The relevance of the research is determined by the need to increase the competitiveness of the Central Chernozem regions in the tourism market, as well as the adaptation of the regional tourism industry to the modern requirements of the digital economy. The lack of unified digital platforms, the fragmentation of marketing efforts, and the lack of comprehensive digital services are serious constraints to realizing the potential of the regions. In the current conditions, the transition from the local use of individual tools to a systematic, integrated approach is a prerequisite for a qualitative leap forward. The purpose of the article is to develop and substantiate an integrated model for the development of regional tourism based on digital technologies in relation to the conditions of the regions of the Central Chernozem region. The objectives of the article include: analysis of the current state and problems of tourism development in the regions of the Central Black Earth region; identification of key digital technologies contributing to the development of regional tourism; development of the structure and components of an integrated model combining digital tools and processes of tourism management; formulation of proposals for the implementation of the proposed model to improve the efficiency of the tourism industry in the studied regions. Methodology. In the course of the research, the authors applied a set of general scientific methods, including system analysis, comparative analysis, synthesis, modeling, as well as analysis of statistical data, scientific publications and online resources devoted to the development of regional tourism and the use of digital technologies. Results. The research has developed an integrated model that includes subsystems for data collection and analysis, digital marketing and service management, as well as interaction with tourists and stakeholders. Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that the implementation of the proposed model can systematically improve the efficiency of tourism management and the competitiveness of the regions of the Central Asian Republic.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the underutilized potential of pilgrimage routes to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the rural areas they cross. While these routes successfully attract visitors, the impact often fails to benefit nearby communities. The study analyzes how these routes can be leveraged as strategic tools for rural revitalization, cultural heritage promotion and stakeholder collaboration, based on insights from the rurAllure project and its four European pilot studies. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative methodology, including in-depth expert interviews, SWOT analysis and pilot-based experimentation. Four diverse pilgrimage routes across Europe – Santiago de Compostela, Rome, Trondheim and Csíksomlyó/Mária Út – serve as case studies. Each pilot focused on a specific type of heritage (literary, thermal, ethnographic, natural) and reflected the sociocultural characteristics of its territory. This comparative approach enabled the identification of strategic areas of action and the formulation of context-sensitive recommendations for integrating rural heritage with pilgrimage-based tourism. Findings The research reveals a limited integration between pilgrimage routes and their surrounding rural landscapes. Although these routes generate high visitor traffic, nearby areas remain excluded from the associated cultural and economic benefits. The findings highlight opportunities to develop synergies through slow tourism practices, intersectoral cooperation and heritage-driven programming. The study offers a set of actionable recommendations to enhance the territorial impact of pilgrimage tourism and to support the sustainable transformation of marginal rural regions. Research limitations/implications The research is limited by its qualitative nature and context-specific pilots, which may affect the generalizability of results. However, the comparative framework provides valuable insights applicable to other regions facing similar challenges. Future studies could incorporate longitudinal approaches or quantitative data to assess long-term impacts. The implications suggest that stronger policy support and local capacity-building are needed to replicate successful interventions beyond the pilot territories. Practical implications This study provides tourism planners, local authorities and cultural managers with a strategic framework to strengthen the relationship between pilgrimage routes and rural areas. It offers tools for enhancing community participation, diversifying tourism offerings and designing experiences that connect pilgrims with local heritage. The recommendations also support more equitable distribution of tourism benefits, helping rural communities become active stakeholders in cultural tourism development. Social implications The paper underlines the role of pilgrimage routes in promoting social inclusion and cultural continuity in rural areas. By involving local actors and emphasizing slow, experiential tourism, the approach fosters community engagement and intergenerational transmission of intangible heritage. It contributes to mitigating rural depopulation by reinforcing local identity, pride of place and alternative livelihoods based on sustainable tourism practices rooted in cultural values. Originality/value This research contributes a novel perspective on pilgrimage tourism by shifting the focus from route-centric development to integrated rural revitalization. Its originality lies in combining qualitative, pilot-driven research with strategic policy-oriented recommendations. The rurAllure framework highlights how diverse forms of heritage can enrich the pilgrimage experience while empowering marginalized rural areas. The study offers valuable guidance for scholars and practitioners aiming to align tourism with regional cohesion and cultural sustainability goals.

