Urban Tourism Research Articles

Tourism metagovernance and the role of the state: Insights from post-blast Beirut

This paper examines the institutionalised interests and values that underpin tourism governance (i.e., tourism metagovernance), to explain why certain governance arrangements appear and how they function. We examined the redevelopment of Beirut's tourism-dependent Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze neighbourhoods in the aftermath of the 2020 port blast. The chaotic post-disaster setting reflected and amplified the ineffectiveness of the already existing, strongly intertwined, metagovernance of urban development and urban tourism in Beirut. The state's absence resulted in enhanced community vulnerability, uncoordinated donor-led disaster responses, and limited strategic rebuilding of tourism and cultural activities. Even when the state as a key governance intermediary is absent, its relational and institutional roles affect tourism metagovernance and, therefore, influence the resilience of tourism governance and development.

How do external environmental stimuli and internal psychological cultural identity affect tourists’ behavioral intentions in public cultural spaces?

The role of cities and regions is becoming increasingly crucial in the process of global localization. As vital carriers of urban activities, public spaces are receiving widespread attention; however, the substantial impact of multidimensional experiences of public cultural spaces on urban tourism and the role of cultural identity within these spaces have yet to be extensively studied. This study establishes a framework based on scenescape and stimulus-organism-response theories to explore how external stimuli influence tourists’ behavioral intentions. We developed and conducted a questionnaire survey targeting individuals who have visited the “Most Beautiful Public Cultural Spaces” in Nanjing, China. A total of 287 valid samples were collected for analysis. Four types of external environmental stimuli—physical, activity, mechanism, and virtual spaces—were found to have direct and indirect effects on tourists’ behavioral intentions with cultural identity playing an intermediary role. These new insights provide theoretical enlightenment and practical recommendations for enhancing tourism experiences in public cultural spaces.

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.

Analysis of the Harmonious Development Path of Urban Management and Internet Celebrity Cities under Digital Perspective

Technological advances and the Internet's rapid development have fueled the rapid rise of Internet celebrity cities, providing a unique impetus to urban development (mainly tourism) and economic vitality. However, the ensuing controversies have been persistent. In order to promote a thriving urban tourism industry and alleviate urban economic and employment pressures, it is essential to address the issue of Internet celebrity cities and fully realize their economic and social potential. This study summarizes the multiple problems in the operation of traditional Internet celebrity cities, reveals their challenges to urban management, and proposes ways to build a digital Internet celebrity city system using "digital" technologies. These digital tools can effectively overcome the difficulties faced by traditional Internet celebrity cities and provide strategic guidance for the long-term and healthy development of the Internet celebrity city economy.

New Urban Tourism: an On-Site Analysis of City Tourism’s New Trend in Selected Spots in the Destination of Munich, Germany

Abstract A shift in travel behavior is taking place within urban tourism. Experienced repeat visitors want to discover cities away from tourist centers and traditional attractions. They want to gain insights into everyday life in the city and explore it off the beaten track. This phenomenon is called New Urban Tourism (NUT). This paper aims to determine whether NUT is a noteworthy phenomenon in Munich. For this purpose, three research questions were formulated. A qualitative content analysis of travel blog entries about insider tips in Munich was conducted to answer the research questions. The goal was to identify the two insider tips that were most often mentioned. Here, face-to-face interviews with tourists and residents were conducted. The tourists were asked questions about their travel and information behavior to determine whether they could be classified as New Urban Tourists. The residents, in contrast, were asked to indicate whether they notice the presence of tourists and how this influences their perception of the neighborhood. NUT can be described as a notable phenomenon in the city of Munich. Recommendations for future research include examining the impact of NUT on Munich and identifying the specific aspects of urban ordinariness that New Urban Tourists deem worth experiencing.

Basque cuisine and tourism in Uruguay: the history of Basque restaurants from 1940 to 2020

ABSTRACT Basque cuisine has a long tradition in Uruguay, beginning in the first decades of the twentieth century. One of the most distinctive traits of Basque restaurants in this country is their link to tourism activity, especially with beach, urban, and business tourism. From the establishment of the initial eateries to the opening of the most recent restuarants, all sought to attract local and foreign tourists. For this reason, this article offers an historical exploration of the beginnings of Basque gastronomy in Uruguay up to the second decade of the twenty-first century. Apart from that, the paper analyses the case of two Basque restaurants that have continued the tradition of their ancestors. Finally, by analysing gastronomic offerings, advertising strategies, and the interior design of the restaurants, the article shows how these establishments tried to attract local visitors and foreign tourists alike from the very beginning.

