Local Tourism Research Articles

All-round robots inherited from intangible cultural heritage

This study aims to deeply explore the application and impact of the intangible cultural heritage all-purpose robot and its supporting APP in rural tourism. Through case analysis, theoretical discussion and data statistical analysis, it is expected that the smooth implementation of this project can bring significant economic benefits to rural residents. Increase revenue while promoting and inheriting intangible cultural heritage, improving tourists’ travel experience, and thereby enhancing the reputation of the local tourism industry. This study will provide useful reference and reference for the innovative development of rural tourism.

Implementasi Algoritma A* (A-Star) untuk mencari Rute Tercepat dari Bandara Soekarno Hatta ke Destinasi Kota Tua Jakarta

The tourism sector is an economic sector that is growing rapidly. One of the best destinations that can be used as a tourist destination in DKI Jakarta is the Old City of Jakarta. The Old City of Jakarta has easy access and very affordable costs. There are many roads to the Old City of Jakarta, but the road to the Old City of Jakarta is very far away and has traffic congestion, especially towards the weekend, which could potentially make it difficult for tourists who want to visit. Therefore, we need an effective method that can help find the route with the shortest distance and fastest travel time. In this research, the method that can be used to find the fastest path or route is the A*Star algorithm. The results obtained after examining three routes (Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya, Jalan Peta Barat and Jalan Raya Daan Mogot), obtained the fastest route with a distance of 5,881.5 KM, namely the Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya route. By applying this method, it is hoped that it can solve the problem of determining the fastest route to the tourist location of the Old City of Jakarta.

Impact of peer-to-peer online experience on cultural tourism marketing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) online experience offers low-cost immersive cultural experiences, but enterprises fear that it will negatively affect local tourism marketing. This study proposes a sequential mediation model to explore how P2P online experience stimulates travel intentions and attraction recommendations. We find that P2P online experience increases cultural presence, which in turn leads to higher situational empathy. This increased empathy then contributes to predicted tourism experience, which ultimately shapes behavioral intentions toward travel and attraction recommendations. Furthermore, the study finds that the impact of P2P online experience on behavioral intentions is stronger for consumers with lower cultural cognitive levels of tourist attractions. Our findings demonstrate the importance of P2P online experience on cultural presence and situational empathy in shaping travel behavior.

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.

A Non-Compensatory Index of Community Participation in Cross-Border Tourism Development Processes

We propose a composite index to measure and benchmark community participation in cross-border tourism development processes. The index synthesizes information regarding three dimensions of this construct, deemed as very important by the extant literature: residents’ engagement in the planning process and willingness to proactively welcome tourists and provide tourist services directly through sharing-economy platforms. The latter aspect is crucial to develop a local tourist supply able to combine environmental sustainability and financial feasibility in marginal areas, where public funding is scarce and private investments are unprofitable. This study offers a methodological innovation using response rates to open-ended questions to measure residents’ engagement in tourism planning. By applying the ELECTRE III algorithm, which is non-compensatory and ensures reliability in the presence of a high degree of uncertainty, survey information is aggregated in a single figure, which can be easily interpreted by destination managers and policymakers. After COVID-19, in readying for the next pandemic, decision makers should find our index as a very relevant and useful tool for tourism recovery and innovation planning, including compliance with measures to prevent the spread of future infections. We apply the proposed index to ten Croatian and Italian lands involved in a European development project. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with residents, according to an availability sampling design. We obtained 879 valid questionnaires. The robustness of the resulting index is tested through an uncertainty and a sensitivity analysis.

