Nature-Based Tourism in Mountain Destinations of the Galicia Northern Portugal Cross-Border Region

Title of the dissertationConcept for sustainable development of tourist destination (on the example of Varna municipality)SupervisorProf. Svetla Rakadjiiska, University of Economics - Varna, BulgariaInstitution awarding the Ph. D. DegreeInstitute of Economics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, SofiaDate of defence17th April 2008Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalThe main goal is to develop a concept for sustainable development of tourist destinations, and the specific mechanism for its implementation. The author's thesis is that achieving the necessary sustainable development of tourist destination requires clear concepts and specific mechanisms. These are elaborated on the basis of analysed sustainable development of the destination, taking into account specific environment and pre-conditions, in order to achieve a balance between the destination development and preservation of its natural and social environment.Objectives1. Presenting a concept for solving negative impacts of tourism development at the tourist destination.2. Defining a solution for preventing and eliminating the negative consequences of tourism development in the destination, while keeping or increasing its competitiveness and attractiveness.3. Defining a specific methodology and mechanism for the implementation of the solution for a balance between tourism development and long term development of the destination.Methodology1. Theoretical and comparative analysis.2. Methods of deduction and induction.3. Survey of 50 respondents, including representatives of tourist organisations, the local government, public institutions and NGOs. The survey was conducted in Varna municipality.4. Analysis of sustainable development of the tourist destination implementing a specially elaborated methodology.Results1. Elaborated concept for development of tourist destinations based on the theory of sustainable development.2. Elaborated specific mechanism for sustainable development of the tourist destination identified as a key determinant for sustainable development of the tourist destination.3. Created appropriate methodology for the analysis and assessment of sustainable development of the tourist destination.4. The methodology for analysis and assessment of sustainable development of the tourist destination as implemented and tested for Varna Municipality.5. The directions for sustainable development of Varna tourist destination are determined.Theoretical conclusionsThe idea of sustainable development is fundamental for tourism transformation, because the negative impacts on the natural and social environment are minimised fostering positive short and long-term economical and social benefits. Sustainable development of tourism can be better achieved when the specific characteristics and problems are raised and addressed, meaning they should be considered at the local level, namely the tourist destination.To achieve balance between the development of the tourist destination and preservation of the environment, key resources and values, that are critical for having a sustainable destination, should be identified and protected. This includes the elaboration of specific mechanism for sustainable development of the tourist destination, for example the preservation of the irreversible natural and social capital.Practical application of the dissertationThe concept of sustainable development of the tourist destination can be used for:- solving the problem of de-coupling the tourism development from its destructive exploitation of natural and social capital without decreasing the well-being of local population;- creating a strategy for the development of the tourist destination based on the principles of sustainable development.Content of the dissertationAbstract of chapter oneIn the first chapter, the concept of sustainable development of tourist destinations is elaborated. …

Kazakhstan, with its significant natural and cultural potential, faces difficulties in the field of sustainable development of tourist destinations, including due to mass tourism, which has a negative impact on the ecosystem and traditional way of life of local communities. This problem hinders the sustainable development of tourist destinations and reduces the attractiveness of tourist resources within the boundaries of the tourist area. In accordance with global trends, soft tourism is one of the important tools that can ensure the sustainable development of domestic tourist destinations. The article examines the concept of soft tourism as a tool that allows for the sustainable development of destinations in the regions of Kazakhstan. The authors analyzed the basic principles of soft tourism in modern conditions and considered ways of their application in the development of domestic tourist territories. The study examined, using statistical analysis methods, the hypotheses that soft tourism today is the main means of sustainable development of destinations, and modern tourists are interested in the transition from mass tourism to soft tourism, and try to take responsibility for the environment. As a result of the study, the authors identified the importance of soft tourism in ensuring sustainable development of the destination and noted its economic and social significance.

