International Tourism Research Articles

Study on the Influence of Star Activity on Economic Pull

Abstract: With the change in times, the business model of star activities presents the characteristics of rich diversity and innovation. The rapid development of the entertainment industry makes the star activities gradually become a significant commercial phenomenon, and the commercial value behind it is increasingly prominent. The goal of this paper is to find ways to drive the economy by studying the impact of star activities on the economy. This paper mainly uses Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" as the case to analyze the main business model of star activities, and the impact of star activities on the prosperous age economy. The research on its impact mainly focuses on where the impact on international tourism and the pattern of the economy are mainly reflected. Through research, it is found that the star activity is the economy, and the economic recovery needs a prosperous economy, and the star activity, as the representative of the prosperous economy, is the main force to promote the economy. Through the research, the cooperation between the government and the stars has a great role in promoting the economy. This study not only allows us to identify the main business model of star activities but also to find out the impact of the nature of star activities on people's lives and even on the global economy. To better grasp the economic trend and better economic development.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Digital Marketing in Enhancing Tourist Experiences and Satisfaction: A Study of Thailand’s Tourism Services

Inbound digital marketing strategies play a vital role in the tourism industry, significantly influencing visitors’ decision-making processes, enhancing tourist experiences, and ensuring post-consumption satisfaction. This study explores the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in shaping tourists’ perceptions of service quality and sustainability and their subsequent impact on overall satisfaction and behavioural intentions. This paper developed a conceptual framework and hypotheses through a comprehensive literature review to assess the causal relationships between digital marketing effectiveness, perceived destination service quality, perceived destination sustainability quality, tourist satisfaction, and behavioural intention. The empirical analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) on data collected from 195 international tourists in Thailand’s coastal regions. The results reveal that while digital marketing effectiveness directly influences tourists’ perceptions of service and sustainability quality, it indirectly influences tourist satisfaction and behavioural intentions through these perceptions. The findings highlight the critical role of aligning digital marketing strategies with service quality and sustainability initiatives. Moreover, the developed construct serves as a valuable tool for assessing and maintaining the destination image, helping tourism providers to improve their offerings and continuously foster long-term customer relationships.

Perceived Responses of International Tourists to Transportation and Tourism Services During Typhoons Faxai and Hagibis in Japan

There is a limited understanding on the information-seeking behavior of international tourists during disaster response scenarios due to the lack of empirical studies on crisis communication in Japan. This study clarifies the topics generated from both international tourists and official Twitter accounts by applying the embedding Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) topic model and examines the temporal sentiment changes toward transportation and tourism using the sentiment scores obtained from topic-based Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis during disasters. A case study was conducted using Twitter data on Typhoons Faxai and Hagibis, which struck Japan in 2019. This study found differences in the topics generated among international tourists and officials in response and a continuous negative sentiment toward specific transportation services. The managerial implications of these findings regarding the use of social media in crisis communication in tourism are also discussed.

The role of economic freedom in the development of international tourism in Asian countries

Purpose ― This paper aims to investigate the influence of economic freedom and its components, namely business freedom and trade freedom, on international tourist arrivals in Asian countries. Additionally, it examines the effect of important macroeconomic factors, such as foreign direct investment, exchange rates, political stability, GDP per capita, and inflation on international tourist arrivals in Asian countries.Methods ― The GMM two-step estimation system is used to analyze data from 25 Asian countries from 1995 to 2020.Findings ― The results show that economic and trade freedom positively influence tourism, while business freedom has a less distinct impact. Inflation positively contributes to tourist arrivals. Exchange rates and political stability show inconclusive effects.Implications ― The study recommends that governments prioritize expanding economic freedom to boost international tourism.Originality ― This is the first study on the impact of economic freedom on developing international tourism in Asian countries.

