Regional Tourism Research Articles

Can Tourism Drive Economic Growth and Development? A Dual Perspective from Portugal's Regions

ABSTRACT The impact of tourism from an economic perspective has been widely analyzed in the empirical literature, with many works that have studied the causal relationship between tourism and economic growth and, to a lesser extent, between tourism and economic development. Both analysis streams are characterized by generally using an analysis approach at the country level or in groups of countries. Contextually, the present work offers an innovative approach by analyzing tourism's relationship with these variables with a regional approach, using NUTS-2 data from Portugal from 2001-2022. In fact, this allows us to know if the contribution of tourism to economic growth and development differs within a country. The instantaneous and Granger causality test results offer significant differences when a regional approach is used instead of analyzing the country as a whole. These results will allow the development of regional tourism policies that enable the benefits of tourism to be channeled.

Development of geocultural tourism in the Arctic regions of the Sakha Republic

The article considers the development of geocultural tourism in the Arctic regions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), as well as analyses the current state of this field, including the potential and specifics. This paper explores the reasons for the growing popularity of geocultural tourism in the Russian North, as well as the prospects and opportunities for its further development in Yakutia. The work is intended to be of use to specialists in the fields of tourism, regional development and territorial studies. The development of geocultural tourism is regarded as an important strategic tool for attracting tourists and strengthening the position of the tourism industry in Yakutia. Despite the harsh climatic conditions, the region possesses unique natural resources and a rich cultural heritage, which creates significant opportunities for the development of geocultural tourism.

UNESCO Geopark Designation Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Econometric Descriptive Analysis Before and After

This study analyzes land-use changes in the lakeside area of Lake Toba in Toba Regency before and after its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020. Using satellite imagery, drone-assisted surveys, and field observations, the study quantifies specific changes in land cover and evaluates the impact of Geopark designation on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Between 2015 and 2023, natural vegetation increased by 8%, erosion-prone areas reduced by 12%, and compliance with zoning regulations improved by 15%. Environmental indicators such as phosphate concentrations dropped from 0.5 mg/L to 0.2 mg/L, while dissolved oxygen levels rose from 4.5 mg/L to 6.0 mg/L, signaling better water quality. However, challenges remain, including uneven community participation and gaps in zoning enforcement. Socially, community income from ecotourism activities increased by 25%, based on surveys and interviews conducted with local residents and stakeholders. The study highlights the importance of collaborative management frameworks involving governments, communities, and private sectors to ensure sustainable development. The findings provide strategic policy recommendations for adaptive environmental management, offering a replicable model for other tourism regions in Indonesia and beyond.

Enhancing Sustainable Tourism In East Nusa Tenggara Through Air Transport Connectivity

Air transport connectivity is a critical element in supporting tourism in archipelagic regions like East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This article employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to examine key variables in sustainable tourism development, including flight frequency, airport infrastructure, tourist accessibility, and environmental conservation. The analysis reveals that improved air transport connectivity significantly contributes to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 9 (Sustainable Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Biodiversity Conservation). This article provides strategic recommendations for inclusive and environmentally friendly air connectivity development to support tourism growth in NTT.

Science–tourism intersections onboard Arctic expedition cruise ships: Reflective insights from a fieldwork at the geographic North Pole

In August 2023, we both embarked on an icebreaker cruise ship in order to conduct fieldwork with and among cruise passengers and together with four other scientists. Departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, this two-week ship-time fieldwork took us to the geographic North Pole, across the Arctic Ocean sea ice, and to several locations in northern Svalbard. While cruise vessels operating as platforms of opportunity for researchers are not new, cruise tourism in the polar regions has raised ethical and sustainable concerns in times of increasing awareness regarding climate change. In addition, cruises bringing together tourists and scientists are currently objects of vivid discussions both in academia and the media. Drawing from our ship-time fieldwork experience, we aim to contribute to these recent debates. Building on the work of Lamers et al. (2024), we argue that misunderstanding on the concept of platform of opportunity can lead to potentially poor data collection, scientists’ disappointment, and detrimental reputation for both science and tourism actors. We argue that carefully selecting research projects that align with the specificities of expedition cruise tourism, and facilitating nighttime research are effective strategies to avoid these misunderstandings. This may also enhance the credibility of cruise companies that may often be accused of science- and greenwashing.

