Learning organizations and sustainability outcomes in tourism: the mediating role of sustainable practices

Purpose: The paper presents empirical evidence of sustainable practices adopted by rural tourism stakeholders. It explores the concept and meaning of sustainable practices and what motivates rural tourism stakeholders to adopt sustainable tourism practices as well as recommendations to enhance sustainable rural tourism practices. Design/methodology/approach: This paper describes an exploratory qualitative research project designed to investigate sustainable tourism practices of the rural tourism stakeholders. An inductive approach was adopted to address the research objectives. Specifically, this paper focuses on individuals' subjectivity and understanding of sustainable tourism practices in terms of meaning, motivations, and areas of improvement. The respondents' opinions were collected through semi-structured interviews. A total of 29 rural tourism operators participated in the data collection from the two rural tourism associations in Sabah, Malaysia. The data collection was held at Kota Marudu and Kuala Penyu from April to May 2022. Findings: The findings revealed that sustainable tourism practices relate to conservation and preservation, economic benefits, collaboration and protection, environmental impact, future growth, awareness, knowledge, and improvement. Interestingly, the meaning of sustainable tourism practices is strongly connected to the term “fairness”, to competitive products and quality attractions, and to meeting tourists' needs. This implies the meaning of sustainable tourism practices is not limited to economic, environmental, and sociocultural impacts; it also relates to quality tourism products and the needs of tourists. Key drivers for sustainability practices include economic, social, environmental, and government support. Relevant approaches for improving sustainable rural tourism practices include greater participation and collaboration among rural tourism operators, conservation and preservation, destination uniqueness, long-term growth, and 3Rs practices (reduce, reuse, and recycle). Research limitations/implications: Findings implicate sustainable rural tourism destination management and the rural tourism stakeholders to adopt and enhance the sustainability of the rural sites and destination. It also extends the scope of existing literature on the meaning, motivation and sustainability practices of rural tourist destinations. Originality/value: This study focuses on the importance of sustainability in rural tourism in Sabah, Malaysia, an area on which limited empirical research has been done. The study provides an in-depth understanding of the meaning and drivers of sustainable practices from the rural tourism operators' perspectives. Additionally, it proposes sound strategies for sustainable rural tourism practices. Such practices and development are attributed to an individual's understanding of the concept of and motives for adopting sustainable development practices, government support, and core infrastructure. Finally, this study offers practical implications for sustainable development of rural tourism.

PropósitoLos guías turísticos desempeñan un papel importante en el desarrollo del turismo sostenible como líderes, mediadores, administradores de recursos y promotores de la prosperidad económica. Este documento muestra, cómo los guías turísticos tibetanos locales practican el turismo sostenible en sus encuentros con turistas occidentales.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueLos datos consisten principalmente en 15 entrevistas en profundidad con guías tibetanos nativos. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el método de análisis de contenido.HallazgosSe encontró que, los guías adoptan prácticas de turismo sostenible basadas en su sabiduría y experiencias religiosas locales, mientras intentan establecer relaciones armoniosas entre el anfitrión y el huésped. Los clientes occidentales, también alientan a los guías a adoptar comportamientos más proambientales. Los “anfitriones”, viven según conceptos budistas, como el samsara, que están en línea con conceptos como el altruismo y la benevolencia. La mayoría de los “visitantes” se comportan bien y tratan de construir relaciones mutuas sinceras con la gente local. El anfitrión y el huesped, co-crean valor para la práctica local de turismo sostenible.Implicaciones prácticasLos guías turísticos pueden practicar el turismo sostenible en un papel de liderazgo o como mediadores, administradores de recursos o promotores de la prosperidad económica. También mantienen una relación sincera y amable con sus huéspedes que va más allá de la relación instrumental anfitrión-huésped y podría ayudar a co-crear valor para las prácticas locales de turismo sostenible.Originalidad/valorLas prácticas sostenibles de nuestra guía han sido examinadas en el pasado en función de sus roles como líder, mediador, gestor de recursos y promotor de la prosperidad económica. Pero los investigadores, rara vez han examinado las circunstancias en las que los turistas y los guías turísticos eran de diferentes culturas. Abordamos esta brecha.

