Tourism Sector Research Articles

Planning Development of Sustainability Tourism of Jikomalamo Beach in Ternate City, North Maluku Province

The tourism sector is a mainstay of Indonesia to increase revenue, both from the national level to the regional level. the level of development and optimal management of tourism has significant potential to increase the economic growth of a region, therefore, it needs proper planning, especially in the context of decision-making and policy. One of the areas that are developing this tourism area is the city of Ternate, north Maluku province, which is developing jikomalamo beach tourism using the guidelines of the regional long-term development plan and the vision and mission of Ternate city. This research uses a quantitative approach that is analyzed using SWOT, \ intending to determine the order of priority for planning the development of the jikomalamo beach tourism area based on the Tourism Development Master Plan document. The results of this study indicate that all the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that have been owned by the tourist destination are quite good if analyzed comprehensively. This can be seen from the results of the analysis which reveals that the strengths and opportunities possessed by Jikomalamo beach tourism have a higher average value than the weaknesses and threats. However, in the development of the beach tourism area, there is no cooperation between the government and the local community so the development process does not guarantee sustainability in the development of these tourist destinations

The Effect of Training Quality, Work Environment, and Gender Equality Policy on Loyalty of Female Workers in Ethnic Tourism in Yogyakarta

This study investigates the effects of Training Quality, Work Environment, and Gender Equality Policy on the loyalty of female workers in the ethnic tourism sector of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 150 female employees through structured questionnaires, and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results reveal significant positive relationships between all three independent variables and employee loyalty. Training Quality exhibited the strongest influence (β = 0.663, p < 0.001), followed by Gender Equality Policy (β = 0.470, p < 0.001) and Work Environment (β = 0.335, p < 0.01). The findings underscore the importance of investing in effective training programs, fostering a supportive work environment, and implementing robust gender equality policies to enhance employee loyalty. This research contributes to the understanding of workforce dynamics in the tourism sector and offers practical implications for managers seeking to improve retention and performance.

Investigating the growth trends of LGBTQ Travelers in Thailand's Tourism Industry

This research identifies the growth trends of LGBTQ travelers in Thailand's tourism industry, trying to fill the important gap in the empirical knowledge about the impact this demographic and their preferences have. This study used an interpretive field study approach within a qualitative paradigm with interviews and participant observation in assessing motivations, behavior, and experiences of LGBTQ tourists within Thailand. This research answers some key questions about the scope of LGBTQ travel, growth patterns, how organizations are responding for inclusivity, and strategies to attract this market segment. Useful insights for stakeholders in the tourism sector will be sought from this study by analyzing the travel behavior and preferences, as well as emerging trends in tourism. These findings will contribute to the academic discourse on tourism inclusion but will also have real-life implications for the development of marketing strategies, improvement in destination management, and the development of a more tolerant society. This research, once and for all, is supposed to bring into focus a substantial opportunity lying in LGBTQ tourism in Thailand and is going to accentuate the pressing need for providing tailored inclusive travel experiences that would impress diverse desires and aspirations among LGBTQ people. Given that this exploration is necessary, it will foreground the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of LGBTQ tourism within the entire Thai tourism milieu. Conversely, by investigating the motivation for travel among the LGBTQ market segment, this research study will also highlight the unique experiences and viewpoints of LGBTQ tourists while adding to the increasingly complex understanding of this growing market segment. This study will also examine the barriers and challenges that LGBTQ visitors face while traveling in Thailand, and it will also investigate what can be done to make them feel welcome. Practical recommendations for effective targeting and catering to the vibrant market segment will be made by analyzing recent tourism trends and preferences of the LGBTQ traveler. Therefore, tourism by LGBTQ people can have economic impacts, cultural exchange, and tolerance of society. Additionally, extra insight into special needs and desires of tourists will be needed to complement fulfilling and inclusive experiences with which Thailand is establishing its reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly destination. This study will delve deep into the nuances and complexity of LGBTQ tourism in Thailand through an in-depth interview and participant observation study. A study of this nature would add to the growing body of knowledge in terms of the impact and preferences of this demographic and facilitate a more responsive and responsible tourism industry that would have great benefits for LGBTQ tourists and society in general.