Big data policy and urban tourism development: a catalyst or a hindrance?

ABSTRACT The advent of the digital era has prompted leading nations to devise strategic digital plans, seeking an edge in the escalating international rivalry. China’s Big Data policy has garnered significant attention as an exemplar of transitional economies. This research uses urban panel data from China to examine the impact of Big Data policy on urban tourism development. The results indicate that in its initial stages of implementation, Big Data policy appears to stifle urban tourism development. This can primarily be attributed to the biased interventions of the policy, which incited competition and resource predation from the ICT sector upon the tourism-related industries, engendering a crowding-out effect. However, this inhibitory influence is attenuated in cities with a stronger economic foundation, higher innovation capabilities, and more advanced service sectors. Our analysis offers pivotal insights and references for nations and regions fervently pursuing digital transformation via policy interventions.

Sustainable Tourism Development Through Religious Tourism in Pasuruan City

The city of Pasuruan holds significant potential for religious tourism, making it a prime candidate for tourism development. Achieving sustainable tourism, which involves finding a harmonious equilibrium between three key aspects - the quality of tourism experiences, the excellence of tourism resources, and the well-being of the local community - is imperative for the region. To this end, well-devised strategies are essential to facilitate urban tourism growth within Pasuruan City. This research endeavors to shift the focus of religious tourism development towards a sustainable paradigm in Pasuruan. Employing qualitative research techniques, the study uses methods such as observation, interviews, literature review, and documentation for data collection. The findings of the research underscore Pasuruan City’s potential for fostering sustainable tourism through the establishment of religious tourism offerings. The establishment of sustainable tourism practices not only promises to bolster the local economy but also enrich the lives of the Pasuruan community, ultimately shaping the city’s identity. This research aspires to serve as a guiding tool for the local government of Pasuruan City, aiding them in implementing tourism development strategies to uplift the region’s economy. Keywords: tourism, sustainable tourism, religious tourism, Pasuruan city

Destination Quality and Tourist Loyalty: The Role of Destination Value as Mediating Variable

This research analyzes the influence of destination quality and destination value on tourist loyalty in the city of Bandung, Indonesia, and tests whether destination value mediates the relationship between destination quality and tourist loyalty. The type of research chosen is quantitative with a descriptive verification approach using SEM PLS. The population for this research is domestic tourists in the city of Bandung. From the analysis of 196 respondents, the majority were women, aged 18-25 years, and had a high school education. The results show a high assessment of the quality of eating places and the level of tourist loyalty. Public transportation accessibility received a low rating, and the lowest average score on the Time Value Variable. Hypothesis analysis shows a positive and significant influence between destination quality and tourist loyalty. Apart from that, there is a positive and significant influence between destination quality and destination value, and between destination value and tourist loyalty. The findings show that destination value mediates the relationship between destination quality and tourist loyalty, emphasizing the importance of strengthening destination value elements to increase tourist loyalty in Bandung City. Keywords: destination quality, destination value, tourist loyalty, urban tourism, city branding

No Report, No Densification? A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Urban Densification and Reporting Practices in World Heritage Properties

As urbanization accelerates, World Heritage properties, critical conservation areas, face a growing threat of urban densification, jeopardizing their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). States Parties, the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention, are responsible for submitting periodic reports on the state-of-conservation of their World Heritage properties. These reports should explicitly address any instances of urban densification that may be occurring. But do they? This research investigates the relationship between urban densification and reporting practices in World Heritage properties over time and space. Through a spatiotemporal analysis, by analyzing changes in the built-up area within the core zones of cultural World Heritage properties from 1985 to 2015. We found that urban development, including housing, infrastructure, and tourism facilities, has significantly impacted World Heritage properties and an increase in built-up area can be observed especially in properties not reporting on urban threats.