The Influence of World Heritage Sites on Tourism Dynamics in the EU 27 Nations

Culture and tourism are crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, working together symbiotically. Culture boosts tourism by supporting heritage, production, and creativity, while cultural heritage, reflecting national identity and traditions, strengthens local economies. This study uses a panel data analysis to examine the impact of cultural factors on international tourist arrivals in 27 EU nations. The Driscoll–Kraay method reveals that UNESCO World Heritage Sites, government cultural expenditures, household recreation and cultural expenditures, real GDP per job, and bed capacity positively influence international tourist numbers. Regarding cultural factors, World Heritage Sites have the most significant influence, with each additional UNESCO site leading to a 0.22% rise in tourist numbers. The most crucial determinant of tourist arrivals is bed capacity, with a one percent increase leading to a 0.66% increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, healthcare expenditures and political civil liberties have a negative impact on tourist arrivals. This study discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for future research.

Is tourism specialisation a trap for economic growth? The case of the Italian regions

ABSTRACT Tourism activity is a pivotal driver of global economic growth in an era of globalisation. Yet, its ecological footprints call for urgent sustainable practices. This paper enriches intricate interconnections between tourism, economic growth, and sustainability. Novel insights bridge gaps in understanding the effects of domestic and international tourism, regional heterogeneities, and spill-over effects, focusing on Italian regions (2004–2019). Based on a new neoclassical model, this study integrates key indicators beyond Gross Domestic Product and physical capital, encompassing sustainability (renewable energy) and human capital within the KLEM (Capital, Labour, Energy, Materials) specification. These frameworks assess multifaceted dynamics and raise questions about whether high tourism specialisation can lead to a trap for economic growth, development and, ultimately, socio-economic inequalities. Significantly, the research uncovers notable regional heterogeneities, and spill-over effects, shedding light on distinct economic trajectories and challenges, triggering the pursuit of resilience strategies. By highlighting intricate tourism-economy-sustainability connections, this study advances sustainable tourism understanding, urging a delicate balance between tourism's economic benefits and ecosystem concerns. It emphasises the need for eco-conscious practices and economic diversification to ensure harmonious development, aligning with the SDG agenda (UN, 2024).

Kontribusi Mahasiswa dalam Merealisasikan Kreativitas Diri Melalui Model Pembelajaran Special Event di Politeknik Pariwisata Prima Internasional

Creativity is an activity that positively impacts human growth and development. One form of human growth and development is the output of creativity through an activity and a product. EPHICS emerged as a form of creativity from international prime tourism polytechnic students and involved students. Qualitative descriptive methods followed by observation and visualization of layouts assisted by the interview process and documentation to collect data related to research. As a result of this activity program, students make a field learning model that can continue to hone creativity and is expected to develop EPHICS even better. SWOT analysis and analysis of the concept of event implementation become the basis for the activity evaluation process. The evaluation results obtained after each activity is completed are used as material for improvement in the implementation of future EPHICS activities to make it even better.

Exploring Halal Nyonya Food Consumption Intention Among Tourists

The topic of tourists' intention to consume Halal Nyonya food in Malaysia has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Nyonya cuisine, a unique blend of Malay and Chinese culinary traditions, has long been a hallmark of Melaka’s vibrant food scene. However, as Malaysia grapples with the diverse dietary needs of its growing tourism sector, the challenge lies in ensuring that Nyonya food offerings cater to the preferences of Muslim tourists seeking Halal-certified options. The main goal of this research is to explore and comprehend the preferences of tourists regarding the intention to consume Halal Nyonya’s ethnic food in Melaka. The study focuses on tourists' gastronomic choices, particularly as it relates to their intake of Halal Nyonya food. The study involves local and international tourists who have experienced Halal Nyonya food in Melaka in 2024. Data was collected through surveys, on-site observations, and interviews to understand factors affecting Halal Nyonya’s food consumption intention behavior. This research examines the association between independent and dependent factors that influence tourists from various geographical locations who visit Melaka to consume Halal Nyonya Nyonya food. It adds to the database of information already in existence by illuminating how tourists in Melaka from various locations approach and engage with Halal Nyonya's food. This deepens our comprehension of the dynamics of tourist preferences, cultural preservation, and culinary tourism. In conclusion, our research confirmed attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control will lead a tourist to have the intention to consume Halal Nyonya food.