Rediscovering the Lost Cuisines of the Himalayas: A Study on Traditional Culinary Practices, Cultural Heritage and their Potential for Sustainable Tourism

This study explores the rediscovery and promotion of the lost cuisines of the Himalayas, focusing on their cultural significance, traditional culinary practices, and potential for sustainable tourism. The unique geography and cultural diversity of the Himalayan region have given rise to distinct food traditions, deeply embedded in the local environment and history. However, modernization, globalization, and shifting socio economic conditions have increasingly threatened these practices. This research aims to document and preserve the traditional culinary heritage of the region, while examining how it can be integrated into sustainable tourism strategies. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including interviews with local community members and tourism stakeholders, field observations, and a review of secondary literature, the study investigates the role of food in maintaining cultural identity and supporting local economies. The findings suggest that traditional Himalayan cuisine, characterized by its use of locally sourced, organic ingredients and sustainable practices, aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly tourism and wellness experiences. The study identifies challenges, such as the risk of cultural commodification and the need for infrastructure development, but highlights the significant potential of culinary tourism as a tool for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. By promoting traditional food practices within a sustainable tourism framework, local communities can benefit from increased revenue while safeguarding their cultural heritage. The research concludes that rediscovering the lost cuisines of the Himalayas offers a valuable opportunity to preserve cultural traditions, promote sustainable development, and create meaningful tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and local populations.

Understanding the Role of Tourist-Oriented Villages in Promoting Rural Tourism in China: Integrating Rural Landscapes and Tourist Services

ABSTRACT Rural tourism strategies in underdeveloped countries have gained significant popularity in recent years. However, the repetitive and irrational construction of tourist destinations contributes to the homogeneity of the tourism environment. Low quality in the rural landscape and tourism services could affect the attraction of tourist spots. Collaboration between rural areas and service-based tourism is essential for the development of tourist-oriented villages. This review paper aims to thoroughly analyze the relationship between rural landscapes and tourism services within tourist-oriented villages in China. It further explores how the synergistic development of these two sectors can enhance rural tourism and addresses the sustainability challenges these villages face. After analyzing the data by integrated review, it is evident that the “wisdom product” concept, which integrates a high-quality rural landscape with tourism services through cultural branding, can improve the attractiveness of tourist-oriented villages and achieve sustainable growth. By grasping this concept, rural areas can experience a revival, enabling local governments, villagers, and tourism service providers to actively participate in the long-term planning, management, and development of tourist-oriented villages, crucial for the enduring success of rural tourism initiatives in China.

Penerapan Kearifan Lokal di Bandar Udara Internasional Sam Ratulangi di Manado

Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado plays a strategic role as the main gateway for tourists visiting North Sulawesi, making significant contributions to local tourism and the economy. The implementation of local wisdom at this airport, such as the use of regional languages and the integration of cultural elements in terminal design, aims to enrich the tourist experience and showcase the cultural richness of North Sulawesi. However, challenges remain regarding capacity and service quality, as well as maintaining the authenticity of local culture. This study aims to analyze how the application of local wisdom at Sam Ratulangi International Airport impacts the tourist experience in North Sulawesi and to evaluate the local cultural values implemented at the airport in enhancing the visitor experience. The research design uses a qualitative approach with a case study method to assess the application of local wisdom at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado. The study, conducted in July 2024, combines interviews, observations, and documentation to gather data. Interviews with airport managers, local communities, and passengers provide insights into the impact of local wisdom. Observations focus on cultural elements at the airport, while documentation includes official data and relevant literature. Data validity is tested through triangulation of techniques and sources. Data analysis involves reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing to address or refine the research problem. The study findings indicate that the application of local wisdom at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, such as traditional Kolintang music, batik exhibitions, and the use of regional languages, enhances the tourist experience by creating a distinctive atmosphere that introduces North Sulawesi's culture. Local values such as "mapalus" (community cooperation) and "torang samua basudara" (we are all brothers) are reflected in the friendly and efficient service, leaving a positive impression and shaping tourists' views of the region as rich in culture and humanitarian values.

