Sustainable Tourism Research Articles

A Study on Beach Tourism in Mangalore City

Beach tourism in Mangalore city has emerged as a promising area for growth, given its scenic coastal landscapes and tranquil beaches. This study aims to evaluate the current status of beach tourism in Mangalore, focusing on tourist preferences, available infrastructure, and the role of stakeholders in shaping sustainable tourism practices. Data was collected through a combination of structured questionnaires administered to 150 tourists and interviews with key local stakeholders, including tourism officials, beach vendors, and hotel operators. The findings reveal that while tourists appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of Mangalore's beaches, the lack of essential infrastructure—such as clean restrooms, food courts, and improved transportation—remains a significant concern. Stakeholders also emphasized the need for better coordination between the government, local businesses, and the community to promote sustainable beach tourism. Additionally, there is a growing interest in integrating eco-tourism initiatives and local cultural elements to create a unique identity for Mangalore’s coastal tourism. The study concludes that Mangalore has significant potential to become a competitive beach tourism destination, provided there is a focus on infrastructure development, strategic marketing, and the adoption of sustainable practices. The research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, tourism planners, and local businesses seeking to enhance the tourism experience while preserving the natural and cultural assets of Mangalore.

Exploring ecotourism in rural Romania: visitor perceptions in a Traditional Multiunctional Cultural Landscape

Ecotourism is increasingly gaining global attention as a strategy to cope with environmental changes and socio-economic transformations, particularly in rural areas. This study investigates visitor attitudes toward ecotourism in the eco-certified Traditional Multifunctional Cultural Landscape (TMCL) of Vama Buzăului, Central Romania, through a structured questionnaire survey. Employing a seven-statement scale derived from the Ecotourist Predisposition Scale tailored specifically for measuring visitor attitudes in TMCLs, it investigates the relationships among visitor characteristics, ecotourism attitudes, familiarity with ecotourism as a concept, and certification awareness. The results indicate a significant correlation between ecotourism familiarity and certification awareness, identifying two distinct visitor clusters based on their attitudes. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of certification in promoting sustainable tourism and offers insights for targeted marketing and educational strategies in TMCLs. Certification enhances destination credibility, marketability, sustainable practices, and community support while providing feedback to certification bodies. The findings highlight the need for educational initiatives to increase awareness among less familiar visitors, informing strategic marketing and policy development. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for preserving the ecological integrity and cultural heritage of TMCLs, supporting their sustainable development and long-term viability. The study recommends future research on the effectiveness of diverse, tailored on-site educational tools to promote ecotourism and pro-environmental behaviors in TMCLs. These insights, with their practical implications are valuable for researchers, policymakers, and ecotourism practitioners, laying the groundwork for future studies in this field.

Planning model for boosting resident engagement in sustainable tourism in Andaman Sea national parks of Thailand

ABSTRACT This study aims to develop a planning model for boosting resident engagement in promoting sustainable tourism in the Andaman Sea national parks in Thailand. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through 18 interviews with national park employees and local residents including tourism entrepreneurs. Planning knowledge for resident engagement was obtained from these data by applying the CommonKADS methodology and using structuring content analysis. Findings revealed that proactive communication and educational initiatives are crucial for fostering resident participation. Before the tourist season, national parks should collaborate with residents to conduct necessary activities, such as preparing facilities and conducting educational sessions on natural resource protection and sustainable tourism practices. Continuous collection and integration of resident feedback as responsive and adaptive to community needs can ensure the engagement process in the next planning. This systematic approach can enhance the environmental sustainability of the parks and provide economic benefits to local communities.