Reimagining sustainability: The power of AI and intellectual capital in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality organizations

This research investigates the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on organizational sustainability (OS) and delves into how this relationship is mediated by various dimensions of intellectual capital (IC), namely human (HC), structural (SC), and relational capital (RC). Data were collected from employees of Saudi travel agencies, resulting in 1122 valid responses, which were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that AI positively impacts OS as well as the three IC dimensions. Additionally, HC, SC, and RC have a positive influence on OS. The study also reveals that these dimensions partially mediate the relationship between AI and OS. This study advances the literature by clarifying how AI-enabled capabilities are translated into sustainable outcomes within the tourism and hospitality sectors. The findings offer valuable insights for industry professionals aiming to harness AI technologies for sustainable transformation. The study also offers strategic recommendations for tourism and hospitality organizations to invest in enhancing their IC, thereby optimizing the sustainability advantages of AI integration.

The Matching Relationship Between the Distribution Characteristics of High-Grade Tourist Attractions and Spatial Vitality in Xinjiang

The development of the tourism industry serves as a crucial pathway for guiding urban spatial vitality, making the study of the matching relationship between the spatial distribution characteristics of tourist attractions and regional spatial vitality particularly important for the advancement of the tourism sector. This study combines Amap POI data and Weibo sign-in data, employing various quantitative methods, including Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), Hotspot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*), and the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model, to thoroughly explore the distribution characteristics of different grades of tourist attractions in Xinjiang and their matching relationship with spatial vitality. The findings indicate that AAAAA attractions are primarily concentrated in Urumqi and its surrounding areas, where spatial vitality highly matches the distribution of attractions. The distribution of AAAA attractions shows regional differences, exhibiting higher matching degrees in certain areas of southern and western Xinjiang, while some regions in northern Xinjiang demonstrate lower matching degrees. Conversely, AAA attractions are more widely distributed in remote areas, where the matching between vitality and attraction distribution is low, particularly in southern and eastern Xinjiang, revealing a notable mismatch between tourism resources and spatial vitality. By analyzing the matching relationship between tourism resources and spatial vitality, this study provides a scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of tourism resources in Xinjiang and enhancing regional tourism spatial vitality. Additionally, this study also offers valuable insights for tourism managers and planners to formulate more precise tourism development policies.

Analysis of the Influence of the Tourism Sector on the Level of Labor Absorption in Central Lombok Regency 2002-2022

This study aims to determine the influencenumber of hotels, number of tourists, number of tourist attractions, and number of restaurants on the level of labor absorption in Central Lombok Regency both simultaneously and partially. This study uses secondary data taken from the official website of the Central Statistics Agency of Central Lombok Regency and the Culture and Tourism Office in 2002-2022. This study uses a data analysis method in the form of multiple linear regression analysis using the SPSS application as an analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that the variables of the number of hotels, number of tourists, number of tourist attractions, and number of restaurants simultaneously affect the level of labor absorption in Central Lombok Regency. Partially, the variable number of hotels has a negative and significant effect, the number of tourists has a negative and insignificant effect, the number of tourist attractions has a positive and insignificant effect and the number of restaurants has a positive and significant effect on the level of labor absorption in Central Lombok Regency in 2002-2022.

Her City Weimar

The global Her City initiative provides a framework for gender-sensitive urban planning, which seeks to create inclusive and accessible public spaces that meet the needs of all residents, particularly women and girls, who have often been overlooked in traditional urban design. This paper presents the results of Germany's first Her City initiative in Weimar— a city rich in cultural heritage with a vibrant tourism sector that strongly influences its public spaces. It contributes to existing studies in this field by providing an innovative methodological analysis of Weimar’s public spaces through gender-sensitive, data-driven, and participatory processes, with the aim of identifying strategies for improvement. The Her City Toolbox was utilised and extended through a participatory citizen science approach with 18 young women and the collection of gender-sensitive data regarding public space usage. Data collected from two city walks, three workshops, open space assessments as well as measurements of people’s movements and stationary activities were triangulated to reveal five thematic fields that highlight how public spaces are failing to meet the needs of women and girls. These include (1) Facilities & Furnishing, (2) Representation & Appreciation, (3) Security & Social Control, (4) Mobility & Accessibility, and (5) Visibility & Appropriation. Collaborations with local stakeholders combined with communication platforms and media contributed significantly to the project’s impact. The paper concludes by emphasising the necessity of adopting a gender-sensitive, participatory, and data-driven approach to urban planning to address the diverse needs of all city dwellers.

Are public disease outbreaks still relevant to tourists’ decisions about using shared mobility?

