Mass Tourism Research Articles

Tourist mobility packages in an island mass tourism destination: Exploring preferences heterogeneity and willingness-to-pay

Ensuring a sustainable and efficient transportation system meeting visitor mobility needs is paramount for mass tourist destinations. Recognising this challenge, some destinations are embracing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions as a strategy to create a more sustainable transportation system for tourists. This study uses a discrete choice experiment to analyse tourists’ preferences and willingness to pay for MaaS packages in two well-known municipalities of the Canary Islands, one of Europe’s premier mass tourism destinations. The empirical evidence of taste heterogeneity revealed by the analysis indicates that a one-size-fits-all solution is inadequate. Therefore, the development of mobility packages must be tailored to the specific needs of distinct tourist segments. This approach caters to individual preferences and maximises the perceived value for each tourist segment, promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation options.

Astro-Tourism: A search for the unknown in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

ABSTRACT Astro-Tourism involves ‘using the natural resource of unpolluted night skies, and appropriate scientific knowledge for astronomical, cultural and environmental activities’. Astro-Tourism further includes specialised activities that differ from mass tourism, as tourists are exposed to knowledge-rich experiences. Well-known examples of Astro-Tourism destinations include Bryce Canyon National Park and Death Valley in the United States of America (USA). The Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLA) is the marketing arm of the Free State province and is responsible for attracting potential tourists to the province and solidifying the Free State as a destination of choice. Astro-Tourism has been identified as an opportunity to grow tourism in Bloemfontein and the Free State. This study found that Astro-Tourism is a niche product, and that the facilities currently on offer in Bloemfontein are in excellent condition and can potentially be further exposed to a broader audience through dedicated marketing initiatives and events.

The contribution of environmental interpretation in nature protection

The interpretation of natural values and the management of visitors in protected areas are related in multiple ways and are an important link in nature protection activities. This paper examines the basic elements of the interpretation and management of visitors in the selected protected areas of the Republic of Croatia. Protected areas are one of the main attributes of the tourist image of Croatia, with significant economic effects in the generated traffic of visitors. However, this can also contribute to the degradation of natural values or, on the other hand, can help protect nature. Due to such challenges, it is necessary to better understand the importance of visitor centres, tourist tours and the way in which codes of ethics are applied in protected areas. In this paper the representation of environmental interpretation techniques and tools in seven protected areas in Croatia were investigated, using information that was obtained mainly through survey research. The basic results indicate that Croatia has made progress in the previous period in the field of interpretation of natural and cultural values in its protected areas. Such progress is not only related to regions where tourism has a mass character and where visits are significant, but has also been made in remote continental parts of the country. Such an approach in the development of protected areas also indicates that these areas are not only massive tourist destinations, but also places for a more complex understanding of the concept of nature protection and sustainable development associated with the use of its potentials.

HOTEL MODERNO, UMA MÁQUINA DE HOSPEDAR

This paper aims to produce a theoretical essay about the modern hotel from a historical and critical perspective, seeking to broaden knowledge about the mutation of this architectural typology in the context of the development of mass tourism, hypothesizing that hotels are "lodging machines". This is a conceptual discussion aimed at fostering and subsidizing the debate on hotels built between the late 1940s and the 1970s, in the context of the Modern Movement. To this end, he recalls the semantic and typological antecedents of the hotel and discusses how the social practices of mass tourism and the role of the state were reflected and reproduced in the mechanisms of modern hotels. Then, it presents aspects relating to the formal and functional typologies that support the idea that the modern hotel is a lodging machine, emphasizing some characteristics that express its architectural modernity. Finally, it highlights the historical and heritage relevance of modern hotels and the importance of documentation for intervention and conservation of this collection as material witnesses of modern architecture and mass tourism. Keywords: Hotel, Lodging Establishments, Modern Architecture, Mass Tourism, Architectural Typology.

When UBUNTU Becomes the Parameter of Tourism Sustainability

This study examines how embracing the concept of UBUNTU (I am because we are) can enhance tourism sustainability through digitalization. It highlights the interconnectedness of environmental factors and human responsibility globally. The main goal is to promote a sense of belonging to sustain tourism, utilizing digital platforms. By fostering harmony within nature and society, particularly through digital channels, the aim is to raise awareness about sustainability and mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism. The study also seeks to conserve nature and natural resources from the adverse effects of tourism and advocate for prioritizing the preservation of nature and natural resources over commercial features, such as promoting homestays over star hotels. It emphasizes that destroying nature for development will ultimately diminish tourism appeal. Through this research, the message is conveyed that protecting nature ensures the continuity of tourism and related employment opportunities.

