Regional Tourism Development Research Articles

Integrating popular culture tourism in local communities: a scoping review and ways forward

ABSTRACT There is nowadays a growing scholarship examining the intersection of popular culture and tourism. Most of this literature reveals that much of this work is grounded in an optimistic predisposition about the positive effects that tourism induced by popular culture has for locales. This is mainly featured in the dominant management discourse that feeds an overly positive tone about the benefits of popular culture for tourism development. However, there is a less loud line of scholarship originated in critical social studies that views regional popular culture tourism contexts in a more nuanced way bearing dubious outcomes. To address these shortcomings, the purpose of this scoping review is to demarcate and establish the strategic role of popular culture in regional tourism development. We put forward that a holistic approach entails the comprehensive treatment and multi-level embeddedness of popular culture tourism into regional contexts, epitomised by their territorial capital. On this basis, we present the predominant themes shaping the discourse in the field of popular culture tourism by discerning its two primary disciplinary streams, namely management and critical studies. Next, implications are drawn for the sustainable territorial touristification of places by leveraging comprehensively the development of popular culture tourism in local communities.

Non-native flora changes in rural gardens of China: the role of tourism

Human cultivation facilitates the naturalization and subsequent invasion of non-native plant species through, for example, protection from predators or reducing environmental stochasticity. With the development of tourism, non-native plant species have been increasingly introduced into rural home gardens for landscape greening and amenity planting. However, few studies have examined non-native flora in rural home gardens, and in particular the importance of tourism in determining changes of garden non-native flora has not been scrutinized. In this study, we investigated non-native plant species in 135 home gardens across five rural tourism villages in tropical China. Attributes related to garden or household characteristics were also collected through interviews and questionnaires. A distance-based redundancy analysis was then performed to reveal the relationships between the non-native species composition and garden attributes. A total of 338 non-native plant species were recorded in the surveyed gardens. Among them, the majority (63%) were ornamentals, whereas 19% were for nutritional uses and 12% were spontaneous weeds. Gardening preference and distance to tourist attractions governed the non-native compositions, with gardens preferring cultural (ornamental) cultivation or gardens close to tourist attractions having more non-native species. These results highlight an increasing role of tourism in promoting non-native cultivation in rural gardens. Recommendations for species risk assessment, trade and supply regulation, and proper garden management are provided to help harness plant invasion along tourism development in rural China and other regions around the world.

Integration of Culture, Tourism, and Regional Development in Multi-ethnic Regions from the Perspective of Anthropology—A Case Study of Longsheng Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi

Integration of Culture, Tourism, and Regional Development in Multi-ethnic Regions from the Perspective of Anthropology—A Case Study of Longsheng Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi

Innovative leadership strategies for sustainable tourism: A case study of Moroccan Daraa-Tafilalt oases

In the contemporary digital era, sustainable tourism development in remote regions, particularly in the Moroccan Daraa-Tafilalt Oases, necessitates innovative leadership strategies. This study investigates how leadership fosters innovation and resilience within these remote areas to promote sustainable tourism. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research delves into effective leadership strategies, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of innovative practices in the digital age, before and after strategies implementation. The results for each stage underscore the importance of visionary leadership, community involvement, and adaptive approaches in navigating the complexities of remote tourism development amidst digital transformations. Additionally, the study identifies cultural sensitivity, environmental factors, and the rational exploitation of local resources as key factors contributing to successful leadership in fostering sustainable tourism. The insights gleaned from this research offer valuable guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities striving for sustainable development in remote oasis regions in the digital era.

Environmental sustainability and tourism growth: convergence or compensation?

AbstractIn addition to the socio-economic advantages, tourism has been proven to be one of the most important sectors with adverse environmental effects. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between tourism and environmental sustainability by using a panel data from 32 countries in Latin America and the European Union for the period 2000–2019. Several techniques of cointegration and convergence of clusters are used to meet this objective. The empirical results show that on average, tourism growth has a negative impact on the environment in the two groups of countries, which could be attributed to the heterogeneity of the level of regional tourism development. On the other hand, the convergence of tourism growth and environmental sustainability is evident at different adjustment speeds in the different sample panels. It generates empirical evidence on whether the current expansion of the tourism sector in Latin American and European countries entails significant environmental externalities by using the ecological footprint variable as an indicator of environmental sustainability and foreign tourist arrivals as an economic indicator.

