Sustainable Tourism Practices Research Articles

Self-transcendent emotions as the locomotive of value co-creation in sustainable tourism: a horizon 2050 paper

Purpose This paper aims to outline the role of self-transcendent emotions (STEs) such as compassion, gratitude and elevation in the context of sustainable tourism. It proposes a research agenda for further investigation of these emotions as facilitators of value co-creation in sustainable tourism. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the literature on the psychology of STEs, sustainable tourist behaviour and value co-creation, this paper pinpoints potential developments and challenges associated with STEs in the domain of sustainable tourism by following a service-dominant logic approach. Findings STEs are likely to have a profound impact on sustainable tourism leading to value co-creation and mitigating the risk of value co-destruction and value no-creation. They can facilitate value co-creation by shifting the focus of actors from their own selves towards others in the tourism ecosystem, shifting the focus from extrinsic to intrinsic motivations and increasing moral values. Moreover, STEs are expected to be contiguous and reciprocal, fostering value co-creation in sustainable tourism practices. However, extreme levels of STEs can lead to value co-destruction and value no-creation. Originality/value This paper highlights the role of STEs as facilitators of value co-creation in sustainable tourism, a facet that has been overlooked in the existing literature. Further investigation is necessary in different contexts such as transformative and regenerative tourism; societal or individual crises and failures and the applications of technologies such as the Metaverse and artificial intelligence.

Interpretation and Practice of Sustainable Tourism Among Accommodation Providers

Even though sustainable hotel initiatives can increase guests' satisfaction, only a few studies have been conducted on operationalising sustainability. This study focuses on the interpretation of sustainability among accommodation providers and the practices they implement regarding sustainability. in-depth interviews with the managers of hotels and guesthouses are used as the qualitative method to obtain necessary data. The critical selection criterion was the appearance of sustainability in management, especially in communication. The findings show that accommodation providers associate sustainability primarily with environmental aspects, several interviewees describe themselves as “unusual”, and only a few respondents reported that they share their experiences with other service providers. An important implication of the study is that greater emphasis should be put on education and cooperation among service providers.

Pagelaran Pottery Village: Culture-Education Resin-Concrete Souvenir in Industrial Tourism

This implementation aims to develop resin-concrete souvenirs as a superior product for the pottery industry tourism in Pagelaran Village, with the aim of promoting cultural education and enhancing the visitor experience. Pagelaran Village, renowned for its heritage in pottery production and traditional cultural practices, faces challenges in preserving its cultural identity and attracting tourists amid changing consumer preferences. Consequently, this activity explores the concept of resin-concrete souvenirs as a method to convey the cultural identity of Pagelaran Village pottery according to tourist preferences. Implementation of this activity employed a mixed approach, combining qualitative interviews with local artisans and quantitative surveys of tourists, to gather insights into the village’s cultural heritage and visitor preferences. The resin-concrete souvenir prototype in the form of merchandise was designed by amalgamating traditional pottery motifs and cultural elements unique Pagelaran Village. Subsequently, it underwent user tests and feedback sessions to ensure their aesthetic appeal, durability, and ability to evoke cultural narratives. The resin-concrete souvenir prototype has significant potential as a superior product in industrial tourism. The integration of traditional pottery with modern materials enables the creation of products that are both visually appealing and culturally relevant. Additionally, tourist responses show high interest in souvenirs characterized by authentic and narrative cultural experiences. This implementation contributes to the development of souvenirs in the context of industrial tourism, emphasizing the significance of education and preservation of cultural heritage. Besides bolstering the economy of Pagelaran Village, resin-concrete souvenirs can educate visitors about the village’s cultural heritage, thereby encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Keywords: resin, concrete, souvenir, pottery, pagelaran

Assessing the carrying capacity for the environmental protection of the ancient artworks of India’s Ajanta caves

