The Consciousness of Nature Tourists and Their Commitment to Destination Sustainability

Following the growth of nature‐based tourism, “pristine” and remote areas, such as national parks, attract tourists in Scandinavia. Various international initiatives and certification programs, such as PAN Parks in Europe, have been introduced to promote sustainable nature‐based tourism. Often tourists are also given responsibility to prevent negative environmental impacts of their travel. This paper examines the role of nature tourists in developing sustainable tourism: what expectations do tourists have on nature and sustainability in national parks, how do they consider environmental aspects when travelling, and how do they respond to ecolabels and certifications? Thirty interviews of mainly Finnish tourists were conducted in Oulanka National Park, one of PAN Parks certified parks in Finland. The results show that these nature tourists do not form a homogenous group, yet they have various views on environmental issues, which differentiate them from other nature tourists and have an influence on their travelling behavior. Thus, four types of tourists were identified on the basis of their environmental concern and responsibility. The results emphasize the role of regulation, incentives and guidance in developing sustainability in tourist destinations and companies; tourists do not necessarily set high demands as long as negative impacts do not ruin their perception of pristine nature.

Artificial intelligence, as an emerging technological science, provides advanced methods for simulating and extending human intelligence. The technological convergence from various domains has been the focus of researcher community for the last few years. This study applies artificial neural network algorithms to examine sustainability indicators at UNESCO-declared heritage destinations in Pakistan. Data has been collected from 417 national tourists visiting key heritage sites, including the Heritage Remains at Moenjodaro, the Buddhist Remains of Takht-i-Bhai and the neighboring city at Sahr-i-Bahlol, the Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore, the Historical Monuments at Makli (Thatta), Rohtas Fort, and Taxila. However to investigate the influence of sustainability indicators, this study intends to measure the satisfaction level of the national tourists in the targeted six UNESCO-declared heritage destinations in Pakistan. Tourists' satisfaction levels were measured using a five-point Likert scale. Using ANN algorithms the findings reveal that economic, perceptual, ecological, and socio-cultural factors have significant positive relationships with the sustainability of UNESCO heritage destinations in Pakistan. This study insights as the ecological perspective plays the most instrumental role in attaining sustainability in UNESCO-declared destinations in Pakistan. Further the tourists' perceptional perspective shows a positive impact in maintaining sustainability in heritage destinations. Furthermore the influential indicator is the socio-cultural perspective. The least influential factor for heritage destinations' sustainability is the economic perspective. For the policy-makers the data driven analysis provides ground for economic impact modeling, preservation, marketing and policy implementation.

Indonesia has potential ecotourism spots that are need to be utilized as well as to increase the value of forest benefits from the aspect of environmental services while maintaining the function of the area. However, there are contraints in managing natural tourism in conservation areas according to the concept of sustainable tourism. This study focuses on the performance of sustainable nature tourism management applied in Taman Wisata Alam Telogo Warno Telogo Pengilon (TWA TWTP) that is carried out in the form of a partnership between the Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam Jawa Tengah (Central Java Natural Resources Conservation Office; BKSDA) and PT. Alam Indah Bonbin Lestari (AIBBL) as the holder of Ijin Usaha Penyediaan Sarana Wisata Alam (Business License for the Provision of Nature Tourism Facilities; IUPSWA). The results show positive improvement in the management of TWA TWTP. However, several issues that require immediate improvement still remain. In general, all of the aspects are categorized in to four scopes: (1) management of effective sustainable tourism destination, (2) the optimization of economic benefits for local communities, (3) the optimization of cultural preservation for the communities and visitors, and (4) environmental conservation.