An Assessment Model of the Algarve as a Sustainable Tourism Destination: A Conceptual Framework

ABSTRACT Sustainable tourism assessment models emphasize the need for holistic, integrated evaluations of tourism destinations, particularly in mature and mass tourism areas. While best practices can be shared, each destination requires a tailored approach, considering its unique features like infrastructure and natural assets. Research shows that sustainable tourism should involve continuous evaluation rather than a one-time assessment. This article develops a model for the ongoing review of sustainable tourism in the Algarve, a famous sun, sea, and sand destination in Portugal. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the model was designed by analyzing existing frameworks and their relevant dimensions. A questionnaire was then administered to local stakeholders to validate and refine the selected indicators, which were ultimately used to create a framework for monitoring sustainable tourism in the region.

‘Into the darkness’ – The caving community and their tourist experiences. The Polish case

Descent into the underground requires from explorers not only a high level of physical endurance, technical skills, and ability to use specialized equipment, but also psychological adaptation to severe cave conditions: the darkness, the coldness, and the unknown. The paper focuses on mental states and emotions that accompany cave descents at every stage of the tourist experience. The study examines cavers' tourist motivations as well as perceived benefits of this kind of physical activity. The research aims at the Polish caving community. The study indicates that participation in cave exploration for respondents undertaking cave challenges outside of regular tourism is generally the result of a combination of equally strong factors, rather than a single dominant motivation. The benefits of cave exploration are inwardly directed, those related to creating one’s external image were of marginal importance among survey respondents. A state of ‘focus and concentration’ accompanies cavers during almost the entire stay in cave what not lessen a sense of overall satisfaction, joy, and excitation. To some extent, anxiety, anger, and rarely fear, shape the cave tourist experience. Management implicationsThe tourism product of any kinds of tourism should meet the expectations and needs of their participants. Dedicated speleotourists visiting sites outside mass tourism in popular show caves are leading by the complex of motivations typical for tourism as such. However, in the study analysed, the search for beauty and aesthetic impressions next to experiencing the unknown and novelty are explicitly significant motivators for cave exploration, even more important than looking for sport challenges and physical effort. This observation underlines cognitive and emotional meaning, not only sport character of cave exploration.The research might suggest the general direction in preparation of the offer for dedicated cave tourists: they do not require the creation of new infrastructure (e.g. in terms of cave accessibility) or provision of new amenities, but possibilities of the improvement of technical skills, while enjoying the beauty of the caves, with maintaining a balance between commercialization and the sense of uniqueness and exclusivity of the product.As pristine and unexplored caves constitute a ‘non-renewable resource,’ thus there is a need for redefinition of ‘the unknown’ and ‘the new’ concepts in cave tourism practiced by dedicated cave tourists (far beyond the geographical sense). The result of this procedure might help meet the expectations of dedicated cave tourists toward their tourist experiences and the attractiveness of sites.The explorations of dedicated cave tourists occur outside or on the fringes of tourism. To include them in the mainstream of broader tourism, it is necessary to find a balance between commercialization and the uniqueness and exclusivity of the product. The latter should provide satisfaction both in the area of physical well-being and the emotional sphere (sense of community, strengthening bonds).The study revealed the literature gap in terms of existential authenticity and the recognition of aesthetic and bodily experiences in cave tourism outside of popular show caves.

Optimization of Digitally Certified Halal CMSMEs: Study on MSMEs in Banyuwangi

Abstract. Banyuwangi is one of the regions in Indonesia which is experiencing massive tourism growth. This also encourages growth in related sectors, one of which is the food industry. MSMEs in the food industry continue to grow in Banyuwangi, and the level of concern for halal-certified products continues to increase. This research aims to help optimize digitally certified halal MSMEs with the ease of submitting halal certification online. It is expected to increase the interest of MSME actors to take care of halal certification. This study uses SWOT analysis to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for halal food products in Banyuwangi. Respondents in this study are certified Halal Companions, MSMEs in the food sector, and the Cooperative Office. Results show that the lack of information related to halal certification among business owners is one of the problems that are widely encountered. Massive dissemination of information related to halal certification to businesses through various media is suggested. In addition, meeting business owners directly is expected to minimize this gap. Keywords: MSMEs, halal certification, SWOT analysis

