Research

21 pages, 457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is There a Good Model for Implementing Governance in Tourist Destinations? The Opinion of Experts

by María de la Cruz Pulido-Fernández and Juan Ignacio Pulido-Fernández

Sustainability 2019, 11(12), 3342; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123342 - 17 Jun 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3134

The scientific literature and reports by international bodies recognise the importance of governance in tourism. This is a process whereby different stakeholders interact in order to solve problems and find opportunities for the different sectors involved. For the purposes of this article, different [...] Read more.

The scientific literature and reports by international bodies recognise the importance of governance in tourism. This is a process whereby different stakeholders interact in order to solve problems and find opportunities for the different sectors involved. For the purposes of this article, different approaches have been analysed with the aim of understanding the full governance process among stakeholders. In order to validate the main findings, a panel of experts was set up to establish the characteristics a model should have when implementing the principles of good governance as a key tool for managing tourist destinations. This model is aimed at guaranteeing the sustainable development of tourism and enhancing competitiveness. There is a great consensus about how governance must be applied, establishing an open and participatory model which must be transparent and effective, capable of attracting the participation, coordination and collaboration among stakeholders using a clear methodology divided into different stages: diagnosis, planning and strategy, execution and monitoring, and evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

20 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Intersections of Emotional Solidarity and Ethic of Care: An Analysis of Their Synergistic Contributions to Sustainable Community Tourism Development

by Tek B. Dangi

Sustainability 2018, 10(8), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082713 - 01 Aug 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3382

Abstract

Interactions between tourists and residents have been interpreted and analyzed applying various theoretical lenses. One of such lens is the study of perception of emotional solidarity forged between individuals based on inter-dependent activities and another is the application of lens of ethic of [...] Read more.

Interactions between tourists and residents have been interpreted and analyzed applying various theoretical lenses. One of such lens is the study of perception of emotional solidarity forged between individuals based on inter-dependent activities and another is the application of lens of ethic of care, which suggests developing synergetic relationships between individuals based on mutual respect, a caring attitude, and understanding that is marked by equality of relations. No research to date has attempted to examine how these two theoretical constructs complement one another. The study explored how integrating the intersections of two complementary constructs-Emotional Solidarity (ES) and Ethic of Care (EC) could potentially contribute to enhancing stakeholders-tourists interactions, and subsequently contribute to sustainable tourism development. The study applied a mixed qualitative research blending emergent data with theory driven data conducting semi-structured interviews with 40 tourism stakeholders in Bryan-College Station (BCS), Texas. The study findings suggest that tourism contributed to fostering cultural pride and respect; sharing the diverse history and culture of BCS with tourists filled with ethic of care; and, enhanced tourism stakeholders’ perceptions of emotional solidarity with tourists and residents alike. The study suggested the need for strong interconnections between ES and EC theories and emphasized their synergistic application in BCS tourism in particular and sustainable tourism in general. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

21 pages, 6953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time, Cognition, and Approach: Sustainable Tourism Strategies for Abandoned Vernacular Landscapes

by Juan A. García-Esparza and Pablo Altaba Tena

Sustainability 2018, 10(8), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082712 - 01 Aug 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4325

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to challenge previous approaches to heritage, both in terms of management and conceptualization. It aims to highlight the importance and articulation of the different attributes in abandoned vernacular landscapes in search of a sustainable approach. To [...] Read more.

The main objective of the study is to challenge previous approaches to heritage, both in terms of management and conceptualization. It aims to highlight the importance and articulation of the different attributes in abandoned vernacular landscapes in search of a sustainable approach. To do so, the study focuses on a specific landscape in the Mediterranean basin where three areas of intensity have been selected for an eventual assessment of the principles of integration and consistency of the landscape. These areas have helped to establish the importance of distance and cognition in determining strategies for sustainable tourism. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have allowed us to ascertain the extent to which values, previously acquired from participatory fieldwork, can be detected depending on proximity or remoteness, as well as their application in the three cases for assessment. Thus, five criteria have been established to analyse these values: (1) overview of the landscape, (2) dominance or intensity of elements, (3) the aesthetic composition of space, (4) the selective interpretation of the visual variables, and (5) the fragility of specific areas in the landscape. Finally, the discussed criteria provide new insights into the dynamic and static realms of authenticity and integrity, which have helped in the analysis of previous rigid conventions on values, time, perception, and approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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18 pages, 991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovating Rural Tourism Targeting Poverty Alleviation through a Multi-Industries Integration Network: the Case of Zhuanshui Village, Anhui Province, China

by Nanping Feng, Fenfen Wei, Kevin H. Zhang and Dongxiao Gu

Sustainability 2018, 10(7), 2162; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10072162 - 25 Jun 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4597

Abstract

For an impoverished area to employ rural tourism (RT) as an avenue of poverty alleviation, there are two main challenges: building competitiveness with a very limited endowed resource base, and targeting the poor who generally lack financial capital or key capabilities as the [...] Read more.

