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Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 29174

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Management, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, UC Business School, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Interests: sense of place; place attachment; identity; word of mouth; pro-environmental behaviours

grade E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Interests: tourism and human mobility; regional development and social/green marketing; human dimensions of global environmental change and conservation; environmental history, especially national park history & wilderness conservation; the use of tourism as an economic development and conservation mechanism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In general marketing, culture, tourism, hospitality, and event areas (and even in broader human geography and environmental psychology areas), almost all issues (including travel, mobility, tourism development, sustainability, etc.) can trace back to the fundamental focus on human-place interaction and human-place relationship. The earliest concept to depict the human–place relationship, sense of place, which also links to place attachment, topophilia, insideness, and community sentiment, has received wide attention within various disciplines and related areas, and develops into a complex theoretical foundation.

This Special Issue hereby aims to collect a selection of homogenous papers on in-depth exploring the human-place relationship via a sense of place and place attachment, in various disciplines including general marketing, culture, tourism, hospitality, and event areas, with a specific focus on sustainability issues.

Research papers are invited to address the role of sense of place and place attachment in studying interdisciplinary phenomena, e.g., citizenship behaviours, pro-environment behaviours, sustainability, authenticity, country of origin, resilience, disasters, responsible consumption behaviours, mobility, migration, virtual reality, augmented reality, nostalgia, solastalgia, and so on.

This Special Issue will be a collection of recent and innovative works that build toward the new horizon of sense of place and place attachment research, contributing to the literature in environmental psychology, marketing, culture, tourism, hospitality, sports, and events. It will serve as a node connecting different disciplines and research areas around its focus on the human–place relationship.

Dr. Ning (Chris) Chen
Prof. Dr. Colin Michael Hall
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sense of place
  • place attachment
  • place identity
  • nostalgia
  • solastalgia
  • pro-environmental behaviors

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
Place Attachment Expressed by Hosts and Guests Visiting Friends and Relatives and Implications for Sustainability
by Ladan Rokni and Suh-hee Choi
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7325; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177325 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 739
Abstract
Based on the consensus that visiting friends and relatives (VFR) contributes to sustainable regions by developing place attachment, this qualitative study shows how VFR hosts and visitors express place attachment, and how this is formed and modified. This paper is based on interviews [...] Read more.
Based on the consensus that visiting friends and relatives (VFR) contributes to sustainable regions by developing place attachment, this qualitative study shows how VFR hosts and visitors express place attachment, and how this is formed and modified. This paper is based on interviews with a total of 16 hosts and guests who had tourism experiences together in South Korea (Korea). The findings describe the place attachment formation and transition processes of both the hosts and the guests. For hosts, extant place attachment and VFR hosting experience affected each other. Hosts especially expressed that the opportunity to explore new places contributed to redefining the relationship between themselves and Korea, which affected place attachment. Among the guests, VFR visits of Koreans living abroad and non-Korean guests appeared to have different mechanisms for place attachment formation, enhancement, and recovery. Cognitive, affective, and conative realms of place attachment were captured within narratives that expressed refreshment, recharged energy, and relaxation. The interactions between the host and guest affected place attachment, as did the experience of revisiting familiar places and local non-touristic experiences during the visit. Such perceptions and experiences of place attachment development further suggest the role of place attachment building through VFR in attaining the sustainability of a destination region. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by enhancing the nuanced understanding of how place attachment is expressed in the VFR context and by discovering the context of the formation and change of place attachment of diverse hosts and guests. The study is also significant in that it advances knowledge about how place attachment facilitates the sustainability of the regions through the lens of VFR. Full article
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26 pages, 510 KiB  
Article
Perceived Quality of Service in Tourist Transportation in the City of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador
by Rommel Velastegui-Hernández, Diego Melo-Fiallos, María Mayorga-Ases, Segundo Hernández-Del-Salto, Eduardo Manobanda-Tenelema and Marcelo V. Garcia
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7245; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177245 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1042
Abstract
This study investigates the perceived quality of tourist transportation services in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, utilizing the SERVQUAL model to assess service quality. Through an examination of the gap between tourists’ expectations and their actual experiences, the research aims to evaluate service [...] Read more.
