Tourist Destination Research Articles

The Use of Former Stone Excavations in Natural Tourism in Setigi for Raising Village Original Income from a Green Economy Perspective

The government of Indonesia is intensively improving the tourism sector, especially tourist villages. For example, there is one village that has now succeeded in exploring its tourism potential. The village has the potential to become an independent village and be even dubbed as a billionaire village. The name of the village is Sekapuk Village, which is precisely located in Ujungpangkah District, Gresik Regency. This study aims to determine and analyze the use of former stone excavations in natural tourism after the village’s original income from a green economy perspective. The study uses the descriptive-qualitative method. The subject of the study is natural tourism from the perspective of the green economy to raise the village’s original income. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and literature studies. The result of the study is that Setigi Nature Tourism is a tourist destination that adheres to the principle of green economy, can build a beautiful village tourism, and can be known to foreign countries. With tourism development, not only can the community’s economic problems be solved, but the existence of tourism also affects the village’s original income. There needs to be innovation and promotion so that natural tourism can be more developed and advanced. Keywords: village, tourism, development

Effects of Climate Change on the Future Attractiveness of Tourist Destinations in Greece

Climate change is a major challenge for the global tourism sector, affecting destinations worldwide. Greece, known for its scenery and abundant cultural history, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. Tourism is a key driver of Greece’s economy, yet climate change threatens both natural environments and cultural sites. To evaluate the impacts of climate change on different types of Greek tourism (beach, sightseeing, winter tourism in mountainous areas), the widely used Holiday Climate Index (beach and urban versions) alongside three additional climatic indices customized for Greek climatic conditions, namely the Urban Climate Comfort Index, the Beach Utility Index, and the Mountainous Winter Climate Index were utilized for top tourist destinations of Greece. The results indicate that urban tourism may face challenges during peak summer months due to rising temperatures, but the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) will offer improved conditions, potentially extending the tourist season. For beach tourism, favorable conditions are expected to increase from April to October, with significant gains in June and September. Winter tourism in mountainous areas, especially snow-dependent activities like skiing, is at risk due to the declining snow availability. Overall, the study highlights both the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change for Greece’s tourism sector. It emphasizes the importance of adaptation strategies, including infrastructural improvements and promoting alternative activities, to minimize negative impacts and enhance the future attractiveness of Greek tourism.

Tourism-generated energy use characteristics and sustainability transitions

Mountain tourism destinations are characterized as significantly impacted by their remoteness, seasonal climatic variations, and fragile ecosystems. These factors greatly influence the development, distribution, and consumption of energy sources in the tourism sector. With the increasing popularity of mountain parks and protected areas as tourism destinations, it is critical to understand the interplay between tourism development (e.g. expansion of tourism facilities), patterns of energy sources (diversity and consumption levels) in the tourism sector, and overall sustainability of resources use at the destination level. Current literature reveals a dearth of research on energy issues in mountain protected areas, which is somewhat surprising as energy and resource consumption issues are becoming more important from a climate change perspective. This paper examines contemporary energy use patterns in the Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park of Nepal. A mixed methods is applied to analyze development trends and transitions in energy use. Data were collected based on questionnaire surveys of tourism facilities, complemented by semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that energy sources used in the facilities have gone through a significant change, from a firewood-dependent tourism center to increasing use of alternative sources including liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and hydroelectricity. About one-third of the facilities did not use firewood. The heterogeneous geographic distribution of the facilities affects the spatial use of energy sources. Furthermore, we argue that the coordination efforts between the national park administration and local communities, the growth of tourism, the construction of hydropower plants, and the advancement of transportation are the leading causes of the changes in energy use patterns. Knowledge of the energy use characteristics and drivers influencing the energy transitions can inform future policies that promote a low-carbon economy in mountain destinations.

Sojourning and Being Well Among Contemporary Chinese Gay Men in a Tourism Destination: An Extension of Dynamic Equilibrium Theory

This study proposes an extension of the dynamic equilibrium model to investigate the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the well-being experiences of Chinese gay tourists visiting Thailand. The enhanced model incorporates elements such as stock-challenge, flow-resource, and self-concept clarity, which illuminate the intrinsic dynamics of the inner well-being framework. Findings were derived from a video ethnography conducted collaboratively by researchers and participants. The results demonstrate that the impact of sojourning on well-being among gay Chinese travelers is influenced by their typical life and travel experiences, as well as the personalized meanings they associate with tourism and well-being. These responses are intricately shaped by their personal, social, and cultural contexts. This research provides rich insights into the holiday experiences and behaviors of contemporary Chinese gay adults, emphasizing the need for the development of tailored tourism policies and marketing strategies to cultivate gay-friendly destinations within the Asia region.