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate environmental factors impacting Ajanta mural deterioration, assessing global tourism effects and visitor conduct on cave environment and murals. This study recognizes stakeholder roles in conservation, providing data-driven insights to guide institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India. The objective is sustainable tourism practices to balance public access with mural preservation for future generations. Design/methodology/approach Over 25 years, Ajanta Caves' visitors doubled, impacting microclimatic conditions for ancient murals. This study assesses visitor impact to establish a regime and determine carrying capacity, considering temperature, humidity and pollution. Challenges arise from quantifying capacity because of variables. This research informs global tourism and heritage conservation, offering methodologies applicable to cultural sites worldwide. Findings This study examines environmental impacts on mural preservation in Ajanta Caves, including humidity, microbial growth, sunlight exposure, air quality and tourist presence. Tourist influx escalates CO2 levels, directly endangering murals. Concerns about particulate matter, especially during visits, emphasize the need for data-driven decision-making and modern technology use to protect Ajanta Caves' artwork, crucial because of its global significance and tourism-related vulnerabilities. Social implications This study carries substantial social implications with a global resonance. The active engagement of the local community and tourism stakeholders in conserving and promoting the Ajanta Caves fosters empowerment, igniting a sense of pride, ownership and responsibility among residents and ensuring sustainable enjoyment of cultural heritage while safeguarding it for future generations. In addition, there will be socioeconomic benefits to local residents such as employment opportunities as tour operators, tour guides, hospitality staff, artisans and souvenir shopkeepers. Originality/value This study integrates art conservation, environmental science, cultural heritage preservation and social aspects to address global tourism challenges. Focusing on a site of worldwide significance, this study offers practical strategies for artwork preservation, tourism management and environmental concerns. These recommendations provide real-world solutions applicable to heritage sites globally, bridging scientific analysis with social and cultural insights.

From traditional to innovation: A comprehensive Analysis of Tourism's Evolution and its Global influence on New Era Dynamics

Tourism is a multifaceted phenomenon that has undergone significant evolution over time, transitioning from traditional mass tourism models to more diversified and sustainable approaches. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of tourism's evolution and its global influence on new era dynamics, drawing on a diverse range of literature and research findings. The study examines key drivers, trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the contemporary tourism landscape, with a focus on the transition from conventional to innovative practices. The analysis reveals a gradual shift towards innovative tourism models that prioritize authenticity, sustainability, and personalized experiences, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global socio-economic trends. This evolution has profound implications for new era dynamics at the global level, including increased connectivity, cross-cultural exchange, and economic growth, but also challenges such as over tourism, environmental degradation, and socio-cultural tensions. To address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities, stakeholders in the tourism industry are urged to embrace innovation, sustainability, and collaboration as guiding principles for future development. Recommendations include promoting sustainable tourism practices, addressing over tourism through destination management, fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement, and investing in capacity building and education. By adopting a holistic approach to tourism development that balances economic, environmental, and social considerations, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of the tourism landscape and chart a course towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping the tourism industry and provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders seeking to harness the transformative power of tourism for positive impacts on people, planet, and prosperity.

Implementation of Chse Certificate for Tourism Object Management in Banyumas (Halal Tourism Perspective)

Objective: The aim of this research is to analyze regulations set by the Minister of Tourism and the creative industry for managers of tourism, hospitality, culinary, cafes, entertainment venues, and Tourism Villages to have Clenleness (Cleanliness), Health (Health), Safety (Safety), and Environmental Sustainability certificates. Theoretical Framework: The regulations set by the Minister of Tourism and the creative industry for managers of tourism, hotels, culinary, cafes, entertainment venues, and tourism villages to have Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability certificates (CHSE) provides a guarantee (Cuarent) for consumers in terms of Clean, Beautiful, Safe, and Safe. Method: I used a qualitative approach in this field research in presenting and analysis the data. The subjects are authorities in board of culture and tourism (DINPORABUDPAR) of the Banyumas Regency and managers of 5 (five) tourist objects. I did pre-research to determine the integration of the value of halal tourism to the CHSE certificate in the management of tourism objects in Banyumas. I have conducted observation, interviews, and documentation to collecting the data. Further, I investigated about the potential and matters related to the implementation of the CHSE certificate in Banyumas. Results and Discussion: This study found that the CHSE certificate has been implemented in four tourism objects in Banyumas. Meanwhile, one of them (Maskumambang) is in the submission stage. Why is a CHSE certificate significant, because it can increase the competitiveness of tourist objects and can describe the readiness of tourism objects in welcoming tourists. In developing halal tourism, the Banyumas government must have the political will, the application of halal industry regulations, the provision of infrastructure and facilities, the provision of human resources, and sufficient budget allocation. Overall, the tourism infrastructure managed by the Banyumas district government has partially met the requirements for halal tourism. Research Implications: the research findings highlight the importance of implementing CHSE certificates and integrating halal tourism values in tourism management in Banyumas Regency to enhance competitiveness, meet consumer expectations, and promote sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. Originality/Value: The originality and value of the research lie in its unique focus on integrating halal tourism values with CHSE certification, promoting government collaboration, enhancing competitiveness and consumer assurance, emphasizing sustainability and cultural sensitivity, and providing practical implications for tourism management in Banyumas Regency