This article identifies the important indicators of mountain destination development and groups them into factors. Based on an extensive review of literature, a comprehensive list of indicators of mountain destination development was formed. To gain real world insight, a survey was sent to an international sample of all stakeholders in mountain destinations and tourism researchers. Together this sample identified statistically significantly important indicators. An exploratory factor analysis was then made on these important indicators in order to find coherent factors that represent underlying dimensions of indicators of mountain destination development. A four-factor solution was produced and the factors were labeled based on the indicators that constituted them. The factors of mountain destination development that were discovered are “socioeconomic prosperity” and “preservation of natural environment,” which correspond to the sustainability dimensions of the indicators of mountain destination development. The other two factors that were found are “tourist traffic and expenditure” and “visitor satisfaction,” which provide a more classical view on how to measure mountain destination development. The results are useful for researchers in the field of mountain tourism and destination management, since there is a lack of literature regarding the sustainable development of destinations. Multiple authors also call for more research on indicators of sustainable development. Mountain destinations need to be able to respond quickly and properly to the challenges posed by the rapidly changing environment. The identified factors and their corresponding indicators of mountain destination development can prove useful for mountain destination managers and other stakeholders in mountain destinations, since they can help destinations to identify areas in which they excel and areas they need to improve in order to achieve sustainable destination development.

Today, the tourism industry, as an economic driver and engine of societal development, experiences high mobility in economic, political, social, urban, and environmental changes. This research aims to clarify and present a model for the sustainable development of tourist destinations with a focus on the peri-urban spaces of Mashhad City. Fourteen indicators were used to assess the spatial planning for sustainable tourism development among peri-urban spaces to present the research model. The necessary data was collected through field visits using questionnaires. The research results show that the spatial planning dimensions and indicators are effective in explaining the sustainable development of tourist destinations. The selected indicators, considering the conditions and requirements of the regions, can be tested and implemented in similar villages. Therefore, the most important factor in the process of spatial planning for sustainable development of peri-urban tourist destinations is, first, identifying the location's (environmental and physical) potential, including a variety of natural attractions, the quality of attractions, the location of attractions, the human dimension (socio-cultural) including cultural and political, community participation and education, the activity dimension (functions) including accommodation, hospitality, service distribution, and information, investment, employment, and income generation.

Indonesia has seen the success of Bali as the most prominent�tourism�destination in the country.��Therefore, the initiative to�deploy the benefits of tourism development throughout�several regions�of�Indonesia is known as the “10 New Bali's”.��Nevertheless, it is still questionable whether�Bali is an example of sustainable tourism or not.��In developing the�“10 New Bali's”, the Indonesian�government is aiming at increasing the number of tourists rather than at achieving the goal of sustainable tourism destination development.��
 
 One of the destinations designated under this initiative is Tanjung Kelayang in Belitung Island, and therefore�it is selected as a case in this study.��After 6 years of Tanjung Kelayang being designated as a New Bali, there has been little assistance from the national government on how the New Bali concept would be developed.�Thus, this study becomes the baseline for Tanjung Kelayang's readiness for future tourism destination development.�It aims to analyze how Tanjung Kelayang destination development complies with the sustainable tourism criteria of GSTC-D V2 or Global Sustainable Tourism Council for Destination assessment (version 2).
 
 This research was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic situation from June until August 2021.�The qualitative research approach was used with data collection through primary and secondary sources.�The primary data collection was from field observation, semi-structured interviews, and in-depth interviews.�The secondary data was from documentary reviews and analysis.�Description analysis is used with GSTC-D V2 as a tool to obtain a description of the level of understanding, implementation, and compliance of the sustainable destination development standard.�
 
 The result showed that there are 7 criteria that received compliance with the requirement, i.e., support for the community; access for all; protection of cultural assets; intangible heritage; traditional access; visitor management and cultural sites; and light and noise pollutions.�On the other hand, there are 21 criteria that did not receive compliance with the requirements, i.e. destination management and responsibilities; destination management strategy and action plan; monitoring and reporting; enterprises engagement and sustainability standard; resident engagement and feedback; visitor engagement; managing visitors volumes and activity; risk and crisis management; measuring the local contribution of tourism; preventing exploitation and discrimination; property and use rights; safety and security; site interpretation; protection of sensitive environments; visitor management at natural sites; wildlife interactions; species exploitation and animal welfare; water quality; wastewater management; greenhouse gases emission and climate change; and low impact transportation.�Based on the description above, Tanjung Kelayang destination development needs further work in order to achieve sustainable tourism destination status.
 