Urban planning preconditions for the development of tourist and recreational potential of the Irkutsk region

The paper examines the fundamental approaches to the formation of regional tourist and recreational systems within urban planning theory and practice. To explore the urban planning preconditions for the territorial and spatial development of tourism in the Irkutsk region. The objectives include summarizing the theoretical principles of tourism organization in urban planning, identifying systemic factors in the development of regional tourist and recreational systems, and determining the territorial and spatial preconditions for tourism development based on an analysis of the tourist and recreational potentials of the Irkutsk region. The study provides a methodological synthesis of the foundations of tourist and recreational activities within the frameworks of territorial planning and functional-typological models of urban planning analysis, highlighting factors and evaluation indicators for the sustainable development of the spatial structure of tourism as a subsystem of regional settlement. The paper reviews the Russian practice of planning and implementing the concepts of regional tourism systems. The territorial organization of tourism and recreation in the Irkutsk region is analyzed in terms of a landscapetopological context, resource potential, and the established settlement framework. The fundamental approaches to the urban planning organization of the tourist and recreation system of the Irkutsk region are presented in terms of the planning structure of the framework as a hierarchically subordinate system of the main, secondary and auxiliary axes based on transport, historical-cultural and naturalresource contexts. The paper introduces a proposal for organizing extra-framework (zonal) elements of the system, establishing the background for tourism development and nature conservation based on strict nature reserves of federal, regional, and local significance.

Unravelling the Magnetic Pull: Decoding Tourist Decision-Making Amidst Northeast Monsoon Floods in Terengganu

Terengganu, situated on Peninsular Malaysia's east coast, is a renowned tourism hotspot, celebrated for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and flourishing ecotourism prospects, despite its susceptibility to monsoon floods. This study aims to investigate key factors influencing tourists' decision-making regarding travel to destinations affected by monsoon floods, using Terengganu as a case study. Through an extensive literature review, several variables have been identified, which the independent factors been assessed by utilizing a regression model. The findings reveal that five of the six independent variables exhibit p-values less than 0.05, indicating their significance in influencing tourists' decisions. These variables encompass safety assurance, information reliability, communication mediums, flood control, and promotional strategies. Notably, the factor related to flood resilience yields a p-value of 0.621, exceeding the 0.05 threshold. Consequently, the hypothesis that flood resilience plays a significant role in shaping tourists' decisions towards Terengganu is rejected. Given the paramount importance of the tourism industry in Terengganu, the analysis serves as a pivotal foundation for crafting a comprehensive model guiding tourists' decision-making processes when considering destinations susceptible to northeast monsoon floods. This model, tailored to Terengganu's unique context, directly contributes to enhancing the region's tourism sustainability.

The Development Path of E-Commerce Tourism in Ethnic Regions—A Case Study of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County

The Development Path of E-Commerce Tourism in Ethnic Regions—A Case Study of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County

Tourist Circuits Map Mechanism for Developing Mountain Tourism: An Applied Study of the Sefrou Province

The geological and geomorphological sites in the Sefrou region of Morocco represent key assets for sustainable mountain tourism, given their diversity and richness in landscape natural phenomena. These sites constitute a significant attraction for tourists interested in nature and adventure, contributing to the development of the local economy and the creation of new job opportunities. Scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in planning and developing mountain tourism, specifically through the creation of precise tourist maps that facilitate the exploration of these sites for visitors. This study has led to the identification of 32 distinct geological and geomorphological sites in the Sefrou region and the design of three primary mountain tourism trails. These trails allow visitors to enjoy stunning natural landscapes and discover rock formations, caves, and valleys, in addition to learning about the geological history of the region. This study represents a significant step towards strengthening sustainable mountain tourism in the Sefrou region, by providing accurate and comprehensive information to tourists and highlighting the importance of preserving these unique natural sites for future generations