On the Path of High Level Development of Tourism and Cultural Industry in Ethnic Minority Regions

Comprehensively promoting rural revitalization and focusing on promoting high-quality development is a major strategic deployment proposed in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Promoting the higher-level development of the tourism and cultural industry in ethnic minority areas is not only a concrete manifestation of implementing the new development concept and continuously consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation, but also an inherent requirement for promoting the rapid development of the cultural industry, enhancing the country's soft power and competitiveness. It is also an inevitable choice for advancing the task of comprehensively building a socialist modernized country. However, due to multiple factors such as geographical location and historical conditions, there is still significant room for adjustment in achieving higher levels of development in the tourism and cultural industry in ethnic minority areas. This article focuses on ethnic minority areas with relatively lagging economic development in the rural revitalization strategy, studies the current development status and improvement paths of the tourism and cultural industry in these areas, comprehensively analyzes the problems and reasons faced by the tourism and cultural industry in ethnic minority areas, and proposes corresponding countermeasures and suggestions based on reality.

Spillover effects and influencing factors of tourism eco‐efficiency for sustainable development: A case study of cities in the Yangtze River Delta

AbstractTourism often brings about negative environmental impacts. Tourism eco‐efficiency (TEE) and its spatial coordination are of great significance for sustainable tourism development and environmental protection in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). TEE index system was established and applied in this study. The inter‐city TEE spatial correlation network is established by the modified gravity model and analyzed by social network analysis (SNA). Spatial Durbin model (SDM) was used to analyze the spatial spillover effects of the two centrality indicators of the network. Based on fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, we analyzed TEE enhancement configuration. The results show that: TEE in 26 cities in the study area has improved overall; the phenomenon of unbalanced development within the region still exists. In addition, the TEE of each city in the spatial correlation network of TEE in the YRD urban agglomeration is connected with each other, and there is a significant negative spillover effect. TEE is mainly affected by the level of economic development, industrial status of the tourism industry, tourism industry concentration, tourism investment level, tourism resource endowment, urban landscaping, and information development level. The combination of these factors and TEE can form five configuration patterns for TEE enhancement. This study combines SNA and SDM for the first time, and the conclusions obtained can more deeply describe the spatial correlation between different urban eco‐efficiency in the YRD. Aiming at the sustainable development of regional tourism, this study provides help for strengthening the protection of tourism ecological environment in the YRD.

Spatiotemporal Changes in China’s Tourism Industry Development

As a strategic pillar of the Chinese economy, high-quality development of the tourism industry has become a pressing demand in the contemporary era. Following the new developmental concept advocated by the Chinese government, this study has constructed a comprehensive set of indicators for high-quality tourism development. A thorough spatial analysis of the developmental quality of China’s provincial tourism industry from 2000 to 2021, as well as the developmental conditions of various subsystems, was conducted by employing the entropy–value–TOPSIS method, Dagum Gini coefficient, and ESTDA approach. The research has found that (1) the overall quality of China’s tourism industry has significantly improved, (2) the determinants of differences in tourism-development quality in China transitioned from endowment advantages to innovation capabilities. (3) positive spatial-agglomeration effects are evident in the developmental landscape of China’s tourism industry, (4) the quality of regional tourism development is closely related to the economic development of urban agglomerations, (5) China’s tourism industry demonstrates resilience and capacity for restructuring in the post-pandemic era.