Wilderness as Tourism Destination: Place Meanings and Preferences of Tourism Service Providers

The increase in wilderness use for nature-based tourism has complex implications for wilderness management. Tourism service providers play an important role in shaping tourism development trends, which can have an impact on wilderness. This stresses the importance of studying their perceptions and preferences regarding wilderness management. This study explores the meanings wilderness areas contain for tourism operators, the relationship of these meanings with wilderness management and development preferences, and the potential of place-based approaches to contribute to wilderness management. The study is based on 47 semi-structured interviews with tourism service providers offering services within or near the Icelandic Central Highlands, known for their vast, high-quality wilderness areas. The findings emphasize the importance of place meanings assigned by tourism service providers in shaping wilderness management preferences. The study highlights the usefulness of place-based management approaches, which can help identify potential conflicts between tourism and wilderness preservation, select proactive measures to minimize tourism’s impact on wilderness quality, and thereby facilitate sustainable tourism practices in wilderness.

Assessing the impact of green finance on sustainable tourism development in China

The escalating urgency to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable development globally has emphasized the critical role of Green Finance (GF) in fostering responsible practices across industries. The tourism sector has drawn significant attention due to its substantial environmental impact, necessitating the implementation of robust financial mechanisms to mitigate its ecological footprint. China, recognized as a key player in the global tourism arena, the convergence of rapid economic expansion and the imperative for environmental conservation presents a distinctive set of challenges and opportunities. The study employed the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodologies to systematically evaluate the impact of GF. The findings of fuzzy AHP indicate the critical role of environmental sustainability measures (GF2) as the topmost impacting factor. This refers to the practice of utilizing financial mechanisms and instruments to support initiatives that promote environmental conservation, minimize ecological footprints, and foster sustainable development. While financial allocation and effectiveness (GF1) and policy and regulatory framework impact (GF4) also hold significant importance in shaping sustainable tourism development. Moreover, the results of fuzzy TOPSIS identified top strategies such as green bond innovation for ecosystem regeneration (S1) and circular economy integration (S4), which can play a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism practices by facilitating initiatives aimed at ecosystem regeneration and integrating circular economy principles into the tourism industry.

Case Study of Deterioration of Mansar Lake and Comparative Study of FAB and SBR Technologies in Sewage Treatment Plant

The deterioration of Mansar Lake, a significant tourist attraction and a vital water resource in India, has become a matter of concern due to the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents. The present study aims to investigate the factors leading to the degradation of Mansar Lake and the effectiveness of two advanced sewage treatment technologies, Fixed Activated Beds (FAB) and Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR), in treating sewage waste. The study begins with a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the degradation of Mansar Lake, including the inflow of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff, as well as the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities. The research then moves on to the comparative study of FAB and SBR technologies, evaluating their performance in terms of pollutant removal efficiency, energy consumption, and operational costs. The results of the study show that both FAB and SBR technologies are effective in treating sewage waste, with SBR technology having a slight edge in terms of pollutant removal efficiency. However, FAB technology is more cost-effective and energy-efficient, making it a more viable option for developing countries with limited resources. The study concludes with recommendations for the implementation of FAB technology in the sewage treatment plant serving Mansar Lake, as well as the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent the inflow of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into the lake. The study also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education in preserving the lake's ecological balance and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Mansar Lake, sewage treatment, FAB technology, SBR technology, pollutant removal efficiency, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, sustainable tourism.