Benidorm’s linguistic landscape: unveiling the multifaceted tapestry of urban expression

ABSTRACT The study of linguistic landscapes offers a captivating and nuanced avenue for understanding the intricate interplay among language, culture, and urban environments. The influence of mass tourism in Benidorm, a vibrant city within the Valencian region, has left an indelible mark on its linguistic landscape, offering a testament to the transformations brought about by the tourism industry. In addition, the coexistence of autochthonous minority languages within this city presents a complex and often precarious situation, where the tensions between cultural preservation and economic prosperity come to the fore. Through our own field methodology, and under the theoretical framework of the Critical Discourse Theory, we will analyse in depth the different aspects of the linguistic landscape of Benidorm, showing the challenges that the city faces to maintain coexistence between all the different languages that populate its streets and that make up a unique linguistic landscape.

Spanish tourist industry during the Franco’s regime through the touristic cinema (1951-1977)

Mass tourism in Spain became one of the most prosperous economic sectors in the mid-twentieth century, collaborating in the process of convergence with Europe, using the seductive power of the media, especially the cinema. A quantitative and (to a lesser extent) qualitative analysis methodology was followed. After reviewing the academic literature, the records of the National Film Library were consulted, selecting 87 films of tourist content and of national production, during the period of operation of the Ministry of Information and Tourism (1951-1977). The results have made it possible to identify the tourist segments, the cinematographic genres, the type of tourists, national or foreign, as well as the heritage elements and the services present in the tourist product of the time, visualizing the scenarios where the plots of the films are developed. The cinematography allows showing the elements that constitute the economic tourism model of Franco’s Spain, focused on towns on the Mediterranean coast, especially on the Costa del Sol. The research translates the antecedents of tourism marketing, using cinema as a means of communication that recognizes the economic transformation of Spanish society and the new image of Spain to be projected abroad.

In Search of New Dimensions for Religious Tourism: The Case of the Ancient City of Nessebar

Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a unique case study for examining this dynamic. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, including documentary analysis and case study methodology, to investigate the current state of religious tourism in Nessebar. The research revealed the underutilization of Nessebar’s religious sites for tourism purposes, despite their potential value. A complex interplay between mass tourism, cultural preservation, and the decline of traditional religious practices was identified.

Современный массовый туризм: становление, принципы, факторы развития

One of the effective and affordable ways to organize recreation and leisure in modern conditions is considered to be mass tourism, which is influenced by global trends: globalization, informatization, geopolitics. In the article, based on generalizations of the approaches of domestic and foreign researchers, an attempt is made to give a detailed definition of the term “mass tourism” and to specify its phenomenon through the justification of its distinctive features: the number of consumers (mass), motives and goals, the influence of technological progress, industrialization and scaling of the tourism business. The authors highlight factors contributing to the development of modern tourism, including: accessibility, globalization, marketing and advertising, political situation, economic stability, digitalization and conceptual approaches to the emergence and development of mass tourism: the theory of consumer society, the theory of mobile sociology, “quality tourism” and etc. Among the general principles of modern mass tourism, the authors highlight: the commercial principle of a balance of interests, taking into account the global problems facing humanity, the active socialization of tourism. Particular attention is paid to the issues of periodization of the formation of mass tourism in the historiography of various countries; description of the modern understanding of mass tourism, taking into account its influence on national socio-economic systems; determining the main directions for the development of mass tourism in the domestic market of tourism services, taking into account rapidly changing external conditions and factors, which made it possible to identify the main and most popular types of tourist activity.

Institutional approach for ecotourism collaboration between South Korea and Japan: exploration of criteria for ecotourism joint-certification

ABSTRACT Domestic and international tourism, which was limited due to the pandemic, has exploded since 2023, with neighboring South Korea and Japan experiencing a high rate of mutual tourism exchanges. Ecotourism, which is differentiated from mass tourism, is receiving renewed attention. This study proposes a joint-certification standard that ensures high satisfaction and a desirable ecotourism foundation. Through stakeholder engagement and field research in representative areas, 19 certification criteria across 7 categories were developed, emphasizing resource conservation, tourist management, and community involvement. During this process, both nations proposed joint support measures for promotion and explanation and the creation of platforms for sharing expertise between regions. Importantly, the introduction of ecotourism joint-certification is expected to enhance international exchanges, increase tourist satisfaction, secure economic foundations for regions, and improve trust between countries.

