Responsible Tourism Development Research Articles

Responsible tourism development-A systematic review & bibliometric analysis

Purpose: This study aims to systematically review and conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on Responsible Tourism development using articles published between 2002 and 2023. Research Methodology: Systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using established databases using preferred reporting items for systematic review meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and Vosviwer software was employed to identify key trends, themes, and contributors in the field. Results: The review identified a growing body of literature on Responsible Tourism and found key phrases in scientific publications, predominantly on Responsible Tourism development: 71 articles were included from Lens.ORG, Emerald Insight, and Google Scholar databases, all of which were formatted for Lens. ORG. The two main themes were (1) economic development-related outcomes and (2) sustainability of tourism-based outcomes. The findings imply that future study trends should focus on sustainable outcomes such as responsible tourism development. A bibliometric analysis revealed a network of authors and their notable contributions from both academia and industry. Limitations: The study was limited by the availability of literature in the searched databases and the scope of the review over a considerable period. Contributions: Understanding responsible tourism development by providing a comprehensive overview of the literature and illustrating key trends and themes is the major contribution of this study. It also highlights the need for further research in certain areas regarding the role of technology in responsible tourism development and enhancing residents’ quality of life.

Trends and Implications of Emerging Markets and New Destinations for the Hospitality and Tourism Sector in Canada

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the trends and implications of emerging markets and new destinations for the hospitality and tourism sector.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: Canada's hospitality and tourism sector is expanding into emerging markets and diversifying beyond traditional destinations. This shift towards sustainability and technology integration is improving the visitor experience and attracting eco-conscious travelers. Enhanced accessibility and economic benefits underscore the need for strategic collaboration to maximize opportunities while ensuring responsible tourism development.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovation theory, Resource-based theory & Market segmentation theory may be used to anchor future studies in the trends and implications of emerging markets and new destinations for the hospitality and tourism sector. Hospitality businesses should tailor their offerings to cater to the unique needs and preferences of travelers in emerging destinations, while also ensuring sustainability and cultural sensitivity in their operations. Policymakers should prioritize the development of supportive regulatory frameworks and infrastructure to attract investment and foster tourism growth in emerging destinations.

Land Use/Land Cover Changes in a Mediterranean Summer Tourism Destination in Turkey

Tourism contributes to national and local economies especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey including the study area, Fethiye-Göcek, Muğla in southwest Turkey. The study evaluates land use/land cover (LULC) changes driven by tourism development as a case considering the past (1995–2020) and future environmental impacts on the area. High-resolution remote sensing and some socio-economic data were employed to monitor the situation and causes of LULC changes using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). The results show a decrease in the size of water surface, forest and maquis lands due to tourism development together with an increase in urban fabrics and bare lands due to urbanisation and forest fires. A significant positive correlation was detected between the urbanisation rate, population size and built-up area as well as air temperature and LST. Rapid and unplanned tourism development boosted investments for infrastructure and facilities and thus increased the demands for lands. Such lands were mostly gained by filling the sea or transforming agricultural and greenhouse areas, forest and maquis-covered lands. The unplanned development of tourism and urban areas caused serious hazards to the natural and cultural areas which threaten the sustainability of tourism. Planning suggestions are proposed to decision makers like coordination works for sustainable and responsible tourism development.

FACTORS AFFECTING RESPONSIBLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENTIN PHU QUOCCITY, KIEN GIANG PROVINCE

Responsible tourism will be the mainstream for the future tourism industry with the aim of using tourism to create economic, social and environmental sustainability at the destination. This study was conducted to provide a case for Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang Province to develop responsible tourism. The main data of the study were provided by 160 visitors through a questionnaire and analyzed in the form of descriptive statistics, scale reliability, exploratory factors and multivariable linear regression. The research results show that there are 6 factors affecting the development of responsible tourism in Phu Quoc city in descending order: (1) responsible communication in tourism, (2) organization management in tourism, responsible catering, (3) responsible accommodation, (4) responsible community action in tourism, (5) tourism management and (6) responsible tourism product development. This study not only complements the theory and practice of responsible tourism, but also serves as a basis for Phu Quoc city to find solutions to develop more responsible local tourism in the future.