The Power of Diversity and Inclusion in the Indian Tourism Industry: A Narrative-based Approach

This research examines the transformative power of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in shaping the future of the Indian tourism industry. As India’s rich array of cultures, religions, and ethnicities continues to attract global travelers, ensuring inclusive representation becomes the utmost. The industry’s growth centers on reflecting this lively diversity, moving beyond stereotypical portrayals, and embracing an assembly of narratives. This research proposes a new model for Indian tourism that celebrates these diverse experiences, developing a sense of connection among all visitors. By showcasing the many-sided beauty of India, this inclusive approach not only broadens market appeal but also promotes responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, D&I holds significant economic potential by attracting a wider audience, fostering loyalty amongst domestic and international travelers, and ensuring the industry’s relevance in the global market. Eventually, this research stresses the necessity to shift towards a tourism model that celebrates the innate diversity of India, supporting inclusivity and contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for the industry.

Analysis of two coastal pelagic fish species (Sardinella aurita and Scomber colias) for early detection of the impact of anthropogenic metals released into the marine environment

In this study, the concentrations of several metals (Al, Cd,Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) were analyzed in two species of fish (S. aurita and S. colias) in different years, including the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest values of metals such as Al were found in the years 2019 8.661±0.434 mg/kg in S. colias and 6.487±1.485 mg/kg in S. aurita, and the year with the lowest concentration was 2020; 7.5±0.146 mg/kg in S. colias and 4.405±0.823 mg/kg in S. aurita, this pattern of concentrations occurs similarly for the other metals studied. Significant differences were found in the concentrations of these metals in both types of fish over the years. In general, metal concentrations were higher in 2019 and lower in 2020, coinciding with the period of reduced human activity during the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced human activity led to a decrease in metal pollution in the marine environment, which had a positive impact on fish. However, it was noted that these effects may be temporary and may reverse when normal economic activities resume. These two fish species are sensitive indicators of metal pollution in the marine environment and it is important to take measures to reduce the release of contaminating metals into the environment. The need to adopt sustainable tourism practices and stricter environmental regulations to protect marine ecosystems is also mentioned.

Encouraging Religion and Sustainable Tourism as a Conception of Indonesian Halal Tourism Development

Objective: This study aims to explore and analyse the development of halal tourism in Indonesia, focusing on the synergy between religion and sustainable tourism. The aim is to understand how religion and sustainable tourism principles can support the growth of halal tourism and its potential economic and social benefits. Theoretical Framework: The study draws on halal tourism, religion, and sustainable tourism. It examines how religion can provide a moral and ethical foundation for halal tourism practices and how sustainable tourism principles, including nature and cultural conservation, can be integrated into the development of halal tourism. Method: Qualitative methods are employed in this study, including interviews and observations. Informants from religious institutions, tourism organisations, and local communities are selected to gather insights and perspectives on the development of halal tourism in Indonesia. Results and Conclusion: The study's findings highlight the importance of the synergy between religion and sustainable tourism in the development of halal tourism in Indonesia. Religion provides guidance and direction for halal practices. The development of halal tourism based on this concept can bring economic opportunities, improve the quality of tourism services, and strengthen Indonesia's position as a leading halal tourism destination. Implications: The study's findings affect policymakers, tourism organizations, and local communities. They emphasise the need for supportive policies and collaborations to promote and implement sustainable halal tourism practices. Novelty: This study contributes to the existing literature on halal tourism by examining the synergy between religion and sustainable tourism in the context of Indonesia.