Exploring Gastronomy Tourism as Potential Halal Tourism Products: Preliminary Study of Tourist Perception on Baba Nyonya Cuisines

Gastronomy tourism has gained prominence globally, offering local and international tourists unique experiences for their taste palettes. The demand for Halal food among Muslim tourists has significantly increased as more people seek authentic and culturally appropriate dining experiences when travelling. This paper examines gastronomy tourism from the perspective of Islamic tourism, focusing on the Baba Nyonya cuisine; a combination of Chinese and Malay flavors as a viable Halal tourism product, aligned with the growing demand for Halal-certified options in the tourism industry. Factors of Halal certification, cultural familiarity, food awareness, and involvement, were explored. A structured survey was distributed to 385 tourists around Banda Hilir, Melaka, to explore Baba Nyonya cuisine's potential as a gastronomy tourism attraction. Baba Nyonya cuisine was found to be a promising attraction for Halal-conscious tourists. Interestingly, the Baba Nyonya cuisine appealed more to non-Halal food enthusiasts compared to a Halal option among Muslim tourists, since few of the Baba Nyonya restaurants were not Halal certified. This study underscores opportunities to increase the variety of Halal-certified foods and provide insights for travel marketers and local cuisine operators to capitalize on Baba Nyonya cuisines, thus pinning Malaysia as a leading destination for Halal gastronomy tourism.

“Culture-touristification” of colonial towns in the interior of Brazil

The link between cultural heritage, touristification, and urban development has been extensively researched in larger cities with a strong appeal to international tourists. However, there is limited information on the relationship between these factors in smaller cultural heritage towns that rely only on regional or national tourism. This is also the case for small and medium-sized colonial towns in the Brazilian interior, which are the focus of this paper. We introduce the concept of “culture-touristification” as a form of touristification that is co-constituted by several interacting, culture-led sub-processes, such as patrimonialization, culturalization, festivalization, adventuring of landscapes, telenovelaization, and counter-culturalization. Based on this concept, we argue that culture-touristification drives the touristic transformation of small and medium-sized colonial towns in the interior of Brazil. However, the effects and the interplay of these sub-processes are different in these towns. Some of them may be more pronounced than others, and some may only be partially articulated, depending, for example, on their societal significance, the strategic orientation of responsible stakeholders, the resistance of local populations, or the geographical location of the towns. To illustrate this argument, we draw on case studies conducted in Cidade de Goiás and Pirenópolis, two small colonial towns in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Methods include in-depth and semi-structured interviews with residents and critical actors, mappings of building use in the town centers, participant observation, analysis of telenovelas and Instagram hashtags representing these cities, and document and data research.

International tourist organizations: legal status, classification, significance

The constant growth of international tourism exchange has led to the need for its legal regulation at the international level and the establishment of various international tourism organizations. The relevance of the study is due to the growing role of international organizations in the development of cooperation in the field of tourism. The study aims to determine the specific features of the functioning of international tourism organizations as subjects of international tourism law. To conduct an objective study, the following methods were used: analysis and synthesis; deduction and induction; structural and logical generalization; and systematization. The article identifies the specific features and peculiarities of international tourism organizations. It is established that international organizations play an important role in the formation and application of international law, both in the process of its formation and in its implementation. International tourism organizations are formed through voluntary accession and participation of tourism sector representatives from different countries, operate continuously by the adopted charters, and have already proven to be an important instrument of international cooperation. The author defines the legal status of international tourism organizations. The author establishes that the most common international tourism structure is an association that brings together national organizations, tourism industry enterprises, and individuals voluntarily to solve specific tasks in the field of tourism. Approaches to the classification of international tourism organizations are generalized. The classification of international tourism organizations by types of activity, spheres of activity, national­territorial basis, and socio-state basis is considered. International tourism organizations are usually divided into the following main groups: global of a general nature; regional of a general nature; regional of a sectoral nature; specialized; and special. The article examines the role of leading international tourism organizations in developing tourism. The United Nations has recognized the leading role of the World Tourism Organization in the field of tourism and travel, assigning it the key responsibility for promoting responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism, designed to foster economic growth, international understanding, peace, and prosperity, as well as mutual respect and unconditional observance of civil rights and fundamental freedoms.

