Tourism Growth Research Articles

The Global South Air transport Belt: A catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic growth

This paper explores specific technical dimensions of a Global South Air Transport Belt concept, emphasizing international air transport's pivotal role in fostering global trade, stimulating tourism, promoting people-to-people exchange, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. A notable disparity exists between the air transport infrastructures of the Global North and the Global South. Furthermore, the Carbon Offset Scheme for International Aviation poses an obstacle to the air transport advancement in developing nations. This market-based initiative, designed to cap aviation emissions from 2020, has the potential to impede the actual international network connections expansion in developing countries. As an alternative, this paper advocates for the adoption of operational measures, the utilization of sustainable aviation fuels, and the implementation of technological advancements. This strategy aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The paper highlights the potential for sustainable development through the air transport infrastructure expansion in developing countries, focusing particularly on the BRICS nations. Creating a cohesive Global South Air Transport Belt will facilitate the growth of tourism and foster economic development across the participating nations. Such an initiative seeks a sustainable pathway toward inclusive economic growth and social progress for humanity.

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.

The Role of Public Administration Expenditures in Tourism Development – a Comparative Analysis of Two Valuable Geoheritage Areas

This study examines the relationship between public administration expenditure and the development of the tourism sector in four Administrative Territorial Units (ATUs) with high natural potential between 2000 and 2018. It first analyzes the public expenditures of the ATUs, classifying them by function and calculating the share of each expenditure in the total. Next, the study assesses local economies using the Classification of National Economic Activities (NACE) to determine the contribution of tourism. Finally, the two databases are correlated to explore the impact of public spending on tourism growth. The findings provide a foundation for developing new methodologies to assess public investment in tourism and raise awareness of its importance. Keywords: tourism, revenues, expenditures, public administration, local economy

Strategic Insights for Sustainable Tourism Development in Kashmir Valley: SWOT and QSPM Analysis

Promoting sustainable tourism entails fostering environmentally responsible growth that endures, achieving a delicate balance between honoring the rich history, preserving culture, and navigating the challenges posed by diverse altitudes in the Kashmir Valley. A knowledge test was created to measure the stakeholders' understanding of sustainable tourism to guide further analysis with the selected stakeholders. Our research delved into this objective by conducting real-world analysis, including questionnaires and interviews with key stakeholders. A Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was utilized and built on the foundation of the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework to drive sustainable tourism effectively. The results underscore the intricate landscape the valley operates within, revealing varied levels of stakeholder satisfaction across different aspects. Understanding these nuanced perspectives is crucial to charting a sustainable course for the region. In this light, the existing strategies aimed at managing the area, with a focal point on promoting sustainable tourism. The emphasis is on recognizing and tackling the challenges while seizing the weaknesses and threats that could impact the industry's reputation for excellent service and environmental stewardship. It is about aligning strategies to ensure a harmonious coexistence between tourism growth and the natural, cultural, and social fabric of this adorable valley.

Marine microbial community taxonomic and functional indicators to volcanic and anthropogenic stressors in Deception Island, Antarctica

In recent years, the growth in Antarctic tourism has stimulated research on the anthropogenic impacts on the region, boosted by advances in OMIC technologies applied to polar microbial communities. This study aimed to assess the human impacts on marine prokaryotic and viral communities of Deception Island by identifying potential taxonomic, functional, and resistome indicators of both anthropogenic and natural/volcanic pressures. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla, with notable variations attributed to volcanic activity and anthropogenic pressure. The abundance of Euryarchaeota in regions with increased volcanic activity underlines their adaptability to extreme conditions. Their mercury resistance coupled with their ability to cope with toxic heavy metals is a critical component in managing volcanic mercury concentrations. Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Synergistetes showed distinctive abundance patterns with potential ecological implications related to volcanic environments. Functional analyses revealed the enrichment of functions associated with metal-based, hydrocarbon degradation, and nitrogen metabolism. Submarine volcanic vents contributed significantly to the shape of functional diversity. Identification of specific functions related to nosocomial infections and gastroenteritis highlights the impact of anthropogenic activities on functional traits. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) showed nuanced patterns influenced by both anthropogenic pressure and volcanic activity. Actinobacteria were correlated with increased ARG abundance, which was enhanced by wastewater disposal. Remarkably, Fumarole Bay showed an increased prevalence of certain ARGs, despite a lower anthropogenic impact, suggesting a unique selective pressure induced by volcanic activity. The responsiveness of these indicators to varying levels of pressure characterizes them as valuable tools for assessing and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on the marine waters of Deception Island.

