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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 18343

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Silvia Fissi

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Guest Editor

Department of Business and Economics, University of Florence, 50127 Florence, Italy
Interests: tourism management; public management and accounting; corporate social responsibility; non-financial accounting

Dr. Elena Gori

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Guest Editor

Department of Economics and Management, University of Florence, 50100 Florence, Italy
Interests: tourism management; non-financial accounting; public management and accounting; corporate social responsibility

Dr. Alberto Romolini

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Economics, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
Interests: public management; financial accounting; CSR; sustainability reporting and tourism management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue on “Sustainable Development Ecotourism” of the journal Sustainability.

Over the past three decades, sustainability in the tourism industry has become one of the dominant topics in academia, business, policy, and government, especially since 2015, when the UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the same time, consumers pay more attention to environmental issues and they are willing to pay more for sustainable tourism services. Answering this market demand, touristic companies have developed a new form of tourism, namely ecotourism. The latter is defined by the International Ecotourism Society (1991) as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people”.

Currently, in the literature, it is possible to underline some different streams of research about ecotourism.

A very important research area is dedicated to green hospitality. “Greening” a hotel has become a key driver of success for hotel operators to attract and retain the eco-friendly travelers and obtain competitive advantages in the hospitality marketplace. In this context, several studies adopt a qualitative approach, so scholars should propose quantitative research in order to better understand what is meant by “green”. From a different perspective, consumers have also become more critical of hotels’ green practices—especially when they cannot verify their credibility—and often view the management as partakers in greenwashing.

Moreover, in last three years, the pandemic has changed travel plans, with people preferring holidays in their own country and in areas surrounded by nature, where social distancing may be maintained. This has led to the increasing popularity of new forms of accommodation, such as glamping, also in protected areas.

Undoubtedly, ecotourism is a multidisciplinary topic, so the main aim of this Special Issue is to investigate this sector in a broad sense, building relevant theories and identifying good practices. For this Special Issue, original research articles, case studies, cross-case analyses, and reviews are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

The application of the ecotourism concept to destinations, as well as protected areas and world heritage sites;
The current state of knowledge;
Customer and company perspectives;
Entrepreneurship in ecotourism;
New forms of sustainable hospitality;
Innovation and ecotourism;
Issue linked to the measurement of ecotourism parameters;
Greenwashing issues.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Silvia Fissi
Dr. Elena Gori
Dr. Alberto Romolini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

alternative tourism
biodiversity
ecosystem services
business development
green hospitality
protected areas
sustainable ecosystems
sustainable development goals

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Recreational Potential of Flooded Quarries in Slovakia

by Barbora Iannaccone, Lucia Domaracká, Dana Tometzová and Ľubomíra Gabániová

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9602; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219602 - 4 Nov 2024

Viewed by 768

Abstract

This article focuses the assessment of the recreational potential of selected water-filled quarries in Slovakia, specifically the Škrabské, Beňatina, and Kraľovany quarries. Water-filled quarries represent a significant untapped resource that can contribute to the development of various leisure activities while simultaneously supporting local communities and environmental conservation. The main challenge of the study is finding a balance between the recreational use of these sites and the need to maintain ecological sustainability, which requires a detailed evaluation of the natural conditions, infrastructure, and accessibility of the individual quarries. The study focuses on a comprehensive assessment of the recreational potential of selected water-filled quarries in Slovakia, specifically the Škrabské, Beňatina, and Kraľovany quarries, using a methodology based on point evaluation according to criteria such as natural beauty, accessibility, existing infrastructure, and ecological status. The results of this study provide an important foundation for further research and decision-making processes in the transformation of water-filled quarries, aiming to maximize their recreational potential while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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13 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Marriage Between Luxury Hospitality, Ecotourism, and Social Initiatives: A New Business Model from Italy

by Silvia Fissi, Elena Gori, Marco Contri and Alberto Romolini

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8982; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208982 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1536

Abstract

Over the last few years, the hospitality industry has increasingly embraced green practices. Indeed, tourists pay more attention to the sustainability actions of accommodations nowadays, demonstrating positive attitudes towards those implementing sustainable initiatives. Against this backdrop, “greening” a hotel has become a key driver of success for hotel operators to attract and retain these emerging eco-friendly travelers. Accordingly, many hotels worldwide have started implementing green management practices and adopting new business models. However, this is particularly difficult for luxury hotels, where combining luxury characteristics and sustainability is a challenging and ongoing issue. This research aims to investigate the unique business model of a luxury eco-hotel sited in a WWF-affiliated reserve and belonging to a social foundation group. Our findings not only demonstrate that it is possible to combine sustainability and luxury but also to depict a new form of business model that integrates social and environmental dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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27 pages, 16173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inventory and Evaluation of Geosites: Case Studies of the Slovak Karst as a Potential Geopark in Slovakia

by Miroslav Kudla, Miriama Javorská, Jana Vašková, Vladimír Čech and Dana Tometzová

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177783 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 957