Sustainable tourism has emerged as a critical focus in contemporary discussions surrounding environmental conservation and social responsibility. As global tourism continues to expand, the need for sustainable practices becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate adverse impacts on natural ecosystems and support local communities. This article presents a systematic literature review dedicated to exploring the key research trends in sustainable tourism from 2015 to 2024. The review aims to synthesize existing knowledge and highlight the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector. Data for this review was collected from the Scopus database, utilizing the keywords "sustain* tourism". This search yielded a total of 620 articles, reflecting a robust body of research in this vital area. A thematic evolution analysis was subsequently conducted to map the most prominent research areas and uncover existing gaps and opportunities for future inquiry. By focusing on the evolution of themes within the field, this study provides insights into both current and emerging topics relevant to sustainable tourism. Findings show that, the themes in sustainable tourism research have shown both divergence and convergence over time. From 2015–2019, "sustainable tourism" split into "sustainable tourism," "governance," and "development" by 2020–2022, with the latter two peaking during this period. Simultaneously, topics like "community participation," "place attachment," and others converged into "sustainable tourism." By 2023–2024, research trends displayed greater specificity. The findings from this literature review are importance to various stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, businesses, and governmental agencies. By offering a thorough perspective on sustainable tourism research, the review aims to facilitate informed decision-making processes and foster the development of more effective strategies that address sustainability challenges within the tourism industry. Furthermore, this article serves as a vital resource for guiding future research endeavours and practical applications aimed at resolving the complex issues associated with sustainability in tourism. Ultimately, the emphasis on sustainable tourism practices not only contributes to the conservation of natural and cultural resources but also ensures the well-being of local communities and the overall health of tourist destinations. By fostering collaborative efforts, this review underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into the core of tourism development strategies for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Banten Province, located at the western tip of Java Island, is a major tourist destination with various natural attractions, cultural heritage sites, and strategic coastal areas. Despite having attractions such as Ujung Kulon National Park, Tanjung Lesung Beach, and the historic city of Serang, the tourism sector in Banten faces major challenges related to the ability of human resources. This study examines the role of human resource capabilities in improving Banten's tourism sector by focusing on existing research gaps. The findings show significant skills shortages in customer service, digital literacy, and sustainable tourism practices. Current training programs are not enough to bridge these shortcomings, resulting in less than optimal service quality and limited innovation. In addition, there is a mismatch between the educational curriculum and the needs of the industry, as well as ineffective government support. The study recommends the development of tailored training programs, increased collaboration between educational institutions and tourism businesses, and more targeted government support to support sustainable tourism innovation and practices. By addressing these gaps, Banten's tourism sector is expected to improve its human resource capabilities, encourage innovation, and be more aligned with sustainable practices, which in turn can contribute to its growth and competitiveness.

Rogers Theory on Diffusion of Innovation-The Most Appropriate Theoretical Model in the Study of Factors Influencing the Integration of Sustainability in Tourism Businesses

Tourism significantly influences world economies, necessitating sustainable business practices for long-term success. This study investigates the impact of sustainable tourism (ST) practices on economic growth (EG) using a questionnaire survey of 370 participants, analyzed with SPSS. Findings show that ST positively correlates with higher EG, especially when destinations emphasize responsible tourist development (TD), community involvement, and environmental conservation. Notably, environmental conservation measures have a significant positive impact on EG, underscoring the importance of effective implementation in sustainable practices. The study also highlights the nuanced influence of destination characteristics on the EG-sustainability relationship, with regional and contextual factors contributing to varied outcomes. This research provides novel insights into the complex connection between ST and EG, identifying strategic interventions to maximize positive impacts on both environmental conservation and economic development. Responsible TD strategies are shown to be crucial, demonstrating a sustained positive correlation with EG over time.