This study investigates the perceived quality of tourist transportation services in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, utilizing the SERVQUAL model to assess service quality. Through an examination of the gap between tourists’ expectations and their actual experiences, the research aims to evaluate service quality. A survey of 203 tourists who utilized the “Chivas” tourist ground transportation service forms the basis of the analysis. The findings reveal significant negative gaps across all dimensions of service quality, indicating a shortfall in meeting tourists’ expectations. Notably, the reliability dimension exhibits the most pronounced gap, highlighting the importance of fulfilling service commitments to cultivate trust. The study underscores the crucial role of service quality in the tourism sector and proposes targeted improvements, including enhancing facility modernity, providing staff training, and enhancing service responsiveness and reliability. Addressing these gaps has the potential to enrich the tourist experience, bolster the positive image of transportation services, and enhance the city’s appeal. Full article
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18 pages, 907 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Spatial Layout of Campsites for Self-Driving Tours in Xinjiang: A Study Based on Online Travel Blog Data
by Xiaomin Dai and Qihang Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104176 - 16 May 2024
Viewed by 1118
Abstract
Within the economic and cultural context of Xinjiang, the tourism industry has rapidly developed as a strategic pillar of the national economy, with the self-driving tour market emerging prominently. However, the uneven spatial layout and insufficient service facilities of self-driving camps limit their [...] Read more.
Within the economic and cultural context of Xinjiang, the tourism industry has rapidly developed as a strategic pillar of the national economy, with the self-driving tour market emerging prominently. However, the uneven spatial layout and insufficient service facilities of self-driving camps limit their development potential. This study aims to enhance the attractiveness of tourism in Xinjiang and improve the visitor service experience by constructing an evaluation system for the layout of self-driving camps based on online travel blog data, utilizing methods such as literature review, surveys, ArcGIS spatial analysis, and web text analysis. The Delphi method and entropy weight method were applied to determine the weights of the influencing factors. The findings reveal spatial imbalances in the layout of Xinjiang’s self-driving camps and propose eight preferred scenic areas for camp location. This study also suggests sustainable development strategies. These insights and recommendations aim to optimize the layout of self-driving camps, enhance the tourism experience, and promote the sustainable development of Xinjiang’s tourism industry. Full article
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20 pages, 1613 KiB  
Article
Research on the Influence of Cultural Memory in Agricultural Heritage on Brand Loyalty
by Jingxuan Liang, Sunbowen Zhang and Lu Lu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4162; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104162 - 16 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1152
Abstract
Agricultural heritage includes both material and immaterial vestiges of past agricultural practices that are directly tied to human agriculture. It holds great ecological, cultural, commercial, and tourism value. There are not many historical sites available for developing agricultural heritage tourism right now, and [...] Read more.
Agricultural heritage includes both material and immaterial vestiges of past agricultural practices that are directly tied to human agriculture. It holds great ecological, cultural, commercial, and tourism value. There are not many historical sites available for developing agricultural heritage tourism right now, and no experience is ideal. This study used sophisticated PLS-SEM techniques and SmartPLS 3.3.9 software to carefully examine data, examine measurement and structural models, rigorously test hypotheses, determine the validity and reliability of the findings, and investigate potential moderating effects. To address the critical issue of brand loyalty in agricultural heritage tourism, this study developed and tested a comprehensive impact route, which was supported by an examination of 427 visitors’ cultural memories and brand experiences, demonstrating their critical role in influencing brand loyalty. The findings show the importance of cultural memory in shaping travelers’ brand experiences and loyalty. Furthermore, due to their unique characteristics, various groups react differently to each phase of the brand loyalty effect route. Full article
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20 pages, 2556 KiB  
Article
Effects of Urban Landmark Landscapes on Residents’ Place Identity: The Moderating Role of Residence Duration
by Fan Zhang, Xiumin Sun, Chang Liu and Bing Qiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020761 - 16 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2860
Abstract
Landmark landscapes, as visual representations of cities, are readily identifiable to urban residents. Observing and visiting these landscapes fosters a cultural connection and identity with the locale, enhances urban character, and promotes tourism. A place’s identity is instrumental in urban development and improvement. [...] Read more.