The Existence of Batu Bolong Temple in Supporting West Batu Layar as A Marine Tourism Village On Lombok Island, Indonesia

Batu Bolong Temple is a Hindu tourist destination in Batulayar Barat Village, Lombok, Indonesia. Batu Bolong Temple is located in a fairly well-known coastal tourist area on Lombok Island, namely the Senggigi Beach area. The dynamics of the development of Batu Bolong Temple gradually influenced and developed following the conditions of tourism development on Lombok Island. This study aims to examine the existence of Batu Bolong Temple in supporting Batu Layar Barat as a marine tourism village on Lombok Island. This study uses a qualitative method, with interview techniques with several people, tourists, traders, and temple managers, as well as conducting direct observations at the location and literature studies. The study results show that this temple is not only used by Hindus but is also visited by tourists with basic purposes, reasons, and argument factors. The tourist attraction of Batu Bolong Temple is in the form of interesting tourist objects and attractions for tourists to enjoy. The temple manager carries out good management in maintaining the existence of Batu Bolong Temple. Batu Bolong Temple is relevant in supporting Batulayar Barat as a marine tourism village in terms of location, promotion, price, supporting facilities, transportation facilities, infrastructure, and management. Based on the results of the analysis and discussion of the findings, it is confirmed that the existence of Batu Bolong Temple can support the development of Batu Layar as a marine tourism village.

Recommender System for Tourist Destinations in Indonesia Using Matrix Factorization Method

Indonesia has various tourist destinations. The large number of tourist destinations makes people confused about choosing a suitable tourist destination. The recommendation system is an appropriate way to help Indonesians choose tourist destinations that suit their preferences. One recommendation system method is matrix factorization. This research uses a matrix factorization algorithm, Alternating Least Square (ALS). The dataset used is Indonesia Tourism Destination from Kaggle. Based on research that has been carried out, this algorithm is successful in predicting tourist attractions that suit users. The evaluation results are an MAE value of 1.27203388032266, while the RMSE value is 1.475271987.

The Pritzker Architecture Prize and its potential for developing library tourism

Star architecture is becoming a popular strategy for urban solutions, and exclusive projects are being constructed to create an image and increase media attention. The term describes buildings designed by famous architects who often capitalize on their popularity for marketing purposes in tourist destinations. The visibility of these sites effectively attracts tourists and capital to specific places. It is common for landmark buildings and their leading architects to be paired with the Pritzker Architecture Prize. This paper reviews all 72 libraries designed by prize winners from the first edition in 1979 to 2023, analyzing their potential for library tourism. The research methodology includes a documentary and content analysis (internal and online desk research) of websites, newsletters, and publications. It can be concluded that these libraries have a vast collection of resources that can entice tourists, and now they are destinations for millions of visitors. On the other hand, the authority of these architects guarantees the more significant popularity of libraries as tourist destinations. However, given the financial resources needed to implement these projects, their tourism potential can mainly benefit large cities in developed countries or traditional academic centers.

From likes to luggage: The role of social media content in attracting tourists

The tourism industry has become increasingly information-driven where tourists need reliable information to make their travel decisions. Social media content creators have emerged as prominent figures in disseminating authentic and credible information about tourist destinations worldwide. However, scant attention has been paid to explore the role of social media content in influencing tourist inflows and tourist engagement with tourism-related content on social media. To fill this gap, the present study utilized three social media analytic tools: VidIQ, Tubebuddy, and Social Blade, to collect data pertaining to tourism-related content across six tourist destinations in the Arabian Gulf region. The results indicate that these six tourist destinations collectively attracted 47 million visitors in a single year while garnering 158 million views on YouTube. Our findings indicate that tourists’ consumption of tourism-related content on YouTube directly relates to the number of tourists visiting a destination. In addition, the present study also finds that destination popularity leads to higher number of video views on YouTube as well as higher numbers of tourists to the destination. Furthermore, the current study delineates the role of content creator characteristics in influencing user engagement with tourism-related content. The present study offers valuable insights for destination management organizations, tourism operators, tourism industry stakeholders, content creators, social media marketing managers and destination brand managers.