 To develop Tanjung Kelayang as a New Bali without copying-pasting the negative conditions and tourism impacts seen in Bali, commitment from the National and Local governments is needed.��To achieve the best planning and implementation for a sustainable tourism destination, the skill-knowledge upgrade and improvement on sustainable destination development for all relevant stakeholders is the key, especially for the�Local Official Tourism Government of Belitung as a spearhead of the Tanjung Kelayang sustainable destination development.

This paper deals with theoretical-methodological issues of tourism offer planning and regulation of settlements in mountain destinations. The basic determinants of the development of mountain tourist regions destinations in EU countries, in which respectable development results have been achieved, first of all in terms of income, together with appropriately adjusted development and environmental management system, have been emphasized. The ongoing transition and structural processes in Serbia will have an impact on application of these experiences. At the same time, a basis for competitiveness of mountain regions will not be determined only by spatial capacity and geological location, but also by creative-innovative developing environment. Taking into account the spatial-functional criteria and criteria for the development and protection, the possible spatial definition of mountain tourist regions/destinations in Serbia are presented. The justifiability and positioning of tourism development projects are analyzed aiming at uniform regional development, where two segments of demand are of particularly importance, i.e. demand for mountain tourism services and for real estates in mountain centers. Furthermore, holders of tourism offer will be analyzed through a contemporary approach which may be defined as the development and noncommercial and market and commercial one. International criteria which are evaluated while selecting city/mountain destination for Winter Olympic Games are particularly analyzed. Considering experience of countries with higher level of development of mountain regions, the main starting point for positioning projects for sustainable development of tourist destinations are defined by specifying them according to specific local and regional conditions. A rational model for spatial organization of tourism offer is shown on the example of the Stara Planina tourist region.

The study analyses the relational structure of the networks of actors of three cultural tourist destinations using social network analysis (SNA). The analytical interest is focused on the degree centrality indicator for socio-centric networks and asymmetrical relationships to obtain the indegree (prestige) and outdegree (influence) of the various actors. The results obtained strengthen three ideas: first, there is a direct relationship between relational dynamics and the development of tourist destinations; second, the relational structure is transformed as tourist destinations evolve; and third, there is a correlation between the number of actors with high centrality and the development of tourist destinations. The study contributes to responding to the demand for literature regarding the need to expand the number of comparative studies that link the relational structure with the development of tourist destinations.

The paper investigates the role of tourism policy in the management of the tourist destination of the city of Makarska, which is one of the most important tourist destinations on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Focusing on the complexity of managing a tourist destination enabled an analysis of the importance of an integrated approach in tourism development, with a special emphasis on meeting the needs of all stakeholders and ensuring the destination’s sustainable future. The subject of this paper is to analyse the theoretical framework of tourism policy and to investigate how tourism policy affects the management of a tourist destination on the model of the Makarska tourist destination. The goal of the work is a deeper understanding of the complexity of tourism policy and the identification of key factors that contribute to the sustainable development of tourist destinations. Through the analysis of the tourism policy, the possibilities of improving the tourism of the mentioned destination with the aim of long-term prosperity were investigated. Special importance is attached to examining the attitudes of the local population on the impact of tourism and tourism policy. The analysis of the perception of the local population provided a deeper insight into the positive and negative aspects of tourism and the identification of key areas for further action. In the paper, empirical research was conducted through an online survey questionnaire to analyse the views of the local population on the impact of tourism and tourism policy on the specified destination. Primary data were collected through a one-time descriptive survey on a targeted sample (N 1332). The general conclusion of the research is that based on a detailed analysis of the tourism policy of the city of Makarska, key aspects of business and invest- ment in tourism were investigated, including demand monitoring, innovation, tourism promotion, investment in employees, raising the quality of business and environmental protection. The results of the average scores of the respondents show a moderately good degree of agreement with the mentioned aspects, while a certain variability in the scores can be observed.