Microplastics in glaciers of Tibetan Plateau: Characteristics and potential sources

Microplastics (MPs) in glaciers of remote areas are a hot topic linking the global transport of atmospheric MPs. The Tibetan Plateau (TP) holds large volume of glaciers, providing an effective way to trace MPs transport. Moreover, MPs in glaciers may have adverse effects on the local ecosystem and human health. In this study, we investigate MPs in snowpits collected from six glaciers across the different domain of the TP. The average abundance of MPs in six snowpits is 339.22 ± 51.85 items L−1 (with size ≥10 μm) measured by Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared Chemical Imaging System (LDIR), represented by relatively high MPs abundance in the southern TP and low in the northern TP. The polymers with lower density, namely polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and rubber, are the main MPs types, which are predominated by fragments with sizes smaller than 100 μm in each snowpit. Sources of MPs on glaciers include local tourism and vehicle traffic emissions of MPs. Meanwhile, long-range atmospheric transport of MPs from surrounded regions cannot be ignored. Backward trajectory analysis indicates cross-boundary transport of atmospheric MPs from South Asia play an important role on MPs deposited onto TP glaciers. Analysis further reveals that MPs in glaciers are associated with atmospheric mineral dust deposition. This study provides new data for the investigation of MPs in glaciers of remote areas, and a reference for studying MPs in the ice cores of TP glaciers.

Facility network design by using k-mean and elbow method: a case of Indian handloom industry

Purpose This study aims to design a facility network for the weavers to do direct business in the Indian handloom industry by using tourists as potential customers. Design/methodology/approach Data from 4,001 weavers of the handloom industry and 82 tourist locations of Varanasi city were collected. This data was analysed using the k-mean and elbow methods to determine the locations and the optimal number of collection centres, selling stores and warehouses to provide opportunities for the weavers to do direct business. Findings The study's findings showed that a greater opportunity could be provided with four optimal collection centres and selling stores, along with two warehouses in the handloom industry of Varanasi city. These results provide valuable guidance for policymakers to plan the Varanasi handloom network of facilities efficiently and effectively to improve the conditions of weavers. Originality/value Determining the optimal locations is crucial for designing a facility network. The proposed network will aid the government and policymakers in comprehending and pinpointing potential sites to establish new facilities in the handloom industry in Varanasi, a city with tourism potential.

Peningkatan Ekonomi Desa melalui Pariwisata: Memahami Regulasi dan Manfaatnya

Aik Bukaq Village possesses significant tourism potential, but it has not been fully leveraged to stimulate the local economy. This community service program aims to enhance the understanding of the Aik Bukaq Village community regarding tourism regulations and the benefits that can be derived from developing this sector. A thorough understanding of regulations, such as licensing, environmental conservation, and natural resource management, is crucial for ensuring that tourism development proceeds sustainably and generates positive economic impacts. The program also involves training and mentoring the community to optimize existing tourism potential, including local product development, marketing strategies, and tourism management. The expected outcome includes increased community knowledge of tourism regulations and improved economic income through better-managed tourism. Consequently, this program is anticipated to contribute to strengthening the economy of Aik Bukaq Village and improving the overall well-being of the community

EFEKTIVITAS PROGRAM DIRECT MARKETING TERHADAP TINGKAT KUNJUNGAN WISATAWAN DI KABUPATEN CILACAP

Cilacap Regency, Indonesia, is endowed with significant tourism potential, yet its tourist visitation rates remain comparatively low compared to other destinations in Indonesia. To enhance tourist arrivals, this study explores the effectiveness of direct marketing programs as a strategy to increase tourist visitation rates in Cilacap Regency. This research employs a quantitative approach with a survey design, collecting data from respondents who have visited Cilacap Regency. Independent variables include various direct marketing strategies such as email campaigns, social media promotions, and other online marketing activities. The main dependent variable is the tourist visitation rate. Regression analysis is utilized to test the hypothesis that direct marketing programs significantly contribute to increasing tourist visitation rates. The findings reveal that direct marketing programs have a significant positive impact on tourist visitation rates in Cilacap Regency (p < 0.001). These findings provide crucial implications for the development of more effective tourism marketing strategies in the region and offer empirical grounds for recommendations to local governments and tourism industry stakeholders in designing more focused and successful marketing programs.

