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21 pages, 1118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Tourism in Marginimea Sibiului Area—A Possibility of Capitalizing on Local Resources

by Tabita Adamov, Tiberiu Iancu, Elena Peț, Gabriela Popescu, Laura Șmuleac, Andrea Feher and Ramona Ciolac

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010241 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

The current research was motivated by observed particularities of local communities and the necessity of local rural economy diversification. Development through rural tourism is a possible sustainable response that can be implemented in many of Europe’s rural areas, including Marginimea Sibiului. Thus, the [...] Read more.

The current research was motivated by observed particularities of local communities and the necessity of local rural economy diversification. Development through rural tourism is a possible sustainable response that can be implemented in many of Europe’s rural areas, including Marginimea Sibiului. Thus, the purpose of this research, and its main contribution, was to identify the specific features of the Marginimea Sibiului area and possible strategies for capitalizing on local resources through rural tourism activities. We also sought to understand the extent to which rural tourism is seen by the owners of tourist structures as a developmental possibility. We utilized a case study research method to address these questions. The research has major implications due to the questionnaires applied to the owners of rural tourism structures during August 2022, which allowed us to determine: the motivation of tourist structure owners to carry out tourism activity, the degree of development, aspects concerning the operation and management of the tourist structure, and future development and improvement of the owned products. Because the area is representative at the national level in terms of rural tourism activity, an X-ray was sketched after the conclusions were drawn, which issued some proposals for “mixing” the resources through rural tourist activities as a “presentation modality”, which may potentially have favorable future consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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26 pages, 1548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Destination Social Responsibility and Residents’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior: Assessing the Mediating Role of Community Attachment and Involvement

by Elsie Nasr, Okechukwu Lawrence Emeagwali, Hasan Yousef Aljuhmani and Souha Al-Geitany

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114153 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5647

Abstract

This study revisited the relationship between destination social responsibility (DSR) and residents’ environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) in conjunction with the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework to assess the mediating effect of community attachment and involvement. The proposed conceptual research model was empirically examined with 375 [...] Read more.

This study revisited the relationship between destination social responsibility (DSR) and residents’ environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) in conjunction with the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework to assess the mediating effect of community attachment and involvement. The proposed conceptual research model was empirically examined with 375 residents from the largest tourist destinations in Ghana. A cross-sectional research design was used, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to test the mediating role of community attachment and involvement. The findings of this study confirmed that DSR has a significant and positive relationship with residents’ community attachment, involvement, and ERB. In addition, the findings of this study revealed a positive relationship between community attachment and residents’ ERB. The findings of this study also confirmed the indirect effect of DSR on residents’ ERB through community attachment. Contrary to expectations, the results of this study did not support the direct and indirect effects of community involvement on residents’ ERB. This study responded to the call from previous research to investigate the relationship between residents’ DSR and socio-psychological constructs, such as community attachment and involvement, which in turn enhance and improve their ERB in different cultures and tourism destinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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19 pages, 6284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Profiling of Shelter Campers, Their Attitudes, and Perceptions towards Environmental Impacts of Campsite Use and Management: Evidence from National Parks of Sri Lanka

by Priyan Perera, Shashini Tara Mallikage, David Newsome and Richard Vlosky

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13311; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013311 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3360

Abstract

There is a dearth of research describing the campsite user segment and in assessing camp-site users’ perceptions of the bio-physical impacts of campsite use in Sri Lanka. Using a structured questionnaire, we evaluated campsite user characteristics, visitor motivations, behaviors, and how visitor experience [...] Read more.

