Sustainable Tourism Development Research Articles (Page 1)

As a renowned historical and cultural city, Luoyang boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including sports venues, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage sites, laying a solid foundation for the integrated development of the tourism industry and sports events in recent years, with remarkable achievements in practice. However, from the perspective of sports-tourism integration, Luoyang’s event tourism still faces a prominent issue of uneven development: a surge in tourists during peak seasons, leading to overcrowded attractions, and a scarcity of visitors during off-peak seasons, resulting in idle resources. This not only leads to inefficient resource utilization but also restricts the enhancement of economic benefits and hinders sustainable development. In light of this, this paper comprehensively employs literature research, case analysis, and fieldwork methods to systematically analyze the current development status of event tourism in Luoyang within the context of sports-tourism integration. The aim is to provide theoretical and practical support for achieving high-quality and balanced development of local event tourism, offering valuable references for addressing the issue of uneven development and moving towards a sustainable future.

This research examines tourism development strategies through an industrial tourism programme in Sidoarjo Regency as an alternative for regional tourism diversification. Sidoarjo Regency is known as an industrial hub with various production centres, such as shrimp crackers, batik, and shrimp paste (terasi), which have considerable potential to be developed into industrial tourism destinations. The objectives of the study are to analyse industrial tourism development strategies, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and formulate a collaborative model for sustainable industrial tourism development. The research employs a qualitative approach with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation study. Research informants include the Sidoarjo Regency Tourism Office, industry stakeholders, tourism communities, and tourists. The results indicate that the industrial tourism development strategy in Sidoarjo utilises a pentahelix approach involving the government, academia, businesses, the community, and the media. Supporting factors include the diversity of local industrial products, good accessibility, and government policy support. However, there are constraints such as minimal digital promotion, limited tourism facilities, and low awareness among business actors regarding the concept of industrial tourism. The recommended collaborative model encompasses institutional strengthening, increasing Human Resources (HR) capacity, developing supporting infrastructure, innovating tourism products, and integrated digital marketing. This research provides a practical contribution to the development of industrial tourism in regions with a strong small and medium-sized industrial economic base.

The swift advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs) over the past four decades has fundamentally reshaped tourism, transforming business models, consumer behavior, and value creation. Adopting a sociotechnical perspective, this paper analyzes the historical trajectory and socio-economic implications of technological shifts in tourism across three phases: technological penetration, data reciprocity, and algorithmic dominance. By conceptualizing technology as a socially constructed phenomenon, it highlights the interplay between consumers, businesses, and technology (C-B-T). The findings reveal a shift from technology-driven control to algorithmic governance, redefining supply–demand relationships and operational strategies while raising ethical concerns. To address these challenges, the study proposes a dynamic power equilibrium framework underpinned by governance mechanisms such as consumer transparency, algorithmic accountability, and business auditing. This framework aims to balance value creation, power distribution, and responsibility allocation, offering strategic insights for sustainable smart tourism development.

This paper examines the intersection of Roma heritage, community development and tourism dynamics, with a particular focus on rural contexts, by exploring the areas of preservation, representation, promotion and potential economic development. This study forms part of a wider research initiative within the SECreTour project, which explores how cultural heritage can stimulate sustainable and equitable tourism development. A comparative, problem-oriented literature review focusing on Roma heritage-based cultural tourism initiatives in the CEE region is conducted to identify bottom-up initiatives, conceptual models, key heritage elements, and recommendations associated with Roma tourism offerings. In addition to examining these frameworks, the study maps top-down approaches by analysing European strategies, programs and projects targeting Roma heritage and tourism. Among the case studies examined, one pilot will analyse efforts to preserve and promote Roma heritage in Tomor and the surrounding villages located in a disadvantaged, peripheral region in North-eastern Hungary. These initiatives focus on various forms of intangible heritage, such as gastronomy, music and storytelling, as well as socio-cultural activities like participatory video production and extracurricular educational programs. Based on the collected data, the paper will establish an analytical framework for understanding Roma heritage tourism and its potential for sustainable community development.