Factors Affecting Responsible Tourism Development in Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province

Responsible tourism will be the mainstream for the future tourism industry with the aim of using tourism to create economic, social and environmental sustainability in the destination. This study was conducted to provide arguments for Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province in developing responsible tourism. The main data of the study were provided by 160 visitors through a questionnaire survey and analyzed in the form of descriptive statistics, scale reliability, exploratory factors and multivariable linear regression. The research results show that there are 6 factors affecting the development of responsible tourism in Phu Quoc city in descending order: (1) responsible communication in tourism, (2) organization management in tourism responsible catering, (3) responsible accommodation operation, (4) responsible community action in tourism (5) tourism management and (6) responsible tourism product development. This study not only complements the theory and practice of responsible tourism but also serves as a basis for Phu Quoc city to come up with solutions to develop more responsible local tourism in the future.

Sustainable development of two geographical regions in Slovenia: Repercussions for tourism: Case study of the Posavje and Dolenjska Regions

The opportunities of participatory democratic communication in the process of innovative, sustainable and socially responsible tourism development & policy creation have never been sufficiently exploited due to constant changes in the area of social communication. In this study, based on theoretical and empirical research and case studies, we offer a concept of a communication model, which enables democratic participatory communication in an optimal way, namely by formation of the regional tourist destination. In paper we present the case of the Posavje and Dolenjska regions of Slovenia, in which each municipality has their own municipal tourism development strategies, but do not have a common, regional strategy that best coincides with the parameters determining optimal tourist destination management. We see this as a problem and obstacle for an efficient tourism development. We use the method of online interviews, by targeting tourism stakeholders from all three sectors in the regions of Posavje and Dolenjska, namely public, private and NGO. Based on the empirical research we offer solutions to this tourism development issue in the form of a new conceptualization of communication functions in these tourist destinations.

An Exploratory Interview Study on Travel Risk Perception: The Case of Phuket Sandbox

Travel risk perception is a factor with emerging importance in the tourism industry due to its intangible nature, but large impact on traveler’s decision-making. This exploratory study examines the perception of travel risk amid COVID-19 in the New Normal. The empirical data was gathered through a series of thirty-eight (38) semi-structured interviews with European visitors vacationing in the 'Phuket Sandbox' travel bubble. The thematic analysis based on the empirical data revealed four themes. Namely, these themes are (1) the status of COVID-19 in the destination country, (2) visibility and trustworthiness of information, (3) healthcare facilities, and (4) responsible tourism development. The article concludes by presenting implications for the industry, policymakers, and researchers derived from the academic and practical discussions based on the findings.

Tourism and third sector organisations: synergies for responsible tourism development?

The main aim of this paper is the analysis of the third sector arts, culture and local development organisations (TSO) participation in the context of tourism planning and development and to understand the characteristics of its connections to the tourism sector in the region of the Algarve. The methodological strategy is anchored in a mix-methods approach applying qualitative techniques such as semistructured interviews (n=40), document analysis, non-participant observation, and adopting a triangulation approach. There have been few empirical studies that analyse this theme, thus, identifying the forms of participation that the third sector can adopt and their characteristics constitutes one of the main contributions of this research towards reinforcing the conceptual framework in the context of responsible tourism development. The results revealed that third sector organisations display a set of characteristics that position them as active agents in the tourist planning and development processes by operating on areas such as the promotion of cultural expression, research and inventory of cultural and natural resources, raising awareness of those resources and also by actively participating in supply structuring of tourist services.

