International Tourism Research Articles

The Effect of Investment, Poor Resident, and International Tourists on Gross Regional Domestic Product In North Sumatera in 2001-2020

This study aims to determine the effect of the investment sector, poor people, and foreign tourists on economic growth in North Sumatra. This research uses descriptive quantitative research methods. The data used in this study are secondary data and time series data for 2001-2020. The results in this study indicate that investment has a positive and significant effect on GRDP in North Sumatra, the poor have a negative and significant effect on GRDP in North Sumatra, foreign tourists have a positive and significant effect on GRDP in North Sumatra.

THE DETERMINANTION OF THE DEMAND FOR THE INTERNATIONAL RURAL DESTINATION - THE PLS MODEL

One of the biggest challenges facing agritourism destination managers is a clear understanding of the factors that motivate consumers to choose a particular agritourism destination, and be loyal to it, when they have countless other options. The research on the international agritourism destination, from a broader perspective, aims to analyze the market behavior of tourists and implies the necessary prior knowledge of tourists’ decision-making. Therefore the subject of research is the analysis of the influence of the agritourism gastronomic experience, thorough the analysis of the influence of the factors of the agritourism gastronomic experience on the development of loyalty towards an agritourism destination. The survey analyzes international tourists' reactions to the atmosphere of catering establishments, gastronomy, services, quality and prices which affects the satisfaction and the loyalty to the agritourism destination, in our case the agritourism destinations in the Province of Vojovodina, close to the city of Novi Sad. The findings have shown that there is a statistically significant and positive association between atmosphere of agritourism catering establishments and gastronomy and satisfaction with the agritourism destination. The satisfaction with the agritourism destination has a positive relationship with the loyalty to the agritourism destination. The findings can help the stakeholders to improve the agritourism gastronomic experience as it covers an important role in the development of the gastronomic experience. The contribution of this paper is that it directly focuses on an aspect of the relationship between the elements of the agritourism gastronomic experience, satisfaction and loyalty that have not been previously directly addressed.

Tourism Development in Lumbini Region: A Perspective of Domestic Tourists

Globally, domestic tourism has been emerging as an alternative to international tourism both in the normal and the hard times. This also has momentum in Nepal, where the Lumbini region is considered one of the ever-visited destinations among Nepali tourists. The paper is a typical case study of Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality, the birthplace of God Buddha. This paper assesses how domestic tourists perceive tourism development in Lumbini, why they visit the site, what potentials and challenges they feel, and from which region of Nepal they belong and why. Following a quantitative dominant mixed method approach, the researcher has employed a structured questionnaire survey tool among 174 domestic tourists. Besides, semi-structured interviews among the five key informants were also taken. The paper argues that the travel and tourism of visitors from different regions of Nepal increased in recent years despite the fact that the region is known as a worldwide hub of international tourism. Domestic tourists are also attracted to Lumbini for various reasons, but the religious attachment is the fundamental one where respect for Buddha and Buddhism as a national pride is manifested. Despite having different opportunities and explorations the study also reveals some hurdles and challenges in terms of policy intervention and infrastructure development for the proportion of domestic tourism in Lumbini.

Resident’s Willingness to Travel Amidst Increased Post-Crisis Inbound Chinese Tourism: A Country-Of-Origin Effect Perspective

There is a scant academic inquiry into the influence of crisis and post-crisis events on residents’ perceptions, their attitude towards international inbound tourists, and how their subsequent domestic travel behaviour is nuanced by the re-introduction of international tourists post-a-crisis. A conceptual model was developed to explore the influence of China’s post-zero-COVID-19 policy country image on host country resident behaviour. Based on an n=499 South African residents’ sample, the cross-sectional deductive study utilised partial least squares structural equation modelling to explore the proposed hypotheses. Contrary to the extant literature, China’s post-pandemic and policy country-of-origin effect positively influenced South African residents' willingness to engage in domestic tourism despite the potential influx of inbound Chinese tourists. However, there is intriguing heterogeneity in the nuances of the country-of-origin effect, stereotypes, risk perception and interventions on resident perception, and conation. The study confirms the underlying mechanisms in resident post-crisis domestic travel behaviour and contributes to the burgeoning body of knowledge.