‘Dear guest, pay for your language’. How accommodation rating and ownership effect language presence on the Online Linguistic Landscape

Abstract The present paper draws on the concept of Online Linguistic Landscape (Kallen, Ní Dhonnacha & Wade, 2020) to explore code preference on hospitality websites at international tourist destinations. The analysis of a purpose-made database comprising the websites of all 254 accommodation establishments in Palma (Mallorca, Spain) reveals that although major tourist markets condition code presence on websites, the wide array of languages displayed does not correspond to the narrower catalogue of visiting nationalities. Beyond the strictly informative, websites have become effective promotion and sales tools, and marketability derived from vogue associations may mean that a language is listed on a website, even when other, more frequent guest languages are not. The scant online presence of Catalan, the autochthonous language of Mallorca, illustrates how, in mass tourism environments, minority languages are at the crossroads of succumbing to the demands of the market or submitting to processes of commodification of uncertain outcome.

COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 transitions: case study on the Lao PDR

PurposeThe purpose of this review paper is to investigate the consequences of tourism development and economic growth within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, focusing specifically on Lao PDR post-pandemic. The adverse effect of COVID-19 on tourism and economic sectors has been pervasive across the ASEAN region, with varying degrees of impact. Some of these difficulties are set to continue, though there are positive signs of recovery and of the resilience of the tourism industry. Utilising case material from Lao PDR in Southeast Asia – an area frequently neglected in tourism studies – the paper sheds light on the post-pandemic landscape to address existing gaps in the current literature.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was taken in this review paper, utilising secondary data such as media reports, official reports from Tourism Laos and international governing bodies like United Nations and the World Bank to form a viewpoint discussion in the Lao PDR post-pandemic condition.FindingsThis paper reveals that contrary to a long period of recovery post-pandemic, there has been a degree of continuity from the pre-pandemic period. Considerable numbers of backpackers have returned to Vang Vieng, along with Vientiane and Luang Prabang. While the pre-pandemic emphasis on mass tourism persists, there is also an increased focus on regional and domestic markets. Laos, with its strategic location and cross-border connections, aims to take advantage of this shift.Originality/valueThe paper highlights a detailed exploration of the Lao tourism industry post-pandemic. It goes beyond the initial expectations in literature of a complete transformation post-pandemic, highlighting the continuity in visitor sources and traditional tourist attractions. It emphasises the Lao PDR strategic position for market reorientation, providing insight into the nation’s adaptive strategies and a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of Lao tourism.

TOURISM MANAGEMENT EXPLAINED BY THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE AVERAGE TOTAL INCOME PER PERSON AND THE NUMBER OF OVERNIGHT STAYS IN ACCOMMODATION UNITS

In Romania’s tourism industry, in the last decade, following the European trend, small dimensioned accommodation units have appeared, bearing the name of boutique guesthouses or boutique hotels, depending on their accommodation capacity. The boutique guesthouses offer both accommodation services in rooms with traditional Romanian boyar characteristics, with Saxon and Szechuan influences, as well as food services with the same culinary characteristics. A particularity of these accommodation units is that each room had been furnishing according to a traditional noble theme, using either furniture that has been produced in Romanian workshops. Roomꞌ s names have been inspired by the woody essences that can be found in the Romanian forests and a large part of the furniture is made of cherry, beech, fir, oak, elm wood. The specific architecture of the accommodation units has been established in 18th century specific to the rococo and baroque style, predominantly found in buildings constructions in Romanian towns where niche tourism is a small part of mass tourism industry.

Evaluation of Social Media Tools in Health Tourism Marketing with Multi Criteria Decision Making Methods