Developing responsible tourism in emerging economies: the case of Nigeria

ABSTRACT Advocacy for the responsible development of tourism continues to attract attention from scholars. The emergence of responsible tourism in the 1990s was a call to action, and for a move from setting agendas (sustainable tourism) to stakeholder accountability. As tourism is still developing in Nigeria, this paper discusses strategies for supporting responsible tourism development in the Southeastern region of the country. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were organized with 166 stakeholders, including staff of tourism parastatals, traditional rulers, the representatives of men, women and youth and local security agencies. Findings identified possible strategies for determining if, when and how responsible tourism development might occur. These strategies include stakeholder empowerment, funding for tourism supporting facilities, boosting security and capacity for implementing tourism policies. The findings suggest that if well implemented, the tourism strategies are central to achieving future resident and tourist friendly development.

TOURISM AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: INNOVATIVE ASPECT

The article describes the role of intercultural communication in tourism, identifies global trends in tourism development, analyzes intercultural communication in general, in conceptual content. It is established that the professional and applied component of intercultural communication in tourism is the conceptual basis of tourism activity. It creates the preconditions for the interaction of representatives of different cultures on the initial stage and in the subsequent planning, organization and implementation of joint professional activities in tourism. The article examines the role and place of intercultural dialogue on factual material, analyzes the factors, components and competences, intercultural dialogue, determines the influence of education, language, cultural institutions on the development of the phenomenon under study.The purpose of the study is to discover the aspects of intercultural communication and its points of contact with tourism and hospitality.This paper attempts to expand the understanding of the sustainable-responsible tourism discourse emphasizing advances in scientific and practical knowledge which fits the theoretical and practical nature of the present research. Being based on ongoing research and academic thinking on sustainable and responsible tourism development, this research engages academic knowledge and action research approach. It means that this methodology focuses on the critical thinking from both sides (academic and practical), whether through academic papers or work experience with the tourism industry in designing sustainable tourism development strategies towards intercultural communication and monitoring the implementation process.

Forexite instrument for forecasting strategic development of tourism

The purpose of the article is the allocation of foresight tools for forecasting the strategic development of tourism, taking into account national characteristics, drawing on world experience. Two approaches are identified as the basis of the foresight methodology: normative and exploratory. It is proposed to use the ideas of I. Ivey concerning the foresight of tourism in order to forecast the development of tourism. The necessity to form a system of strategic vision of tourism development is proved, based on 3 levels (horizons). A number of tools and processes that can be used to form the "Horizon 3" are highlighted. It is proposed to expel four megatrends of tourism development in the future: demand growth; growth of sustainable tourism; advanced technology; mobility of travel. The main drivers of qualitative changes in tourism and hospitality are the development of information and communication technologies and e-business. Currently, travel companies use Internet technology for two main purposes: marketing and direct sales of their services. Actively used such Internet technologies as sites, on-line reservation, on-line purchase of tourist products, and also tracking of preferences of clients. The basis for competitiveness and profitability in the field of tourism and hospitality is a new profile tourist destination: digital; "green"; social indicators. Indicators of tourism development in the Odessa region are analyzed and problematic aspects are highlighted. The recommendations for stimulating tourist activity for consolidation of the work of the authorities, the public and business for the common goal are the following: the observance of international standards of all members of the tourism product supply chain for the sustainable development of tourist destinations in Ukraine. Sustainable tourism requires awareness of all stakeholders, a strong political leader for consolidating society; effective programs and projects; monitoring changes. The trend is the development of responsible tourism, based on the principles of social and economic justice, respect for local ecology, traditions and culture.

Responsible Tourism Development: A Case of Siwa, Egypt

The research aims to assess the value of the concept of responsible development as an approach to understand the environmental impacts of tourism as well as identify the range of environmental effects that tourism development has created in Siwa.

Self-guided trails – a route to more responsible tourism?

