Infrastructure and Tourism: A Social Sustainability Perspective

Dear Colleagues,

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the cohesive functioning of societies, economies, and nations. It is vital for economic development and social sustainability and is the foundation of a successful tourism industry [1]. This Special Issue aims to explore the complex but under-researched connections between infrastructure, social sustainability, and the tourism sector.

Infrastructure encompasses a range of physical and organizational structures, systems, and facilities that support various activities and services. It includes tangible assets (e.g., transportation systems and energy and power utilities) and intangible assets (e.g., communication networks and legal frameworks). Adequate infrastructure enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities. Access to reliable transportation, clean water, sanitation facilities, healthcare, and education improves living standards, promotes social inclusion, and reduces inequalities [2]. Infrastructure such as efficient transportation networks, secure energy supply, and advanced communication systems stimulate economic activity by facilitating business and leisure mobilities, attracting investments, and improving productivity, enabling businesses and communities to thrive. The construction, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure assets create employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Finally, resilient infrastructure ensures the continuity of essential services during emergencies, safeguarding lives and minimizing economic losses.

Infrastructure development can be aligned with environmentally sustainable practices, promoting resource conservation and reducing carbon emissions. Renewable energy, efficient transportation, and green building technologies all contribute to a more sustainable future. The social dimension of sustainability is less discussed in infrastructure development, although it is increasingly important [3]. Social sustainability has been discussed across a wide range of disciplines in the literature, from urban planning to international development, and comprises community cohesion, human wellbeing, and public participation and dialogue in governance and decision-making [4]. Social sustainability plays a key role in infrastructural development decision-making, and increasingly, fairness and justice and community engagement are important considerations in the development and management of infrastructure assets [5].

This Special Issue specifically spotlights the connections between infrastructure, social sustainability, and tourism. These can include topics such as age-friendly tourism transport services and facilities; user conflicts in transport networks; competition between tourism and low-carbon, renewable, or clean energy developments; disputes over water supply and usage in tourism destinations; food and local supply chain resilience in tourism regions; and disaster management and infrastructural recovery in destinations. Infrastructure development faces several challenges, including funding constraints, inadequate maintenance, and the need for technological advancements. Additionally, the growing demands of urbanization, demographic shifts, and climate change require innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions. We are particularly interested in receiving contributions to this Special Issue focused on digitalization, smart technologies, and renewable energy sources and how these can optimize infrastructure management, improve efficiency, and enhance equitable user experiences for all.

In this Special Issue, both original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Transportation (e.g., roads, railways, airports, ports, and public transit systems).
2. Energy (e.g., power generation plants and transmission lines).
3. Water supply systems, water usage, and sanitation.
4. Telecommunication networks, internet infrastructure, and data centers.
5. Public works (e.g., bridges, dams, tunnels, and other civil engineering structures).
6. Infrastructure resilience and disaster recovery in tourism destinations.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

References:

1. World Economic Forum. If You Build It, They Will Come: Why Infrastructure Is Crucial to Tourism Growth and Competitiveness. 2019. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/09/why-infrastructure-is-crucial-to-tourism-growth-and-competitiveness/ (accessed on 25 October 2023).
2. Thacker, S.; Adshead, D.; Fay, M.; Hallegatte, S.; Harvey, M.; Meller, H.; O’Regan, N.; Rozenberg, J.; Watkins, G.; Hall, J.W. Infrastructure for Sustainable Development. Nature Sustainability, 2019, 2, 324–331.
3. Orlando, M.B.; Janik, V.L.; Vaidya, P.; Angelou, N.; Zumbyte, I.; Adams, N. Getting to Gender Equality in Energy Infrastructure: Lessons from Electricity Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Projects. Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) Technical Report, no. 012/18; World Bank, Washington, D.C., USA, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/29259 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO (accessed on 25 October 2023).
4. Dempsey, N.; Bramley, G.; Power, S.; Brown, C. The Social Dimension of Sustainable Development: Defining Urban Social Sustainability. Sustainable Development, 2011, 19(5), 289–300.
5. Whitton, J.; Parry, I.M.; Akiyoshi, M.; Lawless, W. Conceptualizing a Social Sustainability Framework for Energy Infrastructure Decisions. Energy Research & Social Science, 2015, 8, 127–138.

Prof. Dr. Nigel Morgan
Prof. Dr. Charles Musselwhite
Dr. Tingting Elle Li
Dr. Eric Tak Hin Chan
Guest Editors

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• economic infrastructure
• social infrastructure
• transport
• aviation
• railways
• roads
• energy
• water
• telecommunications
• equity