Landmark landscapes, as visual representations of cities, are readily identifiable to urban residents. Observing and visiting these landscapes fosters a cultural connection and identity with the locale, enhances urban character, and promotes tourism. A place’s identity is instrumental in urban development and improvement. Urban planners and managers should thus prioritize fostering residents’ place identity within city environments. In this study, we explored the influence of landmark landscapes on the place identity of residents in Nanjing—a rapidly urbanizing city with both historic and modern districts. Our methodology included on-site surveys and the application of a structural equation model to discern the relationships between various landmark landscape elements and place identity. The findings revealed the following: (1) landmark landscapes positively influence residents’ construction of place identity; (2) the characteristics, function, and historical–cultural importance of these landmark landscapes contribute to place identity formation; and (3) the duration of residence moderates the relationship between historical–cultural importance and place identity. These insights elucidate the role of landmark landscapes in shaping place identity, which in turn enhances urban characteristics and bolsters residents’ sense of belonging. The strategic planning and design of landmark landscapes are instrumental in building public consensus, fostering distinctive urban characteristics, and strengthening residents’ sense of identity, thereby catalyzing tourism development. Full article
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17 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
What Is the Most Influential Authenticity of Beliefs, Places, or Actions on the Pilgrimage Tourism Destination Attachment?
by Dan Wang, Ching-Cheng Shen, Tzuhui Angie Tseng and Ching-Yi Lai
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010431 - 3 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2078
Abstract
Religious tourism attracts many pilgrims and tourists to travel to a sacred space, and the issue of its authenticity has become increasingly important. Convenience sampling was used to conduct a survey at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung City, Taiwan, and 487 valid questionnaires [...] Read more.
Religious tourism attracts many pilgrims and tourists to travel to a sacred space, and the issue of its authenticity has become increasingly important. Convenience sampling was used to conduct a survey at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung City, Taiwan, and 487 valid questionnaires were obtained. The linear structural equation model constructs the analysis results as follows: (1) The “authenticity of place” and “action authenticity” have a positive relationship on the “place attachment” and act as a mediator variable for the effects of “authenticity of belief” on “authenticity of action”. (2) Tourists who have visited twice or more have a higher impact on “authenticity of belief” than those who have visited once. (3) Among the factors of the “authenticity of belief”, “concept of life” and “concept of God” are the most important; among the factors of the “authenticity of the place”, “spiritual sustenance” is the most important; and among the factors of “authenticity of action”, “experiential action” and “consequential actions” are the most important. The “place identity” is the essential aspect of the “place attachment” factor. This study developed a scale of the authenticity of belief, place, and action. Research results can provide a reference for religious tourism development. Full article
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37 pages, 22320 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Architectural Icons of the City of Szczecin for the Transformation of Landscape Identity and Promotion of the City’s Image
by Wojciech Bal, Magdalena Czalczynska-Podolska and Maja Nieścior
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8648; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118648 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
The practice of promoting an image of the city using architectural objects, and the need to identify or create architectural icons in urban spaces, outlined in this article, occurs in many cities worldwide. The city of Szczecin in Poland, the subject of this [...] Read more.
The practice of promoting an image of the city using architectural objects, and the need to identify or create architectural icons in urban spaces, outlined in this article, occurs in many cities worldwide. The city of Szczecin in Poland, the subject of this research, is no exception. The turbulent history of the city, which for years remained within the borders of Germany, makes it particularly worth analyzing in these terms because it shows the shifting popularity of architectural objects in the context of changing political, cultural, and economic conditions. The research presented here aims to identify iconic objects commonly exploited to build an image of Szczecin, assess their prominent features, and analyze changes over time in their popularity and use for these purposes. The historical and interpretive research was based on a detailed analysis of old and contemporary architectural objects of Szczecin depicted in postcards from the last hundred years, from the period spanning 1920 to 2023. The analysis covered several digital databases containing archival and contemporary postcards. This analysis enables the identification of the most popular objects, suggests the key characteristics of iconic buildings, and identifies four basic types of buildings, which are distinct in terms of purpose, message, and the specific image of the city to which each contributes. The duration of each type as a popular object, the strength of its impact on the city’s image, and its importance for the urban landscape are also identified. The research revealed that: architecturally iconic buildings are created concerning political, economic, and social conditions and the need to promote a specific image of the city, certain features contribute to a building’s potential as an architectural icon, and the strength of the building’s impact, its importance for the city landscape, and the possibility of creating a specific image depending on its iconic type. Full article
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21 pages, 4588 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Place Attachment on Heritage Discourse in Contemporary Places: A Case Study of Jordanian Byzantine Mosaics
by Hanan Jazaa Abukarki, Havva Arslangazi Uzunahmet and Zeynep Onur
Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8395; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108395 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2190
Abstract
This study looks at the influence of place attachment on heritage discourse in contemporary places, specifically, Byzantine mosaics in Jordan, where the Byzantine Empire left behind a rich mosaic heritage. Today, these mosaics are replicated in contemporary architectural environments. The purpose of this [...] Read more.