The synergy of cross - border regions is based on several aspects: economic, social, cultural - historical, and transport - related. At borderlands, there is an interweaving of cultures and national identities, which contributes to the diversity and distinctiveness of these areas. This represents a potential that, especially in regions outside the main hubs of economic development, can significantly enhance their attractiveness and, consequently, support their economic and social advancement. This paper highlights the cultural, natural, and social potential of the region "Upper Záhorie" and its valorisation for the development of sustainable tourism, strengthened by robust cross - border linkages. The research is grounded in current trends in sustainable tourism development, based on successful strategies for revitalising regions located outside of economic centres. One of the globally recognised positive influences is the trend of reinforcing regional characteristics through local agriculture and gastronomy, the revival of crafts and traditional production. This forms one of the cornerstones of so - called "slow tourism," which is based on active leisure and discovery outside of busy tourist hubs. The region under study possesses favourable conditions for the development of such a model. The contribution presents the outcomes of ongoing research focused on evaluating the potential of cultural heritage in the region (with emphasis on industrial, craft, and gastronomic traditions that are characteristic fo r the area). The identification of potential centres for the revival of traditional production and craftsmanship forms a basis for restoring the genius loci of the area and for shaping a distinctive interpretative route. The support of these activities depends on the improvement of accessibility to these areas through the formation of adequate connections and high - quality public spaces.

This theoretical review explores how six foundational theories, Stakeholder Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV), Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Institutional Theory, Systems Theory, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), can be integrated to guide the development of sustainable cultural tourism in the Mount Kenya region. The paper critically analyzes how these theories illuminate the relationships among cultural tourism opportunities, development, challenges, AI adoption, and socio-economic outcomes. By applying a multi-theory approach, the review demonstrates how strategic resource utilization, inclusive stakeholder engagement, supportive institutions, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) can collectively enhance community-based tourism and cultural heritage preservation. The study presents an integrated conceptual model linking independent, mediating, and dependent variables, offering a coherent theoretical foundation for empirical inquiry and policy design. Findings suggest that theory-driven, AI-enabled cultural tourism can promote equitable development, digital inclusion, and long-term sustainability in heritage-rich regions like Mount Kenya. The review concludes by highlighting the implications for research, practice, and policy, particularly in designing culturally sensitive, technology-driven tourism interventions.

Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement, big data has emerged as a pivotal force driving transformation across various industries, including traditional cultural tourism. This study delves into the application of big data technologies within this sector, focusing on innovative practices such as smart conservation at the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, refined management strategies at Suzhou Gardens, and immersive experiences offered by the “Chang'an Twelve Hours” project. Through multidimensional analysis and case studies, the authors illustrate how big data optimizes operational efficiency, enhances visitor satisfaction, and promotes cultural dissemination. The findings reveal that big data not only improves tour route planning and infrastructure layout but also enables customized services that significantly elevate the visitor experience. The paper concludes with specific contributions to the field, proposing practical solutions for leveraging big data to foster high-quality, sustainable development in traditional cultural tourism.

Sustainable tourism plays a strategic role as a catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia, particularly in promoting economic growth and decent work. This study analyzes the impact of several factors namely, the number of tourists, tourism investment, tourism foreign exchange, and the average length of tourist stays on the achievement of the SDGs in Indonesia. It utilizes secondary data from the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, covering the period from 2000 to 2023. The data analysis employs multiple linear regression, along with classical assumption testing and statistical hypothesis testing. The results indicate that both the number of tourists and domestic tourism investment positively influence the achievement of the SDGs in Indonesia. This suggests that sustainable tourism development can create decent jobs and enhance the income of local communities. Moreover, tourism has the potential to drive regional economic growth, which can subsequently contribute to national economic growth

This study examines the historical and cultural importance of the Talang Tuo Inscription and its potential as a heritage tourism resource in South Sumatra. Prior studies have predominantly concentrated on its philological and religious dimensions, resulting in a deficiency in comprehending its significance for cultural heritage management and sustainable tourism development. Commissioned by Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa in 684 AD, the inscription encapsulates Sriwijaya’s ethical, spiritual, ecological, and humanitarian perspective, highlighting welfare, social cohesion, and equilibrium with nature. This study utilizes the historical method, incorporating heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, and is based on inscription analysis, literature review, and field observations conducted at the Balaputera Dewa Museum. The findings indicate that the inscription served not only as an administrative record but also as a political and cultural manifesto that defined Sriwijaya’s identity as an ethical and ecological civilization. Currently, it has significant potential to advance heritage tourism through digital integration (AR/VR), site collaboration, and community-based management. This study emphasizes the need to convert the Talang Tuo Inscription into dynamic heritage, to enhance cultural diplomacy and sustainable heritage tourism, and to present a novel framework that amalgamates historical analysis with cultural tourism planning.