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the tourism industry has faced criticism by turning its attention to the development of more responsible tourism. This is a form of tourism that is mindful of the diverse needs of host communities, local business and the visitor. This paper investigates the development of more responsible tourism from the perspective of a popular tourist product – the self-guided trail or route. The trail or route provides a themed and interpreted journey through the urban or rural landscape, creating links between sites, attractions and other tourism businesses by providing information and storytelling along the way. These products have a global appeal and are becoming more prolific. Through a literature review on trails, the paper analyses their key characteristics and the rationales of developers and concludes that trails have the potential to contribute to more responsible tourism development. The paper proposes a series of planning principles which are derived from the literature and examples of good practice therein which may assist trail developers in creating more responsible tourism routes and trails. The discussion concludes with a case study of a project in Cornwall in the south-west of the UK, where responsible planning has underpinned recent trail development.

Comprehending the responsible tourism practices through principles of sustainability: A case of Kinabalu Park

This study initiates a research into the practices of responsible tourism in the UNESCO National Park, a place with high levels of biodiversity and value that is worthy of preservation. The responsible tourism definitions, practices and challenges emerged through an intense scrutiny of textual data, which were collected through in-depth interviews with 25 tour operators and park management. Results indicated that responsibility was constructed around the principles of sustainability, or a reification of, ecological friendliness, economical viability and sociocultural amicability in Kinabalu Park, Sabah. Finally, the paper exemplified three implication practices to boost responsible tourism development in Kinabalu Park and other similar parks.

Putting social impact assessment to the test as a method for implementing responsible tourism practice

The discourse on the social impacts of tourism needs to shift from the current descriptive critique of tourism to considering what can be done in actual practice to embed the management of tourism's social impacts into the existing planning, product development and operational processes of tourism businesses. A pragmatic approach for designing research methodologies, social management systems and initial actions, which is shaped by the real world operational constraints and existing systems used in the tourism industry, is needed. Our pilot study with a small Bulgarian travel company put social impact assessment (SIA) to the test to see if it could provide this desired approach and assist in implementing responsible tourism development practice, especially in small tourism businesses. Our findings showed that our adapted SIA method has value as a practical method for embedding a responsible tourism approach. While there were some challenges, SIA proved to be effective in assisting the staff of our test case tourism business to better understand their social impacts on their local communities and to identify actions to take.

Tourism and development after civil war in Malange province, Angola

The end of Angola's civil war in 2002 initiated a post-war reconstruction boom. Touristically, Angola is perceived as a very inaccessible and underdeveloped tourism destination. The country's Malange province was severely affected by the war and its local economy is still recovering. The first step in its reconstruction is the creation of an appropriate environment for all forms of development. Two priorities are to improve the level of security and to provide adequate infrastructure. These two actions are prerequisites for the development of any form of tourism. This provision will improve access to services, facilities and markets, which will ultimately lead to an improved quality of life. Malange has a diverse range of natural and cultural resources, most of which have great potential for development as tourist attractions. To provide a tourism master plan for responsible tourism development and to attract focused investment to the region, it is necessary to develop a spatial development framework for Malange. In this paper, first the international scholarship on tourism as a development tool in developing countries and the role of the reconstruction of infrastructure in post-war countries are reviewed. Second, the research methods and process for the identification, analysis and selection of tourism attractions are explained in the context of the accessibility and availability of supplementary tourism facilities. Third, Malange's tourism development context is introduced. Fourth, recommendations are made for a spatial framework consisting of nodes (three levels), networks and spaces for tourism development. Last, insights from these processes are given for the benefit of other countries having to reconstruct their tourism systems after crisis events.

Geotourism: an opportunity to enhance geoethics and boost geoheritage appreciation

AbstractGeotourism (tourism with a geological purpose) has great potential to sustain and conserve our geological heritage, which represents the collective memory of Mother Nature. It involves a sustainable, viable and responsible tourism development that enhances the wellbeing of the local communities. It further provides a holistic tourism experience, and offers opportunities for visitors and hosts to gain knowledge about the values of the geological tourism attractions. In addition, it is based on the best practice of geoethics for different parties involved in geological tourism activities. However, this paper will explore the role of geotourism as a geoconservation and geoeducation tool, and will investigate the role of geotourism operations in promoting the culture of geoethics in different geological tourism practices.