Effects of Climate Change on the Future Attractiveness of Tourist Destinations in Greece

Climate change is a major challenge for the global tourism sector, affecting destinations worldwide. Greece, known for its scenery and abundant cultural history, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. Tourism is a key driver of Greece’s economy, yet climate change threatens both natural environments and cultural sites. To evaluate the impacts of climate change on different types of Greek tourism (beach, sightseeing, winter tourism in mountainous areas), the widely used Holiday Climate Index (beach and urban versions) alongside three additional climatic indices customized for Greek climatic conditions, namely the Urban Climate Comfort Index, the Beach Utility Index, and the Mountainous Winter Climate Index were utilized for top tourist destinations of Greece. The results indicate that urban tourism may face challenges during peak summer months due to rising temperatures, but the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) will offer improved conditions, potentially extending the tourist season. For beach tourism, favorable conditions are expected to increase from April to October, with significant gains in June and September. Winter tourism in mountainous areas, especially snow-dependent activities like skiing, is at risk due to the declining snow availability. Overall, the study highlights both the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change for Greece’s tourism sector. It emphasizes the importance of adaptation strategies, including infrastructural improvements and promoting alternative activities, to minimize negative impacts and enhance the future attractiveness of Greek tourism.

EXPLORING BANDUNG CITY ON FOOT: WHAT MOTIVATES TOURISTS TO JOIN WALKING TOURS?

Walking is a practical and popular tourist activity, but it remains underexplored in the field of tourism. Although extensive literature has been published on topics related to walking and walkability driven by public health, sustainability, livability, and urban design concerns, tourism sector requires deeper exploration, particularly in urban settings. Walking tourism has been observed to possess the capability to promote sustainable tourism. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of motivation on the decision of tourists to engage in walking tour in urban tourism areas of Bandung City, Indonesia. Data from 220 tourists and interviews with resource persons were subsequently analysed using multiple linear regression to assess the impact of push and pull factors on walking tourism decisions. The results showed that tourist motivation significantly influences walking tourism decisions. The motivating factors include physical health, pleasure and satisfaction, knowledge gained, and local community behaviour. Physical health and relaxation were considered crucial push factors, while tourists’ attractions and social media promotions were categorized as significant pull factors. This study provides valuable input for local governments and tourism agencies seeking to develop sustainable urban tourism destinations.

Erbil Citadel as a Brand for the City, the Role of Residents Awareness and Perceptions

The branding of cities through their historical and cultural assets has become a pivotal strategy in urban development and tourism. This study focuses on Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its potential as a brand for Erbil, a city with a rich historical backdrop and flourishing urban landscape. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of Erbil’s residents regarding the cultural significance of the Citadel and its potential as a city brand. A mixed-method survey questionnaire was conducted, collecting data from around 440 residents through both manual distribution around the Citadel and an online platform. The findings were analyzed using SPSS 23 to provide both descriptive and inferential statistical insights. The findings show that locals are well aware of the Citadel’s significance as a significant historical and cultural symbol of the city. The vast majority of participants acknowledged its unique visual attributes and their representation of the city’s cultural and historical identity. Additionally, the results showed that citizens’ perceptions of the Citadel as a good component of city branding were positively correlated with their level of cultural awareness. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on city branding and heritage sites by providing empirical evidence on the impact of residents’ cultural awareness on their perceptions of heritage sites as city brands. The results highlight how crucial cultural education and community involvement are to maximizing the branding potential of historic locations. Policymakers and urban planners may find the findings of the study useful in utilizing Erbil Citadel’s historical relevance to strengthen Erbil’s brand identity internationally.

BERTopic과 색채분석 기반 감성 추출을 이용한 관광지 추천 시스템 개발

This study aims to develop a personalized tourist destination recommendation system by analyzing the color and emotional factors of destination images. It evaluated and analyzed the emotional responses and color characteristics conveyed by images of natural resorts and urban tourist sites. A survey was conducted to collect users' emotional responses to these images, and a BERTopic model based on BERT was used to analyze text data from social media. The survey results provided a clear understanding of how users react to specific colors and emotional factors. For natural resorts, Green(G) was the most associated color, followed by Green-Yellow(GY) and Blue(B). In the case of urban tourist sites, Yellow-Red(YR) and Yellow(Y) were most commonly associated, followed by Blue-Green(BG) and Blue(B). Additionally, during the system's execution, the Bhattacharyya distance was used to measure color similarity between images, displaying images that match the user's emotions. Therefore, this study developed a recommendation system that considers the impact of destination images on users' emotions, proposing a new approach to better reflect users' emotional needs.