Conventional tourism planning in ecologically fragile regions often adopts a reductionist perspective, failing to address the synergistic spatial interactions between ecological conservation, resource utilization, and infrastructure. To bridge this gap, this study develops a multi-constraint synergistic assessment framework for the dry-hot valley of Lujiang Dam (LJD) in China. Grounded in the understanding of rural tourism as a complex adaptive system, the framework innovatively integrates the InVEST model, kernel density estimation, and cumulative cost-distance algorithms to identify Natural Spatial Suitability for Tourism Development (NSSTD). Key findings include (1) pronounced spatial heterogeneity in habitat quality, with high-quality zones in the west/southeast requiring strict conservation; (2) a “barbell-shaped” clustering of natural/cultural resources at the valley’s northern and southern extremities, highly congruent with ethnic settlements; and (3) a “concentric layered” accessibility pattern where 88.08% of resources are within a 90 min drive. Crucially, the spatial overlay analysis revealed that NSSTD (54.74 km2) emerges not from single high-value zones but from areas of synergy, such as those with medium habitat quality coupled with high resource endowment and accessibility. These results provide a scientifically robust, spatially explicit layer for China’s “Multi-plan Integration” territorial spatial planning. They enable differentiated strategies—channeling development to southern corridors, implementing niche tourism in northern “structural hole” villages, and enforcing conservation in western habitats—thereby offering a replicable methodology to balance ecological integrity with sustainable rural development.

Restoring the environmental quality of lakes is essential to encourage sustainable tourism and maintain the ecological balance of conservation areas. This study has explored the dynamics of collaboration between local communities and stakeholders in managing environmental restoration in lake conservation areas in Indonesia, emphasizing the intention and support for community collaboration. By applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a guiding framework, this study has examined the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions on community participation in restoration efforts. A cluster random sampling method has been utilized to survey local communities in the Lakeshore region. The study findings have revealed that positive attitudes and strong subjective norms significantly encourage collaboration intentions, while perceived behavioral control moderates’ community support and restoration initiatives. These findings highlight the necessity of aligning local perceptions with conservation goals to enhance collaborative efforts and ensure the success of sustainable lake management. This study has contributed to the understanding of community-based environmental management and provided policymakers with some applicable insights to encourage effective collaboration and sustainable tourism development.

ABSTRACT This study explores decision-making processes in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) and proposes a framework for a Decision Support System (DSS) to guide rural tourism development. While tourism offers economic benefits and reduces inequality, many communities lack expert support in planning. To address this, the authors conducted a content analysis of research from the past decade using Scopus-indexed sources and Litmap mapping tools. An object-oriented approach was applied to identify key actors, indicators, and decision pathways in CBT. The resulting conceptual framework highlights how decisions are made and adjusted in rural tourism settings. This model serves as a foundation for a generalized DSS, offering communities a structured, adaptable tool for strategic planning and sustainable tourism management.

ABSTRACT Although growing research has examined consumers’ and employees’ attitudes toward halal tourism, the perspectives of residents, crucial stakeholders in shaping tourist experiences and ensuring destination sustainability, remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how perceived value influences residents’ support for halal tourism, with emotional solidarity as a mediator and residents’ knowledge as a moderator. Survey data from 429 residents of Alanya, a leading halal tourism destination in Türkiye, were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings indicate that perceived value positively predicts support for halal tourism both directly and indirectly via emotional solidarity. However, the mediating effect weakens among residents with higher levels of halal tourism knowledge. These results offer novel insights into resident perceptions of halal tourism in secular yet Muslim-majority contexts, contributing to more inclusive and sustainable tourism development strategies.

The synergy between energy infrastructure and tourism development is critical for emerging economies. This study evaluates the role of public utilities—specifically Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and State Transport Corporations—in fostering sustainable tourism in Andhra Pradesh. Anchored in the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy 2024 and the Tourism Policy 2024-29, the research utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining secondary policy analysis with primary data from 450 stakeholders in the Visakhapatnam and Tirupati clusters. Statistical analysis, including t-tests and TCO modeling, reveals that utility-led interventions are the primary drivers of destination sustainability. Findings indicate a significant positive correlation (r=0.78) between electric mobility and pilgrim satisfaction in Tirumala. Furthermore, the ICE Policy 2024 land lease incentives reduce operational leverage for hospitality units by approximately 18%. The paper concludes that public utilities are not merely service providers but active decarbonization agents in the tourism value chain. Keywords: Sustainable Tourism, Renewable Energy, Public Utilities, Electric Mobility, Andhra Pradesh.