A qualitative dynamic analysis of the relationship between tourism and human development

This study analyzes the dynamic relationship between tourism and human development in a sample of 123 countries between 1995–2019 using a symbolic time series methodological analysis, with the number of international tourist arrivals per capita as the tourism measurement variable and the Human Development Index as the development measurement variable. The objective was to determine if a higher level of tourism specialization is related to a higher level of economic development. The definition of economic regime is used and the concept of the distance between the dynamic trajectories of the different countries analyzed is introduced to create a minimum spanning tree. In this way, groups of countries are identified that display similar behavior in terms of tourism specialization and levels of human development. The results suggest that countries with a high level of tourism specialization have a higher level of development as compared to those in which tourism has a lower specific weight. However, the largest group of countries identified is characterized by low levels of tourism specialization and economic development, which appears to translate into a poverty trap. Therefore, policies related to tourism activity expansion should be created since higher tourism levels have been linked to higher levels of human development. In the case of less developed countries, however, these projects should be financed by international organizations so that these countries can escape the poverty trap in which they are currently found.

Measuring Risk Perception and Risk Compensation among Local Residents toward COVID-19 in the Tourism Sandbox Islands: Comparative Evidence from the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus Model in Thailand

Since Thailand is a tourism-dependent country, its economy suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 lockdown. In a pioneering effort to re-open the country, two islands (Phuket and Koh Samui) began to welcome fully vaccinated international visitors in July 2021 under the “Phuket Sandbox”1 and “Samui Plus Model.” Even though the sandbox programs were found to create more income and some benefits for tourism businesses, they also generated concern among local people about contracting such an infectious disease as COVID-19. The aim of this study was to measure perception of COVID-19 infection among local residents due to contacts with in-ternational tourists. Using secondary data from a survey of 400 local residents living on the two islands, monetary compensation under the contingent valuation methods (CVM) and risk perception scale of 0–10 were analyzed to get an indication of the level of local residents’ risk perception toward COVID-19 possibly being transmitted by international tourists. Our results show that the risk perception was found to be higher among those who believed that the coronavirus could possibly result in death. Older individuals, especially females, and those with higher incomes seemed to have a higher risk perception. Residents who were working in the tourism sector were found to have a lower risk level than those who were working in other branches. There were also discordances in terms of education level and risk perception between residents in two islands. The paper suggests that awareness of residents’ risk perception and effective communication regarding such risk perception should be put in place to ensure appropriate practices that affect local residents in such sandbox areas in the future.

Определение уровня восприятия риска заражения COVID-19 и размера компенсации за него у местного населения в островной туристической зоне: сравнительные показатели островов Пхукет и Самуи в Таиланде

Since Thailand is a tourism-dependent country, its economy suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 lockdown. In a pioneering effort to re-open the country, two islands (Phuket and Koh Samui) began to welcome fully vaccinated international visitors in July 2021 under the “Phuket Sandbox”1 and “Samui Plus Model.” Even though the sandbox programs were found to create more income and some benefits for tourism businesses, they also generated concern among local people about contracting such an infectious disease as COVID-19. The aim of this study was to measure perception of COVID-19 infection among local residents due to contacts with in-ternational tourists. Using secondary data from a survey of 400 local residents living on the two islands, monetary compensation under the contingent valuation methods (CVM) and risk perception scale of 0–10 were analyzed to get an indication of the level of local residents’ risk perception toward COVID-19 possibly being transmitted by international tourists. Our results show that the risk perception was found to be higher among those who believed that the coronavirus could possibly result in death. Older individuals, especially females, and those with higher incomes seemed to have a higher risk perception. Residents who were working in the tourism sector were found to have a lower risk level than those who were working in other branches. There were also discordances in terms of education level and risk perception between residents in two islands. The paper suggests that awareness of residents’ risk perception and effective communication regarding such risk perception should be put in place to ensure appropriate practices that affect local residents in such sandbox areas in the future.