A Study on Travel Motivation, Attitude, and Travel Intention of the Tourists Visiting Chandragiri Hills

This research aims to explore the relationship between travel motivation, tourists’ attitudes, and travel intention, with a specific focus on Chandragiri Hills a new destination that has attracted many domestic and international tourists, since its inception in 2016. Yet the academic research of its tourism dynamics remains limited. Utilizing a descriptive survey questionnaire, data were collected from 450 tourists to analyze the construct of travel motivation, attitude towards the destination, and travel intention. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed altogether 30 measurement items regarding travel motivation, attitude, and travel intention. The data were analyzed using the theory of planned behaviour. The findings of the study revealed that motivation significantly influences both tourist's attitude and their travel intention. Novelty-seeking, relaxation, and social interaction are the chief push factors contributing to positive attitudes towards the destination. The findings have meaningful implications for tourism marketing strategies, whereby such motivational factors come to the centre to develop the attractiveness of Chandragiri Hills and improve tourism management practices. The result contributes to a greater understanding of tourist behavior in emerging destinations and provides insight into how effective planning and management could work within the tourism sector.

What happens when tourism is turned off: Exploring the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions for Indigenous people in Rarotonga, The Cook Islands

The sea, sand, and sun allure of the Cook Islands has seen tourism become the most significant driver of the country's economic development. However, the increasing reliance on the tourism sector since the 1980's has created a mono-economy at the expense of diversification and alternative economic models. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the risks and consequences associated with an over- reliance on international tourism as the lockdown measures and international travel restrictions caused the sudden shutdown of international tourism, resulting in serious negative economic consequences for tourism-dependent communities. However, the pandemic also offered an opportunity for small island societies to reflect on pre-existing challenges associated with the tourism industry. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with Indigenous Cook Islanders in Rarotonga, this study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how the lived experiences of participants responding to the sudden collapse of tourism may have influenced how Indigenous Cook Islands peoples perceive the role of tourism in supporting the wellbeing of their small island nation. The presented study is the result of a collaborative research partnership between an Indigenous Pacific scholar and non-Indigenous European scholar. While the research adopted a western methodology, the relationships developed between the researchers and participants were guided by the cultural values of reciprocity and respect, which are key principles underpinning Indigenous research in the Pacific. The findings revealed that participants adapted to the adverse impacts of COVID-19 through the revitalization of their traditional socio-economies, the resurgence of customary practices, a strengthened connection to nature, and a renewed sense of community spirit and pride in cultural identity—all of which were perceived to positively impact their spiritual, social, cultural, environmental, physical, and mental wellbeing. By demonstrating the positive adaptive responses of participants, this article aims to emphasize the non-economic dimensions of wellbeing that are critical to supporting the cultural values, social priorities, and the Indigenous ways of life that preceded the development of tourism. These findings can be used to inform and guide international development policy makers and tourism stakeholders who seek to reduce the adverse impacts of tourism on the wellbeing of Indigenous communities in the Pacific.