Comparison of European Union Countries in Travel and Tourism Development Using Principal Component Analysis

Background: This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of research on ecotourism and learning conducted in Asia between 2015 and 2025, aiming to identify major trends, potentials, and challenges in linking ecotourism with sustainability-oriented education. It offers a decade-long synthesis that explicitly connects ecotourism with learning outcomes and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), an angle that has received limited systematic attention in previous reviews. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using a PRISMA-guided selection process, yielding 39 eligible open-access articles written in English. The analysis employed bibliometric mapping and thematic synthesis using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to explore publication patterns, disciplinary distribution, conceptual networks, and thematic evolution. The review followed the updated PRISMA 2020 statement and its explanation and elaboration papers to ensure transparent and replicable reporting. Results: Results reveal a significant growth of research output after 2021, reflecting the increasing global recognition of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a guiding framework for tourism studies. Social sciences, environmental sciences, and computer science dominate the field, indicating a strong interdisciplinary orientation integrating environmental modeling, community learning, and digital innovation. Keyword and thematic analyses identify ecotourism, sustainable tourism, tourism development, and learning as core themes, while emerging topics such as deep learning, social media, and decision-making illustrate a shift toward data-driven sustainability learning. Ecotourism demonstrates strong potential as a medium for experiential, community-based, cultural, and technological learning, yet its educational function remains constrained by commercialization, limited human capacity, and fragmented policy alignment. Comparative patterns across countries further show that community-based initiatives in Southeast Asia often struggle with governance and funding gaps, whereas destinations in East Asia face challenges related to overtourism, heritage commodification, and uneven access to digital learning infrastructures. Conclusion: The review concludes that ecotourism in Asia has evolved from a niche tourism activity into a transformative educational platform that connects nature, culture, and technology for sustainability learning. Future research should prioritize cross-sectoral collaboration, digital pedagogy, and long-term impact evaluation to advance ecotourism as a dynamic framework for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). By integrating bibliometric mapping with thematic synthesis, this study clarifies how ecotourism-based learning has developed in Asian contexts, identifies persistent evidence gaps, and provides regionally nuanced directions for policymakers, educators, and tourism practitioners.

The intellectual and religious legacy of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani in Tanara, Serang Regency, possesses high historical, religious, and social value and has the potential to become a driver of the local economy through the development of religious tourism, empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the strengthening of community-based economic initiatives. This study aims to analyze the economic potential that can be developed from the heritage sites of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani in Tanara and to identify sustainable development strategies grounded in local wisdom. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method through field observations, interviews with community leaders, site managers, and MSME actors, as well as a review of relevant literature. The findings show that the legacy of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani has become a magnet for religious visits that stimulate increased economic activity in the culinary, handicraft, and service sectors, while community-based management patterns generate relatively inclusive economic impacts for local residents. The study concludes that strengthening the governance of religious tourism, enhancing the capacity of MSME actors, and fostering synergy between local government, academics, and the local community are key strategies to sustainably optimize the economic potential of the heritage sites of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani, while simultaneously reinforcing the socio-religious ecology and community-based economy in Tanara.

Food is an essential element of a tourist's travel experience, often becoming a key reference in planning itineraries. The concept of culinary tourism has developed into gastronomic tourism, which encompasses not only the local cuisines, but also the culture and history behind them. This trifecta of cuisine, culture and history, known as the Triangle Concept of Indonesia’s gastronomy, is often still under-utilizing the storytelling component required in presenting the cultural and historical aspect of food. The rich, delectable, and distinct cuisines of Yogyakarta are rooted in its steep cultural heritage, still providing a lot of untapped potentials to enhance its tourism initiatives. One of the most significant periods in Yogyakarta’s history was the era of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, instrumental in shaping both the region and the nation’s identity. Many of Yogyakarta’s legendary cuisines can be traced back to this period in history. Following the trail and development of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, this research sought to identify the cuisines from this era that could be formulated as potential gastronomic tourism attraction to further boost the development of the local tourism. This qualitative-exploratory research employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data collection was done through interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), observations, and compilation of documents. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach through classification, coding and reduction process. The research resulted in the identification of cuisines that were mapped out according to 5 historical periods of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom’s existence, each food category accompanied by culinary data, historical information, and cultural role/significance, in line with the Triangle Concept of Indonesia’s Gastronomy.