Today, countries are turning to alternative tourism types due to the destructive and corrosive effect of mass tourism. Various factors in the global market affect consumer preferences and shape their demands. This situation leads countries to seek alternative tourism types. While developed countries tend to focus more on sports tourism, the rising value of health tourism stands out for developing countries. The high costs of healthcare services in developed countries, waiting times, and the lack of many health services offered by insurance companies lead consumers to outsource their helthcare needs. Relationship marketing plays a key role in health tourism services, and consumers seek first-hand answers to their questions. The health sector's sensitive and complex structure informs and raises consumers' awareness on the axis of relational marketing dimensions. This study aims to via multi criteria decision making to determine and rank the social media channels used in health tourism marketing. While the criteria weights are determined by the Best-Worst Method, the priority order of social media channels is determined by COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment. Expert opinions were consulted during the criteria determination and the ranking of the alternatives. As a result of the analyses, the importance of social media is emphasised once again. Social media tools, especially through mobile application applications, shape the age with the audience it reaches, the distribution between regions, the time spent and the information transmitted. The need for socialisation accelerates the development of technology with the rapid orientation of people towards this field. In this case, youtube, which has gained momentum with the number of users and the use of visual and auditory elements together, holds the leadership in the reflection of relational marketing on health tourism today, as it creates space for all segments, even though information pollution is experienced.

Trends in Sustainable Tourism Paradigm: Resilience and Adaptation

In recent decades, sustainable tourism has emerged as a central paradigm, attracting growing scholarly interest. External factors, such as the SDGs, climate change agendas, smart and digitalized tourism, cyber and astronaut travel, pandemics, and shifting trends in economic competitiveness, mass tourism, and overtourism, are shaping the 21st-century paradigmatic landscape, challenging both the theoretical “what” and practical “how” of the sustainable tourism paradigm. Using Kuhn’s paradigmatic framework and the Web of Science bibliometric database from 1991 to 2022, this analysis traces trends in sustainable tourism research, advances in academic communication through influential co-citation networks and interdisciplinarity, and the emergence of alternative and quasi-paradigms. The findings suggest, first, a positive trend in tourism scholarly research production; second, weak and diverse communication and interdisciplinarity, as scholars do not sufficiently collaborate in co-citations; and third, the coexistence of the sustainable tourism paradigm with numerous alternative, rival, and quasi-paradigms. The lack of influential knowledge communication highlights the need for the academic tourism community to reconsider its knowledge generation practices. Enhanced collaboration through co-citation and interdisciplinary cooperation is crucial for fostering a deeper and shared understanding of multiple tourism-related concepts. Further thematic and interactive research is needed on the resilience and adaptability of the sustainable tourism paradigm. This article contributes to advancing sustainable tourism scholarship by advocating for a more influential and adaptable paradigm to ensure its relevance amidst emerging challenges.

The future of green tourism in Bali: Challenges and opportunities

This research examines the future of green tourism in Bali, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the island in its sustainable tourism development efforts. The research adopts a multi-method qualitative approach, including a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. Data were collected from key stakeholders in Bali's tourism industry, including experienced tourism operators, government officials, environmental experts, and community leaders representatives. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, with the criteria of having a minimum of five years of experience in Bali's tourism industry or related fields. Their role was to provide insights into the current state of green tourism in Bali, challenges faced, and potential development opportunities. Key findings revealed significant challenges such as environmental damage from mass tourism, inadequate waste management, threats to biodiversity, cultural exploitation, and economic inequality. Nonetheless, Bali also shows great potential for green tourism development, including supportive government policies, community engagement opportunities, technological advances, and the growing global demand for sustainable tourism experiences. This research proposes a comprehensive strategy to boost green tourism in Bali, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, sustainable tourism standards, eco-friendly infrastructure improvements, and awareness-raising campaigns.

Management Effectiveness Evaluation using the Bayesian Belief Network Approach: A case study of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, Vietnam

Abstract The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set an ambitious target of safeguarding 30% of the Earth’s land and sea through well-managed Protected Areas (PAs) by 2030. Despite 196 countries committing to expand PA coverage, a lack of evidence on existing PA effectiveness and limited data on human-ecosystem interactions pose formidable challenges to implementation and prioritising conservation funding. Within this context, this paper aims to test a simple and user-friendly model, which is based on Bayesian Belief Networks, in evaluating the management effectiveness of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area (CLC-MPA) in Vietnam. It focuses on assessing whether the MPA is effective in achieving its conservation objectives and if the target resources can endure the current pace of economic development. The study underscores the importance of prioritising eco-tourism and sustainable local economic models amid the intense forces of mass tourism development. It argues that tourism carrying capacity for CLC should be estimated at the outset of sustainable tourism development plan. Besides, there is a need for an integrated approach to MPA management to include legal provisions to address the impacts of tourism and pollution. Also, given the increasing pressure from incoming fishers, it is essential for increasing trans-provincial coordination for better enforcement of MPA regulations.