Tourist experience and destination evangelism: the mediating role of inspiration

ABSTRACT Even though tourist experience (TX) and destination evangelism are crucial research priorities, a substantial paucity of empirically derived insights into these concepts and their relationships exists. Therefore, this study investigates the TX’s impact on tourist inspiration and destination evangelism by proposing and empirically validating a structural model by collecting data from 384 tourists and then validating it by conducting semi-structured interviews. The study also envisages tourist inspiration to mediate the proposed relationships, thereby contributing further to the tourism and travel literature. This study applies mixed-method explanatory sequential design that consists of two phases. In the first phase, proposed hypotheses were tested by applying the structural equation modelling technique and mediation analysis. The findings revealed that various dimensions of TX exert differential impacts on destination evangelism. The study also confirmed the partial mediation role of tourist inspiration between three dimensions of TX (sensory, cognitive and affective) and destination evangelism; however, the full mediation effect was observed between behavioural TX and destination evangelism. In the second phase, a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. These findings were found in alignment with the findings of the quantitative study. The study concludes by offering key implications and avenues for further research.

Expert perspectives on disaster risk reduction strategies in the tourist area of Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan in Indonesia

Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic growth of many countries. However, tourist destinations located in disaster-prone areas face increased vulnerability in the event of natural disasters. It is essential for these areas to have specific interventions, plans, and policies that focus on reducing disaster risk, while ensuring the safety of residents and tourists. This study proposes strategies for minimizing disaster risk using Indonesia's Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan (BYP) region as a case study. The study used an Analytical Hierarchial Process in a Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats (SWOT-AHP) analysis to prioritize factors through pairwise comparisons and develop strategic alternatives based on expert perspectives. Primary data were collected through aSWOT-AHP questionnaire that was provided to 22 experts in tourism and disaster management in Central Java and Yogyakarta Special Provinces. Secondary data were obtained from government documents, specifically the Disaster Risk Reduction Plan for the BYP regions (2023–2027). The results indicate that “implementing land-use policies to promote tourism development while considering disasters” is the most important strategy, based on expert judgment. The BYP tourist destinations provided a case study to identify strategies to reduce disaster risk in tourism areas.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR BACKPACKER TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA

This study investigates the development strategies aimed at enhancing backpacker tourism in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with a focus on social, environmental, and economic dimensions. This study uses quantitative methods through the distribution of questionnaires to study the behaviour and opinions of backpackers in Kota Kinabalu. This study focuses on respondents at backpacker accommodation and tourist destinations in Kota Kinabalu. A total of 228 backpackers participated in this study. These strategies encompass social development, environmental development, and economic development, and encompass initiatives such as community engagement, environmental conservation, and collaboration with local businesses. Achieving a balance between economic growth and social and environmental sustainability is crucial in maximizing the potential of backpacker tourism. Successful implementation of these strategies necessitates the active involvement of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and the tourism industry. Integrating these strategies into destination management plans will elevate the backpacker tourism experience and facilitate sustainable growth. Further research and collaboration among stakeholders are imperative to effectively implement these strategies and harness the opportunities presented by backpacker tourism in the region.

How to measure and manage country reputation

Countries benefit from a good reputation in terms of gaining a higher foreign direct investment inflow, a growing export volume, becoming more attractive as tourist destinations and, last but not least, by improving their populations’ well-being. Consequently, many countries endeavor to manage their public perception actively. Since communication influences perception, advertising plays a particularly important role in the latter. However, countries need to fathom which opinions they need to encourage in order to ensure others’ optimal perceptions of them. A prerequisite for tackling this challenge is a model that measures and explains country reputation. This study develops such a model. Our model conceptualizes reputation as a two-dimensional attitudinal construct, thereby avoiding one-dimensional approaches’ shortcomings. It refers to the cognition-related dimension as competence, whereas the affect-related dimension is termed likability. It measures reputation, as perceived by stakeholders, by means of six reflective indicators. Furthermore, the model employs a catalogue of 30 formative indicators — structured by means of five key constructs — to identify the drivers of country reputation. By cultivating impactful drivers, countries are able to apply targeted measures to alter their reputations’ ratings on the two dimensions (i.e. competence and likability). We employed data from Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom to develop our model. Relevant criteria highlight the model’s reliability and validity. A benchmark analysis of the proposed model compared to that of existing approaches illustrates its superiority in terms of its convergent and criterion validity.

Identidades fronterizas: intersticios y pluralidades en la construcción identitaria de las comunas étnicas de Manglaralto, Ecuador

This article demonstrates that the social categories of indigenous and white-mestizo are essentialist, reductionist, and therefore insufficient to encompass the diverse expressions of identity that exist. Understood through fluid and interchangeable lines, a new category is proposed: the border identity. Exemplified through the ethnic communes of the parish of Manglaralto, in the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador, this new category is intended to reconcile opposites and dismantle existing binaries to better capture the multifaceted social diversity of different sociocultural expressions. Previously agricultural, these communes have been transformed into internationally known tourist destinations, while being denied recognition of their ethnic identity due to the acculturations they have been subject to through various historical periods. Their members are labeled as acculturated indigenous or cholos, too mestizo to be considered indigenous and too indigenous to be considered mestizo. Qualitative methods such as participant observations, informal conversations, and semi-structured interviews were used for the ethnographic work spanning more than four years. The data collected and analyzed data showed how these communities, through constant negotiation with the white-mestizo world, achieve autonomy even within deeply dependent relationships. The study illustrates how they operate from an interstice, an intermediate space, which complicates their placement within existing social categories, underscoring the need to conceptualize new social categories beyond traditional binaries.

