Key Destination Research Articles

Identification of the territorial conditions for the film tourism development in Slovak Republic

Tourist visits to a destination or attraction as a result of the destination being featured on television, video, or the cinema screen were the ones, that stimulated the creation and development of film tourism, which quickly established itself in global conditions. The main objective of the paper was focused on the identification and the perception of the conditions of film tourism development in Slovak republic. So far, a lot of film production has been realized in the country, but this potential has not yet been properly used for the creation of tourism products. Implementation of the study from a methodological point of view took place using several research methods. The pilot scientific abstraction of the issue was followed by the analysis of film conditions in the territory of Slovak Republic and their categorization. The given starting points were followed by the implementation of questionnaire research, the results of which were verified using several research methods such as Doornik-Hansen test, Kruskal-Wallis test. The results of the questionnaire research show a significant positive perception of the potential of filmmaking as a significant factor in the creation of new tourism products. At the same time, they identify key destinations that could potentially become objects of product realization. Due to the fact that this issue has not received adequate attention in domestic conditions, the study brings a new, more comprehensive view of the topic and emphasizes the power of the potential for further development.

An analysis of golf tourism in Thailand

The current research paper offers a comprehensive and extensive review of golf tourism in Thailand through a considered analysis of its historical development, current state, driving factors, challenges, and future opportunities. It points out the nearness of the sector to the integration into the broader tourism sector, while it underlines the role it has played in economic development and the leisure tourism industry. It underlines the significance of effective marketing strategies aimed at attracting international golfers to maintain Thailand's position as a key destination, based on an in-depth analysis of the motivation of tourists, the distinctive characteristics of Thai golf tourism, and the trends of emerging demographics. The historical background very beautifully traces the origin of golf in Thailand and goes deep into its evolutionary process as it began to take shape into one of the important sports activities for recreation among locals and visitors. Assessment of the present state amazingly shows that across the country, golf courses have grown leaps and bounds, each with a different and incomparable charm in the form of breathtaking picture destinations. Factors that have been identified to drive and make golf tourism successful and highly attractive include favorable weather conditions in Thailand, remarkable affordability, world-class golf facilities, and endorsement by top celebrities. The paper also considers emerging challenges facing golf tourism in Thailand with a focused lens on sustainability. Notably, with the dire need for environmentally friendly golf course practices and responsible resource management, the study sheds invaluable light on how to minimize the possible negative impacts of golf tourism on the environment and to encourage sustainable development in the sector. Moreover, careful consideration of the very competitive nature evident within the regional market suggests that to remain competitive, innovation and improvement within the general concept of golf tourism must be a continuing process. This paper identifies strategic development plans, investment in infrastructure, and cooperation among stakeholders that will enable Thailand to command its leadership as the unequivocal number one destination for golf tourism in Southeast Asia. The significance of this study, both comprehensive and pioneering, within the sport management literature provides considerable insight into both golf tourism operators and other tourism professionals looking to capitalize on the opportunities that this fast-growing and highly lucrative market in Thailand has to offer. With a keen interest in trying to take advantage of this growing sector, Thai tourism professionals should consider the profound knowledge and suggestions from this research to ensure sustainable growth, improving the experiences of visitors, both for enthusiasts of golf and other travelers alike.

From Tourism Capital to Smart City: A Strategic Framework for Sustainable Tourism in Pokhara

This study investigates the tourism landscape of Pokhara Metropolitan City, a key destination in Nepal, to explore its transition into a smart city through sustainable tourism practices. Specifically, it aims to analyze tourist perceptions, assess the quality of infrastructure, and identify development opportunities in less frequented areas. The objectives of this study are to assess tourist perceptions, analyze the quality of tourism-related infrastructure, and identify development opportunities in less explored areas like Damside, Begnastal, and Pumdikot. By integrating technology and sustainability, this study seeks to present a strategic framework to enhance Pokhara’s tourism potential. The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing an exploratory sequential design that begins with qualitative insights gathered through interviews with key stakeholders, followed by quantitative surveys administered to tourists and residents. Findings reveal Lakeside as the most popular area, while places like Begnastal, Damside, and Pumdikot have untapped potential. The study emphasizes sustainable infrastructure and technology integration to enhance public transportation, electronic payment systems, and overall tourist satisfaction. Statistical analysis confirms the significant relationships between tourists’ perceptions of service quality and accommodation facilities, highlighting the need for improved lodging options and pedestrian-friendly streets to elevate Pokhara's appeal.