This study looks at the influence of place attachment on heritage discourse in contemporary places, specifically, Byzantine mosaics in Jordan, where the Byzantine Empire left behind a rich mosaic heritage. Today, these mosaics are replicated in contemporary architectural environments. The purpose of this article is to explore the heritage discourse surrounding Byzantine mosaics in Jordanian contemporary places with a particular focus on the replication and interpretation of the mosaics in contemporary places. To do that, the relationship between the attachments to the Byzantine mosaic places, the community’s level of awareness, and the replicated heritage discourse was examined. The research was conducted using several different methods, where structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between these factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the measurement models of the latent components and examine their construct validity and reliability. In addition, the study was conducted in Madaba Archaeological Park in the Jordanian city of Madaba, known as the “city of mosaics”, which is rich in tourism and culture, as a subject of study. The results show that the phenomena of heritage replications in contemporary places rely on the expanding interest in history, which is manifested through realizing the historical value and unique features of heritage. This attachment, knowledge, and understanding of heritage sites based on socio-cultural norms help shape the discourse of heritage replication in the contemporary built environment. These findings provide an understanding of the reasons behind the replication behavior of heritage designs in contemporary places, which can be supported in future research and used to create an appropriate contemporary sense of place. In addition to the possibility of using it as a strategy for the sustainability of heritage designs in local culture and contemporary places, not only in Jordan but also in other heritage environments, finally, some useful suggestions emerge on which future research can be based. Full article
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16 pages, 1310 KiB  
Article
Uses and Functions of the Territorial Brand over Time: Interdisciplinary Cultural-Historical Mapping
by Giovana Goretti Feijó de Almeida, Paulo Almeida, Lucília Cardoso and Luís Lima Santos
Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6448; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086448 - 10 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2339
Abstract
Several approaches to the concept of the territorial brand have been given over time, which has generated different contextualizations to and applications of the concept. In order to homogenize and clarify the concept, the present paper aims to present the state-of-the-art of this [...] Read more.
Several approaches to the concept of the territorial brand have been given over time, which has generated different contextualizations to and applications of the concept. In order to homogenize and clarify the concept, the present paper aims to present the state-of-the-art of this theme through an interdisciplinary mapping of the uses and functions of the territorial brand. To this end, the study adopts a qualitative analysis approach, integrating content analysis with the historical method encompassing an interdisciplinary cultural-historical mapping. The results point to a clear and fertile body of theory, which, in turn, suggests a fertile path for future studies. The findings reveal more than 15 centuries across four dimensions of analysis: characteristics, uses, functions and discourses of the territorial brand. Different trends and future research agendas for this area are also discussed. The practical value focuses on the application of the four dimensions of analysis as a tool for territorial management and planning for territorial managers and decision-makers. Full article
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20 pages, 617 KiB  
Article
Where You Live Does Matter: Impact of Residents’ Place Image on Their Subjective Well-Being
by Hui Zhang and Wenhui Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16106; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316106 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Residents’ subjective well-being is closely related to their perception of specific attributes of the city they live in, such as physical appearance, entertainment facilities, and job opportunities. This study aims to examine the effect of place image on residents’ subjective well-being as well [...] Read more.
Residents’ subjective well-being is closely related to their perception of specific attributes of the city they live in, such as physical appearance, entertainment facilities, and job opportunities. This study aims to examine the effect of place image on residents’ subjective well-being as well as the mediation effect of place attachment on this relationship. Residents living in Guangzhou for more than a year were targeted to collect data, and 420 valid samples were gathered. Structure equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The results show that place image has a significant positive impact on life satisfaction and positive affect, while it has a significant negative impact on negative affect. Place identity and place dependence mediate the positive impacts of place image on life satisfaction and positive affect. Finally, management implications and limitations were discussed. Full article
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18 pages, 302 KiB  
Article
Communicating Terroir through Wine Label Toponymy Greek Wineries Practice
by Theodosios Tsiakis, Eleni Anagnostou, Giuseppe Granata and Vasiliki Manakou
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316067 - 1 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2206
Abstract
For the majority of consumers, the label is the primary motivation for wine purchases. Ιt appears from the literature that consumer behavior is influenced by the variety of information on the label, which captures with simplicity and clarity, the key information that the [...] Read more.