Open innovation big data analytics and its influence on sustainable tourism development: A multi-dimensional assessment of economic, policy, and behavioral factors

Purpose: This study examines sustainable practices in travel and tourism, particularly Balinese tourism. It reviews the literature to understand the current sustainability efforts and suggests ways to enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The aim is to offer ideas for a greener future in travel and tourism that is applicable beyond Bali. Research Methodology: This study employs a quantitative approach, focusing on structural equation modelling, to investigate sustainable tourism practices in Bali. A quantitative approach was selected for its ability to offer a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices, challenges, and opportunities in Balinese tourism. Results: The findings suggest that while progress has been made in implementing sustainable practices, challenges remain to be overcome, such as balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ensuring that benefits are equally distributed among local communities. Limitations: The main limitation of this study is its reliance on quantitative analysis, which might limit the depth of analysis and the ability to collect firsthand insights from Balinese tourism stakeholders. Focusing solely on Balinese tourism could restrict the relevance of these findings to other locations. Contribution: This research can improve environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It aims to benefit policymakers, industry practitioners, and academics interested in promoting sustainability of travel and tourism in Bali and beyond. Novelty: This study is unique in its exploration of sustainable travel and tourism practices. Although sustainability in tourism is gaining attention, this study stands out for its detailed examination of environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic viability.

Purpose: This study examines sustainable practices in travel and tourism, particularly Balinese tourism. It reviews the literature to understand the current sustainability efforts and suggests ways to enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The aim is to offer ideas for a greener future in travel and tourism that is applicable beyond Bali. Research Methodology: This study employs a quantitative approach, focusing on structural equation modelling, to investigate sustainable tourism practices in Bali. A quantitative approach was selected for its ability to offer a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices, challenges, and opportunities in Balinese tourism. Results: The findings suggest that while progress has been made in implementing sustainable practices, challenges remain to be overcome, such as balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ensuring that benefits are equally distributed among local communities. Limitations: The main limitation of this study is its reliance on quantitative analysis, which might limit the depth of analysis and the ability to collect firsthand insights from Balinese tourism stakeholders. Focusing solely on Balinese tourism could restrict the relevance of these findings to other locations. Contribution: This research can improve environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It aims to benefit policymakers, industry practitioners, and academics interested in promoting sustainability of travel and tourism in Bali and beyond. Novelty: This study is unique in its exploration of sustainable travel and tourism practices. Although sustainability in tourism is gaining attention, this study stands out for its detailed examination of environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic viability.