Transformasi digital museum seni rupa berbasis 3D virtual tour interaktif dengan Unity

Affandi Museum, located on the banks of the Gajah Wong River at Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No. 167, Yogyakarta, occupies a strategic location that is easily accessible to both domestic and international tourists. However, the museum currently lacks a virtual version for remote visits. To remain relevant and accessible to the digital generation, this research aims to transform Affandi Museum into a 3D Virtual Tour and develop its interactivity using the prototype method. This approach allows for rapid and iterative development, focusing on interactive elements such as navigation, pop-up information, and audio guides, using the Unity platform. Usability testing involves various users to ensure an intuitive interface and optimal experience, resulting in highly valued aspects such as ease of navigation, visual quality, and interactively presented information, with an average rating of 4.7/5. This digital transformation enables Affandi Museum to reach a wider audience and strengthen its position as a center of cultural and art education.

Haptic tourism: Touch and fear at the Separation Wall and its checkpoints in the Palestinian West Bank

Is tourism out of touch with touch? Have tourism researchers forgotten ‘touch’? Drawing on socio-spatial theories of haptics, I argue that through the sense of touch we critically understand co-constructions of affective tourist subjectivities. Specifically, touch and fear are part of a sensuous hapticality, intimately connected and happening within and around places and bodies – of tourists, local guides and soldiers – in areas of ongoing socio-political conflict. Interviews were undertaken with local tourism stakeholders and international tourists during fieldworks in the Palestinian West Bank in 2010, and 2017–2018. The Separation Wall and its checkpoints have become tourist attractions, pervasive and ever present in the landscape, enticing most tourists in the area to engage haptically in such places.

Forecasting Tourist Arrivals in Nepal: A Comparative Analysis of Seasonal Models and Implications

Tourist arrivals play a vital role in the broader tourism ecosystem, substantially contributing to the economy. The global landscape has witnessed significant growth in international arrivals over the years, and Nepal has not been an exception to this trend, experiencing a steady influx of inbound tourists. Although tourist numbers are increasing, the lack of research in forecasting future arrivals is evident, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive forecasting mechanisms to efficiently manage tourism resources and sustainably accommodate the growing influx of visitors. In order to gain insights into the dynamics of international tourist arrivals in Nepal, we conducted a comparative analysis using two distinct forecasting techniques: Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and the Exponential Smoothing technique. Our analysis spanned from January 1992 to December 2023, enabling us to formulate forecasts for the upcoming months up to December 2030. The findings of our study underscore the suitability of all three models—namely, SARIMA, Winter Additive, and Winter Multiplicative—as effective tools for projecting international arrivals in Nepal. However, upon careful examination, the Winter Multiplicative model emerged as the most appropriate model for forecasting Nepal's international arrivals. This model aligned strongly with the observed data, enhancing its predictive accuracy. The implications of our research are far-reaching, offering valuable insights for various stakeholders within Nepal's tourism industry. These insights can guide tourism planners, policymakers, and other relevant entities in formulating well-informed strategies to strengthen and sustain the growth of the tourism sector in Nepal. As the nation continues to position itself on the global tourism map, equipped with data-driven forecasts, we believe that our study provides an essential resource for shaping the trajectory of Nepal's tourism industry in a positive direction.

Tourism and uncertainty: a machine learning approach

ABSTRACT In this paper, we attempt to create a unique forecasting model to forecast out-of-sample the tourism demand in 24 European Union countries. The initial dataset included 34 relevant variables of annual frequency that span the period from 2010 to 2020 for 40 countries. A data prefiltering process resulted in a final set of 17 relevant variables for 24 countries. Additionally, in the effort to investigate the impact of uncertainty on international tourism, apart from the traditional factors that affect tourism, we also include variables that measure various forms of uncertainty: we use the World Pandemic Uncertainty (WPU) Index, the Global CBOE Volatility Index, the Political Globalisation Index, the Economic Globalisation Index, and the Political Stability Index. In the empirical part of our research, we employ and compare in terms of their forecasting accuracy a set of six state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, the Support Vector Regression with both a linear and an RBF kernel, the Random Forests, the Decision Trees, the KNN, and gradient-boosting trees. The results show that the Gradient-Boosting Trees algorithm outperforms the other five models providing the most accurate forecasts with a MAPE of 0.10% and 1.36% in the training and the out-of-sample tests, respectively.

