisit rural destinations. The study also reveals that user competence serves as a mediator between the attributes of STTs (informativeness, accessibility, and interactivity) and the tourists’ ME. Specifically, tourists with greater skills and knowledge of using STTs tend to have more memorable experiences in these emerging and smart rural destinations. The study discusses both the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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17 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas—The Case of the Vršac Mountains Outstanding Natural Landscape, Vojvodina Province (Northern Serbia)

by Igor Trišić, Florin Nechita, Vladica Ristić, Snežana Štetić, Marija Maksin and Ioana Anisa Atudorei

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107760 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2469

Abstract

The sustainable development of tourism in protected areas and the planning of its development is extremely important for mountain regions. The local population and tourists have a very important role in this process. Therefore, surveys of the local population and visitor satisfaction represent [...] Read more.

The sustainable development of tourism in protected areas and the planning of its development is extremely important for mountain regions. The local population and tourists have a very important role in this process. Therefore, surveys of the local population and visitor satisfaction represent the basis of this research. The Vršac Mountains Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) could represent a significant destination for sustainable tourism. This mountainous area is characterized by a favorable geographical position, a diversity of natural and social factors, rare flora and fauna, and the rich ethno-social heritage of the local population. It is in a very favorable geographical position, and the proximity of the big cities Serbia and Romania, as well as many other factors, are important for tourism development in this area. A quantitative methodology was used for the purposes of this paper during our research. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of tourism development on the satisfaction of residents and visitors of the ONL by applying a survey technique, with the help of a questionnaire as a research instrument. A total of 1419 respondents were surveyed (789 residents and 630 visitors). The research results show that the ecological and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability have the greatest importance for the respondents, and that these two dimensions of sustainability have the greatest impact on sustainable tourism in this protected area. Our main research hypothesis, which states that sustainable tourism has a positive impact on the satisfaction of residents and visitors, is fully confirmed. These data could be significant for tourism planning and the management of protected areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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15 pages, 4501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas—Application of the Prism of Sustainability Model

by Igor Trišić, Florin Nechita, Danka Milojković and Snežana Štetić

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5148; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065148 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2952

Abstract

Research on the impact of protected areas on sustainable tourism development is undeniable. It means that protected areas should be significant tourism destinations for the success of sustainable tourism. The improvement of natural values, reduction of negative tourism effects on the area, strengthening [...] Read more.

Research on the impact of protected areas on sustainable tourism development is undeniable. It means that protected areas should be significant tourism destinations for the success of sustainable tourism. The improvement of natural values, reduction of negative tourism effects on the area, strengthening of the residents’ role in tourism planning, development of the nature-based form of tourism, adoption of legal regulations, and the provision of economic benefits for both managers and residents are the main activities of sustainable tourism development. The areas of Kopački Rit Nature Park in Croatia and Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve in Vojvodina Province (Northern Serbia) are parts of the European river protected area called “The European Amazon”, and are protected as the Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The aim of the research is to obtain significant results regarding the attitudes and satisfaction of 1225 residents with sustainable tourism development using a quantitative methodology (PoS model), and SPSS analysis of the carried-out questionnaire. The respondents’ attitudes are related to the ecological, economic, sociocultural, and institutional sustainability of the protected area as a tourism destination. In addition, interviews were conducted with the managers of natural assets and experts in their tourist development. Answers from the interviews were used to confirm the obtained results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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17 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Tourism Conditions and Sustainable Management of a Community Tourism Association: The Case of Cruz Pata, Peru

by Franklin Omar Zavaleta Chavez Arroyo, Alex Javier Sánchez Pantaleón, Yajaira Paulina Navarro-Mendoza and Rosse Marie Esparza-Huamanchumo

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054401 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3194

Abstract

Community tourism is generally carried out in areas and communities with a low level of development with a vast natural and cultural heritage that has the potential to attract tourists. Tourism development in these areas must take place in a planned manner, promoting [...] Read more.

Community tourism is generally carried out in areas and communities with a low level of development with a vast natural and cultural heritage that has the potential to attract tourists. Tourism development in these areas must take place in a planned manner, promoting economic, social and environmental development that generates decent employment that improves the quality of life of the population and guarantees the appreciation and conservation of natural and cultural heritage. This study analyzes the conditions of community tourism and the management of the Association of Tourism, Crafts, and Defense of Cultural Heritage Karajía, Amazonas, Peru. The study was descriptive, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design, using a matrix of the minimum conditions as a technique for developing community tourism and the survey of the management with a sample of 50 members of the association. The results show that it is feasible and meets the conditions of the Guidelines for the Development of Community Tourism in Peru to be part of the Community Tourism Strategy by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism with a score of 26.84, and the management of the Association of Tourism, Crafts, and Defense of Cultural Heritage Karajía presented a medium level with 72%. It was concluded that the community tourism enterprise managed by the Karajía Communal Tourism Association meets the minimum conditions for developing community tourism in Peru, however, it needs to strengthen the management of the enterprise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