ABSTRACT This research note investigates how potential public health crises affect shared mobility use by tourists. Using mixed methods, it extends the Protection Motivation Theory and Usage Situation Theory by exploring how trust and risk management influence usage intentions among current users and non-users of shared mobility services. Its qualitative analysis reveals the importance of tailored communication and transparency from service providers to foster trust and encourage adoption. Its quantitative ones indicate that experienced users emphasise coping mechanisms, whilst non-users are more swayed by perceived threats. Although COVID-19 restrictions have eased, work of this kind will remain relevant as the tourism sector adapts to enduring changes and prepares for potential future crises. By offering strategies to enhance shared mobility resilience during health emergencies, this study provides valuable guidance for tourism, hospitality and mobility stakeholders navigating an uncertain time.

Energizing the future: Unleashing the potential of innovative waste-to-energy technologies for energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural heritage, faces a looming energy crisis rooted in the detrimental over-reliance on fossil fuels and the underutilization of substantial waste resources that lie dormant. The article investigates multifaceted relationship between six independent variables: landfill gas recovery and anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, biogas production, biodiesel production, ethanol production and syngas fermentation and one dependent variable: energy development and sustainability. In this study, a quantitative methodology was adopted, involving the gathering of data from 519 stakeholders in the tourism supply chain through a simple random sampling technique, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The distribution of questionnaires was facilitated through Google Forms, and the data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. Statistical findings indicate direct significant relationship between variables, and t-statistic values all hypotheses were all greater than the threshold of 1.96, ranging from a minimum of 2.911 to a maximum of 9.431. These findings underscore the robustness of the relationships between the waste-to-energy technologies and energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector. This empirical evidence highlights the substantial potential for these innovative technologies to play a pivotal role in mitigating the energy crisis and fostering sustainable energy development.

An Industrial Economics Perspective on the Economic Valuation of Cornus officinalis: A Case Study from Xixia County, Henan Province

The dual nature of Cornus officinalis as both a medicinal and edible resource endows it with expansive market potential. This research develops an analytical framework to evaluate the economic value of Cornus officinalis through the lens of industrial economics. Utilizing theoretical exploration and a case study centered on Xixia County, Henan Province, the study draws several key conclusions: First, within the primary industry, Cornus officinalis contributes to the enhancement of farmers’ incomes and fosters the growth of local agriculture-related sectors through the cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Second, from the perspective of the secondary industry, Cornus officinalis generates substantial economic worth via food processing and pharmaceutical commerce. Finally, in the realm of the tertiary industry, the economic value of Cornus officinalis is predominantly realized through leisure and wellness services, as well as the tourism sector.

Perceptions and challenges of blockchain adoption in tourism industry: a study on trust, privacy and security

Purpose This study aims to investigate the perceptions of service providers in the travel and hospitality industry toward the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT), focusing on its impact on consumer experiences and expectations, especially in terms of trustworthiness and the management of privacy and security concerns. Design/methodology/approach The research used a quantitative methodology, collecting data from 135 industry practitioners across five tourism sectors (lodging, connected industries, entertainment, FandB, transportation) in Europe. This approach aimed to understand the diverse perspectives on the benefits and challenges of implementing BCT in their opera Findings The results indicate mixed perceptions regarding blockchain adoption. While there are positive views on BCT’s potential to enhance customer experience and service quality, there are significant concerns about its impact on trust and security. A consensus exists between customer and provider perspectives on BCT’s trustworthiness, but significant differences were observed in views on privacy and security enhancement. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the service providers’ and customers’ perspectives on BCT within the travel and hospitality industry. It underscores the complexities of adopting new technologies and calls for more in-depth studies to address the identified concerns, thereby offering a novel viewpoint on the adoption of distributed ledger technologies in enhancing customer experience and service delivery.

Research on the Influencing Factors of Consumption Intention of Psychological Tourism Products and Marketing Strategies

In response to the growing mental health challenges faced by individuals in modern society, psychological tourism products have emerged as a significant area of interest. This paper aims to define the concept of psychological tourism products, highlighting their critical importance in the contemporary market. It explores the factors influencing consumer purchase intentions regarding these products, focusing on cognitive aspects, pricing strategies, precise customer identification, and innovative product design. Additionally, the paper delves into the corresponding marketing strategies that can effectively enhance consumer engagement and satisfaction. By examining these factors, the study offers valuable insights for the tourism industry, providing targeted directions for marketing optimization. The goal is to facilitate the successful positioning and promotion of psychological tourism products in a competitive market. This paper holds both theoretical and practical significance, contributing to the ongoing innovation and development of marketing strategies within the tourism sector. By addressing the nuanced needs of consumers seeking psychological benefits from their travel experiences, it aims to foster a deeper understanding and better implementation of effective marketing approaches. The findings can ultimately support the industry in creating meaningful and impactful tourism products that resonate with consumers’ psychological well-being.