Human Resource Management (HRM) assumes a critical function in fostering the sustainability and advancement of natural tourism destinations, such as the Gunung Tunak Nature Tourism Park (TWA). This study seeks to assess the efficacy of human resource management, specifically via the training of tour guides and ongoing education, in enhancing the quality of tourism services and environmental conservation. This study highlights the role of human resource management in fostering sustainable ecotourism at TWA Gunung Tunak as a conservation tourism site. The study employs a qualitative methodology, including interviews and field observations to examine the execution of training programs and their effects on ecotourism operations. The research findings suggest that while knowledge concerning ecological and cultural heritage exists, there is a necessity to augment training quality, offer competency certification, and improve access to digital material. Enhancing human resource capability in advanced education, multi-stakeholder engagement, and supportive policies is essential for attaining optimal and sustianable ecotourism management in this region

This research aims to descriptively identify the competitiveness of tourist destinations in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan Province, according to the perspective of stakeholders, namely the local government and owners of tourist destination. It then classifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats under SWOT Analysis framework. This study also explains the sustainability of tourist destinations measured from economic, socio-cultural and environmental componentsUsing qualitative descriptive technique, our data. were taken from secondary and primary sources, namely from the Tourism Office of Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesian. and through sample field visits by interviewing informants from Benua Elai (Belai) Tourism Village (Desa Wisata Benua Elai) in Sub-District of Loa Janan. The research results show that the competitiveness of tourist destinations in Kutai Kartanegara has comparative and competitive advantages. Comparatively, natural tourism has 74 destinations, followed by cultural tourism with 157 destinations. There are also 21 artificial tourist destinations. In terms of competitive advantage, institutional support from the district government in supporting the development of community-managed tourist destinations through Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) has been carried out. From the aspect of sustainability, tourist destinations such as Desa Belai have the potential to improve well-being of surrounding communities, though the position of tourist destinations has been threatened by large-scale mining activities. These coal mining explorations may harm sustainability of village tourism and its prospect to be leading growth sector.

Objective: To know the perception of the resident population on the multidimensional variables of sustainable tourism in sun and beach destinations in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. Theoretical reference: Within this process, methodologies developed by researchers who have worked in nature tourism, conservation and sustainable development were used. The contributions used as theoretical reference are related to the Organization for World Economic Cooperation and Development and its Pressure-State-Response model (OECD 1993); the methodology designed by Torres and Guzmán (2020) through the ISSOT tool to study the variables associated with the multidimensional nature of sustainable tourism or those developed by Casas et al. (2017) and Salvatore, Chiodo and Fantinni (2018). Method: This study was developed through mixed research with an exploratory descriptive approach. For this research, the use of the deductive method was considered for the processing and analysis of data and information collected. From the processed data, a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data was implemented to achieve a greater understanding of the perception that residents have regarding the impacts generated by tourism in these destinations. Results and conclusion: The results analyzed in this work aim to make contributions to the orientation, design and implementation of public policies in Ecuadorian sun and beach destinations based on a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable tourism development. This requires considering that the benefits and costs perceived by residents play a fundamental role in the local tourism development process, as they will have a greater willingness to accept this development to the extent that the former surpass the latter. Implications of the research: The results of this research have served to validate the criteria, guidelines and variables related to the planning, management and sustainable development of tourism in the territory, all with a strategic and sustainable long-term approach that allows generating positive benefits for local rural populations without degrading ecosystems and through the conservation of natural heritage. Originality/value: This work is an authentic and original work that has been developed for several years through the Academy and scientific research in different territories of continental and insular Ecuador, which seeks to establish real data that allows generating valuable information for more effective and efficient decision making from the point of sustainability and local development.

With the development of the Web 2.0 era, tourists can freely publish their destination experiences through online travel notes. This enables tourists to become important agents to project tourism destination image (TDI), impacting destination-sustainable development. Previous studies have compared the difference in the images projected by destination management organizations (DMO) and tourists through their published content. However, fewer studies have been done to explore the inter-influences between them on the diachronic process of TDI construction. From the perspective of “circle of representation” this question is researched through a case study of Chiang Mai, Thailand, regarding the market of mainland Chinese tourists. Through interviews and the collection of microblogs from the Thailand National Tourism Bureau and tourists’ travel notes from 2009 to 2021, we found that Chiang Mai has experienced four stages of TDI construction, during which the “Xiao Qingxin” image is evolutionally constructed and formed into the representation circle. The inter-influences between DMO and tourists, as well as the influencing factors in this process, are summarized. Our study supplements a dynamic diachronic analysis of TDI from the constructivism perspective. Relevant management and marketing applications for TDI and destination sustainability in the post-pandemic and Web 2.0 era are also provided.