GP emigration from Ireland: an analysis of data from key destination countries

BackgroundIreland is experiencing a general practitioner (GP) workforce crisis, facing an ageing workforce, a growing population with increased life expectancy, and increased complexity of patients. The GP crisis threatens access to primary care in Ireland, as well as Ireland’s aim to transform into a primary-care centred system of universal healthcare via the proposed “Sláintecare” healthcare reforms. The challenges faced are common to many countries as health systems seek to expand their medical workforce post-pandemic. In addition Ireland has a legacy of austerity policies which impacted the health system, and triggered/generated largescale doctor emigration. However, little is known specifically about GP emigration and the role it potentially plays in the GP workforce crisis. This paper aims to address the gap in knowledge about the level of GP emigration from Ireland and consider the implications for the Irish health system and health systems internationally.MethodsAs Ireland does not formally collect routine data on GP emigration, this paper presents routinely collected secondary data from four key destination countries; Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada, in order to gain an initial picture of GP emigration from Ireland to these countries, from 2012–2021. The data were in the form of medical registration and immigration (visa) data and both stock (the total number of GPs registered in a country in a given year) and flow data (the number of GPs entering a country in a given year) were collated, where available.ResultsThe stock data shows a substantial cohort of Irish-trained doctors working in general practice in key destination countries. The flow data suggests a relatively small annual emigration flow of GPs from Ireland to individual countries. However when compared with the total numbers of GPs trained in Ireland each year, the numbers are notable.ConclusionsThe available data suggests a mixed picture regarding GP emigration from Ireland. There is a significant stock of Irish-trained GPs abroad which perhaps represents a potential cohort of GPs who could be encouraged to return to practice in Ireland as part of Ireland’s strategy for addressing the GP workforce crisis. The annual flow of GPs from Ireland to key destination countries, while small, should be monitored and factored into GP workforce planning. As global demand for GPs increases, countries will inevitably compete with each other to attract and retain GPs (see for example Australia’s recent move to attract and recruit Irish trained GPs). The paper highlights the need for improved routine data on the GP workforce in Ireland, including the need for a national GP workforce dataset, in order to ensure that national workforce planning efforts are informed by the latest evidence on GP emigration.

CROSSING BRIDGES: CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

The globalization of education has led to a rise in international student mobility, with Malaysia becoming a key destination. However, research on the cross-cultural adaptation of international students in Malaysia remains limited. This study examines the adaptation experiences of 958 international students across 20 universities, focusing on their perceptions of interactions and relationships with Malaysians. The results indicate that most students report positive adaptation outcomes, including emotional closeness to Malaysians, a sense of being understood, and active participation in academic and social activities. However, some students feel disconnected, citing barriers like language and cultural differences. The study recommends strengthening orientation programs, peer mentoring, and cultural sensitivity training to improve integration, and encourages local students to foster inclusive environments. The findings have practical implications for enhancing the cross-cultural experience and well-being of international students.

Inspired by intertemporal connections: Using AR technology to enhance visitor satisfaction in historical museums

Historical museums, as key destinations in heritage tourism, are increasingly embracing augmented reality (AR) as a potent tool increasing visitor satisfaction, a crucial factor for successful destination management and marketing. However, the impact of AR utilization on the mental processes of visitors during their engagement with historical representations, along with its subsequent impact on visitor satisfaction, remains underexplored. The research reported here, comprising six studies, demonstrates that AR utilization fostered historical museum tourists' perception of intertemporal connectedness, which inspired them and elevated their satisfaction. This investigation into visitors' mental processes contributes a novel perspective to our understanding of AR's role in heritage tourism. By demonstrating that the positive impact of AR is contingent upon visit context (e.g., time constraints), destination features (e.g., integrity of artifacts), and tourist traits (e.g., technological anxiety), this research offers insights regarding how to strategically deploy AR in heritage tourism.