Abstract

This study analyzes and evaluates natural and anthropogenic geosites within the potential Geopark Slovak Karst using a slightly modified Geosite Assessment Model (GAM). It focuses on three case studies from this area: Jasovská Cave, Gombasecká Cave, and Domica Cave, including their surroundings. The aforementioned caves represent the primary points of interest and draw in high concentrations of visitors. We aim to highlight opportunities for dispersing visitors to other nearby geosites and encouraging their extended stay in the region. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the highest point values (from 22.5 to 23.5 points) are achieved by three UNESCO caves (Jasovská Cave, Domica Cave, and Baradla Cave). These caves have a high level of both main and additional values. Gombasecká Cave has a total point value of 20.5 points, with a high level of main values and a medium level of additional values. Other geosites reach total point values from 9 to 16 with different levels of main and additional values. The three accessible caves will continue to be the main object of interest for tourists. The networking of other nearby geosites with caves in the form of educational trails and their greater promotion could help visitors stay longer in the region and direct their attention to these geosites. The research methodology used in this study proved to be suitable and we can see its further use in the evaluation of geosites across the entire territory of the potential Geopark Slovak Karst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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16 pages, 1817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Resident and Visitor Satisfaction—The Case of the Special Nature Reserve “Titelski Breg”, Vojvodina

by Igor Trišić, Snežana Štetić, Adina Nicoleta Candrea, Florin Nechita, Manuela Apetrei, Marko Pavlović, Tijana Stojanović and Marija Perić

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072720 - 26 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

The Special Nature Reserve “Titelski Breg” (TB) is a protected area (PA) of category I, located in the AP of Vojvodina in the south-eastern part of Bačka. The reserve covers an area of 496 ha. A protection zone covering an area of 8643 ha has been established around the PA. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) states that this PA is classified as a category IV habitat and species management area. Its good geographical and traffic position and close distance to Romania and Hungary, as well as the nation’s major cities, make this PA accessible to a sizable number of both domestic and foreign tourists. There are numerous plant and animal species in the reserve, which makes this area unique. The population living around this reserve has an exceptional and valuable cultural heritage, which represents significant complementary tourist motives. To examine the state of sustainable tourism (SuT) in TB and the impact of SuT on the satisfaction of the respondents (SoR), the PoS model of study was used. The quantitative methodology in this research included a questionnaire as the survey instrument for residents and visitors. There were 630 respondents altogether (400 locals and 230 guests). Four aspects of sustainability, economic, social, cultural, and institutional, were used to analyze the state of SuT in this PA. The study’s findings show that SuT significantly affected the SoR. Analyzing the role that additional protected areas may have in SuT can be supported by the research outcomes. Additionally, the proportion of each sustainability characteristic in SuT can suggest guidelines for national programs that aim to develop PAs and tourist development at the same time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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18 pages, 2562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural and Sociocultural Values of a Tourism Destination in the Function of Sustainable Tourism Development—An Example of a Protected Area

by Tijana Stojanović, Igor Trišić, Eldin Brđanin, Snežana Štetić, Florin Nechita and Adina Nicoleta Candrea

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020759 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4221

Abstract

The Special Nature Reserve “Kraljevac” (RK) is located in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, in southern Banat. This first-category reserve covers an area of 264.3 ha and represents a natural item of exceptional importance. The reserve is characterized by significant geological heritage such as loess sections and dune relief, a lake with famous floating peat islands that form the physiology of this wetland, and very rare representatives of flora and fauna. The RK is characterized by the rich cultural heritage of the population living in South Banat. The different ethnic composition of the population and multiculturalism are the main sociocultural tourist motives of this protected area. The Deliblato Sands, known in Europe for their rare geological features, flora and fauna, are located in the immediate vicinity. This significantly increases the value of the RK. Quantitative methodology was used in the paper, which included interviewing respondents as a research technique. The research was conceived according to the Prism of Sustainability (PoS) model. For this sustainable tourism research, a total of 750 respondents (470 residents and 280 visitors) were surveyed. A written and online questionnaire was used in the survey of respondents. By using a questionnaire, respondents expressed their views on certain statements that were grouped into two categories. The claims refer to the natural and sociocultural factors of tourism development in this protected area. Both categories of tourism destination factors can significantly influence sustainable tourism. In addition, we examined the impact of sociocultural and natural factors on respondents’ satisfaction with sustainable tourism. The research results indicate that there is a significant influence of these factors on the satisfaction of residents and visitors with sustainable tourism. The results of this research can provide important information when planning the development of tourism in this protected area. Also, the results can help in the evolution of tourism development at the local, national and regional levels. The forms of tourism that could be central in the RK are scientific research, sports–recreational, ecotourism, bird-watching, events, cultural, gastronomic, and other tourism forms. These forms of tourism can provide environmental, economic and social benefits for this protected area as a tourism destination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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22 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Awareness of Consequences in Predicting the Local Tourists’ Plastic Waste Reduction Behavioral Intention: The Extension of Planned Behavior Theory

by Adel Nasser Badawi, Tarek Sayed Adelazim Ahmed, Eid Kaadan Alotaibi, Ihab Saad Abbas, Ehab Rabee Ali and Eman Sarhan M. Shaker

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010436 - 4 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3356