Tourism can degrade the very environments that attract visitation. A sustainable trajectory is therefore essential. Sustainable tourism quality control tools (QCTs) are mechanisms that translate sustainable tourism concepts into practice, voluntarily adopted at business discretions. Conceptualised on a weak-to-strong continuum, they include policies, codes of conduct, awards, and certification programs. Certification programs, although recognised as the aspired trajectory of sustainable tourism practice, attract low industry uptake. Various structural and perceptual factors influence this low uptake, but this apparent conundrum implicates another critical, yet under-researched question; if businesses are not adopting certification programs, what QCTs are they adopting, if any? Accordingly, through six research questions and a multi-method qualitative methodology, this study identified the diversity of contemporary QCT practice to inform a more optimal mode of engagement with sustainability. The most recent attempt to structure this knowledge, in 2006, consisted of just four QCTs organised along the single dimension of strength, without further specification (Weaver, 2006). Addressing this major gap in the literature, the first research phase inductively and content analysed the extant literature to identify QCT diversity as per the literature (RQ1), and creates an organisational framework that captures this (RQ2). Building upon these outcomes, the second empirical phase employed a case study approach in the ski resort destination of Park City, Utah to identify QCT diversity (RQ3), refine the framework to capture the revealed diversity in the literature and industry practice (RQ4), and identify QCT prevalence in industry practice (RQ5). Data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, online and documented material review, observations, and site visits. These materials were coded, thematically and content analysed. The third propositional phase leveraged the collective insights and presents a framework for practical and theoretical progress of sustainable tourism (RQ6). The first phase culminated in a three dimensional framework that effectively organises the diversity emerging from the literature, entailing 15 QCTs organised across five function categories (how QCTs primarily progress sustainable tourism), three “toolboxes” (expressions of conceptual strength), and two “menus” (expressions of conformance) (RQ2). Diversity was subsequently assessed across these key barometers. This revealed that conceptually weak, opportunistically adopted QCTs constituting a metaphorical QCT “Buffet” were the most numerous and diverse in strength and function compared to the conceptually strong, highly structured QCT “Set Menu” (RQ1). In the second phase, the organisational framework was refined to accommodate another empirically added 11 QCT showing new diversity that warranted new classifications. The revised framework capturing the diversity revealed collectively in the literature and empirically entails 26 QCTs organised across five function categories, four toolboxes, and three menus (RQ4). The rudimentary, opportunistic Buffet QCTs, again, were the most diverse across central barometers (RQ3). Investigation of QCT prevalence revealed the ubiquity of a proposed Buffet Effect in the case study site (n=27). Unlike conventional thought advocating standardised models of singular, homogenous practice, the contemporary situation in Park City reveals an adaptable model of multitudinous and heterogeneous practice, with each business using multiple QCTs and all combinations unique (RQ5). In the third phase, collective insights informed a framework for the subsequent progression of sustainable tourism theory and practice. Underpinnings of sustainable tourism theory and practice were aligned with QCTs themselves. In the spirit of dialectal interchange, the relative merits of the revealed standardised and adaptable models of QCT practice were fused. The proposed new model encourages (a) flexibility and idiosyncratic QCT practice, (b) diverse, multitudinous QCT practice for synergistic effects, and (c) guidance rather than conformance sustainability (RQ6).

Being a developing economy, Pakistan can sustain its economic growth through the promotion of Tourism activities. In this regard, tourism is considered an important channel to boost the economic development of a country. In Pakistan, the tourism sector has been fluctuating due to various political and security issues. Moreover, Sustainability is an established business trend in the modern corporate world. The literature on sustainable tourism practices is scant, particularly in the least developed countries. Very few studies touch upon the concept and no holistic theoretical or conceptual frameworks around the idea of sustainable practices in the tourism industry have been formulated. This study aims to explore the implementation of sustainable tourism in Pakistan and how the tourism industry conceives its role in this regard. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the tour operators who operated in the northern area of Pakistan. In-depth interviews were conducted to gather data. Results suggest that the tour operators although realize the importance of social, environmental, and economic dimensions of tourism on the communities have no management systems in place to cater accordingly. There are no incentives in place by the government to facilitate tour operators to design and implement such systems. The tour operators do not select a destination based on Sustainable practices, but rather the selection of destination is mostly demand-based and profit-oriented. The study suggests that corporate profit motive is the sole criterion for decision-making and is one of the major causes impeding sustainable tourism in Pakistan. The role of tour operators in developing sustainable tourism is vague as the tour operators do not have any systems in place to implement sustainable models. The study recommends that efforts need to be put in place to incentivize sustainable tourism in Pakistan and proper laws should be set forth by the authorities to comply by the tour operators. The role of tour operators is important and understood, however, there is a need to put proper systems in place.

Mountain tourism, a distinctive niche within the broader domain of adventure travel, has surged in popularity in recent years, as more and more travelers seek respite from urban life and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes..This research seeks to delve into the untapped tourism opportunities within the landscapes in the Indian region while highlighting the significance of sustainable practices and their impact on tourism sectors. Many studies have investigated sustainable tourism practices in mountain regions. Still, the effect on the tourism sector and sustainability has yet to be explored as far as mountain tourism in India is concerned. This study is based on a detailed literature review, and data was collected from reputed journals, Government documents, reports, and edited books which were published at national and international levels. It is concluded in the study that regardless of the massive potential of mountain tourism in India, sustainable tourism practices and their impact on the tourism sector are yet to be completely harnessed.