Prespa National Park, located in southeastern Albania, is part of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve extending into Greece and North Macedonia. It offers a unique landscape where natural and cultural heritage elements coexist with high potential for sustainable tourism and local development. This study integrates climate data, satellite imagery, and geospatial datasets to evaluate the challenges of sustainable management of Prespa National Park under the conditions of climate change and growing tourism pressures. Data were obtained from Copernicus reanalysis (ERA5) and Earth Explorer satellite sources, and analyzed using GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques in QGIS, combined with a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) framework to map ecological sensitivity based on slope, forest density, and land-cover indicators. The analyses have revealed warming trends, variability in precipitation, and spatial changes in the forest cover and tree density, identifying areas of high ecological sensitivity requiring targeted conservation strategies. Results highlight both the urgency of climate adaptation measures and the strong potential of Prespa National Park for ecotourism and community-based conservation. The study demonstrates that GIS/RS-based approaches provide transferable and evidence-driven tools for managing protected areas and integrating climate resilience into spatial planning.

Although the history of the Ombilin mining site and its infrastructural transformation has received scholarly attention, studies specifically tracing the functional transformation of the Goedang Ransoem Museum in Sawahlunto remain limited. This research aims to describe the process of functional transition of the Goedang Ransoem Museum from its inauguration as a museum to its transformation into a heritage tourism destination in the city of Sawahlunto. The study employs historical research methods, including the heuristic stage for data collection, followed by source criticism through external and internal evaluations, data interpretation, and historiographical writing as the final stage. The findings reveal that following the closure of the Ombilin mine in the early 1990s, various remnants of colonial infrastructure—including the former communal kitchen building for mine workers—underwent functional changes. The Goedang Ransoem Museum, which had previously served several non-museum functions, was officially inaugurated as a museum in 2005 and reclassified as a heritage tourism site in 2019. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of post-industrial spatial transformation in the context of colonial heritage preservation. The implications highlight the importance of adaptive management of historical assets as part of a sustainable cultural tourism development strategy in post-mining regions.

In response to frequent disruptions such as public health incidents and natural disasters, enhancing tourism ecological resilience (TER) has become crucial for achieving sustainable tourism development. This study constructs an evaluation index system for TER from three dimensions: resistance, recovery, and innovation. Employing the entropy weight method and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), an empirical analysis was conducted on the spatiotemporal evolution and formation mechanisms of TER in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle (CCEC) from 2013 to 2023. The results indicate that: First, although an overall upward trend in TER was observed, significant regional disparities existed. Chongqing (0.634) and Chengdu (0.491) consistently led, while the average values for the other cities were generally below 0.155, revealing a pattern characterized by “dual-core prominence and peripheral lag”. Second, the impact of the pandemic exacerbated imbalances among subsystems, with resistance, recovery, and innovation capabilities all exhibiting core–periphery differentiation. Third, fsQCA results demonstrated that high resilience was driven by a “technology-service” core coupled with auxiliary conditions such as transportation or consumption, while low resilience stemmed from multiple systemic deficiencies, including insufficient government support, underdeveloped transportation, and weak technological innovation. This study provides configurational pathways and policy implications for building regional tourism resilience.

The growth of community-based tourism (CBT) in Indonesia has positioned homestays as a strategic avenue for rural economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism development. In Bangli, Bali particularly in renowned tourism villages such as Pengelipuran and Undisan—homestays serve as key interfaces between local communities and international visitors. As English functions as the global lingua franca of tourism, oral English communication skills are essential for ensuring high-quality guest experiences. However, many homestay staff possess limited formal English training, raising concerns about their capacity to meet the communicative demands of international tourism. This study aims to assess the oral English communicative competence of Bangli homestay staff using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as the evaluative benchmark. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of communicative competence and integrating insights from tourism communication research, the study adopts a task-based assessment approach to measure performance in practical contexts such as facility descriptions, cultural explanations, and guest interaction scenarios. The findings are expected to provide a nuanced profile of staff competencies across CEFR levels, identify specific linguistic and strategic strengths and weaknesses, and inform targeted training interventions. By aligning language development initiatives with the operational realities of CBT settings, the study seeks to enhance service quality, strengthen cultural exchange, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of homestay programs in rural Bali. This research further adds to the academic discourse on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in tourism, particularly within developing country contexts.