Sustainable Urban Branding: Insights from Rasnov’s Case Study

This study investigates the determinants of urban brand perception, with a focus on the city of Rasnov. The research aims to identify elements of local identity, assess residents’ satisfaction with urban infrastructure and quality of life, and explore attitudes towards sustainable tourism and the city’s public image. Methodologically, the study employs a quantitative approach through an online survey administered to active social media users, particularly members of local Facebook groups. A total of 627 respondents were selected using probabilistic cluster sampling. The findings reveal a significant correlation between emotional attachment to the city and favorable perceptions of urban life, underpinned by factors such as personal memories, a sense of belonging, and perceived urban tranquility. While residents report moderate satisfaction with urban infrastructure, notable concerns persist regarding the maintenance of public spaces, availability of employment opportunities, and the efficiency of public transportation. Furthermore, the level of awareness concerning the city’s branding strategy is relatively low. Key assets identified as essential for urban promotion include the Râșnoavei Keys, the Valea Cărbunării Sports Complex, local mountain trails, and the Rasnov Citadel. Respondents advocate for enhanced public communication regarding the urban branding strategy and emphasize the importance of community engagement in shaping and promoting the city’s image in alignment with residents’ aspirations.

A moderated mediation model for explaining residents’ environmental and cultural responsible behavior

IntroductionThe sustainable development of tourism in ethnic minority regions critically hinges on local residents’ adoption of environmentally and culturally responsible behaviors, yet the mechanisms and boundary conditions of the interplay among these core elements are unclear.MethodsThis empirical study integrates the theory of planned behavior (TPB), social capital theory (SCT), place attachment theory (PAT), and relative deprivation theory (RDT) to investigate factors influencing environmentally and culturally responsible behavior (RB) among residents in western Sichuan, China. Data were collected via an online survey of residents.ResultsSurvey data reveal that environmental and cultural attitudes (ECA), government trust (GT), and place attachment (PA) directly promote RB, with perceived tourism impact (PTI) mediating these relationships. Additionally, relative deprivation (RD) moderates the influence of GT and PA on RB, as well as the mediating effect of PTI on the pathways from ECA and PA to RB.DiscussionThis study contributes to the existing literature on tourism sustainability and destination resident behavior by illustrating that improving local responsibility requires strengthening cultural attitudes in addition to environmental attitudes, building local trust in the government, and fostering place attachment. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these goals depends on mitigating communities’ relative deprivation. These findings are significant for both theory and practice, and the conclusion contains policy insights and practical strategies for the sustainable development of ethnic minority area tourism communities.

Connecting green human resource management practices with employee’s pro-environmental behaviours: the role of self-efficacy and psychological green climate in the emerging hospitality industries

Abstract Green human resource management (GHRM) plays a central role in shaping an organization's environmental performance as it can foster environmentally responsible behavior and activities among employees. This study investigates how GHRM practices – including green recruitment and selection (GRS), green training and development (GTD), green performance management and appraisal (GPMA), green reward and compensation (GRC), and green empowerment (GE) – relate to pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). The mediating role of self-efficacy and psychological green climate (PGC) is also examined. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and bootstrapping were used to evaluate data from 570 Vietnamese hospitality workers across 92 hotels rated between 3 and 5 stars in diverse regions of Vietnam. The findings indicate that GHRM can only directly affect employees' PEBs by implementing GTD. However, additional GHRM practices can demonstrate the impact made feasible by the mediating effects of PGC and self-efficacy. Particularly, self-efficacy can mediate GRS, GPMA, and GE, while PGC can mediate GRC. These findings may assist marketers and policymakers in gaining valuable insights to design more effective interventions that promote sustainable tourism

Touristification and Expansion of Short-Term Rentals in Mediterranean Destinations: The Case of Rural Areas

This study analyses how the intensive use of short-term rentals (STRs) in the tourism sector contributes to the transformation and touristification of rural areas in mature tourist destinations, using the island of Mallorca, Spain, as a case study. Based on growth machine theory, the analysis innovatively examines the factors driving the expansion of STRs in rural spaces, with a focus on economic, social, and territorial dynamics. The research hypothesis is that the proliferation of STRs acts as a key element in rural touristification. Using a combination of spatial and temporal indicators, the study identifies patterns of intensification and dispersion of STRs in rural areas, offering a comparison with other Mediterranean destinations, particularly in Spain. The results show that STRs have generated significant spatial impacts, leading to the displacement of agricultural land use and increasing tensions within local communities, mainly due to rising housing prices. The study highlights the need to implement spatial planning policies that restrain the uncontrolled expansion of STRs, ensure sustainable tourism planning, and promote housing policies that protect residents from the negative effects of touristification. Various scenarios for the evolution of STRs are proposed depending on their regulation.