Sustainable tourism has become part of the general desire of Indonesia’s tourism development. The industry continuously seek ways or avenues where sustainable tourism practices can be adopted in hopes to achieve the desired outcomes of sustainable tourism. One of the ways of looking for new avenues that can adopt sustainable practices is to look at the emerging sectors of tourism. An interesting lane of tourism that can do this is sports tourism. Sports tourism relationship with sustainable tourism has been studied prior with promising potential. This study explores the sustainability efforts around marathon events by the organizers added with the participants point of view. For the research, this study will take the case study format focusing on Pocari Run. It puts forward the question whether event organizers are willing to implement sustainable tourism practices in their events and are aware sustainable tourism practices can be used as a tool for marathon events success and how it is impacting the participants. The methodology used in this research is a qualitative method, extracting insights from informants through in-depth interview directed towards Pocari Run Organizers. This study has found that the implementation of sustainable tourism practices have been implemented in Pocari Run events in accordance to previous studies. The implementation itself proved to be valuable in helping organizers develop a positive relationship with local stakeholders such as the local community and local government.

For several decades, the southern African region, with its diverse natural and cultural attractions, has been an uninterrupted prime destination for sustainable tourism. However, the devastating Covid-19 pandemic presented severe challenges to the global tourism industry, crippling several businesses. The effect was more pronounced especially in the global south, including southern Africa which is confronted by a multitude of challenges. Meanwhile, this crisis presented opportunities for the adoption of sustainable tourism practices in the post-Covid era. This paper provides insights into sustainable tourism practices in the post-Covid era, drawing lessons on how the southern African region survived the crisis. The paper discusses the concept of sustainable tourism and its importance in the post- Covid era. Furthermore, it explores the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry in southern Africa and the need for sustainable tourism practices. Sustainable tourism practices that have been adopted in the region, such as community-based tourism, eco-tourism, and responsible tourism are discussed. This paper highlights the lessons that can be learned from sustainable tourism practices in southern Africa in the post- Covid era. These lessons can be applied globally to promote sustainable tourism and ensure the resilience of the tourism industry in the face of future crises.

Sustainable tourism development has gained global momentum, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange. However, this growth has led to environmental degradation and socio-cultural impacts, necessitating the adoption of sustainable practices. While extensive research acknowledges the importance of sustainability in the tourism industry, a gap remains in understanding the practical implementation of green marketing strategies in specific contexts. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the application of green marketing strategies in Claver's sustainable tourism industry in the Philippines—a region known for its mining activities. The central objective of this research is to comprehend and evaluate the effectiveness of green marketing tactics in promoting sustainable tourism practices within Claver's unique context. Employing a combination of focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews, the study delves into key stakeholders' perspectives, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for incorporating green marketing principles into Claver's tourism sector. The study's findings illuminate a diverse landscape of stakeholders, each possessing distinct expertise, experiences, and viewpoints. These stakeholders include local businesses, community members, government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and proponents of community-based tourism. The analysis unveils Claver's operational and potential tourist attractions, underscoring the region's untapped potential for ecotourism and cultural immersion. Furthermore, a SWOC analysis reveals the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges inherent in Claver's tourism sector, providing valuable insights for formulating targeted green marketing strategies. The identified green marketing strategies encompass a spectrum of initiatives aimed at capitalizing on strengths, addressing weaknesses, leveraging opportunities, and tackling challenges. These strategies underscore the enhancement of Claver's image by showcasing its scenic beauty, fostering collaborations with local businesses, and promoting guided tourism experiences. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of addressing obstacles such as negative perceptions stemming from mining activities, waste management issues, and remote accessibility challenges. This research highlights the potential of green marketing strategies to advance sustainable tourism practices in Claver. By aligning tourism development with ecological and community well-being, green marketing holds the potential to instigate positive change. The study's insights contribute to the discourse on sustainable tourism by offering context-specific strategies to bolster environmental preservation, economic advancement, and local community empowerment. Ultimately, the findings underscore the pivotal role of strategic green marketing in shaping a more sustainable and ecologically-conscious future for Claver's tourism industry.