This study evaluates the ecotourism potentials of Adamawa State with a view to promoting sustainable tourism planning and development. The specific objectives were to identify, map, and characterize natural landscapes within ethnic communities; assess their recreational and tourism significance; and examine the perceived roles of intermediaries in tourism development. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and structured interviews. Information on ethnic communities was obtained from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while population data were sourced from the Adamawa State Population Commission. Geographic coordinates of ecotourism sites were acquired using a GPS Model 76 CSX, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were applied to generate resource maps. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine significant differences. The study identified and categorized ecotourism resources such as rock formations, hills, rivers, springs, lakes, ponds, natural landscapes, and forest reserves. Key ecotourism sites include Kamale, Sukur, Zhegumi, Motochi Mountains, Ildam, Pella Basalt, Mutuku Dome, Njuwa Lake, the Mysterious Chain and Foot, and Kopre Forest—demonstrating the state's rich ecotourism potential. Findings revealed significant differences among communities in their perceptions of media, security, tour guides, attractions, transport, and accommodation, while no significant differences were found in their understanding of leisure time, frequency of visits to recreational areas, and general knowledge of ecotourism. Anticipated benefits of tourism development include physical infrastructure, economic opportunities, and social and political gains. The study recommends that both government and private investors actively explore and invest in these ecotourism resources. Additionally, appropriate intermediaries should be established at both state and local levels to ensure effective utilization and sustainable management of tourism resources in Adamawa State.

As tourism develops, more study focuses on tourism sustainable development assessment. To solve ambiguous indicators and subjective weight distributions in such evaluations, this paper proposes a hybrid model combining Fuzzy AHP (FAHP) and Grey Relational TOPSIS (GR-TOPSIS). A 13-secondary-indicator evaluation system is established across four dimensions (economy, society, environment, culture), distinguishing positive/negative indicators based on tourism’s local impacts. FAHP builds a triangular fuzzy judgment matrix, with confidence ranking to determine index weights and consistency tests to ensure weight rationality. Grey relational theory improves TOPSIS, which integrates Euclidean distance and grey relational degree to form a hybrid closeness index, overcoming traditional TOPSIS’s poor fuzzy data handling. Verified with seven tourist regions in our cases, the method yields indicator weights and final superiority–inferiority rankings. Among the seven evaluated regions, Lijiang Qinghsui (P4) achieves the highest sustainable development level (hybrid closeness: 0.693), while P6 performs the poorest. Among the 13 indicators, Tourism Revenue Contribution is the most important (weight: 0.189) and Tourists’ Cultural Respect Degree (F13) is the least important (weight: 0.015). Compared with traditional TOPSIS, this innovative model quantifies sustainable tourism development levels, offering a scientific basis for regional tourism decision-making.

Research aim . The aim of the research is to identify and evaluate the distinctive competitive advantages of ski tourism within Kazakhstan’s Almaty Aountain Aluster (AMC), and determine how these advantages can be strategically leveraged to enhance sustainable regional tourism development. Research Methodology . The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial analysis, comparative benchmarking against established ski destinations (French Alps and Georgian ski clusters), and economic impact assessments based on secondary data from governmental and international sources. GIS methodologies included data extraction via Python from open-source geospatial databases (2GIS, OpenStreetMap), proximity analysis, and infrastructure density visualization. Value of the study . This research is significant as it provides a comprehensive comparative spatial and economic analysis of AMC, a strategically crucial yet relatively understudied ski tourism destination. The combination of advanced GIS analytical tools and comparative benchmarking delivers practical insights and robust strategic recommendations, uniquely tailored to the sustainable tourism development needs of Kazakhstan. Research findings . The study identified AMC’s core competitive strengths, including its accessibility, affordability, unique cultural and ecological assets, and governmental support. At the same time, the study reveals significant infrastructure scarcities in hospitality, gastronomic services, and complementary tourist facilities were evident. Comparative analysis with Georgian and French counterparts underscored AMC’s critical need to substantially expand its infrastructure, recommending the construction of 30-40 new accommodations, 60-70 restaurants, and approximately 20-30 complementary service facilities. Strategic infrastructure development aligned with sustainable tourism practices is projected to notably enhance AMC’s tourism capacity and its contribution to Kazakhstan’s GDP by an estimated 0.5%-1.5% annually by 2027.