Residents’ Risk Perception in Developing Destinations

This paper addresses a gap in research concerning local communities’ perceptions of emerging tourism destinations through the lens of risk perception theory. Despite extensive exploration of perceived risk across disciplines, little attention has been paid to how local communities perceive the risks associated with tourism development. This article aims to propose a framework to explore the multifaceted aspects of residents’ risk perception, encompassing various types of risks, emotions, personal factors, and the role of the media. By formulating research questions that probe into these dimensions, the paper also aims to provide a background for empirical studies that validate and refine the proposed model. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of local community perceptions, offering insights for policymakers and practitioners to foster sustainable tourism practices and community engagement.

Stakeholder engagement in advancing sustainable ecotourism: an exploratory case study of Chilika Wetland

Ecotourism, over time, has emerged as a preferred strategy for resource utilization within protected areas of developing nations, as it effectively bridges the gap between ecological conservation imperatives and the imperative for local economic development. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted impacts of ecotourism on local communities, with due consideration given to its environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Furthermore, the research endeavors to evaluate the degree of stakeholder engagement in fostering sustainable tourism practices within ecotourism initiatives. Thematic content analysis has been used and the data for the analysis has been sourced through field observations, key informant discussions and different secondary sources. This research examines the dynamic interaction between local communities and ecotourism aspects in the Chilika Wetland in India, using the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework. It promotes a comprehensive decision-making method that considers the Triple Bottom Line and Community-oriented Collaborative approach. Findings underscore the potential for Chilika’s ecosystem restoration and mitigating adverse tourist impacts with effective ecotourism governance. The need for collaboration among stakeholders becomes crucial for the effective administration of ecotourism, as shown by the instance of Mangalajodi, which exemplifies the successful outcome of community-led ecotourism. Nevertheless, certain prerequisites, such as knowledge dissemination, training, financial support, cultural promotion, eco-friendly infrastructure, and a commitment to conservation, have been recognized as necessary for ensuring long-term community involvement in ecotourism initiatives.

Transitioning from green screens to green scenes: Exploring how short videos influence Gen Z’s choice of eco-conscious travel destinations

The digital era has brought immense attention to the tourism industry through the pervasive influence of social media. Social media content profoundly shapes travel aspirations among the Chinese Generation Z, mainly through short videos. This study aims to unravel the intricate dynamics between short videos and Gen Z’s travel preferences, shedding light on their motivations, environmental consciousness, and adoption of sustainable tourism practices. Three regression models were applied in this study to shed light on this correlation. The initial model examines factors influencing the general travel intentions of Chinese Gen Z. The subsequent model delves into determinants affecting the adoption of responsible tourism practices among Gen Z. Then, the last model identifies factors contributing to tourism-related environmental awareness among this population. Through empirical analysis conducted via a structured questionnaire administered to 506 Chinese Gen Z individuals, this study’s findings confirm that well-crafted short videos significantly impact the travel intentions of Chinese youth, thereby fostering responsible tourism practices and increasing environmental consciousness. This highlights the pivotal role of argumentation quality and source credibility in shaping Gen Z’s travel intentions, underscoring the importance of credibility in promoting responsible tourism practices and environmental awareness. Furthermore, this study analysis reveals that females exhibit greater susceptibility to the influence of short video content on travel decisions than males. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical role of integrating short video content into marketing strategies within the tourism sector, particularly in the Gen Z demographic.

Understanding The Impact of Culture as A Destination Image Attribute on Sustainable Tourism

This study aims to underscore the pivotal role of cultural attributes in shaping destination image and examines their implications for sustainable tourism. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the study proposes a conceptual framework to delve into the multifaceted effects of cultural attributes on destination image formation and offers strategies and guidelines for fostering sustainable tourism practices. The findings of the study underscore the significance of cultural attributes in bolstering the competitiveness of destination images in sustainable tourism, while also analyzing their interconnectedness across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The societal impact of this study lies in highlighting the pivotal role of cultural attributes in shaping perceptions and allure associated with destination images, thereby furnishing a vital reference point for crafting and executing a targeted research agenda in urban tourism. Ultimately, this study furnishes a valuable theoretical framework and perspective conducive to the advancement of sustainable tourism endeavors.