Gujarat Versus Kerala: Analysing Locational Factors in Internal Migrant Labour Destination Choices

The process of labour migrants’ destination selection is a multifaceted journey, intricately shaped by a myriad of interconnected factors. In the Indian context, competitive federalism has amplified the pull factors that attract migrants to new destinations. While Maharashtra, Delhi and Gujarat continue to attract large interstate migration, new corridors are emerging in traditionally less migrant-reliant regions. This study explores how destination location attributes influence migrant workers’ choices when they have multiple options for destination places. Using primary data from Surat in Gujarat and Kochi in Kerala, we offer a comparative analysis employing exploratory factor analysis and qualitative methods to examine key destination attributes. The findings reveal that Gujarat attracts migrants primarily for its abundant job opportunities and ease of employment, whereas Kerala attracts migrant labour with higher wages. These variations stem from the distinct demographics, economic structures and cultural contexts of Surat and Kochi.

The Role of Scottish Languages and Dialects in Integrating International Medical Graduates Into the National Health Service: Navigating Linguistic Barriers.

The United Kingdom, particularly Scotland, is a key destination for international medical graduates (IMGs), who now make up a substantial part of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce. These IMGs encounter several challenges when integrating into the NHS, with language barriers being especially significant. Although many IMGs are educated in English, they frequently struggle with the intricacies of Scottish languages and dialects, which are vital for good patient care. This review examines Scotland's linguistic environment, focusing on the roles of Gaelic and Scots languages in cultural distinctiveness and patient communication. By means of a literature review and focus group interviews with IMGs, the authors ascertained commonly utilised Scottish colloquialisms and their connotations, highlighting their importance in clinical contexts. The findings indicate that comprehending such colloquialisms can greatly improve doctor-patient communication, decrease misunderstandings, and enhance health outcomes. The article advocates for the formulation of formal training programs to better equip IMGs for the linguistic challenges they will encounter, thus improving their assimilation into the NHS and enhancing patient care. While the Scottish Government's efforts to support international recruitment and workforce assimilation have been exemplary, there remains a pressing need for targeted language orientation to close the communication gap and warrant high-quality healthcare delivery.

Index for Assessing the Performance Level of Vehicular Traffic on Urban Streets

Vehicular transportation is one of the most widely used modes in modern cities for reaching key destinations such as workplaces, healthcare facilities, recreational areas, and educational institutions, among others. However, the performance of vehicular traffic on these roads can vary significantly due to the influence of different environmental variables. In the literature, factors such as traffic incidents, weather conditions, road infrastructure, and driving habits, among others, have been identified as impacting vehicular traffic performance. In this context, predictive models have been developed to anticipate congestion at specific points in cities based on statistics, machine learning, simulation, and complex networks. This study proposes a novel index aimed at assessing the level of performance of vehicular traffic on streets based on the relationship among relevant urban environmental variables. This index is generated through Genetic Programming, considering a set of variables related to traffic, incidents, and services. The case study will focus on the streets of the Tlalpan Municipality in Mexico City.

Enhancing Sustainable Tourism in Medan through Heritage-Based Development

This study aims to analyze the strategies for developing heritage tourism in Medan, focusing on the Kesawan area as a key destination. The research utilizes SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), which helps identify the internal and external potential in the development of heritage tourism in the city. The results show that Kesawan’s strengths lie in its historical, cultural, and architectural value, as well as its strategic location, making it an attractive tourist destination. However, the weaknesses identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited human resources, and insufficient funding. Opportunities include the growing trend of cultural tourism and government support for heritage development. Nevertheless, threats such as uncontrolled urbanization, climate change, and economic pressures require particular attention in managing the area. The integration of heritage aspects in the city’s tourism master plan is progressing well, with the Medan City Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARKOT) outlining sustainable development strategies and policies. This study recommends improving infrastructure, enhancing human resources, and adopting effective marketing strategies to support sustainable heritage tourism development. Proper management could position Kesawan as a premier heritage tourism destination, contributing to the local economy.