This paper aims to reveal the factors which are crucial for the sustainable development of rural-based tourist destination. This paper is possibly one of the few studies which apply rough sets theory (RST) analysis in destination image identification. Using Nanzhuang as a case study, this paper shows that RST analysis can identify the defining image attributes or attractors of a destination. RST analysis confirms the attractors that “pull” tourists to Nanzhuang are rural-tourism-related. RST decision rules reveal how an attribute single-handedly or a handful of attributes influence overall satisfaction. It also provides useful ideas on sustainable development of the destination.

Sustainable development of tourist destinations is based on the key principles of sustainable development in general taking into consideration the characteristics of tourism as an activity, in particular. In the event that a tourist destination has an island location, this becomes an additional factor imposing even more stringent requirements for sustainable development due to even greater vulnerability of isolated ecological systems. At the same time, the human factor becomes decisive, because the development of a tourist destination depends on how the providers of tourism services comply with the principles of sustainable development. The purpose of our study is to identify the willingness to follow the principles of sustainable development of a tourist destinations among entrepreneurs providing tourism services, using innovative methods of problem-solving learning. During the study, the following methods were used: bibliographic, analytical, in-depth survey method, etc. The methodology implemented for this study was qualitative survey where students reflected on their learning processes. The results show the importance of university students cooperating with actors within tourist destination on both theoretical and practical issues of sustainability to develop the destination. This cooperation enables the most important learning outcomes for both parties on sustainability. Heterogeneity of the group, and methodology of Design Thinking increases the creativity in problem solving.

The research that the author has done is about the leadership of the Head of Culture and Tourism Department in the Development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency. Based on the observations made by the author, there are symptoms of problems in the development of tourist destinations for the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site in Depok District, Cirebon Regency, that is the less optimal development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site carried out by the Cirebon Regency Culture and Tourism Department. Based on these problems, there is an identification of the problem, such as How the Role of the Culture and Tourist Department Leadership in the development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourism Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency, what are the obstacles to the role of the Culture and Tourism Department Leadership in the Development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District Cirebon Regency and what efforts are made to overcome obstacles in the Leadership of the Head of the Culture and Tourism Department in the development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency. The purpose of the research that the authors do is to find out how the leadership of the Head of the Culture and Tourism Department in the development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency and what factors influence the development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency. The research method used is a qualitative method which is descriptive in nature. The research that the author does is to explore, find and explain the leadership of the Head of the Culture and Tourism Department in developing the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency. The results of the leadership research of the Head of the Culture and Tourism Department in the development of the Nyi Mas Gandasari Site Tourist Destination in Depok District, Cirebon Regency, are that the development of cultural heritage in Cirebon Regency is not yet optimal and does not have a legal umbrella related to the preservation of cultural heritage in Cirebon Regency.

Introduction. The processes of formation and development of tourist destinations in the border regions of Western Ukraine testify to the growing influence of Internet resources; mobile platforms and applications; use of various software and other digital products on tourism development. The urgent issue remains the introduction of information and communication technologies and the formation of a system of relations between the tourist and the tourist destination. In view of this; the article is devoted to the study of the use of digital technologies in the development of tourist destinations.Methods. The methodological basis of the study are general scientific and economic- statistical methods: analysis and synthesis – to explore the benefits of implementing digital technologies in tourism; peer review – based on a set of individual expert opinions; allowed to obtain an objective assessment of the need to introduce digital products in the development of tourist destinations; inductions; deductions – to determine the directions of development of tourist destinations; survey – to identify sources of information that prompted a tourist trip; etc.Results. On the basis of the analysis of the activity of tourist centers in the western Ukrainian border regions the advantages of digitization in the development of tourist destinations were determined and further possibilities of digital tourism were revealed.Through the expert evaluation; digital products were detailed and the need for their introduction into the development of tourist destinations was confirmed.A survey was conducted of respondents in the information tourist centers of some Western Ukrainian cities; which helped to identify the main sources of information that influenced the desire to make a tourist trip to a tourist destination.The international experience of using digital technologies in the functioning of local tourist destinations in Suceava County (Romania) is considered; which allowed establishing modern approaches to tourism development and introduction of new concepts; such as destination information systems.In order to fully meet the needs of modern tourists and efficient use of tourist resources; it is proposed to create «smart» territories where; through digital technology and the use of innovative devices; not only can full use of tourism potential and create new opportunities for its growth; but also make tourists stay at their destination more comfortable and secure.Prospects. The prospect of further research involves the development and implementation of a set of stimulating measures to intensify the processes of digitization of tourism destinations and search for tools to support the introduction of digital technologies in the tourism sector.