BAWAH RESERVE: EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES OF SUSTAINABLE LUXURY TOURISM ON ANAMBAS ISLAND

This article publication aims to examine the Bawah Reserve’s efforts towards sustainability, a luxury resort located on remote and marine conservation area Anambas Island, Indonesia. Its appeal is based on luxury, but it also offers insights into the small island’s nature and community development. By analyzing the content based on the grounded theory approach, this study sheds light on the opportunities that arise when striving for both opulence and environmental responsibility in the context of tourism. The paper attempts to address how eco-luxury is projected by management and perceived by customers and community. A qualitative study was adopted, and the findings identify four themes: Sustainable Management, Sustainable Socioeconomic Benefits, Cultural Heritage and Reduced Cultural Impacts, and Environmental Protection and Conservation. The findings of sustainable tourism practices in Bawah Reserve, such as tourism packages based on natural conservation and community empowerment as well as eco-friendly infrastructure and operations add to the literature review and case studies in the field of sustainable luxury tourism, the majority of which focus on Bali or Maldives. This study offers insights for achieving a harmonious balance between luxury tourism and sustainability on a remote island within the Indonesian context.

Open innovation big data analytics and its influence on sustainable tourism development: A multi-dimensional assessment of economic, policy, and behavioral factors

This study investigates the increasingly important issue of sustainable tourism development through the lens of Big Data analytics, economic considerations, and policy frameworks. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we formulated seven hypotheses to explore how these variables impact attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and actual engagement in sustainable tourism. Using a questionnaire-based survey we collected data from N=398 respondents and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis, we found substantial evidence supporting our hypotheses. Findings revealed that Big Data analytics significantly influence attitudes towards sustainable tourism. Economic factors shape societal norms and expectations regarding sustainable tourism, whereas policy frameworks impact individuals' perceived control over sustainable tourism activities. The study also confirmed that positive attitudes towards sustainable tourism led to higher intentions to engage in such practices, which in turn are predictive of actual engagement. Furthermore, societal norms and perceived behavioural control were found to be significant predictors of both the intention to engage in and the actual engagement with sustainable tourism practices. Overall, the results indicate that Big Data analytics play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviors towards sustainable tourism. Moreover, economic and policy considerations were also found to be key determinants. This research not only fills a scholarly gap but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and business stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Latent Factors of Sustainable Tourism Practices and Green Hospitality Measures in Gilgit Baltistan, North Pakistan

The tourism activities and hospitality services are part and parcel to each other; therefore, adaptation of green management within hospitality services is inevitable for development of tourism in sustainable way. The current study therefore determines the factors responsible for development of tourism in sustainable way and green management within hospitality entities throughout Gilgit Baltistan (GB) region. Quantitative data through a structured set of questionnaire is acquired from the registered hospitality units of the study area including hotels and guest houses. Yamane’s formula is used to specify the sample size from the targeted population. Following the result of applied formula, 177 hospitality managers out of 499 total registered hospitality units are approached from all the three divisions of Gilgit Baltistan. To determine the latent factors, factor analysis is applied on the data through statistical software. To ensure the appropriateness of the statistical analysis, Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test‎‎ is applied initially. KMO sampling adequacy of 0.626 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity with most significant value of (p < 0.001) endorsed the appropriateness of the proposed analysis. Rotated Components Matrix through Kaiser Normalization concluded seven latent factors with different components of variances including six factors related to hospitality management services. Hence green management in hospitality is necessary for sustainability in tourism.

Expanding records of occurrence of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in The Bahamas and a call for sustainable tourism practices.

This report updates our understanding of whale shark occurrences in The Bahamas by drawing upon a variety of data sources. Our findings reveal previously unreported sighting locations, often associated with tourism activities, underscoring the pivotal role played by nontraditional data sources in addressing knowledge gaps. These revelations emphasize the ongoing necessity for monitoring efforts. Additionally, we have found cases that raise concerns related to unregulated human-shark interactions in the region, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable tourism practices within Bahamian waters.