There is a dearth of research describing the campsite user segment and in assessing camp-site users’ perceptions of the bio-physical impacts of campsite use in Sri Lanka. Using a structured questionnaire, we evaluated campsite user characteristics, visitor motivations, behaviors, and how visitor experience is affected by visible biophysical impacts at campsites. Based on underlying visitor motivations derived through a Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis, we identified three distinct segments of campsite users: Eco-tourists, Prestige seekers, and Adventure seekers. Results indicate that the overall cleanliness of the campsite is an important attribute that affects the visitor experience. The Ecotourist segment reported environmentally desired motives, attitudes and behaviours. However, majority of campsite users belong to the Prestige-seeker and Adventure-seeker segments. Prestige seekers in particular demand better facilities and proper maintenance of campsites. Additionally, Prestige seekers are more attractive as a market segment to target because they are high-income, well-educated individuals with pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Recommended management actions include increasing visitor awareness, monitoring, zonation of activity areas, and enforcement of park campsite user policies to ensure enhanced visitor experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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11 pages, 583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recreation Matters: Estimating Millennials’ Preferences for Native American Cultural Tourism

by Ryan A. Fitch, Julie M. Mueller, Rebecca Ruiz and Wade Rousse

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11513; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811513 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2243

Abstract

Millennials (persons born between 1981 and 1996) comprise a substantial and growing proportion of tourism consumers in the US. Rural economies, especially Native American communities, focused on casino revenue are faced with the challenge of sustainable economic growth in a millennial-dominant, post-COVID-19 pandemic [...] Read more.

Millennials (persons born between 1981 and 1996) comprise a substantial and growing proportion of tourism consumers in the US. Rural economies, especially Native American communities, focused on casino revenue are faced with the challenge of sustainable economic growth in a millennial-dominant, post-COVID-19 pandemic economy. We estimate millennials’ willingness to pay for proposed cultural tourism scenarios using a discrete choice experiment on federally recognized tribal land in Arizona, US. We find strong preferences among millennials for guided recreational experiences, including horseback riding, hot spring visits, hiking, and cooking classes. With a changing demographic of potential visitors and a marked need to incorporate indigenous voices for the future of sustainable tourism, our results provide insight for future economic growth opportunities in cultural and natural resource tourism for Native American and rural communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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16 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Influences on Responsible Tourism Behavior and the Mediating Role of Ambivalent Emotions

by Hsin-Hui (Sunny) Hu and Yung-Kun Sung

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020886 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3644

Abstract

This research employed a behavioral model to confirm and elucidate the critical influence of place attachment, destination involvement, and ambivalent emotion on responsible tourism behaviors. A total of 415 questionnaires were collected from tourists visiting Penghu Island in Taiwan. Following data analysis using [...] Read more.

This research employed a behavioral model to confirm and elucidate the critical influence of place attachment, destination involvement, and ambivalent emotion on responsible tourism behaviors. A total of 415 questionnaires were collected from tourists visiting Penghu Island in Taiwan. Following data analysis using structural equation modeling, the results suggested that place attachment, destination involvement, and ambivalent emotion critically impact responsible tourism behaviors, and that place attachment is negatively related to ambivalent emotion. In addition, ambivalent emotion was found to mediate the relationship between place attachment and responsible tourism behaviors. Finally, implications for the promotion of sustainable tourism development were thoughtfully provided based on these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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19 pages, 6506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Strategy for Tourism Growth, Rebound, and Revival: Promoting Portugal as a Destination Post-COVID-19

by Catherine McTeigue, Claudia Sanchez, Edson Santos, Cicero Eduardo Walter and Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12588; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212588 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6135

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact around the world on health, economies, businesses, equality and the movement of people in the form of tourism. In this context, this paper looks at the strategy chosen by Turismo de Portugal to adapt to [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact around the world on health, economies, businesses, equality and the movement of people in the form of tourism. In this context, this paper looks at the strategy chosen by Turismo de Portugal to adapt to the crisis in a country where tourism plays an important role in supporting the local economy, having grown significantly since 2010. The chosen strategy encouraged tourists not to visit Portugal during the pandemic, a turnaround from their previous digital marketing strategy, which invited tourists to discover the country. We undertook a survey that had 170 answers, predominantly from Ecuador, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Portugal but also from several other countries in Europe and Latin America. We aimed to understand whether their strategy was successful in encouraging people to consider Portugal as a holiday destination post-COVID-19. The Can’t Skip Hope campaign was created in a work-from-home environment, with the voiceover recorded on a smartphone. Previously recorded footage was re-edited. Our survey found that respondents said the video matched their views of Portugal and that 79.5% would consider Portugal as a holiday destination when they next booked a holiday. In terms of inferential statistics, we performed chi-square tests of significance on the survey data. Thus, this paper contributes to the body of work because it offers insight into marketing strategy adaptation by a local tourist board during a period of crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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22 pages, 4699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecotourism as a Forest Conservation Tool: An NDVI Analysis of the Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Ecopark in Chattogram, Bangladesh