Pedestrian Accessibility Analysis of Sidewalk-Specific Networks: Insights from Three Latin American Central Squares

Limited research from the Global South has examined pedestrian accessibility to key destinations, particularly while considering efficient and practical sidewalk-specific conditions. This study employs a case-based approach, scrutinising walking access to three central squares, Mexico City’s Zocalo, Lima’s Plaza San Martin, and Buenos Aires’ Plaza de la República, within a 10-min walking radius. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Google Street View (GSV) were leveraged to conduct a virtual street audit, assessing six microscale features influencing the walking experience (kerb ramps, pavement continuity, sidewalk width, well-maintained sidewalks, active uses, and green spaces). These data facilitated the construction of a genuine pedestrian network and allowed the assessment of three-tiered pedestrian accessibility models that comprised easy access, comfortable routes, and vibrant walks. The findings reveal significant spatial inequities in pedestrian access. About 10% of buildings near Mexico City’s and Lima’s central squares lack pedestrian accessibility due to inadequate and interrupted sidewalk and crosswalk infrastructure, disproportionately impacting those with mobility limitations. Conversely, Buenos Aires exhibits better pedestrian facilities, with accessible, comfortable, and lively routes reaching approximately 20% of buildings surrounding the Plaza de la República. These results underscore the significant disparities in street infrastructure and networks within these historic neighbourhoods, emphasising the imperative for more inclusive, pedestrian-friendly urban planning in Latin American cities.

Cross border population movements across three East African states: Implications for disease surveillance and response.

The frequent population movement across the five East African Countries poses risk of disease spread in the region. A clear understanding of population movement patterns is critical for informing cross-border disease control interventions. We assessed population mobility patterns across the borders of the East African states of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. In November 2022, we conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and participatory mapping. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and a topic guide used during interviews. Key informants included border districts (Uganda and Rwanda) and county health officials (Kenya). FGD participants were identified from border communities and travellers and these included truck drivers, commercial motorcyclists, and businesspersons. During KIIs and FGDs, we conducted participatory mapping using Population Connectivity Across Borders toolkits. Data were analysed using thematic analysis approach using Atlas ti 7 software. Different age groups travelled across borders for various reasons. Younger age groups travelled across the border for education, trade, social reasons, employment opportunities, agriculture and mining. While older age groups mainly travelled for healthcare and social reasons. Other common reasons for crossing the borders included religious and cultural matters. Respondents reported seasonal variations in the volume of travellers. Respondents reported using both official (4 Kenya-Uganda, 5 Rwanda-Uganda borders) and unofficial Points of Entry (PoEs) (14 Kenya-Uganda, 20 Uganda-Rwanda) for exit and entry movements on borders. Unofficial PoEs were preferred because they had fewer restrictions like the absence of health screening, and immigration and customs checks. Key destination points (points of interest) included: markets, health facilities, places of worship, education institutions, recreational facilities and business towns. Twenty-eight health facilities (10- Lwakhakha, Uganda, 10- Lwakhakha, Kenya, and 8- Cyanika, Uganda) along the borders were the most commonly visited by the travellers and border communities. Complex population movement and connectivity patterns were identified along the borders. These were used to guide cross-border disease surveillance and other border health strategies in the three countries. Findings were used to revise district response and preparedness plans by strengthening community-based surveillance in border communities.