Monitoring and evaluation tool for tourism destinations

Island destinations attract international tourists seeking unique natural, cultural, and lifestyle experiences. However, due to geographical isolation and infrastructural limitations, they often become overdependent on tourism development, challenging sustainable competitiveness. Integrating push‐pull motivation theory and the resource‐based view, this study explores how text mining of tourist experiences can identify key attributes shaping island tourism competitiveness between Bali and Lombok. Results show Bali's competitiveness is driven by human services, cultural attractions, and food quality, while Lombok's strengths lie in natural serenity and marine tourism. Yet, Lombok faces infrastructural and environmental issues, especially cleanliness. The findings stress the value of regional collaboration through resource sharing and coordinated planning and suggest benefits of text mining analytics. As a result, this study contributes to tourism theory and offers actionable insights for enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of island destinations.

Jember has a very diverse natural, cultural and artificial tourism potential. One of the natural potentials that currently become the prima donna in Jember is Teluk Love beach, located in Sumberrejo-Ambulu-Jember. The main attraction of the Love Bay is in terms of its shape that symbolizes love, which is not possessed by other destinations in Jember. The booming existence of the Love Bay increases tourist arrivals at this destination every day, in the other hand the condition of human resources and social economic environment is not ready to face of the growth of Love Bay tourism. Weak tourism knowledge, slum social environment patterns, society economic management are some challenges in developing this Love Bay tourism. Theoretically, if a tourist destination is well managed, tourists as subjects in the tourism industry have an important role in the sustainability of a tourist destination. The tourist services needs to get special attention. If the tourists are well served, then they will feel satisfied. This is a factor driving these tourists to come back, and with the more tourists it will have an effect on improving the economic level of the community itself. Based on the problems experienced by partners, the solutions that can be offered are providing soft skills training (attitude) for tourism services, providing hard skills training (procedural), providing assistance in the form of procurement of quality improvement service.

Waste management at natural tourism destinations is a pressing environmental issue in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The increase in tourist visits has led to the accumulation of solid waste, particularly single-use plastics, posing challenges to environmental sustainability. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the circular economy (CE) in the management of natural tourism destinations, specifically through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies in Tourism Villages and natural tourism areas in Bantul. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with tourism village managers, tourism object managers, and representatives from the Tourism Office. The results show that the CE concept has been implemented through the tourism waste bank program, the management of organic waste into compost, and plastic reduction campaigns. However, challenges such as limited resources, low environmental literacy among tourists, and weak regulatory support remain significant obstacles. Strategies for sustainable performance require multi-stakeholder collaboration, strengthening management capacity, and the integration of environmentally based policies. This research contributes to the development of circular economy theory in the tourism sector and provides practical implications for sustainable destination management in developing regions.

Tourism village is one of the tourism destinations that need to be developed. Brajan is a tourism village that has natural and cultural tourism potential. This village needs promotion in order to attract tourists. The aim of this study is to describe the basic elements of the tourism village and the marketing potential of Brajan as a tourism village. Data were collected through observation and interviews with the local communities in Brajan. After collecting the process, the data analyzed descriptively based on 6 basic elements of a tourism destination and marketing mix. The result showed that Brajan has a complete concept as a tourism destination. Moreover, this village has a lot of potential in terms of marketing. The stakeholders such as local people, manager and the Government need to developing and empowering its potential. The development of its potential is expected to have a positive impact and make the tourism village becomes a sustainable tourism destination