by Nazifa Rafa, Samiha Nuzhat, Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Mukesh Gupta and Rahul Rakshit

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12190; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112190 - 4 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5556

Abstract

Ecotourism, a sustainable form of tourism, is increasingly being viewed as a tool that can promote global biodiversity and forest conservation. This study explored the scope of ecotourism in forest conservation practices in the developing context by taking the Sitakunda Botanical Garden and [...] Read more.

Ecotourism, a sustainable form of tourism, is increasingly being viewed as a tool that can promote global biodiversity and forest conservation. This study explored the scope of ecotourism in forest conservation practices in the developing context by taking the Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Ecopark (SBGE), Bangladesh’s first ecopark established in 2000, as a case study. Using GIS and remote sensing technology, NDVI analysis revealed that, unlike the anticipated outcomes of the SBGE project, after a brief increase in vegetation coverage of 84.6% from 1995 to 2000, the vegetation coverage fell drastically from 2000 to 2015, wherein 33.4% of vegetation had been completely removed, and much of the dense and medium vegetation had been converted to sparse vegetation or other land uses. Anthropogenic activities, namely, unplanned urbanization, are suggested as the major contributors to this decline. From the period of 2015 to 2020, however, vegetation was seen to regenerate, potentially due to the decelerating urbanization or the possible manifestation of the ‘U’ shape relationship between the changes in vegetation and rates of urbanization. Sustainable land-use policies may help attain the targets of the project and lead the SBGE to emerge as a success story of the Bangladeshi ecotourism industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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19 pages, 2828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cycling Tourism and Revitalization in the Sicilian Hinterland: A Case Study in the Taormina–Etna District

by Gianni Petino, Giuseppe Reina and Donatella Privitera

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10022; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810022 - 7 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3214

Abstract

This study aims to present a strategy for the revitalization of the Sicilian “internal areas”, recognizing a directional tool, together with the integration of self-centered actions of slow tourism. The design was specifically located in the Taormina–Etna tourist district (an area of north-eastern [...] Read more.

This study aims to present a strategy for the revitalization of the Sicilian “internal areas”, recognizing a directional tool, together with the integration of self-centered actions of slow tourism. The design was specifically located in the Taormina–Etna tourist district (an area of north-eastern Sicily that includes 60 municipalities) which, in rethinking the post-pandemic restart, aims at the development of a mobile system of cycling tourism able to interconnect cultural peculiarities, environmental characteristics, and landscape values. This paper also examines key features and interpretations, and develops a strategy based on a slow travel framework as an alternative means of achieving success in the Sicilian hinterland. Starting from the current financial and environmental crisis, therefore, the paper finds explanations and solutions, in which we try to conceive of the economy and ecology as systems that not only open to one another, but mutually determine one another in defining new, self-sustaining local development processes. In order to build a competitive alternative to help less favorable regions, it is necessary to move within the scope of investments by a public system capable of planning resilient strategies based on sustainable principles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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22 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Walking along the Sheeptrack…Rural Tourism, Ecomuseums, and Bio-Cultural Heritage

by Angelo Belliggiano, Letizia Bindi and Corrado Ievoli

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8870; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168870 - 8 Aug 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3735

Abstract

The paper deals with the issue of responsible and sustainable tourism starting from a series of Italian (and only partially French) cases of ecomuseums of pastoralism and transhumance as potential drivers for development and territorial regeneration, as well as for the promotion of [...] Read more.