Comprehensive Evaluation and Dynamic Evolution Characteristics of Tourism Ecological Security Using the DPSIR-DS Model in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is positioned as the main battlefield of ecological priority and green development in China. It is of great significance to dynamically grasp the situation of tourism ecological security in YREB for promoting the green and high-quality development of regional tourism. Aiming at the disadvantage of either-or in evaluation research, this study established the index system based on the inter-period DPSIR framework, designed an integrated assessment model combining the entropy method, the membership function, and the D-S evidence theory model to assess the tourism ecological security level from the perspective of probability value, then revealed its spatiotemporal dynamics characteristics. Results showed that: (1) the regional security level is in a good trend of weakening fluctuations and stable improvement, in which the upstream and downstream improvement is more significant, but still at a lower level in general. (2) The security levels of the 11 areas included were all located at Risk level to Relative Security level with significant differences, including Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, and Chongqing were the key ecological nodes for tourism ecological security improvement. (3) The transitions among security levels were frequent, while the higher levels were relatively unstable, implying that the tourism ecology has not improved in essence. Finally, strategic suggestions for improving tourism ecological security are proposed in terms of building joint prevention and control mechanisms, clarifying risk factors, and innovating protection paths.

Personalized recommendation of regional tourism routes based on weighted matrix decomposition

Personalized recommendation of regional tourism routes based on weighted matrix decomposition

Culinary destination enchantment: The strategic interplay of local gastronomy in regional tourism development

Culinary destination enchantment: The strategic interplay of local gastronomy in regional tourism development

EXPLAINING TOURIST SATISFACTION WITH COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN THE MEKONG DELTA REGION, VIETNAM

In the Mekong Delta region (Vietnam), community-based tourism is developing and achieving impressive results. To maintain this success, community tourism sites should pay special attention to improving tourist satisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the factors influencing tourist satisfaction with community-based tourism in the Mekong Delta region (Vietnam). A mixed research method was used, combining qualitative and quantitative research to test the research hypotheses. The research data were collected using a convenient sampling with a sample size of 350 tourists who had experienced community-based tourism services in the Mekong Delta region. The research results have pointed out 08 factors that positively affect tourist satisfaction with community-based tourism in the Mekong Delta region, including trust, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangible facilities, perceived price, cultural interaction, and local cuisine. Among these, the trust factor has the most powerful impact on tourist satisfaction. Several management implications have been proposed for community tourism sites to enhance service quality and tourist satisfaction with community-based tourism in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam.

THE STATE OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSFRONTIER CONSERVATION AREAS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

This study adopts a cross-border approach to examining the state of tourism development within the context of Transfrontier conservation areas, based on three case study sites (Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). In-depth interviews conducted with 58 wildlife tourism stakeholders, including tourism businesses, conservation NGOs, community representatives, and governing authorities, demonstrate that while natural resources constitute the basis of the tourism economies, the level of development and ownership of tourism offerings differs significantly among the three destinations. Additionally, while international and regional tourists have been the dominant market for these destinations, there is a strong emergence of domestic tourists stemming from the post-pandemic era. The unbalanced scale of tourism development in the three destinations demonstrates that closer attention must be paid to tourism policies and practices that support the inclusion of local entrepreneurs in the tourism sector to generate a greater localised socioeconomic impact and align stakeholder interests.

Enhancing Tourism in the South Caucasus through Coopetition

This article explores the concept of “coopetition” as a strategic approach for enhancing tourism development in the South Caucasus region, comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The region holds significant tourism potential but faces infrastructure gaps, limited awareness, safety standards, and accessibility. Additionally, political instability, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the ongoing occupation of Georgian territories by Russia, has hindered growth. Fortunately, recent peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia offer opportunities for collaborative tourism initiatives, potentially boosting economic stability. Through an assessment of tourism intelligence, competitiveness, and regional dynamics, the study identifies key areas where these countries can both compete and cooperate to attract high-value tourists. Coopetition offers a strategy for enhancing the region’s competitiveness through joint marketing, shared tourist routes, and improved cross-border infrastructure while also allowing each country to utilize its unique strengths in niche tourism products. At the same time, coopetition also poses risks, such as unequal benefit distribution and coordination challenges in aligning policies, among other issues. The analysis concludes that by balancing competition with strategic cooperation, the South Caucasus countries can boost regional tourism, attract high-value visitor segments, strengthen their global market position, and contribute to lasting peace in the region.