Assessing Tourism Resources: Inputs for Municipal Tourism Development Plan in Libona, Bukidnon

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge to global tourism, prompting a shift towards local tourism. It presented an opportunity in Libona, Bukidnon as means for economic recovery. This study aims to establish a comprehensive tourism profile for the municipality of Libona, Bukidnon, to support sustainable tourism development planning. Utilizing a combination of primary and secondary data, including interviews, field visits, and stakeholder consultations, the study assesses the current state of tourism enterprises, infrastructure, market profile, and human resources in the region. Key areas for development and strategic interventions are identified through a SWOT analysis. The findings emphasize the need for accurate tourism data and informed planning to balance economic growth with the preservation of socio-cultural values and environmental sustainability. The study provides actionable recommendations to enhance the local tourism sector, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and stakeholders.

Assessing Mukah Community's Readiness Participation in the Ecotourism Industry

Ecotourism is a distinct category within the broader tourism sector. Ecotourism is an excellent option for enhancing local socioeconomic circumstances and generating economic activity that positively impacts the national economy. The involvement of local communities, specifically rural youth communities, in ecotourism activities can offer employment prospects such as serving as nature guides, engaging in business ventures within the ecotourism industry, benefiting from the activities and products of ecotourism, and fostering social connections and local income growth. However, an essential determinant of the effectiveness of tourist development programs is the level of readiness within the community to engage in these ecotourism activities. The objective of this essay is to evaluate the preparedness of the local community in Mukah for the implementation of ecotourism activities. The study was carried out as part of the community program. A total of 62 respondents originated from the surrounding communities of Mukah, Sarawak. The findings indicated that most participants had neither attended nor received any kind of training in nature guiding. Although most respondents initially did not engage in ecotourism activities, a significant number of them showed a newfound interest in becoming nature guides and stated a readiness to pursue relevant courses in the future after enrolling in the program. It indicates that a significant proportion of young people participating in this program had the necessary readiness to engage in local ecotourism initiatives.

A Systematic Literature Review: Emotional Intelligence, Positive Affect, and Customer Satisfaction in Tourism

Objective: To perform a rigorous systematic review of the literature, with the aim of identify the most relevant studies on emotional intelligence and positive affect and their relationship with customer satisfaction in the tourism industry, and a bibliometric analysis of scientific production to lay the foundations of such relationships. Theoretical Framework: This paper presents the key concepts and theories that underpin the research. Emotional intelligence, positive affect and customer satisfaction in the tourism industry are highlighted to provide a solid basis for understanding the context of the research. Method: The methodology used in this research is based on the Constructivist Knowledge Development Process (Proknow-C), which facilitates the organisation of a systematic literature review to select and analyse bibliographical references and generate the necessary knowledge. Results and Discussion: The resulting portfolio of 17 relevant articles in line with the object of the study made it possible to identify the main approaches proposed by the authors on this subject. In essence, the review of the literature showed a clear consensus on the relationship between the emotional intelligence and positive affect of service providers and customer satisfaction in the tourism industry. Research Implications: This research is useful for the academic community in conducting significant and relevant research on the study axes, laying the foundations to continue advancing in future lines of research. In addition, the results are profitable from a professional standpoint. Organizations in the tourism sector may reflect on and promote best practices in developing emotional and positive affect skills among their service staff given their influence on customer satisfaction. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature as scientific research on this subject remains scarce. Furthermore, the results can have an impact on the performance of tourism businesses and thus on the economic development of the destination.

Sustainable Urban Tourism Development in Doha: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Stewardship

This study investigates the development of sustainable urban tourism in Doha, Qatar, with a focus on balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship. The research explores the integration of sustainable practices within Doha’s tourism sector, the implementation of key policies such as the Qatar National Vision 2030, and the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on tourism and sustainability efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with 30 key stakeholders and quantitative data analysis, the findings reveal that while Doha has made substantial progress in areas such as resource management and green infrastructure development, challenges remain—particularly in retrofitting older buildings and enforcing sustainability standards. The FIFA World Cup 2022 acted as a catalyst for sustainable practices, but the long-term success of these efforts depends on continued investment and policy enforcement. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and tourism officials working to promote sustainable urban tourism in rapidly developing cities.