Strategi Bauran Promosi Lokananta Surakarta untuk Meningkatkan Kunjungan Wisatawan Lokal

Competition in the industrial sector is getting tighter, but on the other hand, there is an imbalance in the increase in visit numbers. Business competition is a challenge and threat to survival. Lokananta Surakarta carries out several strategies because this has a crucial role in encouraging an increase in the number of visitors. This research is a qualitative descriptive research, with data collection methods using interviews and observation. The aim of carrying out this research is to find out and explain the promotional mix strategy used by Lokananta Surakarta to increase the number of local tourists. The results of this research show that there is a promotional mix used to increase visitors, namely advertising, sales, direct marketing, sales promotions and public relations. Sales promotion activities carried out include discounts, packages and merchandise which most persuade people to be more interested in visiting.

Neo‐Endogenous Local Development, Tourism, and International Immigration in El Hierro, Spain

AbstractThis article studies the role of international immigrants on enhancing economic and social diversity in El Hierro, potentially attracting more people, investment, and valorising local communities. It emphasizes the key characteristics of immigrants´ entrepreneurs, including their diverse backgrounds as lifestyle/labour immigrants, competence in languages, typically low initial capitalization and often lack of prior entrepreneurial experience. Despite initial limited professionalization, these entrepreneurs introduce innovations in services and products and cultivate social capital within the local community, particularly among other foreign‐born immigrants, and through transnational networks. This social capital is built upon personal relationships and mutual trust, promoting horizontal integration among businesses. These factors contribute to making the island a prime example of neo‐endogenous development in left‐behind areas. Yet, a high dependence on personal networks and local economic assets may affect negatively local development which needs more formalized and institutionalized support to create business environments for collaboration among stakeholders.

Gamification and economic behavior: Geospatial insights into mobile exercise app usage in South Korea

This study investigates how mobile exercise app-enabled gamified benefits (epistemic, personal integrative, and social integrative) independently and interactively influence economic outcomes from a nationwide perspective. Utilizing unique data on physical exercise and shopping activities collected from 7558 South Korean exercise app users over 3 years, we employed aspatial and spatial econometric models, along with visualization techniques, to examine the spatially varying relationships between gamified benefits and shopping behaviors at the municipality level. The results indicate that while social integrative benefits decreased shopping frequency and amount, the interaction terms of epistemic and social integrative benefits positively influenced shopping frequency. Furthermore, our spatial analysis suggests that the gamification–shopping relationship varied based on specific gamified benefits and across individual and clustered districts, cities, and counties across South Korea. These insights can guide local governments and tourism firms, suggesting opportunities to promote destination-specific gamified services for boosting the local economy.

Sustaining the brand and branding sustainability: landscape as homeland in Greenland’s visual marketing

Arctic destinations are continually reshaping their global identities to manage external expectations about the region. Existing portrayals of Greenland often stereotype the area as untouched wilderness or oversimplify its social, economic, and cultural realities. Our study combines visual analysis of cultural landscape and cultural ecosystem services (CES) to unveil a novel narrative in Greenland’s sustainable tourism branding we termed ‘landscape as homeland’. Empirically this research is based on the photographic database of Greenland’s national destination marketing organization. We explore Greenland’s destination branding as a strategic tool to define local meanings of sustainable tourism, homeland, and “Arcticness” in a branding that distinctively positions itself amidst Arctic destinations. Using pictured landscape as a dwelling place discerns locally valued CES, and realigns tourist engagements toward a culturally and ecologically integrated relationship. Applications of these findings extend to other rapidly changing regions seeking to expand economic opportunities, harnessing the synergy between destination branding and sustainable tourism. We reflect on the efficacy of our integrated CES and cultural landscape research to reveal local framings of the tourism-sustainability tension. We highlight the role of destination marketing organizations to bridge the gap between local identity, visitor expectations, and sustainable tourism development.