Omni-Channel Marketing Strategy for Lake Toba Indonesia Tourist Destinations in Attracting Foreign Tourists

Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a region of significant potential for attracting international tourists due to its exceptional natural beauty and cultural richness. However, the current influx of foreign visitors remains low compared to other leading tourist destinations in Indonesia. This research investigates the development and implementation of an omni-channel marketing strategy aimed at enhancing Lake Toba's appeal to international travelers. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the tourism industry and quantitative analysis of tourist behavior data. Key challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient promotional efforts, and intense global competition. The research proposes strategies that integrate digital and physical marketing channels, personalize content to meet diverse traveler preferences, and leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). The findings suggest that an omni-channel approach can create a more cohesive and engaging tourist experience, thereby increasing Lake Toba's competitiveness in the global market. The research also highlights the broader implications for digital transformation in Indonesia's tourism sector and suggests directions for future studies focused on long-term impacts and scalability of omni-channel strategies.

Туристичний ринок України в часи війни: проблеми, загрози, можливості

The article examines the impact of war on Ukraine's tourism market due to globalization and integration processes. The article discusses in detail the problems and opportunities that arise in the context of modern challenges. In Ukraine, where hostilities continue, the tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges, which have resulted in a significant drop in arrivals and a reduction in domestic tourist flows. The tourism industry has also a ban on air transportation, the closure of many tourist and hotel enterprises, the destruction or transformation of hotels into temporary shelters, personnel shortages, and a general decrease in income from tourism. Because of these aspects, investigating the challenges in Ukraine's tourism market is relevant and necessary to determine effective strategies for the industry's development. These strategies should further contribute to the economic growth and social welfare of the country. The article presents the results of surveys that demonstrate the accessibility of travel for domestic tourists and their motivation. The main reasons for refusing to travel are security and economic factors. Ukrainians prefer seasonal summer vacations in cities and hiking. Priority is given to event, gastronomic, active, and ecological tourism. The impact of hostilities has also resulted in some adaptation and search for new opportunities for the tourism industry. New tourist destinations, such as military tourism and "memory tourism," began to develop actively in Ukraine. Developing such tourism as agritourism and cultural and historical tourism in safe regions, can help to diversify the tourist offer and reduce the economic impact of a decrease in international tourist flow. It also contributes to the development of local economies and the creation of new jobs, which is critical in crisis. It is recommended to strengthen efforts in the field of international PR to improve Ukraine's image in the world. This includes participation in international tourism exhibitions, online marketing campaigns, and cooperation with international leaders of thoughts who can change the perception of Ukraine as a tourist destination. Tourism operators and local authorities should work together to develop and implement emergency response plans that will help them quickly adapt to changes in the security situation. Implementing these strategies will require strong coordination among all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and international partners.

Tourist satisfaction in Northern Vietnam: The impact of cultural involvement and social media engagement using PLS-SEM

The tourism sector in Northern Vietnam has witnessed significant expansion, enticing international tourists with its distinctive cultural heritage and picturesque scenery. This study examines how local cultural activity and social media engagement affect the relationship between visitor experience and satisfaction. Data was collected from 394 travelers who visited Northern Vietnam using a quantitative approach called Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that the tourist experience has a substantial impact on tourist satisfaction. The relationship is favorably influenced by active participation in local culture, suggesting that greater cultural engagement increases satisfaction. Nevertheless, the impact of social media involvement did not demonstrate a noteworthy moderating influence. The findings offer useful insights for tourism managers and policymakers, underscoring the significance of improving tourist experiences and fostering cultural participation to enhance satisfaction. This study enhances the theoretical comprehension of tourist satisfaction and provides practical suggestions for implementing sustainable tourism practices.