Projected climate suitability for Hungarian tourism in the 21st century: application of the Holiday Climate Index and modified Tourism Climate Index.

Climatic factors significantly influence travellers' destination selection and demand for tourism products. To maintain sustainable tourism development, it is essential to monitor how tourist destinations will be affected by the projected future changes in the climate system. This study aims to reveal the future impact of climate change for tourism sector in Hungary using the Holiday Climate Index specified for urban tourism (HCI-Urban) and a modified version of Tourism Climate Index (mTCI). The paper employs an ensemble of multiple climate models (ALADIN5.2 and REMO2015) and emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) to determine the future evolution of indices. Initially, the reference climatic conditions derived from the observational dataset CarpatClim-HU are presented. Then, the climate model results are validated against the observational database for both indices. Afterwards, bias-corrected model outputs are analysed for the periods 2041-2070 and 2071-2100 based on the ensemble of models and scenarios. The spatial distributions of indices are depicted on a monthly level and at a Hungarian district spatial scale. Both the observational and model results highlight that the climatic conditions are more favourable in spring and autumn compared to the summer months. It is also demonstrated that the climatic conditions in Hungary are expected to be more favourable or unchanged from autumn until spring, while there is a general worsening in summer. In terms of the future directions, larger uncertainties are found in May and September. Based on the anticipated trends, the paper pinpoints sector-specific recommendations for adapting tourism services to the altered climatic conditions.

Exploring the Motivations, Preferences, and Barriers of Camper Segments by Self-Determination Theory: A Path to Cultivating Camping Tourism

ABSTRACT This study presents the emergence of camping as a trendy form of sustainable tourism development. Although camping tourism has clear potential, the current body of knowledge about it as an alternative form of tourism, a development strategy, or a market for cultivation remains far from sufficient. The current study utilizes self-determination theory to explore the segmentation of campers based on their characteristics. A total of 324 self-administrative questionnaires were collected from car campers or tent campers in 10 government and private campsites in Hong Kong. Three segments of campers were identified: independent thinkers, self-determinant campers, and drifters. By investigating the motivation factors, perceived importance of various camping products and camping barriers for each camper segment, valuable insights with timely suggestions are provided to foster camping tourism.

Analysis of Articles Examining the Effects of Tourism on Regional Development with Bibliometric Analysis

Regional development is defined as the whole of the studies aiming to increase the welfare level of a region by considering its socio-economic status. Regional development has benefits such as providing employment opportunities in a destination with touristic value, eliminating income imbalances, helping national development, providing foreign exchange inflows to the country and having an impact on the balance of payments. The main purpose of the study is to analyze national and international articles on tourism between 2010 and 2023 with the subject of regional development in line with certain parameters. The study was theoretically designed and bibliometric analysis was applied. A total of 126 studies were reached. As a result of the study, it was concluded that national articles are less in number compared to international articles, and that the subject of regional development and tourism has increased at a certain rate, although not periodically. In the analyzed studies, economic development, economic impact, sustainable tourism, sustainable regional development and tourism development issues came to the fore. This implies that economic, sustainable and tourism-oriented activities lie at the basis of expectations from studies on regional development and tourism.