Multiplier Effect Wisata Halal Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Pandaan dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat di Kabupaten Pasuruan

This research aims to analyze and understand the role, potential, and multiplier effects of halal tourism at Masjid Cheng Hoo in Pandaan towards enhancing the welfare of the community in Pasuruan Regency. The research methodology employed is qualitative, based on field research. The findings reveal that its historical and cultural value serves as a primary attraction for tourists seeking rich religious and cultural experiences. The potential of halal tourism around the mosque is evident in the increased tourist visits and the growth of the local tourism industry. Furthermore, the study indicates that the development of halal tourism around the mosque has a positive multiplier effect on the welfare of the community in Pasuruan Regency. The growth of the tourism industry creates new job opportunities and enhances household income, while contributing to the development of infrastructure and better public services. These findings underscore the significant economic and social benefits that the development of halal tourism at Masjid Cheng Hoo brings to the local community.

Knowledge mapping of research on sustainable utilization of landscape resources: a case study of Guilin National Innovation Demonstration Zone for sustainable development in China

Worldwide interest has increasingly focused on the sustainable utilization of landscape as a resource in urban areas, emphasizing its ecological, cultural and social significance. This study examines Guilin City, China, as a representative case study due to its rich landscape resources and status as a national innovation demonstration zone for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study uses bibliometric visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze research trends from 1980 to 2021 in the Chinese Academic Journal Network Publishing Database (CNKI). The results show increasing academic interest over three stages: initiation (1982–1997), exploration (1998–2004), and diversified development (2005–2021). Contributions are predominantly from local academic and tourism sectors, indicating a strong regional influence; however, relatively weak interinstitutional collaboration occurs, suggesting potential for more integrated research efforts. Primary research is also concentrated within economic disciplines, particularly tourism-related ones. The evolution of research frontiers reveals three main paths: urban development strategies, industrial economic theories and empirical validation, and ecosystem analysis and evaluation. A multidisciplinary approach and stronger collaborative efforts are crucial to enhance research on ecological values and empirical models while supporting evidence-based urban development strategies in Guilin City and comparable cities globally.

Reflecting Experiences of Regional Academic, Tourism, and Education Specialists in Geoheritage Evaluation for Fujairah, UAE and Southeast Arabia

In Southeast Arabia (i.e. the United Arab Emirates [UAE] and Oman), geoconservation is a budding initiative, but to date, there has been limited evaluation of geoheritage sites in this region. Many geoheritage evaluation methods have been developed over the last 20 years, but the most popular methods reflect experiences from experts in Europe. The representativeness of these methods for different regional, cultural, and social contexts requires scrutiny. This study developed the first parametric method for geoheritage evaluation focused on Southeast Arabia, using Fujairah, UAE as a case study. The study applied a novel approach based on questionnaires completed by regional geoscience academics, local nature tourism professionals, and local science teachers. The preferences they expressed for scientific value, educational value, and touristic value, respectively, were used to develop the evaluation method. To test the requirements for informed decisions by tourism professionals and science teachers, the study compared results of questionnaires from two occasions: after a seminar on regional geoheritage sites, and after site visits. The resulting method deviates from previous methods in the relative weight it places on various criteria, substantiating the need to target wider regional voices in methods for geoheritage evaluation in Fujairah and Southeast Arabia. It reflects the need to consider cultural and societal differences, as well as curricular requirements for the educational value, that are not highlighted in existing evaluation methods. The applicability of the method was tested and confirmed by ranking geosites in Fujairah, and the method could be used at a regional scale in the future.

Residents' Support for Major Sporting Events in the Postponement Context: A Case Study of the 31st Summer Universiade

ABSTRACTThe COVID‐19 pandemic forced the postponement of some international events, such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which negatively impacted residents and the local tourism industry. Therefore, it is necessary to understand residents' support for hosting major sporting events. We surveyed 769 residents using a structural equation model and applied social exchange theory (SET) to analyse the 31st Summer Universiade and examine their support for hosting major sporting events. The results revealed a significant relationship between postponement risk perception and the perceived costs and benefits, which affected the residents' support for hosting major events. These findings confirmed perceived benefits and costs as key factors determining residents' support for/opposition to major events. We proposed the residents' postponement risk perception concept, integrated it into the event tourism research model, and expanded the explanatory power of SET in unconventional contexts, providing stakeholders with references for planning and hosting events under special circumstances.