This study aims to explore the potential economic and socio-cultural opportunities essential for achieving sustainable tourism development in Ilug Kamalig, an emerging ecotourism destination located in the municipality of Porac, Province of Pampanga. Data collection was conducted through traditional pen-and-paper survey questionnaires administered to sixty tourists visiting Ilug Kamalig, originating from Porac and neighboring cities and provinces. The gathered data will be systematically analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including percentage distribution, mean scores, and verbal interpretation. Findings from the study underscore the significance of ecotourism as a sustainable tourism model that benefits both local communities and visitors. Ecotourism plays a vital role in preserving natural landscapes and cultural heritage, promoting environmental conservation, safeguarding indigenous traditions and ways of life, and fostering economic development. The results affirm that ecotourism attractions like Ilug Kamalig offer substantial advantages to residents, who are instrumental in harnessing these opportunities to drive meaningful change and contribute to the site's long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of a strategic marketing plan designed to assist local government units (LGUs) and tourism personnel in identifying and promoting unique products and services that can enhance the visitor experience. By empowering stakeholders and encouraging community participation, Ilug Kamalig can evolve into a thriving ecotourism hub that exemplifies sustainable development in the region.

Lake-island villages face increasing cultural–ecological pressures due to tourism expansion and rural transformation, yet few studies have systematically assessed their cultural–ecological health. To address this gap, this study aims to quantify the cultural–ecological health of lake-island villages and identify key constraints shaping their sustainability under tourism development. It proposes a quantitative assessment framework integrating the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) model and the entropy weight method to evaluate the cultural–ecological health of Weishan Island, a typical lake-island tourism area in eastern China. Four representative villages (Daguan, Gounan, Lümeng, and Xiaolizhuang) were selected based on spatial distribution and tourism development characteristics. A 27-indicator evaluation system was constructed to measure population dynamics, land pressure, cultural vitality, and governance response. The results show that: (1) indicators related to cultural inheritance and governance (e.g., cultural facility maintenance and youth participation) contribute more strongly to cultural–ecological health than demographic or land pressures; (2) the overall health levels vary significantly among villages, forming a gradient pattern of Daguan > Gounan > Lümeng > Xiaolizhuang; (3) governance response is the key factor differentiating cultural–ecological outcomes under similar development pressures; and (4) cultural facility maintenance, volunteer participation, and youth heritage transmission are common constraints. This study provides an empirical basis for cultural–ecological management in lake-island regions and offers a replicable evaluation framework for sustainable tourism development.

Understanding luxury tourists required a more comprehensive approach than traditional expenditure-based segmentation, which often overlooked travelers’ financial capacity. This study therefore aimed to develop and validate a new typology of luxury tourists by jointly analyzing income and expenditure patterns using the International Visitor Survey of South Korea. The study addressed the need to capture both tourists’ economic capability and consumption behavior to enhance the precision of market segmentation and support sustainable destination management. Using the Jenks natural breaks classification and logistic regression, four distinct tourist types were identified: economy, spurious, scrooge, and premier, each reflecting unique combinations of income and expenditure. The results revealed that age, nationality, occupation, and trip purpose significantly influenced tourists’ classification. Younger and middle-aged professionals from East Asia were more likely to belong to high-income and high-expenditure groups, whereas Western tourists tended to spend more relative to their income. This income–expenditure typology advanced theoretical understanding of luxury tourism segmentation and provided practical insights for destination marketing organizations. The findings offered new insights for understanding how the alignment between tourists’ financial capacity and spending behavior can redefine strategies for sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

In the era of social media and short-video platforms, digital content has become a central driver of urban perception, city branding, and cultural communication. Cities increasingly rely on user-generated content (UGC) to construct distinctive images, attract tourism, and engage residents, reflecting the growing intersection of digital media, urban culture, and audience participation. This study investigates the influence of Douyin (China’s TikTok) UGC on the urban image of Tianjin. Combining qualitative research with theoretical analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with both content creators and audience members to explore how UGC shapes perceptions of the city. The findings indicate that Douyin videos enhance Tianjin’s image through authentic storytelling, selective framing of cultural and urban landmarks, and emotional engagement that encourages tourism intention. The study also highlights the reciprocal relationship between creators and audiences, emphasizing the participatory nature of digital urban branding. Based on these insights, it is recommended that city authorities collaborate closely with content creators, diversify narrative strategies, integrate interactive features, and develop guidelines to ensure accurate and engaging portrayals of urban culture. These strategies can optimize digital urban branding, strengthen public perception, and support sustainable cultural and tourism development in a digitally connected era.