Assessing the ecological security of tourism in Northeast China

Abstract The ecological security of tourism provides an important guarantee of the sustainable development of regional tourism. In this study, the authors use the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response model to construct a system to assess the ecological security of tourism in three provinces of Northeast China. We analyze the characteristics of the dynamic spatiotemporal evolution of the ecological security of tourism in 34 prefecture-level cities, one prefecture, and one region in three provinces of Northeast China from 2010 to 2019 and identify obstacles to this evolution. The results show the following: (1) The ecological security of tourism in Northeast China fluctuated and grew during the study period. Significant changes were observed in the rankings of the provinces in the ecological security of tourism. The pattern of spatial distribution has gradually shifted, from “high in the west and low in the middle” in 2010 to “slightly high in the middle-east and slightly low in the west” in 2019. (2) The ecological security of tourism exhibited prominent characteristics of spatial agglomeration on the whole, where the degree of agglomeration has gradually decreased over time. Economically developed cities in Central China exhibited strong local autocorrelation, and the majority had the characteristics of spatial agglomeration and dependence. (3) There were significant differences in obstacles to the ecological security of tourism among the cities (prefectures and regions) and provinces. Industrial sulfur dioxide emissions and urban population density are the main obstacles to the ecological security of tourism, while the pressure system has emerged as the main hindrance to improvements in it in the three provinces considered here. These results provide insights into the ecological security of tourism in the three provinces of Northeast China, as well as a theoretical reference for formulating and implementing the relevant measures of risk prevention and control. This study shows that increasing the protection of the tourism ecological environment and the construction of new energy sources, building complete tourism infrastructure, coordinating the relationship between tourists and the natural environment, adopting differentiated tourism development measures, and overcoming the obstacles will help to gradually improve the level of tourism ecological security in three provinces of Northeast China.

Issues of Ecological Tourism Development on the Territory of Pribaikalye

Over the past few years, Russians' interest in domestic tourism has been steadily growing. This trend is due not only to external factors, but also to the initiatives of the Russian Government and governors implemented at the federal and regional levels. Tourism is becoming a strategic resource for the development of the Russian economy. The article gives examples of regions that are leaders in eco-tourism, demonstrates data confirming the development of tourism in Russian regions. Irkutsk region is characterized by the richness of flora and fauna, diversity of specially protected natural areas (SPNA). Protected areas are represented by two federal reserves (Baikal-Lensky and Vitimsky), Pribaikalsky National Park, two wildlife sanctuaries (Tofalarsky and Krasny Yar). Also in the Irkutsk region there is a part of the territory subject to protection — Lake Baikal World Natural Heritage Site. The ecosystems of protected areas are fragile in their structure, and serious interference in their structure can lead to destruction and death. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between the development of tourism infrastructure and the preservation of natural heritage. In the world practice ecological tourism is a tool that allows designing modern ecological centers of international scale. This issue is particularly relevant for Pribaikalsky Krai; a number of documents at the federal and regional levels have identified the development of eco-tourism as one of the priority directions. In this context, it is very important to find such tools and mechanisms that will allow to preserve the environment for future generations, since the influx of tourists not only brings profit, but also leaves behind unfavorable consequences for the environment.

Tourism Investment and Land Use Change in the Northern Piedmont of the Western High Atlas (1989-2022)

This study aimed to investigate the profound influence of tourism investment on the Northern Piedmont of the western High Atlas over 34 years in response to the escalating global trend of tourism-driven land-use changes, particularly in the Marrakesh region. In this context, the driving forces behind the significant transformation of agricultural land and bare soils into tourism-driven investments were evaluated as well as the critical role of accessibility in shaping spatial shifts. The method used high-resolution (10 m) satellite images from Spot 1 (1989), Spot 5 (2003 & 2010), and Sentinel 2 (2022) through remote sensing methods to investigate the historical land-use changes over 34 years. The results showed significant transformations in land-use based on the correlation between improved transportation infrastructure and the growth of tourism ventures, underscoring the role of roads and facilities as catalysts. The analysis suggested the need for reflection on the consequences of unregulated tourism growth, aiming to balance economic benefits with environmental and socio-cultural challenges in sensitive regions. Although tourism significantly contributed to economic development and employment opportunities, it also posed risks when not managed prudently. This underscored the need to strike a harmonious equilibrium between economic prosperity as well as preserving the unique natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The insights provided in this analysis had broader implications for responsible planning and management of tourism development in sensitive ecological and cultural regions. In conclusion, a thoughtful and sustainable approach was needed to safeguard the delicate balance between economic prosperity and environmental preservation.

Проблемы и возможности медицинского туризма в Челябинской области.