Analyzing Barriers to Innovation Management Implementation in Sustainable Tourism Using DEMATEL Method

The integration of sustainable practices in tourism is increasingly critical, given the sector’s substantial environmental and social impacts. Although the need for innovation management to promote sustainable tourism is widely recognized, various barriers hinder its effective implementation. This study employs the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology to systematically examine these barriers, identifying their interconnections and assessing their broader implications. The findings indicate that a short-term focus and financial constraints are the primary effect barriers to implementing innovation management in sustainable tourism. Their prominence as endpoints in the flow of impact within the model of interconnected barriers developed in this study underscores the need to further address the deeper, cause-related barriers that propagate these effects, such as inadequate leadership support, resistance to change, poor stakeholder communication and collaboration, insufficient knowledge and skills, and restrictive regulatory policies. Additionally, industry-specific challenges like a fragmented industry structure and fluctuating market conditions exacerbate these difficulties. Therefore, a comprehensive, holistic approach is essential for transitioning the tourism sector towards sustainable practices through innovation management and overcoming inherent financial and strategic barriers. This study advocates adopting the recently published Management System Standard ISO 56001:2024 as a structured innovation management framework capable of systematically and holistically mitigating these barriers. By analyzing the cause-and-effect relationships among the identified barriers, this study ultimately provides valuable insights that aid stakeholders—including policymakers, business leaders, and community representatives—in devising more effective, inclusive, and forward-thinking approaches to innovation in sustainable tourism. This is crucial for fostering a tourism sector that is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally responsible and socially equitable.

Assessment of the Potential of Agrotourism in Samarkand to Attract Foreign Tourists

This study evaluates the potential of agrotourism in Samarkand as a means to diversify the tourism sector and improve the economic conditions of rural areas. Despite the rich agricultural heritage and cultural significance of the region, agrotourism remains underdeveloped. The research aims to assess the current landscape and growth potential for attracting international tourists. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes statistical data, conducts surveys of foreign tourists and local residents, and interviews experts in the tourism sector. The findings reveal key tourist preferences and highlight challenges facing agrotourism development. Strategic recommendations are proposed to enhance agrotourism offerings, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.

Peran Masyarakat Lokal dalam Pengelolaan Daya Tarik Wisata Alam Arung Jeram Papulangi Kabupaten Gorontalo Uatar

Currently tourism activities in Indonesia are experiencing rapid development, this can be seen from the various regions in Indonesia developing tourist destinations in their respective regions. In Law Number 10 of 2009 which states that the existence of tourist attractions in an area will be very profitable, including improving people's standard of living, expanding employment opportunities, increasing Regional Original Income (PAD), then increasing love for the environment and preserving nature and local culture. The existence of the tourism sector in a region can have both positive and negative impacts. However, basically it depends on the management and management of tourism played by all stakeholders from government, private sector and community elements in the area. Achieving the goals and mission of good, sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism development will be possible if the achievement process can be carried out through good tourism governance. (good tourism governance). The principle of implementing good tourism governance is the coordination and synchronization of programs between existing stakeholders and the involvement of synergistic (integrated and mutually reinforcing) active participation between the government, private sector or tourism industry and the relevant local communities.

Determinants of Tax Avoidance Intentions in Tourism SMEs: The Mediating Role of Coercive Power, Digital Transformation, and the Moderating Effect of CSR

Tax compliance and avoidance are critical issues for governments and businesses worldwide, especially as businesses often use legal methods to minimize taxes, which can impact public revenue and equity within the tax system. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing tax avoidance behaviors among SMEs in Greece’s tourism sector, a sector that has received limited research attention. To this end, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to explore potential factors influencing tax avoidance behavior. Data were collected from 534 SME managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of key factors and their interrelationships, including coercive power, digital transformation, tax knowledge, firm performance, and perceived fairness, on tax avoidance. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was included as a moderator variable, while coercive power and digital transformation were assessed as mediators. Furthermore, Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) was conducted to explore the differences between small and medium enterprises, as well as different ownership structures. The results indicate that all key determinants, except perceived fairness, are significantly and positively related to tax avoidance intention. Additionally, it was revealed that coercive power increases tax avoidance through firm performance and tax knowledge, while digital transformation mediates the influence of firm performance on tax avoidance by curtailing avoidance intentions. While CSR mitigates the negative influence of coercive power, digital transformation has a dual role: that of promoting transparency and strategic efforts to reduce the tax burden. These findings have important policy implications, as policymakers seek to promote digital adoption and enhance CSR engagement while formulating specific regulatory strategies to reduce tax avoidance among SMEs.