The Gendered Dynamics of the Blue Economy: Women’s Contribution to Sustainable Development in Coastal Communities

The blue economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of marine resources, has gained increasing attention for its role in promoting economic well- being in coastal communities. Gender equality, as a key factor in the blue economy, is critical for enhancing participation and promoting sustainable development in sectors such as fisheries, marine conservation, and tourism. This study investigates the impact of gender equality and women’s involvement on economic well-being in the context of the blue economy, focusing on coastal communities in Langkat Regency, North Sumatera, Indonesia. A quantitative deductive approach was employed, where a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 375 women respondents, utilizing structured questionnaires to assess three key variables: gender equality, women’s involvement, and economic well-being. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among these constructs. The results indicate that gender equality positively impacts economic well-being and significantly promotes women’s involvement in sectors such as fisheries, marine conservation, and sustainable tourism. Additionally, women’s involvement mediates the relationship between gender equality and economic well-being, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance and gender-sensitive policies. These findings highlight the critical role of women in driving sustainable development and economic growth in coastal communities. The study suggests that gender-inclusive policies are essential for achieving both economic and social benefits within the blue economy. Further research is needed to explore strategies for increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision- making roles in this sector.

From Authenticity to Sustainability: The Role of Authentic Cultural and Consumer Knowledge in Shaping Green Consumerism and Behavioral Intention to Gastronomy in Heritage Restaurants in Hail, Saudi Arabia

The present study investigates the association between perceived authenticity (PAU), GCON, and behavioral intention within heritage restaurants in Hail, Saudi Arabia. By integrating cognitive appraisal theory (CAT) and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework, this research explores how authenticity perceptions influence both cultural and gastronomic experiences and contribute to sustainable consumption behavior. Also, it investigates the moderating role of consumer knowledge (CKNOW) in enhancing GCON and its subsequent impact on the behavioral intention (BINT) to dine at heritage restaurants. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study first conducted a content analysis on online reviews to identify key attributes that shape authenticity perceptions. Subsequently, Smart PLS software was employed to conduct an analysis of 417 valid customers of heritage restaurants in Hail. The current study aims to investigate the customers of heritage restaurants in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The current findings showed that students formed a significant market share of heritage restaurants in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The findings confirm that perceived authenticity significantly enhances consumers’ cultural and gastronomic experiences, which in turn fosters GCON and strengthens the behavioral intention to visit authentic restaurants. Furthermore, GCON mediates the association between authenticity, cultural experiences, and purchase intention. Consumer knowledge further moderates this relationship, amplifying the positive effect of GCON on behavioral intention. This study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable gastronomy tourism by demonstrating the crucial interplay between authenticity, sustainability, and consumer knowledge in the heritage restaurant sector. It also offers practical recommendations for restaurant managers, policymakers, and tourism marketers to enhance the authentic dining experience while promoting environmentally responsible behavior. By fostering an awareness of cultural and environmental values, heritage restaurants can serve a critical role in advancing sustainable tourism development in Hail and beyond.

Changing tourism behaviour in Asia: a framework for inquiry and analysis

PurposeThis paper sets the foundation for the special issue of WHATT, focusing on the dynamic shifts in Asian tourism. It delineates the process of formulating key research questions that capture the essence of evolving tourist behaviours in Asia, driven by technological advancements, shifting preferences, and the impact of global events.Design/methodology/approachUtilising a comprehensive review of existing literature and recent studies, the paper synthesises key themes and emerging trends in Asian tourism. This synthesis informed the development of pertinent research questions to guide contributors in exploring the multifaceted nature of changing tourist behaviours in Asia.FindingsThe paper identifies several notable trends shaping tourism in Asia, including the rise of digitalisation, independent travel, sustainability, cultural and adventure tourism, medical tourism, and experience-based tourism. These trends underscore the need for adaptive strategies and innovative approaches in the tourism industry.Practical implicationsThe key research questions and identified trends offer a roadmap for academics and practitioners to investigate the evolving landscape of Asian tourism. The paper recommends a multidisciplinary approach to researching and addressing these trends, emphasising the need for sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven strategies. The insights gained from this thematic exploration can aid in shaping policies and practices that align with the changing preferences and behaviours of Asian tourists. The findings are pertinent to policymakers, tourism industry professionals, academic researchers, and destination marketing organisations.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the field by systematically identifying and framing the critical research areas essential for understanding and responding to the changing dynamics of Asian tourism.