The Applicability of Improvement Gap Analysis to Understand Pre‐ and Post‐Covid‐19 Foreign Tourists’ Satisfaction at a Heritage Destination

Tourist satisfaction is one of the most important factors for a destination's perpetual survival. The stakeholders seek to understand how to enhance tourist satisfaction. Prior research highlighted various methods to measure tourist satisfaction, but the use of Improvement Gap Analysis (IGA) has been found more effective in positioning the key destination satisfaction attributes in a grid form. The aim of this study is to analyze the attributes that influence the overall satisfaction of foreign tourists visiting Varanasi, which is a leading tourist destination in India. This study used IGA to distinguish and position 21 destination satisfaction attributes. Further, the statistically significant difference between average expected satisfaction and average current satisfaction is examined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The results provide a deeper understanding of the current satisfaction status of a heritage destination, but also provide scope for possible improvements by introducing new attributes. Furthermore, the study identifies critical areas of improvement for the following attributes: “maintenance of historical structures and monuments,” “convenient local transportation,” “sight‐seeing prices in terms of tourist satisfaction” in the context. The attributes used in the study to examine satisfaction of heritage destination can be used in similar contexts and adds knowledge to the existing body of tourism marketing literature.

Chinese investments in Argentina's lithium sector: Economic development implications amid global competition

Latin American countries, rich in key transition materials, have emerged as significant suppliers for China and key destinations for Chinese investment. These engagements have coincided with rising global competition among Chinese, and other leading companies to access these materials. Argentina serves as a notable example of these trends.This paper analyzes Chinese investments in Argentina's lithium sector, focusing on the implications for the country's economic development and international insertion. Drawing on the contributions of Latin American structuralism and other approaches that emphasize the centrality of the State in promoting innovation and complexity in the production system, the paper explores the challenges faced by peripheral countries like Argentina in advancing development within the global center-periphery relations.Our study employs an exploratory approach based on qualitative analysis of various sources. We first identify the distinctive characteristics of Chinese firms’ overseas strategies and interests in Argentina. Next, we examine the domestic and global factors constraining Argentina's ability to add value locally. In the conclusions, we summarize the challenges Argentina faces regarding the industrialization of lithium and highlight the critical role of the State in fostering the development of these capacities.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF HALAL TOURISM STANDARDS ON INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CHOICES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KEY DESTINATIONS

The rapid growth of the global Muslim population has led to a significant increase in demand for Halal tourism and hospitality services. This study aims to explore the impact of Halal tourism standards on international travel choices, focusing on a comparative analysis of key destinations that have implemented varying levels of Halal compliance. The research examines how the presence and promotion of Halal-friendly amenities, including Halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and culturally appropriate services, influence the travel decisions of Muslim tourists. Furthermore, the study evaluates the challenges faced by non-Muslim-majority countries in adopting these standards and the potential economic benefits that can be derived from catering to the Halal tourism market. By analyzing data from different regions, this research provides insights into the effectiveness of Halal tourism practices and offers recommendations for enhancing the appeal of destinations to Muslim travelers.

Industrial Restructuring as a Driving Force in China’s Africa Policy: a Case Study of China’s Ethiopia Policy

Abstract Existing research suggests that natural resources, domestic markets, and decisive political influence attract China to build relationships with African countries. However, why China sought to deepen its relationship with Ethiopia since the mid-1990s despite its lack of these endowments? This article aims to address this empirical puzzle by combining theoretical perspectives from development economics and fragmented authoritarianism to analyse the driving factors behind China’s Ethiopia policy and its formulation and implementation process. Examining China’s diplomacy towards Ethiopia from 1995–2019, it finds that Ethiopia’s stable society and abundant labour force made it a key destination for China’s industrial transfer. And China’s need for industrial restructuring has driven its Ethiopia policy, with private enterprises playing a crucial role by proposing projects. These findings enrich the understanding of the motivations and processes behind China’s influence in Africa from an industrial restructuring perspective, offering insights into China’s diplomacy and its impact on Africa.

No place for young women? The impact of internal migration on adult sex ratios in rural East Germany

Shortages of women in rural areas occur in many highly urbanized countries. Rural East Germany is an ideal case for studying this phenomenon because of its low adult sex ratio (ASR)—men greatly outnumber women—coupled with high outmigration among young adults. This study identifies how internal migration between rural and urban areas contributes to the shortage of young adult women. We use data on inter-county migration flows (for years 2002–21) to decompose the impacts of migration flows on ASRs. We find that the low ASRs in rural East Germany have been driven by sex-selective migration. In the early 2000s the main destination of sex-selective outflows was West Germany, while in the 2010s urban areas in East Germany were the key destinations. We find that moves among 18–24-year-olds increased the shortage of women in the rural population, whereas moves among 25–29-year-olds contributed to more balanced ASRs.