The paper deals with the issue of responsible and sustainable tourism starting from a series of Italian (and only partially French) cases of ecomuseums of pastoralism and transhumance as potential drivers for development and territorial regeneration, as well as for the promotion of experiential tourism with low environmental impact, capable of triggering participatory processes of inclusion and social innovation. Through the analysis of two Italian regions (Piedmont and Molise) and three cases (Ecomuseum of Pastoralism in Pontebernardo, Cuneo; Ecomuseum Itinerari Frentani, Larino; and the ongoing program of the Institutional Contract of Development in Campodipietra, Molise) the authors propose an interpretative model based on three main issues: the awareness, agenda, and action of a responsustainable tourism concept and on the three different subjects of local actors, tourists and policy-makers, obtaining as the main result the pre-eminence of intangible actions for development over environmental recovery and conservation activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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11 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism-Based Alternative Livelihoods for Small Island Communities Transitioning towards a Blue Economy

by Radisti A. Praptiwi, Carya Maharja, Matt Fortnam, Tomas Chaigneau, Louisa Evans, Leuserina Garniati and Jito Sugardjito

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126655 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5420

Abstract

Tourism development has been promoted as an alternative livelihood to reduce the dependence of small island communities on declining marine resources. It is often central to emerging agendas around marine planning and the blue economy. However, relatively little is known about how communities [...] Read more.

Tourism development has been promoted as an alternative livelihood to reduce the dependence of small island communities on declining marine resources. It is often central to emerging agendas around marine planning and the blue economy. However, relatively little is known about how communities perceive tourism development as an alternative and potentially sustainable livelihood in their area and its implications. This qualitative study tracks a governance system in transition and analyzes the factors perceived by stakeholders to be driving and hindering the adoption of tourism-based livelihoods on small islands in UNESCO’s Taka Bonerate Kepulauan Selayar Biosphere Reserve (Indonesia). The findings indicate that, despite a series of tourism-enhancing investments and initiatives and the positive attitudes of local communities towards it, tourism is not a direct route towards sustainability for small island communities. The benefits of tourism are perceived to be unequally distributed. The lack of education and skills limits participation in new job opportunities, and the incentives to continue destructive fishing inhibits livelihood transition to tourism. The article concludes that tourism cannot be assumed to generate simultaneous benefits for conservation and development without more equitable benefit sharing, the meeting of basic needs in communities, and addressing the drivers of unsustainable livelihoods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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29 pages, 11400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agritourism—A Business Reality of the Moment for Romanian Rural Area’s Sustainability

by Ramona Ciolac, Tiberiu Iancu, Ioan Brad, Tabita Adamov and Nicoleta Mateoc-Sîrb

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6313; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116313 - 2 Jun 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4234

Abstract

The agritourism activity can be a characteristic reality of the present, considering rural area’s sustainability, being at the same time a business reality for rural entrepreneurs and a “must have” for rural communities that have tourism potential. It is a form of tourism, [...] Read more.

The agritourism activity can be a characteristic reality of the present, considering rural area’s sustainability, being at the same time a business reality for rural entrepreneurs and a “must have” for rural communities that have tourism potential. It is a form of tourism, through which the tourist can receive a qualitative product at a reasonable price, but also a field that can ensure sustainable development over time, being at the same time environmentally friendly. The purpose of this scientific paper is to identify the aspects that make agritourism “a possible business reality of the moment”, for Romanian rural area’s sustainability. We take into account the following areas: Bran-Moieciu area—considered “the oldest” in terms of agritourism experience, and Apuseni Mountains area, with a great inclination and potential for this activity. The study conducted for these two areas is focused on several aspects: the degree of involvement in agritourism activities, considering the number of years and managerial experience, the analysis of the types of activities/experiences offered by agritourism structures, the identification of the main reasons/motivations for the orientation towards agritourism and the manner in which this field is perceived. Aspects related to the marketing-finance part of the agritourism business are also taken into account: customers, distribution channels, financial sources, shortcomings observed by agritourism business owners and possible action directions so as to improve the activity/agritourism product. Agritourism may be “a possible business reality of the moment” for the studied areas and not only, but in the future, the entrepreneur/farmer must be constantly updated because of the changing situations that appear on the market, be able to make sustainable decisions for his/her own business, which in the future will ensure its viability and obviously its long-term profitability and development, and in the same time rural area’s sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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23 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Green Accommodation Management Practices: The Role of Environmentally Responsible Tourist Markets in Understanding Tourists’ Pro-Environmental Behaviour