INVESTMENT AND URBAN TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE CITY OF CONSTANTINE

Global experiences have proven that tourism is one of the crucial economic sectors contributing significantly to the development process, owing to both material and non-material benefits it offers to host regions. Urban tourism, a contemporary type gaining momentum and support, has become increasingly popular in cities worldwide possessing essential tourism resources and attributes. This trend persists because urban tourism operates year-round, unaffected by seasonal or occasional variations. Tourism has evolved into a cornerstone of urban economies, leveraging local potentials to generate sustainable profits and bolstering economic growth. This strategic approach enables cities to assume multifaceted roles supporting development through the utilization of these capabilities. In this context, the concept of stimulating investment in Constantine's tourism sector, which encompasses all the elements necessary for urban tourism—including religious, heritage, and natural attractions—is pivotal. However, the oversight, lack of foresight, and absence of strategic development plans from local authorities have prevented this sector from fulfilling Constantine's esteemed position and potential. Consequently, this neglect has led to the squandering of a valuable economic asset that could otherwise bolster other sectors and drive the city's development. To what extent and through what means can a sustainable tourism industry be cultivated in Constantine by capitalizing on its tourism potential?

The impact of an urban tourism boom on farmers' income in neighboring rural communities: Evidence from the Lijiang Ancient City, China

The impact of an urban tourism boom on farmers' income in neighboring rural communities: Evidence from the Lijiang Ancient City, China

Cities in electronic games: how they present and impact real urban areas?

ABSTRACT This study investigates the interactions between virtual cities in electronic (video) games and real urban environments, highlighting a significant gap in the literature regarding the influence of real cities on virtual counterparts and vice versa. Drawing on classical urban theories, it sets two primary objectives: to systematically review how real cities are represented in games and to explore the impacts of virtual cities on real urban areas. Through typological analysis, it identifies two pathways – form and function – through which real cities manifest in games, using specific cases like Cities: Skylines to illustrate these pathways. The principle for virtual city design is also outlined, with an emphasis on the “selection” and “subtraction” of real urban elements in designing processes. Additionally, it discusses how virtual cities impact urban tourism, fostering phenomena like anime pilgrimages, and urban planning, and enhancing public engagement in planning processes. Finally, this research contributes to some newly emerging theories such as Digital Twins by elucidating the interactive relationship between physical and virtual urban spaces.

Retraction Note: Coordination evaluation of urban tourism and urban development based on TOPSIS method-a case of Xiamen city.

Retraction Note: Coordination evaluation of urban tourism and urban development based on TOPSIS method-a case of Xiamen city.

Understanding the online restaurant rating bias induced by air pollution and the underlying spatial and temporal effects

Using unique restaurant review data in the urban tourism system combined with air quality data in the Chinese context, we confirmed the air pollution-induced mood misattribution in terms of negative online restaurant rating bias. Further heterogeneity analyses grounded in expectancy-disconfirmation theory were conducted. Tests regarding air quality differences across geography (i.e. the spatial effect) show that good air quality in the city where a restaurant is located can induce a stronger online rating bias. Tourists, especially those who are from cities with poor air quality, tend to post biased online restaurant ratings on polluted days compared with their local peers. For locals, their online restaurant rating bias is additionally determined by air quality differences over time (i.e. the temporal effect), suggesting the significance of persistent air pollution rather than by air quality deterioration. Overall, our work highlights the importance of air pollution, an external environmental stimulus, in shaping consumers’ online rating bias towards restaurant services. This underscores the need for guidelines by regarding air pollution that inform sustainable urban planning and destination management.

Shaping Tourism Strategies through Local Perceptions: A Case Study of Muharraq

Bahrain, a longstanding tourist destination in the Gulf region, has seen its economy benefit significantly from tourism. However, the improper development of tourism has led to negative impacts on urban tourism in historic areas, risking the loss of authenticity. This study aims to explore factors influencing the development of tourism strategies in Muharraq city, focusing on residents' perceptions. A qualitative approach was used, including a comprehensive literature review, interviews with residents to capture their views on tourism-related issues, and a self-administered questionnaire with key officials and stakeholders. The study identifies critical factors affecting tourism development and offers recommendations for enhancing cultural tourism in Muharraq. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to create sustainable strategies that balance economic growth with cultural preservation, ensuring that Muharraq remains a culturally vibrant city while promoting sustainable urban tourism. This research contributes to the broader field of urban tourism studies by highlighting the importance of local perceptions and participatory approaches in shaping effective tourism policies. By addressing key elements that influence tourism development, the study supports the creation of strategies that safeguard heritage while fostering sustainable growth in one of Bahrain's most culturally significant cities.