<span class='IJASEITAbstractHeadingChar'><span lang='EN-GB'>Transportation and tourism cannot be separated. Both often lack the attention and cooperation of the stakeholders involved. Although each stakeholder has different goals and criteria, they need to work together to achieve the sustainability of tourism destinations. Nature-protected tourism objects and cultural heritage areas have a key role as conservation and tourism areas with specific criteria for preserving natural values, cultural heritage values, and other positive impacts of tourists visiting local communities. Transportation policies as a guideline of tourist mobility must ensure the sustainability of these values. The success of making transportation policy decisions must be supported by all actors involved with their respective goals and criteria. Therefore, multi-criteria are needed to measure transportation policies on tourist mobility in sustainable destinations. This paper examines the criteria for transportation policies that support mobility in sustainable nature tourism and cultural heritage protected areas using a multi-actor participatory method. The criterion rating is determined by the number of stakeholders involved and the score assigned by the stakeholders against the selected criteria. The results show that the highest to lowest criteria rank are as follows: comprehensive planning, transportation system Integration, safety, and security, visitor management, accessibility, various transport systems, supporting local entrepreneurs, supporting cultural events, low-impact transportation, operational efficiency, protection of cultural assets, visitors experience and transport equality.</span></span>

This study examines the implementation of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) around the Seven Level Waterfall in Bukit Berantai Village, Batang Asai District, Sarolangun Regency, and evaluates the strategic role of local and village governments in developing sustainable community-based tourism. The research addresses the critical need for effective government strategies in managing tourism destinations that empower local communities while preserving environmental and cultural heritage. Using a qualitative research approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with local government officials, village administrators, tourism stakeholders, and community members to gather comprehensive insights into current management practices and challenges. Data collection involved systematic field observations, participatory research methods, and thorough analysis of tourism-related policy documents and regulatory frameworks. The theoretical foundation integrates tourism management principles with SWOT analysis methodology to identify internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats facing the destination. Findings reveal that while the Seven Level Waterfall possesses significant natural tourism potential, current management faces substantial challenges including inadequate infrastructure, limited accessibility, insufficient promotional activities, lack of professional tourism services, and poor connectivity. The study identifies key strategic principles essential for sustainable tourism development, emphasizing community ownership, participatory decision-making, equitable benefit distribution, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. Results demonstrate that effective government intervention as both facilitator and regulator is crucial for establishing comprehensive tourism management frameworks that enhance community empowerment, economic development, and destination sustainability, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of rural development and poverty alleviation.

Nature tourism has a strong potential, and as a result of this tourism activity, the environmental concern is considered an important element which guides business and tourism activity.This element also generates the change in the society's behaviour, in order to conciliate economic and political interest with the environmental ones, with the final aim to guarantee the existence of these resources in the future and the tourism competitiveness of these natural areas.To get this purpose of sustainable development, in the case of natural areas where it is difficult to control the carrying capacity because the access is uncontrolled in them, it is important to attract visitors which are identify with the destination, its resources and what it has to offer.In this way the visitors have a behavior at the destination that will help to achieve its sustainability.In this sense, the segmentation has an important role in the development, management and success of a natural area in a competitive tourism environment.Because the segmentation allows knowing visitors, their preference, wishes and needs, and it makes easy the adjustment of supply.At the same time, this activity allows to lead the communication actions of a tourism destination or area toward the visitors who are identified with the destination offers.This guarantees the sustainability of destination over time.The purpose of this paper it is to identify visitors who have a behavior and interest in protected natural areas, and who will be consider as appropriate target to direct the promotion to encourage their visit.This paper includes the analysis of the type of visitors in the area of Serranía Alta de Cuenca, in Spain, according to their features, the type of travel and their opinion about the destination.This study provides relevant information to guide the management of tourism activity in this area.Latent Gold 4.5  is the statistical software used to make the segmentation.This technique is different from other by its strict statistical formulation which puts the visitors into group by the probability of belonging to each segment.