Under the dual background of climate change and post-epidemic economic recovery, the study of the eco-efficiency of tourism destinations in the process of urbanization is critical to promoting the green and healthy development of tourism. This paper selects tourism destinations in 30 provinces of China in 2000–2019 as the research object, calculates the economic efficiency and eco-efficiency of China’s tourism destinations by constructing the Super-SBM (Slacks-Based Measure) model and visualizes the spatial distribution pattern and evolution trend of economic efficiency and eco-efficiency of China’s tourism destinations through spatial hotspot and center of gravity analysis. The coupling model is used to find the coupling relationship between the efficiency of China’s tourism destinations (economic efficiency and eco-efficiency) and urbanization. Finally, Tobit panel regression is used to find out how urbanization affects the eco-efficiency of tourism destinations. The results show that: (1) the eco-efficiency of tourism destinations in China is higher than the economic efficiency, as well as showing a downward trend. (2) The economic efficiency of tourism destinations in western China has increased while the eco-efficiency has declined. (3) China’s tourism destinations are undergoing the process of transformation and restructuring, and have not yet reached the decoupling standard. (4) On the whole, the improvement in urbanization is conducive to promoting the economic and environmentally sustainable development of tourism destinations. The main driving indicators are the living standards for urban residents, urban resources and environment, the industrial structure, and the role of the government. This study attempts to find a balance between the economic benefits and ecological impacts of tourism destinations and alleviate the real demand for the rapid economic recovery of tourism destinations in the post-epidemic era and the tension between human activities and the ecological environment. The research results are expected to provide a path for the healthy development of tourism destinations in the process of China’s new urbanization and provide a reference for tourism destinations in developing countries similar to China.

A process is presented to facilitate the sustainable management and development of tourist destinations. Based on a specific reforming of the Limits of Acceptable Change planning system and combined with the Tourism Carrying Capacity concept into a common framework, specific steps are described to integrate environmental, social and economic information of a tourist destination into indicators, which are afterwards compared with reference conditions. The Leopold matrix is applied to identify and classify restrictions of development and provide the basis for negotiations between managers, stakeholders and local communities. Through a feedback process of continuous monitoring and adjustment, the aim is to focus developmental activities on restricting factors until all indicators upgrade to reference. A case study at a Greek coastal municipality (Ilida – western Greece) is applied to demonstrate the process. Activity zones are identified and 18 indicators are selected. Results suggest high potential for tourism development of the area. However, low scores are assigned to 8/18 indicators, reflecting restrictions, requiring priority under a sustainable development plan. The proposed process offers managers and stakeholders the ability to easily visualize/identify restrictions and assign developmental priorities within a step-by-step upgrading process, toward the sustainable management and development of tourist destinations.

This study, based on the stakeholder theory, explores the sustainable development of sport event tourism destinations from the perspective of conflicts and demands of the core stakeholders. The core stakeholders of sport event tourism destinations include the government, sport enterprises, tourists, and residents. Through detailed analysis of the performance and causes of the core stakeholders’ interest conflicts and demands, we can draw the enlightenment of the sustainable development of sport event destinations in China as follows: introducing a monitoring mechanism to ease conflicts, establishing a communication mechanism to reduce conflicts, integrating development to guide demands, and recognizing the equal status to stimulate demands.