The Role Of Animal Police In The Process Of Disclosing A Crime (Study At The K-9 Unit Of Bali Regional Police)

The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police is an elite unit specializing in using sniffer dogs to assist in various police operations, ranging from apprehending criminals and detecting narcotics, to search and rescue (SAR) operations. The ability of sniffer dogs to detect narcotics and explosives is crucial in crime prevention and control efforts. In Bali, an international tourist destination, the threat of narcotics smuggling is very high. Specially trained sniffer dogs can quickly identify the presence of these illegal substances in various locations, such as airports, seaports, and entertainment venues. This study aims to identify and analyze the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police in the process of crime disclosure. Through a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Through methods of observation, interviews, and literature study, this research is expected to provide a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police. The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police has a significant contribution to disclosing crimes by providing technical assistance using sniffer dogs, which have proven effective in crime scene investigation and have a direct impact on solving criminal cases. Factors affecting the effectiveness of this unit include public demand, environmental conditions, and the availability of human and animal resources. To optimize its role, it is necessary to enhance training, facilities, coordination with related parties, and regular evaluation of the unit's performance.

Impact of Public Relations Efforts on Tourism Industry Growth in Developing Countries

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of public relations efforts on tourism industry growth in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: By leveraging strategic communication and media engagement, these efforts have enhanced the visibility and appeal of tourist destinations. Effective public relations campaigns have helped to counteract negative perceptions and highlight unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions, drawing international tourists. These campaigns often involve collaboration with travel influencers, media outlets, and social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Consequently, increased tourist arrivals have stimulated local economies, creating jobs, and generating revenue. Additionally, public relations initiatives have played a crucial role in crisis management, swiftly addressing issues such as natural disasters or political instability, thereby maintaining the destination's attractiveness and reassuring potential visitors. Overall, the strategic use of public relations has proven to be a vital tool in promoting tourism and fostering economic development in developing countries. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational theory of publics, relationship management theory and integrated marketing communications may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of public relations efforts on tourism industry growth in developing countries. In practical terms, tourism stakeholders in developing countries must prioritize the implementation of digital PR strategies that leverage modern communication tools and platforms. From a policy standpoint, it is crucial for governments and tourism authorities in developing countries to establish comprehensive PR policies that support sustainable tourism growth.

Enhancing the Role of Historical and Cultural Relics in Tourism Development: A Case Study of Can Tho City

This article examines the efforts and challenges associated with promoting the values of historical and cultural relics in Can Tho City, focusing on their integration into tourism development. Can Tho, a centrally administered city in the Mekong Delta, possesses a rich cultural heritage that includes numerous historical relics and sites of revolutionary significance. These tangible cultural assets are pivotal for the city's tourism potential, serving as critical attractions for domestic and international tourists. The article explores the various initiatives local authorities undertake, including policy implementation, investment in infrastructure, and community engagement, to enhance the preservation and promotion of these cultural sites. It also addresses the limitations, such as inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and the uneven awareness of heritage value among stakeholders. Recommendations are provided for improving the management and promotion of Can Tho's cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for better coordination among local agencies, increased investment, and the development of professional tour guide services. The article concludes that while significant progress has been made, further efforts are needed to realize the potential of Can Tho's cultural heritage in contributing to sustainable tourism and economic development.