Community-Based Management: Marine Tourism Development for Ecological and Economic Sustainability

This study analyzes community-based management approaches in the Kapoposang Marine Nature Tourism Park (TWAL) as a model for sustainable tourism development. The research examines how local community involvement in managing marine tourism areas enhances economic, social, and ecological sustainability. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews with stakeholders, direct observations, and surveys of local residents and tourists. Findings reveal that participatory approaches significantly enhance the effectiveness of marine ecosystem management, particularly in coral reef conservation, while also contributing to increased local income. However, challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure development, which limits tourism growth and local benefits. The study suggests strategies for maximizing Kapoposang's tourism potential through inclusive community engagement, addressing infrastructure gaps, and promoting sustainable practices. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to foster sustainable marine tourism and community empowerment in protected marine areas, providing a replicable model for similar regions seeking balanced development.

OSTRICHES AND GEOTOURISM: THE EVOLUTIONARY PATHWAY OF A SMALL TOWN TOURISM DESTINATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Small towns are a critical tier in the settlement hierarchy. For many small towns tourism is a vital sector of local development. This paper contributes an historical perspective on small town destination development. Using archival sources the paper provides a window on the evolutionary development of one small town tourism destination in South Africa. The case study is Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. During the late 19th century and early 20th century Oudtsthoorn experienced phases of economic boom and bust which linked to international fashion and the trade in ostrich feathers. The imprint of this era is manifest in the town’s landscape of ‘feather palaces’. In terms of early 20th century tourism growth it is demonstrate d geotourism was a critical driver with the asset of Cango Caves. In the period after the Second World War, the local tourism economy diversifies with the revival and reorientation of ostrich farming which incorporates ostriches as tourism attractions. The evolutionary pathway of this small town changes such that its local tourism economy is anchored on the dual foundations of its geotourism and ostrich attractions.

Development of Recreation in Improving the Health of the Population

This article investigates the potential of developing recreational and military-recreational zones, particularly focusing on the Chimgan-Charvak resort area in Uzbekistan. Despite the rapid global growth of recreational tourism, military recreation remains underexplored, presenting a knowledge gap, especially in Uzbekistan. The study employs SWOT analysis and expert surveys to assess the region's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, alongside mapping techniques to analyze the population's health challenges. Findings reveal significant untapped potential in ecotourism and the necessity of balancing recreational development with environmental conservation. The study underscores the importance of innovative approaches to tourism management and calls for better investment in tourism infrastructure and specialized training for tour guides. These insights have broad implications for enhancing Uzbekistan’s economic growth through sustainable tourism development.

Strategic Analysis for Developing Tourism in Toba Regency: A Sustainable Management Approach

Toba Regency, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, offers vast potential for tourism development, thanks to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. This study analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) related to tourism in Toba Regency, utilizing a sustainable management approach to enhance the region's tourism sector. By conducting a SWOT analysis and evaluating both internal and external factors, the study identifies key strategies for boosting tourism, including improving infrastructure, increasing local community involvement, and promoting the region’s unique cultural and natural attractions at national and international levels. The findings suggest that leveraging Toba Regency's natural and cultural resources, while addressing limitations in infrastructure and community engagement, can significantly enhance its tourism potential. The strategic recommendations provided focus on sustainable practices that will benefit the local economy, preserve cultural and environmental assets, and foster long-term tourism growth.

Forecasting thermal stress for sports tourists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This study explores thermal stress conditions (i.e. heat, humidity, sunlight exposure) sports tourists can expect when attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sports tourism's growth is driven by international mega-events like FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. With planning ongoing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup football (soccer) tournament, what remains unstudied are the heat conditions spectators can expect at the 16 host stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The inquiry is important considering (1) the tournament is taking place in warm-weather months of June and July, (2) thermal stress contributes to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, and (3) many destination-bound tourists will be at elevated risk to heat. Accordingly, we report historical and forecasted thermal stress levels documenting expected conditions at each host stadium. Notably, forecasts indicate worsening thermal stress compared to long-term means, providing support for the study's methodology. Practical implications and limitations are provided.