Abstract

Due to increasing concern about plastic waste and its impact on the ecosystem, it is vital to understand tourists’ behavioral intentions about plastic waste reduction on beaches. There have been several studies that have used the theory of planned behavior to investigate pro-environmental behaviors or intentions, but there are few specific research studies that have extended the theory of planned behavior by adding awareness of consequences to explain the power of behavioral intention. Accordingly, this paper aimed to investigate how awareness of consequences, subjective norms, attitudes, and behavioral control dimensions influence plastic waste behavioral intention on Jeddah’s beaches, in Saudi Arabia. This was performed on a random sample of 390 local tourists in Jeddah city from June to August 2023. A total of 340 of them agreed and answered the questionnaire, yielding a percentage response rate of 87%. This produced 271 valid questionnaires for data analysis after closely examining the survey. A self-complete questionnaire was used for data collection in using multiple statistical analyses to examine the hypotheses. The results demonstrated a positive influence of subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and consequence awareness on environmental behavioral intention. On the other hand, attitude did not significantly contribute to predict environmental behavioral intention. This study’s findings made clear how crucial it is to consider any potential negative effects while making plans to cut down on plastic trash. Educating people about the possible harm that using plastic products on beaches is anticipated to cause to the environment might also be beneficial. It is intended that, through understanding behavior and behavior determinants, governmental bodies, pro-environmental organizations, businesses, and communities will be able to implement appropriate strategies to reduce the use of plastic in Saudi Arabia to protect marine life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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15 pages, 727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multicriteria Model for Measuring the Potential of Cultural Identity in the Tourism Development of Sincelejo, Colombia

by Martín León-Santiesteban, Martha Cecilia Mendez-Prada, Yolanda Patricia Cardona-Arce and Nelly Guerrero-Mosquera

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015082 - 20 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a multi-criteria model designed to evaluate the potential of Sincelejo’s cultural identity in tourism development. A descriptive quantitative methodology was used, which included a survey of 211 participants. A decision support method was applied using the weighted additive sum approach and following the multi-attribute method. From the information gathered, the elements of cultural identity shared by most of the criteria were identified, highlighting the gastronomic, social, and cultural traditions and customs of the region, the results of which allowed a composite indicator to be designed to evaluate the tourism potential of cultural identity in the area. This indicator takes into account the idea that the authenticity and cultural uniqueness of a city or region can be a key factor in attracting tourists and providing them with enriching and memorable experiences, promoting the preservation of cultural heritage, environmental protection, and improvement in the quality of life of residents in the search for sustainable tourism development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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17 pages, 3581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Relationship between Tourism Eco-Efficiency and Economic Resilience from Coupling Perspectives in China

by Yuan Zhao and Xinyang Wu

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310039 - 25 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1191

Abstract

Efficiency and resilience are two essential challenges that require attention for high-quality development under the new normal. In this research, we measured tourism eco-efficiency using the Super-SBM model with undesirable output about data from 31 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019; economic resilience through the entropy weighted Topsis model; and finally, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of tourism eco-efficiency and economic resilience. The findings showed that, from 2010 to 2019, the 31 provinces’ eco-efficiency values were low, with large and low variances in efficiency values among provinces with an uneven distribution. The economic resilience values of the 31 provinces were relatively low. Still, the economic resilience of each province had been relatively stable over the years, and the pattern of regional distribution of resilience values was generally consistent. The level of coupling coordination between tourism eco-efficiency and economic resilience was low in the 31 provinces, with low coordination type dominating, and the spatiotemporal patterns were the same. Its coupling coordination degree fluctuated and increased, but the increase was minor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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Review

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14 pages, 2283 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancing Global Climate and Biodiversity Goals Through Regenerative Tourism

by Carlos M. Duarte, Rebecca Cousins, Maryam A. Ficociello, Ivor D. Williams and Aradhana Khowala

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 9133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209133 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Tourism has a particular responsibility to contribute to climate and biodiversity goals because of its intense use of long-range transport and its strong dependence on natural capital as an asset. Tourism is a major contributor to the global economy, but also to greenhouse gas emissions. The severe impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the tourism sector triggered a search for enhanced resilience, replacing the past paradigm of “boosterism”, and the dominant paradigm of “sustainable tourism”. Sustainable tourism is no longer sufficient, and a shift towards a new paradigm of regenerative tourism is needed to address the environmental and societal challenges faced by the tourism industry. Here, the evidence pointing at the rise of regenerative tourism as a new paradigm is reviewed, the differential goals of regenerative, relative to sustainable tourism, are defined and actions along five domains of action are identified that can help tourism destinations embrace the transition toward the regenerative tourism paradigm. Regenerative tourism seeks to enhance the natural, cultural and social capital of destinations while creating net positive benefits for people and the planet. It emphasizes collaboration with local communities and an ambitious and holistic approach to sustainability, going beyond reducing negative impacts to creating positive ones. Regenerative tourism aligns the industry, the Paris Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity, while advancing the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. The transition to regenerative tourism requires investments in technology and innovation, transparent collaboration, and a holistic focus on well-being for both people and the planet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Ecotourism)

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