Since January 1, 2019, the Federal project “Development of export of medical services” is being implemented, which is aimed at improving the quality of medical services in the Russian Federation and their promotion on the international market. Despite this, the problems and opportunities of medical tourism remain one of the urgent health problems not only in Russia, but also in the Chelyabinsk region. Through the conducted research, among political, economic, social and technological factors, problems and opportunities affecting the development of the export of medical services in the region were identified. The experts also named the necessary measures for the development and promotion of medical services on the international market Aim: analysis of existing problems in the field of medical tourism and import of medical services offered on the territory of the Russian Federation, and identification of possible prospects for the development of this area of medical activity. Materials and methods. The materials of this study were analytical materials and official statistical data of the FSBI “TSNIIOIZ” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. When processing the results, the information and analytical method, the statistical method, the method of questioning and expert evaluation, the method of processing and summarizing information were used. Results. The study involved 50 medical workers holding senior positions in medical organizations of the Chelyabinsk region (heads of structural divisions, chief physicians and deputy chief physicians). The study of the opinion of the study participants on the problems and prospects of the development of medical tourism led to the following results: • Shortage of personnel and material and technical resources is the main constraining factor of development in the provision of medical services to foreign citizens • It is necessary to equip medical organizations with a sufficient amount of medical equipment to increase the level of medical services provided to foreign citizens. The analysis of the external environment revealed political, economic, social and technological factors that hinder and contribute to the development of medical tourism in the country. Thus, the leading political factor contributing to the development of the export of medical services, experts called the support of medical tourism from the state. And the respondents consider the sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States to be the main negative political factor. Respondents consider the relatively low cost of providing paid medical services as the main economic opportunity for the development of medical tourism. Whereas the main negative economic factor is the increase in the cost of medical devices and medical equipment due to restrictions on the import of imported equipment directly and the emergence of parallel imports. The most important for attracting foreign patients among social factors is the level of qualification of medical personnel, as well as high performance indicators in certain medical areas. Significant social threats, from the point of view of the respondents, is the lack of a unified system of voluntary medical insurance and international accreditation for most medical organizations of the Russian Federation. In order to develop medical tourism and increase the demand for Russian medical organizations among foreign tourists, the participants of the experiment consider it necessary to use the latest treatment technologies and achieve an international level of service, as well as create conditions that will help foreign patients to facilitate obtaining a medical visa. Conclusion. The results of the study made it possible to assess the problems of medical tourism and assess the prospects for development from the point of view of the heads of medical organizations of the Chelyabinsk region, as well as to develop a set of measures for the development of medical tourism in the Chelyabinsk region. The scope of the results. The data obtained will allow us to develop a set of measures aimed at the development of medical tourism in Russia, the adoption of which will help to increase the volume of exports of medical services and the number of treated foreign citizens.

Assessment of Ecotourism Environmental Carrying Capacity in the Qilian Mountains, Northwest China

Ecotourism is the main trend of global tourism development, and evaluating the ecotourism environmental carrying capacity (EECC) of ecologically fragile areas can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of regional tourism. This study uses the typical fragile mountain area, the Qilian Mountains (QLMs), as an example and analyzes the spatial and temporal changes in EECC by constructing an evaluation indicator system of EECC, which is based on the framework of “natural ecological environment support—socio-economic pressure—tourism activity pressure”. In the results, it is found that the natural ecological environment support, socio-economic pressure, and tourism activity pressure in the QLMs all present a spatial distribution pattern of higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest. From a temporal perspective, most of the indicators of different subsystems show an increasing trend. The whole area of EECC in the QLMs shows an increasing trend in 85.4% of the region, while the EECC in some areas in the southeastern and northern parts shows a decreasing trend. Comparing different time periods, it is found that the EECC in the whole region shows an increasing trend from 2000 to 2010, while the proportion of areas with a decreasing trend in EECC from 2010 to 2018 reaches 67.1%. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of ecotourism in the QLMs and other similar regions in the world, and they further contribute to the protection of the ecological environment.