Современный массовый туризм: становление, принципы, факторы развития

One of the effective and affordable ways to organize recreation and leisure in modern conditions is considered to be mass tourism, which is influenced by global trends: globalization, informatization, geopolitics. In the article, based on generalizations of the approaches of domestic and foreign researchers, an attempt is made to give a detailed definition of the term “mass tourism” and to specify its phenomenon through the justification of its distinctive features: the number of consumers (mass), motives and goals, the influence of technological progress, industrialization and scaling of the tourism business. The authors highlight factors contributing to the development of modern tourism, including: accessibility, globalization, marketing and advertising, political situation, economic stability, digitalization and conceptual approaches to the emergence and development of mass tourism: the theory of consumer society, the theory of mobile sociology, “quality tourism” and etc. Among the general principles of modern mass tourism, the authors highlight: the commercial principle of a balance of interests, taking into account the global problems facing humanity, the active socialization of tourism. Particular attention is paid to the issues of periodization of the formation of mass tourism in the historiography of various countries; description of the modern understanding of mass tourism, taking into account its influence on national socio-economic systems; determining the main directions for the development of mass tourism in the domestic market of tourism services, taking into account rapidly changing external conditions and factors, which made it possible to identify the main and most popular types of tourist activity.

Using innovation and entrepreneurship for creating edge in service firms: A review research of tourism and hospitality industry

This paper aims to inform policy and research in the domain of tourism and hospitality on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship. The paper applies the review research methodology to collate, comprehend, and synthesise 139 papers selected through a standard procedure. Our findings show that innovation drives growth and value in new tourism and hospitality firms. The study examines external factors, particularly government policies, influencing industry stakeholders’ entrepreneurial orientation and the macroeconomic environment affecting entrepreneurial activities. It also highlights the importance of social entrepreneurship in industry innovation and sustainability. This article emphasises the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality growth, value creation, and social and environmental issues.

Peculiarities of Tourism Indtry Management in Territorial Communities of Zhytomyr Region

Today, the tourism industry not only plays a key role at the national level, but also has a significant impact on local economic development. The existence of dedicated tourism units in local governments allows for more efficient planning and resource allocation, avoiding potential obstacles that may arise when tourism is subordinated to other departments. The article shows that out of 66 territorial communities, 9 do not have a department responsible for developing proposals and measures for tourism development. Most of them are organized under the name of the Department of Education, Youth, Sport, Culture, and Tourism. This integrated approach, although covering different aspects of community life, strongly influences the allocation of resources, as there is a tendency to prioritize cultural initiatives over specific tourism development. This raises the question of whether this integration is the most effective way of stimulating growth in the tourism sector. The analysis of long-term community development strategies showed that 44 UTCs have a programme or a draft programme, and a further 9 have adopted tourism development programmes with an action plan. The successful development of tourism in a territorial community depends on both its resources and the status of its centre, which may be a village, town, or city. Finally, it is important to differentiate responsibility for tourism development, as the potential for tourism initiatives varies according to the size of the settlement. Accordingly, we have classified the territorial municipalities, resulting in the following distribution: the urban type (M) includes 12 municipalities with subtypes M1, M2, M3, M4, which were identified based on their regional or district importance. The settlement type (S) includes 22 municipalities with subtypes S1, S2, S3, in which the centres did not perform rayon functions before the decentralization reform. The rural municipality type (R) includes 32 municipalities and has 2 subtypes: R1, R2. Thus, in order to ensure sustainable growth and success in tourism, the authorities need to consider many factors for effective management.

Pathways to tourism eco-efficiency: fresh insights from a configuration perspective

ABSTRACT Balancing tourism growth with environmental pressures is an urgently needed complex issue. Tourism eco-efficiency (TEE) has become an important tool for addressing this challenge. We use complexity theory to understand the intricacies of improving TEE, focusing on data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2019, and introduce a configurational perspective to this field. The following conclusions are drawn: Firstly, we innovatively propose the Government-Market-Public-Technical (GMPT) framework, which distills six conditions: government supervision, government attention, market competition, market liberalisation, public supervision, and digital level. Secondly, TEE has steadily increased, regional disparities have narrowed, and the spatial pattern has shifted from ‘multi-core’ dispersion to ‘block’ aggregation. Thirdly, unlike existing research on TEE, there is no symmetrical causal relationship between GMPT and TEE. Moreover, a single GMPT condition is not necessary for high or low TEE levels. We also innovatively summarise the combinatorial paths. Four types of condition combinations can produce high-level TEE, including Market liberalization Tech Driven, Government-Market Dual Interaction Tech-Driven, Government-Public Dual Interaction Tech-Driven, and Government-Market-public-Tech Driven Coordinated Type. We identify three types of deficiency elements that impede TEE enhancement. This study provides important theoretical and practical insights for promoting eco-tourism and achieving high-quality tourism development under sustainable conditions.