For the majority of consumers, the label is the primary motivation for wine purchases. Ιt appears from the literature that consumer behavior is influenced by the variety of information on the label, which captures with simplicity and clarity, the key information that the potential buyer needs to know. History, place, variety, name, and figure, are some of the basic elements that form the wine label and have the potential to profoundly affect consumer engagement with bottled wine. What do Greek Wineries wish to communicate through their wine labels? Historical concepts, identity, or quality? Could soft power and place branding be suitable factors to help transfer this message and achieve wishful feedback to the consumer’s awareness? A case study is presented, according to which Greek producers select three fundamental cues: toponymy, name description, justification of the name choice and language. Driven by this case study, the paper intends to open a discussion about the implementation of theories such as soft power and sense of place by wine industries on a global level in combination with the importance of the toponymy, not only on the labeling but also on other communicational aspects. Full article
18 pages, 4513 KiB  
Article
Agent-Based Modelling in Visitor Management of Protected Areas
by Kamila Štekerová, Josef Zelenka and Milan Kořínek
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912490 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2785
Abstract
The research was motivated by the growing importance of visitor management in protected areas, which can be based on knowledge management, system modelling of processes and phenomena, and a deeper knowledge of the experience of visitors in connection with the concept of psychological [...] Read more.
The research was motivated by the growing importance of visitor management in protected areas, which can be based on knowledge management, system modelling of processes and phenomena, and a deeper knowledge of the experience of visitors in connection with the concept of psychological carrying capacity. The work builds on previous publications and research by the authors, focused on the optimization of tourism impacts, visitor management and the development of the theory and applicability of the concept of carrying capacity. It emphasizes the overview analysis of the possibilities of using agent-based modelling and visualization of visitor flows in protected areas. The analysis of suitable sources was based on the PRISMA method, which showed the main research directions for the use of the agent-based approach in visitor management. For the practical application of modelling, the NetLogo environment was chosen, in which the visitor flows of the model area were simulated. The visitor attendance was evaluated in relation to the psychological carrying capacity. Subsequently, visitor management measures were implemented in the model, and repeated simulations of visitor attendance, based on monitored flows, were run for a specific location around Oheb Castle (the Železné hory/Iron Mountains, Bohemia). The main result is the innovative use of agent-based modelling in visitor management in the context of visitor experience, visitor satisfaction and psychological carrying capacity. The contribution of the presented research is also the proposal of future research directions for more accurate use of psychological carrying capacity in visitor management. Full article
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25 pages, 2278 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Sustainable Development of Historic District Landscapes Based on Place Attachment among Tourists: A Case Study of Taiping Old Street, Taiwan
by Xiaoyang Zhu and Shang-Chia Chiou
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11755; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811755 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4477
Abstract
Historic districts should be sustainably developed by preserving historic architectural landscapes and developing tourism. Researchers have found that attachment to a place positively influences pro-tourism and pro-environment behaviors among tourists, indicating that exploring the landscape planning of historic districts from the perspective of [...] Read more.
Historic districts should be sustainably developed by preserving historic architectural landscapes and developing tourism. Researchers have found that attachment to a place positively influences pro-tourism and pro-environment behaviors among tourists, indicating that exploring the landscape planning of historic districts from the perspective of place attachment is a noteworthy topic of sustainability. However, there are few studies on how historic district landscapes ignite tourists’ place attachment. Using a historical district named Taiping Old Street in Taiwan as an example, we investigated the association between tourists’ landscape evaluation and place attachment in historic districts. This study mainly adopted questionnaire surveys and used partial least squares structural (PLS) equation modeling for survey data analysis. (1) The study identified three dimensions of tourists’ landscape evaluation of historic districts: visual preference, cultural heritage value, and authenticity. (2) The stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model was combined with the studies by previous scholars and a conceptual model put forward for the relationship between tourists’ landscape evaluation, destination image, and place attachment. (3) The model was verified, and we found that (i) tourists’ landscape evaluation in terms of cultural heritage values and authenticity had significant positive effects on destination image; (ii) tourists’ visual preference, evaluation of authenticity, and destination image had significant positive effects on place attachment; and (iii) tourists’ destination image influenced the impact of authenticity and cultural heritage values on place attachment. This study provides both theoretical references for the formation process of place attachment from a landscape perspective and suggestions for landscape planning in the sustainable development of historic districts of a similar type. Full article
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