COLLABORATIVE BASED TOURISM GOVERNANCE MODEL IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Tourism has great potential to improve the economy, create jobs, and support the development of various regions. However, improper tourism management can cause problems such as environmental degradation, excessive tourism and unequal economic benefits. Therefore, it is essential that collaborative-based tourism management can be effective in developing sustainable tourism. This research aims to identify collaborative-based tourism governance research in tourism development. The output of this research is to provide recommendations for a collaborative-based tourism governance model to impact tourism development in the Tenjolaya sub-district, Bogor Regency. The research method used was descriptive qualitative with 28 informants from the sub-district government and the Tenjolaya tourism awareness group. After the data was collected using data collection techniques through observation, interviews, field notes, analytical memos, and document elicitation, the researcher continued the analysis of the data obtained and then confirmed it using data validity techniques. The research results show that tourism governance in Tenjolaya has implemented collaborative governance even though it is still local, so every indicator still needs to be optimally fulfilled using the good tourism governance model and the public-private partnership model. Thus, tourism governance in Tenjolaya must focus on good tourism collaboration so that tourism goals in Tenjolaya can be achieved based on fulfilling indicators that support good tourism governance, good tourism development and good tourism sustainability.

Developing Ecotourism Community Based Approach: A Sustainable Tourism Development Project o n Tanjung Surat Island

The Tanjung Surat Island Ecotourism Development Master Plan study was commissioned to support the Johor Southeast Development Authority (KEJORA) in creating a high-impact strategy to develop Tanjung Surat Island into a premier ecotourism destination for both local and international tourists. This study addresses the prevalent community misunderstanding regarding ecotourism development. The main objective of this study is to identify strategic planning through community engagement initiatives spearheaded by KEJORA on Tanjung Surat Island. Quantitative methods, including the distribution of questionnaires to 118 respondents, were employed to meet this objective. In addition to the questionnaires, the study incorporated several other data collection methods to ensure a thorough understanding of the community's perspective. These included structured interviews with key stakeholders, focus group discussions with community leaders, and participatory observation to gather qualitative insights that complemented the quantitative data. The study's findings will provide a comprehensive guide and reference for planning across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, aiding in the development of Tanjung Surat Island's ecotourism sector. This guide will benefit KEJORA and other stakeholders, including the private sector, interested in supporting and shaping the island's ecotourism future. Additionally, the study highlights the critical need for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to enhance the quality of existing services, ensuring they meet current and future demands and standards.

PROSPECTS OF EFFECTIVE USE OF TOURISM POTENTIAL AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF UZBEKISTAN

This article discusses the prospects for the effective use of tourism potential and its opportunities in Uzbekistan. With its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, and diverse natural landscapes, Uzbekistan has the potential to become one of the leading tourist destinations in Central Asia. The paper highlights the current state of the tourism industry in Uzbekistan, identifies challenges, and presents strategies for maximizing its potential. Key factors include infrastructural development, digital transformation, the promotion of eco-tourism, and investment opportunities. The study concludes that with the right policies and initiatives, Uzbekistan can significantly boost its tourism sector, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

STRATEGI DIGITAL MARKETING DAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PENJUALAN HUNIAN HOMESTAY DI HUTA SIALLAGAN, KABUPATEN SAMOSIR

This study aims to analyse the effect of digital marketing strategies and service quality on increasing homestay sales in Huta Siallagan, Samosir Regency. Huta Siallagan is a tourist village known for its rich Toba Batak culture and is a popular tourist destination. However, homestay managers in this area face challenges in increasing sales amid increasingly fierce competition. Therefore, this study examines two important factors: digital marketing strategy and service quality, which contribute to increasing sales. The research method used is quantitative method with saturated sampling technique. The respondents of this study were 30 homestay managers or owners in Huta Siallagan. Data were collected through questionnaires that included digital marketing strategy variables (X1) and service quality (X2), as well as the dependent variable of sales increase (Y). Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression tests, t tests, F tests, and coefficients of determination to measure the influence of each variable. The results showed that digital marketing strategies and service quality significantly influenced the increase in homestay sales. Partially, digital marketing strategy has a more dominant influence than service quality, although both contribute positively. In the coefficient of determination, these two variables contributed 84.5% to the increase in homestay sales. In conclusion, the synergy between effective digital marketing strategies and good service quality is essential to increase homestay sales in Huta Siallagan. Therefore, homestay managers need to optimise these two aspects in order to compete and increase revenue in the tourism industry.