by Aise Kim, Ki Pyung Kim and Tan Hai Dang Nguyen

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042326 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6577

Abstract

The green accommodation sectors are increasingly committed to implementing environmental management practices while enhancing guests’ pro-environmental behaviour. However, it is not easy to change tourists’ behaviour as there are many factors influencing tourists’ participation in green management actions. This paper argues that a [...] Read more.

The green accommodation sectors are increasingly committed to implementing environmental management practices while enhancing guests’ pro-environmental behaviour. However, it is not easy to change tourists’ behaviour as there are many factors influencing tourists’ participation in green management actions. This paper argues that a combination of multiple factors such as visitor characteristics or previous environmental experience needs to be examined to determine how these factors are differently associated with the type of pro-environmental behaviour. In particular, this study also investigates how environmentally responsible tourist markets can engage differently in different types of pro-environmental behaviour. Visitors staying at the green accommodation in Kangaroo Island, South Australia, were studied using self-administered questionnaires. The findings of this study confirmed the significant role of environmentally responsible travel experience as a strong predictor of two types of pro-environmental behaviour (e.g., energy-saving and recycling vs. eco-product consumption behaviour) and its moderating effects on the relationship between visitor characteristics and pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Furthermore, this environmental-responsibility-based segmentation approach provides green-oriented accommodation sectors with some managerial implications for improving green accommodation practices that can be operated on different principles for two different targeted markets based on their environmental responsibility. This study recommends that more in-depth investigations of other barriers or facilitators of pro-environmental behaviour are necessary to fully address this issue and to ultimately influence tourists’ responsible support for environmental management practices implemented by the green accommodation sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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18 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nature on a Plate: Linking Food and Tourism within the Ecosystem Services Framework

by Marta Derek

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041687 - 4 Feb 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4708

Abstract

This paper explores the links between local resources (the natural environment) and the local food on offer; i.e., what parts of nature reach the tourist’s plate. It is based on a content analysis of restaurant menus in the Great Masurian Lakes region, which [...] Read more.

This paper explores the links between local resources (the natural environment) and the local food on offer; i.e., what parts of nature reach the tourist’s plate. It is based on a content analysis of restaurant menus in the Great Masurian Lakes region, which is considered to be one of the main nature-based tourism destinations in Poland. The concept of Ecosystem Services (ES), closely interlinked with the idea of sustainable development, is employed as it recognizes the relationships between humans and the natural environment. The results indicate that food representing the region’s history is almost non-existent. Instead, the local food heritage is being reinvented based on the area’s iconic ES, i.e., wild food. In this way, the supply side of the ES cascade (ecosystem resources and potential) and its demand side (the benefits for tourists and the costs they pay to obtain these benefits) are encompassed on a tourist’s plate in Masurian restaurants. The findings also reveal that, in many cases, the localness of “local” food is an illusion. This, in turn, poses an important challenge for the sustainability of food (and) tourism in the studied area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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16 pages, 2469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholders’ Influence on Environmental Sustainability in the Australian Hotel Industry

by Ajay Khatter, Leanne White, Joanne Pyke and Michael McGrath

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031351 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7997

Abstract

Hotels are a key element of the tourism industry. Hotels are the most common form of accommodation for tourists and the hotel industry is intricately to tourism. A review of the academic literature indicates that existing research is primarily focused on sustainability in [...] Read more.