A netnographic analysıs of tourists’ memorable tourısm experıences: the case of historical Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar ın Istanbul

Purpose To provide visitors with a variety of experiences, tourism is a collection of activities that might leave a lasting impact on them. Anticipating and understanding what makes visitors memorable can give destinations and tourism marketers a competitive advantage. Regarding this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the memorable tourism experiences of international tourists who have visited the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar in Istanbul. Design/methodology/approach The comments made by travelers from abroad on TripAdvisor following their experiences were examined using a netnographic analysis methodology. The data were collected from the most recent to the oldest comments posted on tourist experiences about historical Egyptian (spice) bazaar (n: 825). Findings In line with the findings obtained from the reviews examined, six components were determined that make the tourists’ experiences memorable: ambience (1), novelty (2), hedonism (3), local culture (4), knowledge (5) and price (6). Originality/value The memorable Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar experiences of international tourists analyzed within the scope of the research were in line with the dimensions of novelty, hedonism, knowledge and local culture of the study conducted by (Kim & Ritchie, 2014); ambience and product price were found to be the two different dimensions. It can be stated that results of the study can help to develop effective strategies to improve the competitiveness of the destination.

A brief history of primate research in the Ndoki forest.

The Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (NNNP) in Republic of Congo has become a beacon for conservation in Central Africa. This manuscript documents the arrival of primatologists, the establishment of field stations and major discoveries in primate behavior and ecology. Field stations were strategically established to study primate behavior in a variety of different contexts from stationary platforms to forest follows of habituated groups. The implementation of new technologies and analyses have also been a hallmark of research at Ndoki. Scientists are shaping a new era in primatology at NNNP by building on past successes and promoting the next generation of Congolese conservationists to address environmental challenges. Results have proven crucial in discussions with government and industry and led to conservation gains such as the inclusion of the intact forests of the Goualougo and Djéké Triangles into the NNNP. The research stations have also become essential for developing a long-term certified sustainable international gorilla tourism program. Despite the many advancements for conservation such as increased protection of forests, development of internationally recognized protocols and large-scale capacity building initiatives, there are reasons for considerable concern in the near- and long-term for primates and their forest habitats in the Ndoki landscape. To address these concerns, we emphasize the long history of forming partnerships with local communities. We also discuss shared overlap featuring multicultural and environmental use of forest resources that is likely to be crucial in championing the conservation of the Ndoki forests for the next 25years and beyond.

A longitudinal study of the impact of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Japanese residents' support: The mediating role of social well-being

Mega sporting events can generate significant impacts on the host destinations. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics (“Tokyo 2020” hereafter) was a unique case as the pandemic minimized the impact of international tourism. In this situation, how could residents' perceived event impacts be associated with support intention for future event hosting? The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between event impact perceptions of Tokyo 2020, residents' social well-being, and their support toward future event hosting. Three-wave time-lagged data were gathered from residents in Japan (T1 = approximately one month prior to the event; T2 = immediately after the event; and T3 = four months after the event; N = 296). The results of the structural equation model showed that no event impact perceptions were directly associated with residents' support, measured four months after the event. However, positive economic and environmental impacts (T1) indirectly via residents' social well-being (T2) influenced their support for future event hosting (T3). The findings highlighted that the event impact perceptions and residents' support for event hosting can be mediated by temporarily activated social well-being. The findings are particularly important when people have difficulties finding connections to society (i.e., the pandemic in this study). A sense of social well-being is the key to enhancing residents’ support for future event hosting.

Проблемы доступности и комфортности объектов туристической инфраструктуры для развития автомобильного туризма в России

This study examines the potential for the development of automobile tourism in Russia and its surrounding difficulties, focusing on the convenience and accessibility of tourist facilities. The analysis conducted includes a thorough dissection of the theoretical framework and consideration of the practical elements of the industry. The main objective is to improve and modernize road travel conditions in the country through a comprehensive approach. The paper analyzes existing data and conducts a comprehensive assessment that considers the many factors that influence road tourism. Key problems identified include limited development of the road network, regional differences in infrastructure and a lack of quality services in remote parts of Russia. The challenges faced by international tourism are also raised, including strict visa and customs procedures that prevent foreign road tourists from visiting Russia. It is highlighted that solving these problems will require efforts on the part of both the government and the private sector, in the form of partnership programs to improve infrastructure and services. Specific measures are proposed to develop the transportation network, improve road safety, stimulate rural and ecotourism, and support small businesses in tourism. At the same time, the integration of the latest technologies and the establishment of international tourism are emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the importance of environmental considerations for sustainable tourism development, given the growing interest in road travel in Russia. This study aims to develop strategies that can lead to the successful development of automobile tourism, enriching the economic and cultural life of the country.