Developing Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Times of Transition: Economic and Social Resilience in Destination Communities and the New Role of DDMMOs—Editorial Note

This article belongs to the Special Issue “Developing Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Times of Transition: Economic and Social Resilience in Destination Communities and the New Role of DDMMOs” [...]

Unveiling sustainable tourism themes with machine learning based topic modeling

This study explores the intersection of sustainable and green tourism with 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), identifying key themes and emerging interdisciplinary configurations. Using the PRISMA framework, we analyzed publications covering the years 2015–2023. A machine learning-based BERTopic model was employed to extract meaningful topics and map publications to the relevant SDGs. This study reveals a strong link between sustainable tourism and multiple SDGs. Seven key themes illustrate the role of sustainable tourism in fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and community resilience. Geotourism and geoheritage development contribute to quality education (SDG 4) by promoting geological knowledge and conservation while generating local economic opportunities. The tourism-energy-economy nexus highlights the need for clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13) to mitigate emissions linked to tourism-driven economic expansion. Mangrove ecosystem ecotourism management safeguards biodiversity and strengthens life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15) while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Rural and smart data-driven tourism enhance decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by integrating technology and local resources into sustainable development strategies. Ecotourism and community engagement empower local populations, fostering sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) through collaborative conservation efforts. Finally, eco-destinations and tourist engagement emphasize responsible consumption and cultural heritage preservation, reinforcing responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Together, these themes underscore tourism’s broader role in achieving the SDGs by balancing economic benefits with environmental and social sustainability. Our findings add to policy-making and strategic planning, emphasizing the need for a more subtle approach to sustainable tourism, considering diverse regional contexts. Future research should focus on applying technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data, conducting in-depth case studies, examining socioeconomic impacts on local communities, and evaluating policy effectiveness to increase its contribution to achieving the SDGs.Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.

Exploring Sustainable Tourism Research Trends: A Literature Review of the Last Decade

Sustainable tourism has emerged as a critical focus in contemporary discussions surrounding environmental conservation and social responsibility. As global tourism continues to expand, the need for sustainable practices becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate adverse impacts on natural ecosystems and support local communities. This article presents a systematic literature review dedicated to exploring the key research trends in sustainable tourism from 2015 to 2024. The review aims to synthesize existing knowledge and highlight the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector. Data for this review was collected from the Scopus database, utilizing the keywords "sustain* tourism". This search yielded a total of 620 articles, reflecting a robust body of research in this vital area. A thematic evolution analysis was subsequently conducted to map the most prominent research areas and uncover existing gaps and opportunities for future inquiry. By focusing on the evolution of themes within the field, this study provides insights into both current and emerging topics relevant to sustainable tourism. Findings show that, the themes in sustainable tourism research have shown both divergence and convergence over time. From 2015–2019, "sustainable tourism" split into "sustainable tourism," "governance," and "development" by 2020–2022, with the latter two peaking during this period. Simultaneously, topics like "community participation," "place attachment," and others converged into "sustainable tourism." By 2023–2024, research trends displayed greater specificity. The findings from this literature review are importance to various stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, businesses, and governmental agencies. By offering a thorough perspective on sustainable tourism research, the review aims to facilitate informed decision-making processes and foster the development of more effective strategies that address sustainability challenges within the tourism industry. Furthermore, this article serves as a vital resource for guiding future research endeavours and practical applications aimed at resolving the complex issues associated with sustainability in tourism. Ultimately, the emphasis on sustainable tourism practices not only contributes to the conservation of natural and cultural resources but also ensures the well-being of local communities and the overall health of tourist destinations. By fostering collaborative efforts, this review underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into the core of tourism development strategies for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Policy Approaches to Sustainable and Circular Economy Tourism: Comparative Case Studies of Japan and China

This study compares Japan and China's tourism policies, focusing on sustainability and the circular economy. Post-COVID-19, the circular economy has emerged as a vital framework for sustainable tourism recovery. Using three criteria—efficient resource use, contributions to regional economies, and environmental and social well-being—this research evaluates policies through comparative case studies. Japan employs a decentralized approach, led by local governments and DMOs, emphasizing ecotourism and cultural preservation. China adopts a centralized, top-down approach, prioritizing large-scale infrastructure and digital technologies for policy efficiency. The findings reveal Japan's focus on long-term sustainability through community-driven, culturally sensitive policies, while China emphasizes rapid economic growth and tourism expansion through centralized planning. The study proposes a hybrid model integrating regional flexibility with centralized coherence to balance sustainability and economic growth. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism by analysing contrasting governance structures and their implications for policy-making.