Hotels are a key element of the tourism industry. Hotels are the most common form of accommodation for tourists and the hotel industry is intricately to tourism. A review of the academic literature indicates that existing research is primarily focused on sustainability in tourism, but very few studies have analysed the environmental dimension of sustainability in hotels in Australia, an important facet of the Australian tourism industry. The paper presents the findings of the influence of stakeholders on environmentally sustainable policies and practices (ESPPs) in the Australian hotel industry. One-on-one interviews were conducted with hotel managers as a representative sample of Australian hotels in Melbourne, Australia. The selected sample for the research comprised managers who manage approximately 60 hotels. The data was collected through in-depth interviews. It was then transcribed, coded, and analysed with NVIVO, a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software program. The sample size ensured representation by different segments of the hotel industry to include international chain-affiliated hotels, Australian chain-affiliated hotels and independent hotels. An analysis of the findings suggests that owners and shareholders are the biggest influencers as their investment takes primary importance. Other key stakeholders such as guests generally play a secondary role in influencing the ESPPs of hotels. ESPPs should lead to well-intentioned initiatives and practices that are undertaken by stakeholders to create drivers for change to contribute to environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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16 pages, 1102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Ecotourism in Svalbard as Part of Norway’s Arctic Policy

by Grzegorz Bonusiak

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020962 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4152

Abstract

Global warming is increasing interest in the Arctic on surrounding countries. In the processes taking place, they see developmental opportunities and risks, especially for the environment overburdened by increased human activity. The need to balance socioeconomic development and environmental concerns affects their arctic [...] Read more.

Global warming is increasing interest in the Arctic on surrounding countries. In the processes taking place, they see developmental opportunities and risks, especially for the environment overburdened by increased human activity. The need to balance socioeconomic development and environmental concerns affects their arctic strategies. An example of a place that undergoes an adaptation process is the Norwegian Svalbard. The article examines changes taking place in the archipelago using both: quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results show that Norway’s arctic strategy underlines the need to balance social, economic and environmental aspects, and the situation in Svalbard corresponds to these demands. Polar tourism and research and education play a key role in the transformation processes taking place in the archipelago. Climate and environmental considerations at the same time increase tourists’ interest in the region and limit tourist traffic. An analysis of its current state indicates that the dominant part of the existing tourist traffic on Svalbard can be considered as ecotourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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22 pages, 3892 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Mapping a Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Paradigm: A Bibliometric and Citation Network Analysis

by Tanja Mihalic, Sahar Mohamadi, Abbas Abbasi and Lóránt Dénes Dávid

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020853 - 16 Jan 2021

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7759

Abstract

Sustainable tourism as a concept, and responsible tourism as its successful implementation, represent two major challenges for researchers in different academic fields and for tourism stakeholders in destinations responsible for sustainable tourism planning, policies, actions, and outcomes. This paper provides a bibliometric inventory [...] Read more.

Sustainable tourism as a concept, and responsible tourism as its successful implementation, represent two major challenges for researchers in different academic fields and for tourism stakeholders in destinations responsible for sustainable tourism planning, policies, actions, and outcomes. This paper provides a bibliometric inventory of research published in the field of sustainable and responsible tourism (SRT). The results identify the publications on SRT; author cooperation between countries and their nodes; the disciplinary areas of SRT and the influential works, journals, and authors; and the bibliometric clusters. The aim of the study was to determine whether SRT has merged into a single “responsustainable” tourism discourse that could shift the mainstream paradigm of sustainable tourism towards the full content of SRT. The analysis was unable to confirm this shift towards an expanded paradigm of SRT but the results do indicate that SRT will remain an important area of tourism research for the foreseeable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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14 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Ambient Conditions (Air Quality, Noise Level and Temperature) and Image Congruity Matter for Boosting Customer Approach Behaviors in the FSC Sector?

by Heesup Han, Linda Heejung Lho, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Kyung-Sik Lee, Hyungshin Baek and Luis Araya-Castillo

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410636 - 19 Dec 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2928

Abstract

The present research presented a conceptual framework by uncovering the apparent role of ambient condition quality (in-flight air, noise level, and temperature), image congruity, love, respect, and perceived ticket price in increasing customer approach behaviors in the full service carrier (FSC) industry. A [...] Read more.