Sustainable Recovery in Health Tourism: Managerial Insights from a Mediterranean Destination during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health tourism, a sector that has gained increasing global attention, particularly in the context of sustainable development, is poised for significant growth even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the challenges faced by the health tourism sector in a small Mediterranean country, focusing on sustainable recovery strategies. The current study aims to determine managerial implications post-COVID-19, emphasizing sustainability in operational practices and long-term demand growth. We conducted in-depth interviews with 32 health tourism managers and experts, and the qualitative content analysis with Leximancer identified key themes such as sustainable demand management, organizational adaptation, and crisis recovery. This study revealed eight critical themes related to managerial survival and the demand for sustainable practices in health tourism, namely “demand”, “hotel”, “tour operators”, “employees”, “crises”, “social media”, “word of mouth”, and “time”. These findings underscore the importance of integrating sustainability into tourism recovery strategies, ensuring long-term resilience for the industry. This study, which provides theoretical and practical insights into the sustainable growth of health tourism amidst global crises, serves as a valuable reference for stakeholders seeking sustainable development solutions, inspiring them to contribute to the sector’s growth.

The Role of English Language Skills in the Tourism Industry in the 4.0 Era in Kuningan District, West Java Province

Through communication media, English plays a significant role in the sustainable tourism sector with the goal of promoting foreign travel, service, effective communication between foreign visitors and tourism actors, and the surrounding community, all of which are ultimately related to the growth of local tourism in the industrial era's sustainable tourism sector. 4.0 Tourist actors need to be fluent in English, especially in the vernacular, which includes basic discussion, linguistic proficiency, and basic conversation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the advantages of English- speaking culture in West Java Province's sustainable tourism sector during the Industrial Era 4.0. Descriptive qualitative analysis is the analytical technique employed. This study demonstrates the necessity of English-speaking culture in Kunuingan District, West Java Province's sustainable tourism industry in the industrial era 4.0 in order to promote the province's local tourist destinations overseas, increase the number of foreign visitors, and facilitate English-language communication. The ability to speak effectively in English is crucial for both those who work in the tourism business and those who live near popular tourist sites.

Retraction Note: The role of green financing to enhance tourism growth by mitigating carbon emission in China.

Retraction Note: The role of green financing to enhance tourism growth by mitigating carbon emission in China.

The impact of sustainable development goals (SDGs) on tourism growth. Empirical evidence from G-7 countries

The impact of sustainable development goals (SDGs) on tourism growth. Empirical evidence from G-7 countries

Tourism and intergenerational social mobility

ABSTRACT This study examines the influence of regional tourism growth on intergenerational social mobility using a comprehensive cross-sectional data set that includes six survey waves from the Chinese General Social Survey. Our findings show that tourism significantly encourages upward intergenerational social mobility. These baseline results remain consistent even when we apply instrumental variables, employ a hierarchical linear model, and conduct other robustness tests. Based on theories related to intergenerational mobility, promoting industrial structure upgrading and addressing regional inequality to ease the financial burden of family education are ways in which tourism promotes upward intergenerational social mobility. Moreover, our analysis of different groups shows that tourism growth mainly improves intergenerational social mobility for male offspring from low-education or rural backgrounds. Consequently, while tourism may reduce urban-rural disparities to a degree, it could intensify gender inequality in rural areas. These findings reveal the theoretical mechanism through which tourism influences intergenerational mobility, providing a more comprehensive examination of tourism’s role in promoting regional sustainability.

Impacts of Land Use Changes on Landscape Patterns and Ecosystem Service Values in Counties (Villages) in Ethnic Regions of China: A Case Study of Jianghua Yao Autonomous County, Hunan Province

This study, using Jianghua Yao Autonomous County in Hunan Province as a case, systematically analyzes the response of ecosystem service value (ESV) to land use and landscape pattern changes by employing landscape-level indices and landscape-type-level indices. The findings provide a reliable basis for scientifically formulating land use planning and ecological protection policies in ethnic regions, thereby promoting regional ecological security and sustainable development. This study reveals that (1) the land use structure in the county underwent significant changes between 2000 and 2020, with grassland and shrubland areas decreasing substantially by 71.66% and 78.41%, respectively, while urban and arable land areas increased significantly by 228.30% and 15.84%, respectively. Particularly under the scenario of prioritizing economic development, these changes led to increased landscape fragmentation and a decline in ecosystem service value (from CNY 296.571 billion in 2020 to CNY 287.959 billion in 2030). (2) In contrast, the scenarios of ecological protection and sustainable development significantly enhanced the region’s ecosystem service value by increasing forest and water area, effectively maintaining the stability of the landscape pattern. These findings provide important evidence for the formulation of scientifically sound land use planning and ecological protection policies, contributing to the dual goals of economic development, tourism growth and ecological protection in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County and similar regions.