Modern reserves of equestrian sport development in Ukraine

Relevance. Research related to equestrian sport in Ukraine is quite relevant, as this sport attracts many people not only as a sporting activity, but also as a form of active recreation and tourism. The development of this industry can contribute to the development of regional tourism and increase the attractiveness of Ukraine for tourists.Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyse and determine the current state and prospects of equestrian sport development in Ukraine in order to identify effective strategies and reserves.Methodology. The methods used were the analytical method, statistical method, functional method, system analysis method, deduction method, synthesis method and comparison method.Results. The study analysed the current state and prospects of equestrian sport in Ukraine. The analysis was carried out using methodological support based on a universal methodology created in accordance with modern scientific approaches, namely: resource, resource-result, methodological support evaluation approach, and ecological approach. The role of equestrian sport in tourism and the country�s economy is assessed, and the current state and prospects in this direction are considered. Several strategies for the further development of this industry in Ukraine have been identified. As a result of the study, specific strategies have been proposed to increase the competitiveness of equestrian sport in Ukraine and achieve high sports results.Conclusions. The practical significance of the results obtained is to develop and implement strategies for the development of equestrian sport in Ukraine in order to improve its competitiveness, popularity, and impact on the public.

Экономика развлечений как стратегический вектор развития туризма в Приморском крае

The article introduces a strategic analysis of tourism in Russia in general and the Primorye Territory in particular. Sustainable territorial development depends on various strategic factors. A region can achieve successful socio-economic development in tourism only by meeting the needs of its residents and potential tourists. This study covered four areas of experience economy, i.e., entertainment, learning, aesthetics, and escapism, as well as some other factors that shape the touristic attractiveness of the Far East as a source of unforgettable impressions. The prioritizing procedure was based on the methodology developed by Professor V.L. Kvint. Experience economy proved to render new opportunities to the strategic development of regional tourism. For potential visitors to the Russian Far East, service quality appeared to be less important than the opportunity to get new unforgettable experience.

Strategic priorities of development of tourism in the industrial region of Kuzbass

The study is aimed at identification and justification of priorities for the development of tourism on the territory of the North Kuzbass agglomeration on the basis of Russian and international experience in strategizing. The authors have created their own algorithm for expert assessment of the implementation of the regional strategic program on the basis of Professor Kvint’s concept of strategizing. The main types of tourism have been identified (snowmobile, event, cultural and educational, industrial tourism), and their development will contribute to the increase of competitive advantages of the local authorities of Kuzbass municipalities in the development and implementation of tourism strategies and achievement of the goals of national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”.

Distribution Patterns and Spatial Relationships in the Perspective of Tourism Destination Typology

Gianyar Regency, as one of Bali’s leading tourist regions, continues to develop tourism destinations in support of the regional tourism development plan and vision of “Realizing High-Quality, Competitive, Sustainable, and Prosperous Cultural Tourism.” The development of Gianyar Regency’s tourism potential requires an understanding of the spatial relationships based on the typology and distribution patterns of tourism destinations. This research aimed to reveal the typology of tourism destinations in Gianyar Regency, determine the distribution patterns of tourism destinations in Gianyar Regency, and assess spatial relationships in Gianyar Regency based on the typology and distribution patterns of tourism destinations. The research method employed in this study is qualitative descriptive, Near Neighbour Analysis (NNA), and Linkage system analysis. The typology of tourism destinations in Gianyar Regency includes cultural tourism, marine tourism, and natural reserve tourism. The distribution pattern of cultural and marine tourism destinations is clustered, while natural reserve tourism exhibits a random distribution pattern. Overall, tourism destinations in Gianyar Regency have a clustered distribution pattern. Spatial relationships in Gianyar Regency, based on the typology and distribution patterns of tourism destinations, are visually characterized by linear elements such as roads, corridor elements like buildings and trees, and side elements consisting of variations in tourism typology. The collective spatial relationships found in Gianyar Regency fall into an open-ended group form. The policy implications of this research suggest the need for improvements in tourism infrastructure and the development of spatial relationships to enhance the tourist experience, supporting sustainable tourism development in Gianyar Regency