Women's Solo Travel and Gender Equality: Insights from Labuan Bajo According to the SDG

Objective: This study aims to analyze the tourism network of Labuan Bajo, focusing on identifying key destinations and their roles within the network, particularly for women solo travelers. The objective is to enhance tourism management by understanding these dynamics. Theoretical Framework: This research is underpinned by tourist and gender studies, which provide a foundation for examining the connectivity and influence of tourist destinations, as well as the specific needs and patterns of woman solo travelers. Method: The methodology involves creating edge and node lists from TripAdvisor reviews, followed by network construction using centrality measures—degree, betweenness, and eigen centrality. Network visualization techniques are applied to interpret relationships between destinations. Data was collected from January 1, 2020, to September 1, 2023, with 2,843 reviews analyzed. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that Padar Island is the most central and influential destination, serving as a key hub for woman solo travelers. Other significant destinations include Loh Liang National Park, Kanawa Island,Kalong Island, and Cunca Wulang Waterfall. Rangko Cave, however, shows the lowest centrality measurements. The network's division into clusters highlights distinct patterns in woman solo travel behavior and preferences. These findings suggest strategic areas for investment and improvement to enhance tourist experiences and promote women's equality in travel. Research Implications: The study's findings provide practical insights for tourism management, suggesting targeted investments and infrastructure development in high-centrality areas. Improving safety, accessibility, and amenities at key hubs can create a more inclusive environment for woman solo travelers. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by combining network analysis with gender-focused tourism research, offering a novel approach to understanding and improving tourism dynamics in emerging destinations. The insights gained can influence sustainable tourism development and gender equality in travel.

Fleeing a failing state: Self-selection, earnings, and migration costs

Three-quarters of the global migrant population have fled fragile contexts, with 64 percent hosted by similarly vulnerable countries. These contexts account for about 75 percent of those living in extreme poverty. Despite the scale of this phenomenon, the extent to which the self-selection of South–South migrants differs from those migrating to more developed countries remains poorly understood. In this paper, I investigate the self-selection of Venezuelan migrants during the 2015–2021 crisis, which led to greater migration to less developed countries such as Colombia and Peru, compared to more developed ones like the United States and Chile. Using individual-level data representative of the Venezuelan population and similar data on Venezuelan migrants in these key destination countries, the study finds that migrants are generally positively selected in terms of education compared to those who remain in Venezuela, with migrants to developed countries being positively sorted with respect to those to developing countries. However, comparing the cumulative distribution functions of pre-migration predicted earnings reveals that migrants to developing countries are negatively selected relative to stayers, while migrants to developed countries are positively selected. This highlights the significant role of unobserved abilities in shaping South–South migration patterns. Furthermore, a discrete choice model shows that women and college graduates face lower migration costs, independent of expected earnings at the destination. Factors such as the distance to the destination country and pre-crisis networks also play a crucial role in shaping migration decisions.

Corporate positioning in Australia for a new investment outlook

Government intervention and increased regulatory scrutiny have altered the investment environment for the energy sector in Australia. Asia’s efforts to decarbonise will drive long-term investment in Australia’s renewable, hydrogen and carbon capture potential. But as the energy sector shifts emphasis back towards security of supply and affordability, Australia remains a key destination for upstream investment. Looking closer at Australia’s oil and gas sector, how are companies positioned to manage the rising complexity and uncertainty faced when making long-term capital decisions? Are Australia’s homegrown players leaders or laggards when pitched against their international peers? And how competitive are Australia’s oil and gas champions in the context of the country’s wider natural resources sector? Benchmarking corporate positioning through the lens of near-term resilience and long-term sustainability, we will identify the challenges, opportunities and strategic implications for Australia’s corporate oil and gas landscape.