Capacity Building through Socially Responsible Tourism Development

Tourism was introduced in Elmina and Cape Coast, Ghana, Africa, in the late 1980s in part to assist in the reduction of poverty. However, more than 15 years later, the sector has not developed to the extent needed to significantly reduce poverty. A participatory approach to research indicated that the cause was a lack of capacity building. Existing definitions of capacity building are complex and elusive and so far it has not been used as a development objective but as a measurement to realize short-term results. A new clearer definition of capacity building is proposed that is based on the concept of four types of capital: social, human, physical, and financial. It is contended that this definitional clarification allows capacity building to be measured and assessed and therefore legitimately used as a development objective

Rethinking township tourism: Towards responsible tourism development in South African townships

Township tourism in South Africa has grown in popularity since 1994 and is considered by some to be an appropriate mechanism for stimulating local economic development. This paper suggests, however, that it is not necessarily a viable or responsible development option, since it does not automatically ensure pro-poor benefits or enhance community development. Primary research conducted in Soweto to understand visitor demand and tourism stakeholder perspectives suggests there is a demand for responsible tourism in townships. The paper contributes to South African debates about the developmental role of tourism, township tourism and local economic development, responsible tourism, and the related policy implications. It calls for responsible township tourism development in which local authorities play a vital role and recommends the development of township tourism attractions, with a focus on culture and heritage, to create unique visitor experiences.

Integrated shoreline management and tourism development on the cross-border World Heritage Site: A case study from the Curonian spit (Lithuania/Russia)

The varied and very dynamic landscape with a high biological diversity is a distinctive feature of the Curonian spit at the regional scale. Throughout the 20th century the main morphodynamic trend in the littoral of the Curonian spit was shoreline grading on the lagoon side, whereas on the marine side the increasing erosion at the foot of the spit, and increasing accretion at the head of the spit prevailed. The results of a discriminant analysis (Wilkes’ λ = 0.001626 and F = 29.267 when p < 0.001) show that sites with prevailing erosion, accretion and sediment input from the drifting dunes form regular inter-related spatial structures in the littoral with distinctive resulting discontinuities of the sediment drift along the lagoon coast. Dune littoral cells are characterized by Aeolian sediment input and distribution ‘down-drift’, (usually northwards) from the source. The most likely changes in the current development trends of the lagoon shore zone of the Curonian spit are related to expected climate changes and further slowing down of the dune drift. The probability of storms and ice-drift events, and their impact on coasts is expected to increase as a result of climate change. The dune advance will gradually slow down, and with it, the sand input to the coastal zone will decline. In this paper, we define integrated shoreline management as a system of long-term shoreline management measures, which is based on a littoral cell approach and aimed at harmonizing human activity in the coastal zone with the natural development of the shoreline. We propose an integrated management program for the lagoon shoreline of the Curonian spit, which is site-specific for each littoral cell as a coastal management unit. Drifting dunes and seaside beaches are the natural amenities, which are best known and best appreciated on the Curonian spit by 49% of the respondents representing the total Lithuanian population. A responsible tourism development should be considered as the key means for proper appreciation of the drifting dunes and natural coasts by society, which means to acknowledge and cherish the aesthetic and conservation values of dune and coastal landscapes of the Curonian spit as a World Heritage Site. There are at least two pre-conditions for this: (1) to provide visitors with sufficient information about diverse values and functions of the Curonian dunes and coasts within a broader regional and global heritage conservation context; (2) to enable tourists to enjoy the most impressive dune and coastal landscapes at close range. In this paper we propose to encourage active dune tourism, to reintroduce grazing into the Curonian dune areas, to restore and to preserve the most impressive landscapes of the highest white drifting dunes by bringing the blown out sand from the leeward foot of the dunes back to the crest artificially.