SATISFACTION OF INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC TOURISTS IN MALAYSIA’S OLDEST NATIONAL PARK: TAMAN NEGARA PAHANG

This study evaluates the satisfaction of both international and domestic tourists within Malaysia’s oldest national park, Taman Negara Pahang, employing a quantitative methodology through a survey comprising eight distinct dimensions: amenities, service quality, natural allure, accommodation, food services, transport, recreational offerings, and expense. The researchers garnered a sample of 387 respondents via convenience sampling and analysed using frequency distribution and independent sample t-tests. Findings indicate a general satisfaction among tourists with their park visitation experience. However, the researchers identified that service quality, transport, and cost require substantial enhancements to elevate the tourist experience. While both tourist groups displayed similar satisfaction levels, international tourists reported marginally higher satisfaction across most dimensions except for recreational activities. Varying motivations, influenced by geographical origins, attribute this discrepancy to the criteria for satisfaction evaluation. The study underscores the importance of continual tourism demand for sustaining national park conservation efforts through revenue generation. The researchers anticipate that the insights derived from this research will guide enhancements in the performance of tourism products and services through diversified feedback. Marketing strategies tailored to cater to the distinct preferences of domestic and international tourists are recommended, especially for Taman Negara Pahang, which enjoys popularity among both visitor segments.

Modelling The Role of Institutional Change In A Tourism Growth Model: A Dynamic Analysis

This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationships among foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development, tourism development, and institutional quality in selected MENA countries. The research focuses on assessing the significance of institutional quality within these interlinked dynamics and its impact on the variables under consideration. The study's objective aligns with UNSDG Goal 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies with strong institutions that support economic growth and development. The study employs a novel panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation approach to analyze empirical data from 2002 to 2018. This method allows for a comprehensive examination of both short-run and long-run interactions among FDI inflows, financial development, tourism development, and institutional quality across multiple countries in the MENA region. The empirical results indicate that, in the long run, institutional quality negatively influences FDI inflows, financial development, and international tourist arrivals, while it positively impacts real GDP. In the short run, financial development was found to negatively affect real GDP, and international tourist arrivals were observed to negatively impact financial development. Additionally, institutional quality exhibited a negative effect on international tourist arrivals in the short run. Country-wise regression results showed that institutional quality positively influenced international tourist arrivals, FDI inflows, real GDP, and financial development. Furthermore, the study identifies significant unidirectional causal relationships, highlighting the pivotal role of institutional quality in economic growth and development. The study concludes that institutional quality plays a critical role in shaping the dynamics of FDI, financial development, and tourism growth. While institutional quality has a positive impact on long-term economic growth, its negative effects on FDI, financial development, and tourism in the short run suggest the need for improved governance and policy interventions.

Strategies in Increasing Foreign Tourist Visits to Halal Destination: Insights from Sabang, Indonesia

Objective –This research aims to determine the impact of increasing the intention to visit on the competitiveness of Aceh's leading tourist destinations and to develop strategic steps to increase foreign tourist visits to Sabang.Design/methodology –The methodology used is a mixed method, with quantitative and qualitative data collected by concurrent triangulation design. The quantitative sample comprised 100 participants, while the qualitative sample consisted of seven informants, all sample and informant from foreign tourists.Results –The impact of increasing the intention to visit on the competitiveness of Aceh's leading tourist destinations is based in large part on its halal image, with attitude also having a significant effect on tourists' intention to visit tourist destinations in Sabang. Halal awareness among international tourists can strengthen or weaken the relationship between halal image, attitude and tourists' intention to visit tourist destinations in the area. Efforts to increase foreign tourist visits can be made by developing strategic steps through the optimization of roles. For example, the government should conduct promotions, provide education, and ensure environmental cleanliness. Entrepreneurs should promote Sabang Island through social media and collaboration with the travel, provide cleaning the facilities, and build prayer rooms. The society needs to understand Sharia behavior and be able to communicate in English through training and education programs, and also needs to keep the environment clean.Research limitations/implications –This study focuses on efforts to increase the number of foreign tourists in Sabang, Aceh's. The research can contribute to developing superior Sharia tourist destinations in Sabang in the future and consequently increase foreign exchange earnings from tourism.Novelty/Originality –The novelty is the development of Sabang as a premium sharia tourism destination in Aceh. Unique efforts were made by increasing halal awareness and approach optimalization role uses foreign tourists’ perceptions. Contributions from local governments, entrepreneurs and the community are needed to increase interest in repeat visits by foreign tourists.