This study aims to develop an Inclusiveness Educational Hospitality Framework that supports sustainable tourism in Pulau Langkawi through a stakeholder-centred approach. Inclusive education plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to hospitality training for students with diverse needs, particularly those enrolled in Special Education Program Integration (PPKI). The proposed framework connects the Langkawi Tourism Academy (LTA), District Education Office (PPD), and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, establishing a comprehensive structure for technical learning, on-the-job training (OJT), and industry-aligned competency development. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used to examine the influence of OJT, training effectiveness, and training content on work group inclusion. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire incorporating established measurement items and analysed using SmartPLS to assess the measurement and structural models. Findings demonstrate adequate reliability and convergent validity, providing evidence that inclusiveness-driven training contributes to students’ belongingness and workplace adaptability. This research offers practical implications for hospitality education providers by promoting structured collaboration between institutions and industry to enhance accessibility, skill readiness, and social inclusion. The framework supports national efforts to strengthen the hospitality talent pipeline while advancing Malaysia’s sustainable tourism and inclusive development agenda.

Impact of tourism development on the water environment carrying capacity: a comparative study of arid areas in western China and the Yangtze River Delta

This study is motivated by the tourism potential of Tamsar 27 in Bengkelang Village, Bandar Pusaka Sub-district, Aceh Tamiang Regency, which offers clear river streams, scenic natural landscapes, and a peaceful rural atmosphere, yet has not been optimally managed to improve the local economy. The purpose of this research is to analyze strategies for community-based tourism management to enhance local welfare. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using field observations, interviews, and documentation as data-collection techniques. Data were analyzed through reduction, presentation, and conclusion-drawing stages. The results reveal five main strategies for improving community economy through tourism management at Tamsar 27: (1) improving tourism infrastructure; (2) empowering local communities through training in tourism management and entrepreneurship; (3) diversifying tourism-related businesses such as homestays and local specialty products; (4) optimizing digital promotion; and (5) strengthening partnerships among the village government, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), and private sectors to ensure sustainable tourism development. The implications of this study demonstrate that applying the principles of community-based tourism and empowerment theory provides an effective foundation for developing sustainable rural tourism destinations while simultaneously enhancing local income and community self-reliance.

Purpose This study aims to systematically analyze the intellectual structure of metaverse research in the hospitality and tourism domain. It identifies key theoretical foundations, emerging themes and conceptual relationships by leveraging bibliometric analysis. The research seeks to bridge the gap between conceptual studies and practical applications, offering an integrative framework for adoption by industry. Design/methodology/approach This study integrates bibliometric and text-mining approaches to systematically review the metaverse research in hospitality and tourism. Findings The study identifies six key research clusters, highlighting the metaverse’s role in immersive tourism, digital engagement and sustainability. The findings reveal that technological adoption, virtual presence and brand engagement are central to metaverse research in hospitality. Co-citation analysis highlights the dominant theoretical models, such as the stimulus–organism–response model, while text mining identifies gaps in empirical applications. The research underscores the metaverse’s potential to enhance customer experience, marketing strategies and sustainable tourism development. Originality/value This study is among the first to conduct a systematic bibliometric review of metaverse research in the hospitality and tourism sector. By integrating co-citation analysis and text mining, it offers a comprehensive and objective examination of the existing literature. The research provides a novel conceptual framework for understanding metaverse adoption, digital engagement and sustainability in hospitality. It bridges theoretical and practical gaps, offering valuable insights for scholars, industry practitioners and policymakers. The study also highlights critical research gaps and proposes a future research agenda, ensuring its relevance in guiding strategic decision-making and technological advancements in the hospitality industry.