19 pages, 622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Factors Influencing the Destination Choice of International Visitors to Vietnam

by Chihkang Kenny Wu, Minh-Thu Ho, Thi Kim Trang Le and Mai-Uyen Nguyen

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010396 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3854

Abstract

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an attractive tourist destination with diverse and unique experiences, in which Vietnam is considered one of the most famous destinations in this region. Quality evaluations and strategies for attracting international tourists are being thoroughly researched. [...] Read more.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an attractive tourist destination with diverse and unique experiences, in which Vietnam is considered one of the most famous destinations in this region. Quality evaluations and strategies for attracting international tourists are being thoroughly researched. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had the most significant impact on the tourism industry, which has suffered greatly. Therefore, the recovery and expansion of international tourism necessitate the employment of tourism-related businesses and service sector workers. Extensive research must be conducted to identify solutions and new directions to recover the international tourist market’s growth as quickly as possible. This study identifies the factors that influence the destination of international visitors visiting Vietnam after the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying and evaluating the scales of the theoretical model. Using the convenience sampling technique, data were collected through interviews with 208 international visitors, with 29 observed variables. Using SPSS 22.0, five factors influencing international visitors’ decisions to visit Vietnam were revealed: tourist motivation, tourist attitude, destination image, social media, and environmental quality. Finally, the authors provide policy recommendations to enhance the allure and viability of Vietnam’s tourism following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study’s outcome is intended to establish the importance of the many variables influencing the choice of destination for international visitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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25 pages, 2765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Tourism Strategic Planning—Convergent Model Proposal as Applied to a Municipality in Mexico

by Stefanie Zárate-Altamirano, Deisy Coromoto Rebolledo-López and Eduardo Parra-López

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15945; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315945 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2025

Abstract

The planning of tourism activity in the global context has generally been short-term and without inclusion of local communities. This situation has affected the territorial identity and the use of tourist activity itself as a development strategy both globally and locally. In the [...] Read more.

The planning of tourism activity in the global context has generally been short-term and without inclusion of local communities. This situation has affected the territorial identity and the use of tourist activity itself as a development strategy both globally and locally. In the search for balance, community tourism emerges as a link between economic activity and community participation in a context of changes and new challenges. The objective of this research project was to propose a model built from the theoretical review that shows the convergence between the variables of strategic planning and community tourism applicable to local contexts. The methodology applied focused on the inductive method, with a descriptive and propositional scope. Two types of data collection instruments were developed and applied: a semi-structured interview guide and a questionnaire. The exercise was carried out in a tourist municipality in Mexico and the results reflect the deterioration of territorial identity and social cohesion. Therefore, it is essential to promote the re-evaluation of natural, cultural, and historical resources. Likewise, it was concluded that the proposed model is a diagnostic tool and generator of strategies for community tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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24 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Agritourism Location Investigation in Vietnam by a Spherical Fuzzy Extension of Integrated Decision-Making Approach

by Chihkang Kenny Wu, Chia-Nan Wang, Thi Kim Trang Le and Nhat-Luong Nhieu

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710555 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

For tourists in the post-COVID era, it is a popular choice to experience nature and idyllic rural life in fields, gardens, and farms instead of crowding into high-level services in modern tourist destinations. This trend has created a focus on sustainable development within [...] Read more.

For tourists in the post-COVID era, it is a popular choice to experience nature and idyllic rural life in fields, gardens, and farms instead of crowding into high-level services in modern tourist destinations. This trend has created a focus on sustainable development within tourism. Agritourism is an alternative tourism experience that demonstrates high potential for the tourism industry while positively impacting agricultural production in rural areas. A suitable location selection process is essential to effectively developing agritourism and sustainability. However, the current literature on this issue is still limited. Therefore, this study introduces a combined decision-making model for optimal agritourism destination identification in the context of sustainable development. This research highlights the use of the spherical fuzzy set (SFSs), in which the spherical fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) determines the criteria’s importance in combination with their causal relationship, and the spherical fuzzy Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) finds the alternative destinations’ priority. The model’s efficiency is illustrated through an empirical study of Vietnam and by a sensitivity analysis. The resulting research found that decision-makers should consider the factors of local living conditions (ASC10), and local agriculture products (ASC3) when investigating agritourism locations. Consequently, the optimal destination for sustainable agritourism development was found to be Lam Dong (AD9), which can efficiently promote tourism activities while increasing the value of agriculture in the countryside. These findings can assist decision-makers in selecting tourism sites in other regions and other tourism development projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Tourism)

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