Application of Quality Function Deployment Method for Tourism's City Branding Analysis

This research aims to measure how much influence West Bandung Regency Tourism's City Branding has on the perceptions of tourists who will visit West Bandung Regency tourism using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method. City branding is an important marketing strategy in promoting tourist destinations. This study uses QFD as a tool to analyze the relationship between aspects of city branding and tourist perceptions to improve visiting decisions. The research method involves collecting data through surveys of tourists who have visited West Bandung Regency as well as content analysis of various marketing and branding materials used by local governments and related institutions. Data was analyzed using QFD techniques to determine the relationship between branding elements and tourist needs and preferences. The research results are expected to show that the elements in Tourism's City Branding in West Bandung Regency have a significant influence on tourist perceptions. Aspects such as destination image, tourism promotion, facilities and tourist experience are the main factors influencing tourists' decisions to visit West Bandung Regency. The implication of this research is the importance of local governments and other stakeholders in strengthening city branding as an effort to increase tourist visits and advance the regional tourism sector

DIRECTIONS OF APPLICATION OF THE ECO-MUSEUM APPROACH TO THE CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE EAST ZANGEZUR REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

The article analyzes the features of the creation of eco-museums in world practice and its application for the organization of eco-museums in the reconstructed East Zangezur region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The functions of eco-museums in conservation of the natural and cultural heritage and their role in the development of regional tourism are described in detail, and 5 pilot zones in the corresponding administrative districts of Eastern Zangezur are proposed for the creation of eco-museums. The authors compared the corresponding indicators characterizing eco-museums and natural and cultural features of the region and gave a description of the development of potentially privileged areas of the region’s tourism sector.

"SAAMI NATIONAL GAMES": TO THE PROBLEM OF PRESERVATION AND POPULARIZATION OF ETHNOCULTURAL TRADITIONS OF INDIGENOUS INHABITANTS OF THE MURMANSK REGION

Saami National Games" is an annual festival of Saami culture and crafts associated with holding national sports competitions in summer sports, which is held in the village of Lovozero and at the Loparskaya station in the Murmansk region. Based on an empirical study that was carried out in 2024 at the Loparskaya station in the Murmansk region, the structure and scenario of this event are analyzed. Of particular interest are the national competitions of the indigenous people (Saami) included in the program of the celebration — lasso throwing on horns, crossbow shooting, fishing with a can, Saami football, etc. In addition, as part of the cultural program, folklore groups of small peoples of the North traditionally perform, and handicraft exhibitions and fairs are organized. The study showed that this type of cultural events actualizes the problem of preserving and popularizing the ethnocultural heritage of the indigenous population of the Murmansk region and contributes to the realization of the region's tourism potential.

FOLKLORE AND MYTHOLOGY OF THE KOLA SAMI IN THE CONTEXT OF UNDERSTANDING NATURAL TERRITORIES AS A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE (ON THE MATERIAL OF THE KIROVSK-APATITY AGGLOMERATION OF THE MURMANSK REGION)

The article considers the local folklore and mythological traditions of the Sami people of the Ekostrovsky Pogost in the context of preservation of intangible cultural heritage and development of regional tourism. The problem of interaction between culture and space remains relevant both for various scientific humanitarian disciplines and in applied areas of activity, including filling gaps in the development of routes, excursion texts and other products of organized scientific, educational, ecological and ethnographic tourism in the region.

Challenges and opportunities of strategic communication in health and wellness tourism in Portugal

The growing focus on wellness and well-being has led to the consolidation of health and wellness tourism as a strategic part of the tourism economy in Portugal. This study analyses how regional tourism boards communicate these concepts and explores the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly changing market. The study examined the evolution of communication related to health and wellness in tourism between 2020 and 2022 based on a literature review, analysis of institutional websites and monitoring of digital trends. The results show a predominant focus on spa tourism and limited exploitation of the concept of well-being in a broader sense. The research highlights the need for more innovative and diversified communication strategies capable of attracting tourists seeking a holistic balance between physical, mental, and emotional health. Effectively communicating this distinctive value will be essential to strengthening Portugal’s competitiveness and resilience in a constantly evolving sector.