The present research presented a conceptual framework by uncovering the apparent role of ambient condition quality (in-flight air, noise level, and temperature), image congruity, love, respect, and perceived ticket price in increasing customer approach behaviors in the full service carrier (FSC) industry. A quantitative method was used. The evaluation of the measurement model verified the quality of construct measures. Findings from statistical analyses demonstrated the significant associations among research variables, and identified the mediating nature of FSC love and FSC respect. In addition, the important moderating effect of perceived FSC ticket price was found. A prominent role of ambient condition quality in eliciting approach behaviors was also explored. Overall, our theoretical framework contained a prediction power for approach behaviors. The research findings thus assist FSC researchers and practitioners to better understand the process of generating the customer decision-making process and behaviors that are positive for full service carriers. This research hence successfully fulfilled its objective to discover the influences of the customer approach behaviors in the full service carrier (FSC) industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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18 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Can We Understand Non-Tourism as a Form of Sustainable Tourism? The Role of Lifestyle and Motivations behind Non-Traveling Based on the Hungarian Example

by Lóránt Dénes Dávid, János Csapó, Ákos Nagy and Mária Törőcsik

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187353 - 8 Sep 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4352

Abstract

This paper aims to study non-travelers in order to try to understand why they are absent from tourism and what the causes are for their decision. Our research showed that the study of postmodern causes apart from classic ones holds unique potential in [...] Read more.

This paper aims to study non-travelers in order to try to understand why they are absent from tourism and what the causes are for their decision. Our research showed that the study of postmodern causes apart from classic ones holds unique potential in the research of sustainable tourism processes as well. The results of cross-tabulation and correspondence analysis show that postmodern and classic causes are tightly connected to lifestyle, which represents the central theme of the current study based on the results of a Hungarian representative online survey. A certain limitation is that our research is based on the case of Hungary; however, the introduced methodology can be used in general for identifying and evaluating non-travelers. As research implications, the authors believe that the methodology and results can be used by the actors of the tourism supply market and by decision makers as well, especially for segmenting purposes. If we understand who the non-tourists or non-travelers are, we can, on the one hand, determine the latent tourism potential of a tourism destination; on the other hand, we can also receive information on specific market segments, which could contribute to sustainable tourism mostly because of the postmodern causes for non-traveling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 24192 KiB

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Sustainable Tourism as a Potential for Promotion of Regional Heritage, Local Food, Traditions, and Diversity—Case of Kosovo

by Alberta Tahiri, Idriz Kovaçi and Anka Trajkovska Petkoska

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12326; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912326 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6167

Abstract

Sustainability usually refers to the ability to maintain a certain standard of human lifestyle without causing environmental damage or any other destruction to nature and biodiversity. It is beneficial for human health and well-being in addition to socio-economic benefits and contributes to environmental [...] Read more.

Sustainability usually refers to the ability to maintain a certain standard of human lifestyle without causing environmental damage or any other destruction to nature and biodiversity. It is beneficial for human health and well-being in addition to socio-economic benefits and contributes to environmental integrity. However, as Robert Swan (1956) once stated: “the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”—this is true even today; namely, there are still serious threats to the planet and there is “a short time period” for action. We all have to be obliged to save the planet in which we live throughout our daily and local activities. In this study, the authors provide an overview of the meaning of sustainable tourism and its relationship to all global Sustainable Development Goals established by UN (2015) as one way to achieve a brighter sustainable future and society for everyone, leaving no one behind. More specifically, the case of Kosovo and its potential for the development of sustainable tourism is analyzed. In this case, the authors aim to present the potential to serve the local tradition, culture, diversity, and inclusiveness through sustainable actions in the tourism and hospitality sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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