For an impoverished area to employ rural tourism (RT) as an avenue of poverty alleviation, there are two main challenges: building competitiveness with a very limited endowed resource base, and targeting the poor who generally lack financial capital or key capabilities as the main beneficiaries. With a case of Zhuanshui in China, an impoverished village without prominent tourism resource endowment, this paper has shown that the two challenges can be met through an innovation to construct a multi-industries integration network. This paper explores the development of the network, examines its characteristics, and analyzes its operation mechanisms. Results indicate that (1) the common objective of poverty alleviation and the same fundamental resource, combine RT and its extension industries tightly into an integration network; (2) sufficient evidence has been found for the embeddedness, endogeneity and empowerment of the network, but for empowerment, the poor’s participation is just the first stage to make appropriate decisions about the development due to their inadequate capabilities; and (3) vision developing, demonstration driving and centralized decentralization governance are three vital operational mechanisms to encourage the participation and collaboration of stakeholders. We also discussed the possible challenges for sustainability, being replicability of established competitive advantages, temporality of the major leader, and potential environmental degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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15 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Business Sustainability: How Does Tourism Compare?

by Char-lee Moyle, Brent Moyle, Lisa Ruhanen, Alexandra Bec and Betty Weiler

Sustainability 2018, 10(4), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10040968 - 26 Mar 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3739

Abstract

This study aims to empirically compare the adoption of business sustainability amongst 291 randomly-selected tourism and non-tourism businesses in New South Wales, Australia. Tourism businesses were found to be more committed to environmentally-sustainable practices than other types of businesses with there being a [...] Read more.

This study aims to empirically compare the adoption of business sustainability amongst 291 randomly-selected tourism and non-tourism businesses in New South Wales, Australia. Tourism businesses were found to be more committed to environmentally-sustainable practices than other types of businesses with there being a clear correlation with their ability to learn and adapt. This contradicts criticisms in the literature that tourism businesses are slow adopters of sustainability. This study highlights the need for further research into why tourism businesses in New South Wales, Australia, are reporting higher levels of performance in terms of adopting environmental values than other businesses in contradiction to the general perception of tourism businesses in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

17 pages, 723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Will the Future Be Greener? The Environmental Behavioral Intentions of University Tourism Students

by Su-Lan Pan, Ju Chou, Alastair M. Morrison, Wen-Shiung Huang and Meng-Chen Lin

Sustainability 2018, 10(3), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030634 - 28 Feb 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 8291

Abstract

Sustainable tourism is essential for tourism sector development. Environmentally responsible behaviors and behavioral intentions are important prerequisites for sustainable tourism. This research explores the behavioral intentions of university tourism students and significant factors affecting these behavioral intentions. The questionnaire survey method was applied [...] Read more.

Sustainable tourism is essential for tourism sector development. Environmentally responsible behaviors and behavioral intentions are important prerequisites for sustainable tourism. This research explores the behavioral intentions of university tourism students and significant factors affecting these behavioral intentions. The questionnaire survey method was applied to university students from the tourism departments of nine universities in Taiwan. A total of 390 valid questionnaires were collected. The pro-environmental behavioral intentions of the students ranged from moderate to high. Environmental knowledge positively affected behavioral intentions and positively influenced environmental sensitivity and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, environmental sensitivity and environmental responsibility exerted a full effect in mediating the relationship between environmental knowledge and behavioral intentions. Hence, increasing students’ environmental knowledge will enhance their behavioral intentions. However, by improving students’ sensitivity and responsibility, their intentions to protect the environment can be more effectively elevated. Development implications and recommendations for sustainable tourism and higher education are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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30 pages, 3564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Problems of Tourist Sustainability in Cultural Cities: Socio-Political Perceptions and Interests Management

by Antonio Alvarez-Sousa

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020503 - 13 Feb 2018

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 14543

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the social and political capacity of cities affected by cultural tourism. An investigation is carried out into the state of the situation in saturated destinations, the problems this poses to tourist sustainability and the positions [...] Read more.