Hosts’ acceptance of tourist and trip experience in Ghana

ABSTRACT There is little empirical understanding of tourists’ feelings of acceptance and how this shape their experiences at destinations. Using the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory and interviews with 34 international tourists in 2018, this study examines international tourists’ feelings of acceptance in Ghana. The results show that while most of the tourists felt accepted, some felt unaccepted by the residents. Acceptance is underpinned by social, cultural, and economic reasons, while unacceptance is due to the display of undesirable behaviour, cultural differences and lack of respect for the local way of life. Acceptance enhanced the overall trip experience of the tourists, while unacceptance diminished their trip experience. The implications of these findings in terms of host-guest relationships are discussed.

Trends and factors influencing the development of international tourism

The purpose of the article is to determine the return on investment produced by identifying modern trends in the development of international tourism and identifying factors affecting the development of tourism in the Republic of Kazakhstan. In order to achieve the objectives a certain number of regions and places of visitor accommodation were considered, investment in the tourism industry was analysed, and the results of a dynamic model with a distributed lag were obtained for the selected regions. Tourism development is an urgent topic, tourism is a source of income for millions of people working in this field, therefore, increasing the pace of development of the tourism sector is discussed in the Agendas of international organizations and in the annual Messages of the Head of State to the people of Kazakhstan. To determine the strategy for the development of the tourism services market, the factors influencing it were identified and a statistical analysis was carried out. Multiple correlation and regression analysis is one of the methods by which one can investigate the dependence of one variable on several variable factors. And for this purpose, significant factors were selected, and a multiple linear regression equation was constructed. The authors carried out a correlation and regression analysis using the example of regions, and also analyzed the obtained parameters of the multiple linear regression equation. In conclusion, the obtained regression equations in general and the coefficients are statistically significant and reliable at an appropriate level of significance. It allows us to draw conclusions based on the analysis of the obtained parameters of the multiple linear regression equation for the republic.

Assessing the political vulnerability of National Parks in sub‐Saharan Africa using data on digital trends and engagement

Abstract National Parks (NPs) and other protected areas in sub‐Saharan Africa are crucial in attracting international tourists interested in wildlife tourism, contributing to national economies. Despite their cultural, economic, and conservation significance, these areas face diverse development threats, leading to pressures for protected area downgrading, downsizing, or degazettement (known as PADDD). We comprehensively analyse the geographical, historical, and structural aspects of 322 NPs in sub‐Saharan Africa and assess their political vulnerability by exploring the interplay of development pressures and public interest (as measured through Wikipedia page views). Fewer than 30% of these NPs possess or report information regarding management plans, even among the five most frequently viewed areas on Wikipedia. This is particularly concerning, since among those who underwent a PADDD event (51 NPs), almost 90% of them also had no information about the existence of management plans. Although we did not identify a statistically significant association between tourism and public interest online, tourism emerges as a potential mitigating factor against PADDD, along with high levels of peace. NPs that garner significant public interest online do not share the same socio‐geographic profile as parks that are most resilient to PADDD events. While digital metrics of public interest have potential as indicators of political resilience in NP, our research has shown that these metrics need refinement to fully understand which biophysical and cultural aspects of parks attract more public attention. Overall, effective conservation strategies in sub‐Saharan Africa require a more holistic understanding of historical, socio‐economic, and cultural factors. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.