Formation of a marketing strategy for regional tourism development

Currently serving as the backbone of numerous national economies, the tourism industry occupies a substantial economic niche and is a rapidly evolving and promising sector. However, it is not immune to the uncertainties of the economic environment. To address the challenges and foster the industry's growth, it is imperative to employ comprehensive marketing tools and strategies in regional tourism development. The publication's purpose is to research and analyze the theoretical and methodological aspects of forming a marketing strategy for the regional development of tourism. The article examines the peculiarities of forming a marketing strategy for the regional development of tourism. The categorical apparatus "strategy" and "marketing strategy" are defined and researched marketing tools in tourism at the regional level. Grounded marketing concepts: management concept, promotion technology, functional direction. The role of marketing in the tourism industry is indicated, and attention is paid to the fact that the strategic goals of regional management require a marketing approach. The requirements for the marketing strategy are determined, the system of indicators for evaluating the results of the strategy implementation at the regional level, and indicators of the regional effectiveness of marketing activities. Tourism activities are implemented in a competitive market environment where specific economic laws and market relations apply. Numerous external and internal factors currently affect the development of the tourism industry. Marketing tourism policy is aimed at increasing the level of competitiveness. To remain competitive, it is necessary to introduce innovations and develop new marketing strategies. Keywords: strategy, marketing, marketing strategy, region, competitiveness, innovation.

Analysis of the coordinated evolution and driving mechanism of the coupling of tourism economy and urbanization in Southwest China

ABSTRACT The coordinated development of the tourism economy and urbanization is one of the hot issues in the practice and research of regional development. Exploring the complex dynamic relationship between the two can promote new urbanization construction and sustainable regional economic development. This paper uses the coupled coordination degree (CCD) model and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) model to study the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of the coordinated development of Southwest China’s tourism industry and urbanization. The results show that from 2010 to 2020, the comprehensive level of tourism economic development is in an inverted ‘V’ shape, while the complete level of urbanization is on a continuous upward trend. The spatial difference for CCD between the tourism economy and urbanization is remarkable, offering a spatial pattern of the highest in the middle, the second in the east, and the lowest in the west. In addition, the urbanization rate, population density, per capita fiscal revenue, and per capita park green land have significant negative spatial effects on CCD. Per capita budgetary revenue has a positive spatial effect on CCD with a time lag. This study provides a decision-making reference for promoting tourism development and urbanization in southwest regions.

Current trends, and features of the development of enogastronomic tourism

Tourism has become an affordable and favorite way for people to relax, and the tourism business has become an influential socio-economic factor. Domestic tourism is at the peak of growth, almost the only way to relax and restore mental health and strength. One of the promising areas for the development of the modern tourism market is enogastronomic tourism, which allows an increase in the number of tourist arrivals, extends the tourist season, improves the image of the region, enriches and differentiates the local tourist product, including wine excursions, tastings, presentations, events, and festivals, which contributes to the development of regions and alternative types of tourism. The publication aims to assess the trends and features of the formation, functioning, and development of enogastronomic tourism in modern realities. The article examines the issues of features and trends in the development and functioning of enogastronomic tourism in modern conditions, defines its essence, and analyzes the history of its origin. An analysis of current trends in developing enogastronomic tourism in Ukraine and the world is carried out. An assessment of the volume of grape cultivation for wine production was carried out. Economic entities' economic activity dynamics by type of economic activity, «Temporary accommodation and catering», have been determined. The concentration of enterprises in the country's restaurant industry has been studied. It is substantiated that each region of our country is distinguished by its originality and uniqueness, various cultural traditions, and characteristics for developing enogastronomic tourism. The features of the development of enogastronomic tourism and the organization of territorial-recreational systems are studied. It is noted that the domestic tourism infrastructure needs to be improved and modernized, which should be addressed both at the regional and national levels. The creation of systematic and comprehensive conditions for the further development and increase of competitiveness of the sphere of enogastronomic tourism is associated with the introduction of innovative models of management of regional tourism development, cooperation of central and local executive authorities, local governments, public and professional organizations, and business structures, active information support and promotion of the national and regional tourism product both domestically and international markets. Keywords: domestic tourism, gastronomic and enogastronomic tourism, traditions, culture, national cuisine.