ABSTRACT Music contributes to the promotion of places, destinations and cultures, and is a fundamental element of local branding strategies, helping communities and places to express uniqueness. Carlingford, a small Irish village, hosts small music events that enrich both local life and potential tourism experiences. These are the Carlingford Heritage Centre’s Concert Series and Féile na Tána, two Irish traditional music initiatives curated by the local musicians Zoë Conway and John McIntyre. These small-scale events offer niche tourism opportunities connected to education through which local music and its practitioners may contribute to strengthening the image of the destination. On the basis of primary data gathered through interviews, netnography and participant observation, together with secondary data collection, this study develops a critical understanding of the potential of music tourism in Carlingford, addressing a knowledge gap on music tourism in the east of Ireland. It also highlights the contribution of music to local branding. The paper critically assesses the representation of music in the promotion of Carlingford as a tourism destination. It also recognises music as a significant attraction, providing input to improve current tourism development plans, such as the Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023-2027.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the competitiveness of Kish and Qeshm Islands as sport tourism destinations in emerging economies. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines semi-structured interviews, the Fuzzy Delphi Method, and Importance-Performance Competitor Analysis to evaluate stakeholder expectations and destination performance. Qualitative data were collected from 16 key stakeholders, while quantitative insights were obtained from surveys of 231 Kish Island tourists and 204 Qeshm Island sport tourists. The integrated analysis reveals significant performance gaps in infrastructure, service quality, and resource allocation. The findings underscore the critical role of resource optimization, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainability in building a resilient competitive advantage. Moreover, the results emphasize the necessity for strategic investments in human capital, advanced digital platforms, and community engagement to align destination offerings with international tourism benchmarks. The study provides actionable insights for tourism planning and development, guiding policymakers and destination managers in formulating targeted strategies to enhance destination competitiveness and ensure long-term resilience in the dynamic global sport tourism market.

This study examines the strategic development of marine tourism events through an integrated analytical and planning framework at Minang Rua Beach, Kelawi Tourism Village, South Lampung. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, the research synthesises field observations and semi-structured interviews, along with SWOT and GAP analyses, to evaluate destination readiness and identify critical determinants shaping event feasibility. The findings reveal that Minang Rua Beach benefits from strong accessibility, diverse natural and cultural assets, active community support, and the presence of indigenous knowledge systems. Nevertheless, several structural constraints persist, including limited engagement from governmental and private-sector stakeholders, suboptimal management of tourism attractions, and inadequate development of cultural arts and MSME branding. The GAP assessment indicates an overall readiness level of 87.5%, reflecting a generally favourable baseline with a measurable scope for improvement. Drawing on Goldblatt’s five-phase event planning model—research, design, planning, coordination, and evaluation—the study proposes a contextually grounded event development framework that emphasises enhancing destination quality, cultural revitalisation, human capital empowerment, and MSME advancement. Conceptually, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on event-based coastal tourism by demonstrating how strategic analytical tools can be operationalised within community-based governance structures to strengthen sustainable marine tourism development.

Land conversion in Bali Province continues to increase annually, driven mainly by tourism development, population growth, and infrastructure expansion. This phenomenon threatens ecological balance, the sustainability of subak irrigation systems, and the cultural identity of Balinese society. This study aims to analyze environmental law enforcement in preventing land conversion through national and regional legal instruments. The research employs a normative legal method using statutory, conceptual, and case approaches. Results indicate that although there is an adequate legal framework, law enforcement faces various challenges, such as weak monitoring, regulatory disharmony, and strong economic interests influencing licensing processes. The study recommends strengthening administrative instruments, enhancing technology-based monitoring, involving traditional villages, and harmonizing regulations to ensure effective and sustainable environmental protection in Bali.

Through the framework of sustainable development, focusing on socio-cultural sustainability, this study explores whether the rapid growth of wellness tourism in Ubud, Bali, has been experienced equitably by the local community. Through ethnographic interviews and participant observation, the findings reveal that most informants did not experience benefits from wellness tourism due to Western domination, economic leakage and isolated enclaves. Wellness tourism products are disconnected from indigenous spiritual practices, whilst centring on Westernised products, exacerbating inequalities. Wellness tourism should enhance the local community’s wellbeing not only focusing on tourists’ wellness. This study emphasises the critical importance of including local voices, involvement and benefits in wellness tourism development. The marginalisation of local spiritual culture and people is linked to, and reflects, a lack of socio-culturally sustainable development. We argue for integrating socio-cultural sustainability into wellness tourism scholarship, policy, planning and practice. This research expands the literature by providing marginalised local voices, and contextualised indicators in socio-cultural sustainability, which has been fragmented. Future research should consolidate the conceptual framework, refine indicators and explore measurement methods for more nuanced studies.