International Economic Relations and Sustainable Tourism: The Case of Greece

International economic relations are increasingly shaping the trajectory of global tourism, with profound implications for sustainability and environmental management. Economic partnerships, trade agreements, foreign investments, and technological innovations not only drive the development of tourism infrastructure but also influence sustainable practices through resource efficiency, environmental regulations, and cultural conservation. While these international dynamics can promote growth, they also pose risks of overtourism and environmental degradation if sustainability is not integrated into the core strategies of tourism development. The challenge lies in aligning economic growth with sustainable tourism practices, particularly in destinations heavily reliant on international tourism flows. This study examines the impact of international economic relations on sustainable tourism in Greece, with a specific focus on the Peloponnese region. By conducting in-depth interviews with policy-makers, the research explores how global economic interactions—such as trade policies, foreign direct investments, and tourism agreements—coupled with technological innovation, influence both the development and sustainability of the local tourism sector. Special attention is given to how cutting-edge technologies, such as digital platforms, data analytics, and smart tourism solutions, are leveraged to enhance environmental management and resource conservation. The study also addresses the opportunities and challenges faced by policy-makers in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, providing key insights into the role of international cooperation and technology-driven solutions in promoting a sustainable future for tourism in Greece. The findings offer valuable policy recommendations for enhancing sustainable tourism practices in Greece and other regions navigating the complexities of global economic interdependence.

Virtual Reality for Responsible Tourism: A Case Study of Jordan's Coral Reef

The present study examines the potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences to shape more conscious and sustainable tourism attitudes, considering the dynamic challenges posed by mass tourism's negative environmental impact. VR enables the exploration of sensitive ecosystems, such as coral reefs, without the risk of damaging them, and this is the focus of the present study, which examines the potential of VR to shape more conscious and sustainable tourism attitudes. The study focuses on a coral reef in Aqaba, Jordan, a key marine ecosystem threatened by mass tourism. The experiment involved 527 participants who took a virtual tour of Jordan combined with education about coral reefs. A mixed-methods approach was used, and data were collected through surveys and interviews after the VR experience. The results indicate participants' strong emotional response to environmental issues and their willingness to adopt greener tourism practices, such as sustainable transportation and support for local initiatives. Many respondents considered virtual tourism a viable alternative to travel to sensitive destinations. The results may be useful for tourism organisations, policymakers and researchers working on sustainable tourism development and environmental education.

Sustainable Waste Management as a Determinant of Quality of Life in Croatian Island Communities

This study examines the impact of sustainable waste management on the quality of life of the inhabitants of Croatian island communities, focusing on how waste management practices contribute to sustainable tourism development. This study aims to provide policymakers and local stakeholders with insights into the implementation of effective waste management strategies that improve environmental protection and the well-being of residents. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable waste management in island communities, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging waste reduction and recycling, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). This study uses a survey-based quantitative research method, collecting data from 585 residents of the Kvarner islands using a structured questionnaire. The hypotheses are tested, and the relationships between waste management practices, quality of life, and sustainable tourism development are looked at using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This study concludes that sustainable waste management, driven by the active participation of residents in waste separation and recycling, significantly increases the quality of life of residents and supports the sustainable development of tourism on the Kvarner islands. This study concludes that effective waste management supported by community participation is crucial for improving the quality of life of residents and promoting sustainable tourism on the Croatian islands. It emphasizes that integrating sustainable waste management practices into tourism development policies can conserve environmental resources and ensure the long-term well-being of communities.