The aim of this article is to analyse the social and political capacity of cities affected by cultural tourism. An investigation is carried out into the state of the situation in saturated destinations, the problems this poses to tourist sustainability and the positions of the various different interest groups. In Europe, many cultural cities-cum-tourist hotspots have reached such high levels of socio-political saturation that the resident population’s capacity for carrying tourism has become overstretched. This has led to a state of irritation among the local population. Social movements now include this on their agenda but the various different interest groups (residents, political groups, entrepreneurs, management bodies) all react differently. We present data relating to the case of Barcelona, with analyses of residents’ and tourists’ opinions, the actions of social mobilization carried out by pressure groups, media repercussion and the reactions of the business sector and political groups. We examine data collected from surveys and opinions carried in the media. The sustainability and management of interests indicate changes in both the number and the type of tourists, the occupation of public spaces, the distribution of profit among entrepreneurs, residents and the political and economic model of society in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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18 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Decision-Making and Governance Framework for the Renewal of Tourism Destinations: The Case of the Canary Islands

by Manuel Rodríguez-Díaz and Rosa Rodríguez-Díaz

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020310 - 25 Jan 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4399

Abstract

Tourism destinations in advanced stages of the life cycle need to update their lodging offers and infrastructures. The main problem is that new destinations are planned according to the new preferences of customers, creating critical problems in older destinations related to the architecture [...] Read more.

Tourism destinations in advanced stages of the life cycle need to update their lodging offers and infrastructures. The main problem is that new destinations are planned according to the new preferences of customers, creating critical problems in older destinations related to the architecture of the buildings, size of the rooms, dimension of lodgings, complementary offer, and infrastructures. The aim of this paper is to develop a decision-making and governance framework for the renewal of destinations in an advanced stage of the life cycle that require the renovation of the lodging offer and infrastructures in order to increase their competitiveness and sustainability. The decisions were planned and carried out in the Canary Islands by stakeholders involved in the public and private sectors. The evaluation of actions to renew the lodgings and infrastructures through special legislation, leadership, sources of financing, and investment guarantees is presented to determine the level of success obtained. Because the Canary Islands is one of the main tourist destinations in Europe, the actions and procedures presented can be used in other destinations with similar characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Destination Personality, Destination Image, and Intent to Recommend: The Role of Gender, Age, Cultural Background, and Prior Experiences

by WooHyuk Kim, Kristin Malek, NamJo Kim and SeungHyun “James” Kim

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010087 - 31 Dec 2017

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 7395

Abstract

When tourists chose destinations, they usually select locations that satisfy the subjective criteria of their requirements. The purpose of this study was to delineate those criteria by analyzing the interrelationships among destination personality, image, and intent to recommend while examining the effects of [...] Read more.

When tourists chose destinations, they usually select locations that satisfy the subjective criteria of their requirements. The purpose of this study was to delineate those criteria by analyzing the interrelationships among destination personality, image, and intent to recommend while examining the effects of gender, age, cultural background, and prior tourist experience. The data were collected from a major tourism destination in South Korea. A total of 316 usable surveys were analyzed using structural analysis. The results show that three of the four factors for destination personality significantly affected destination image. In turn, destination image influenced intent to recommend. Subsequent tests for metric invariances showed differences in the moderating role of cultural background, gender, age, and prior experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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3276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Model of Market Positioning of Destinations Based on Online Customer Reviews of Lodgings

by Manuel Rodríguez-Díaz, Rosa Rodríguez-Díaz, Ana Cristina Rodríguez-Voltes and Crina Isabel Rodríguez-Voltes

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010078 - 29 Dec 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4451

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a methodology to determine the competitive online positioning of lodging companies in different tourist destinations. The rise of the digital age has allowed many customers to share their opinions through specialized websites, providing a dynamic [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to develop a methodology to determine the competitive online positioning of lodging companies in different tourist destinations. The rise of the digital age has allowed many customers to share their opinions through specialized websites, providing a dynamic and constantly updated evaluation of the market. In this context, competitiveness is an essential factor in the economic sustainability of destinations. The competitive positioning of destinations is determined by the scale of variables used by Booking.com. The price and lodging category variables are also used, as well as three new variables derived from the initial scale: the quality average, value and added value. This methodology provides a tool to determine the level of competitiveness of the lodging offered in tourist destinations, based on which, actions can be taken to improve destinations’ positioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism)

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