Strategi Pemasaran Berbasis Nilai-Nilai Entrepreneurship dalam Meningkatkan Investasi di PHRI Kabupaten Bandung

The main objective of this research is to identify and apply entrepreneurial values in marketing strategies to enhance investment in the hospitality and restaurant sector in Bandung Regency. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial values such as innovation, proactivity, calculated risk-taking, creativity, commitment to quality, collaboration, networking, and adaptability are crucial for effective marketing strategies. Strategies based on these values have proven capable of attracting investor attention and improving the competitiveness of the hospitality and restaurant sector in Bandung Regency. Innovation in products and services, proactivity in marketing, and a commitment to quality are key factors in attracting investment. The implementation of marketing strategies rooted in entrepreneurial values positively impacts investment growth and helps build the reputation and credibility of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) in Bandung Regency in the eyes of investors. The use of digital technology and social media in marketing strategies plays an important role in reaching a broader audience and attracting investor interest, enabling real-time measurement of marketing campaign effectiveness and strategy adjustments based on collected data. Recommendations for PHRI Bandung Regency include strengthening branding and innovation, enhancing collaboration and networking, optimal use of digital technology, continuous evaluation and adjustment, and improving quality and services. By applying these recommendations, it is hoped that marketing strategies based on entrepreneurial values will continue to develop and provide a sustainable positive impact on the hospitality and restaurant sector in Bandung Regency, increase investment, and reinforce Bandung Regency's position as a premier tourist destination.

Tourism usage of digital collaborative economy platforms in Europe: Situation, behaviours, and implications for the digital policies

This study analyses how the intensity of the use of digital sharing economy platforms has evolved in the European Union in recent years, including during the pandemic, and whether there are differences between European regions. In the digital field, work has begun on regulations and public policies that coexist with different policies in the regions and municipalities. Using spatial econometric techniques, this study provides a comparative analysis of space and time that identifies regional inequalities in terms of the intensity of demand for accommodations offered on digital sharing economy platforms. In particular, different clusters of high-intensity collaborative tourism were detected, and spatial spillover effects and interdependencies between European regions in collaborative tourism were recognised, identifying a positive spatial autocorrelation in the intensity rate of collaborative tourism. The effect of tourist destination saturation on the use of accommodation on these platforms was also observed. Several digital public policy implications were discussed, promoting regulatory coordination at the interregional and pan-European levels to avoid inequalities and imbalances across Europe.

Access to healthcare services and factors associated with unmet needs among migrants in Phuket Province, Thailand, 2023: a cross-sectional mixed-method study

BackgroundPhuket Province is a major tourist destination with a migrant workforce accounting for 10% of its population. Despite governmental efforts to adjust health insurance policies, migrants face healthcare access challenges. This study examines the current healthcare access situation and factors associated with unmet needs among migrants in Phuket Province.MethodsWe used a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, recruiting participants through snowball sampling from the Migrant Health Volunteer Network. Quantitative data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires, with unmet need defined as desired outpatient or recommended inpatient services not received at government hospitals. Multivariable logistic regression identified unmet need predictors, and we assessed the mediating effect of health insurance status. Qualitative data from three focus groups on healthcare access provided context and enriched the quantitative findings.ResultsThis study includes 296 migrants mainly from Myanmar. The overall unmet need prevalence was 14.86%, mainly attributed to having undocumented status (34.09%), affordability issues (20.45%), and language barriers (18.18%). Working in the fishery industry significantly increased unmet needs risk (aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.08–6.62). Undocumented status contributed a marginal total effect of 4.86 (95% CI 1.62–14.54), with a natural indirect effect through uninsured status of only 1.16 (95% CI 0.88–1.52). Focus group participants used various medical resources, with insured individuals preferring hospital care, but faced obstacles due to undocumented status and language barriers.ConclusionValid legal documents, including work permits and visas, are crucial for healthcare access. Attention to fishery industry practices is needed. We recommend stakeholder discussions to streamline the process of obtaining and maintaining these documents for migrant workers. These improvements could enhance health insurance acquisition and ultimately improve healthcare affordability for this population. These insights could be applied to migrant workers in other urban and suburban area of Thailand regarding access to government healthcare facilities.