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Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World

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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: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 24485

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Susana Silva

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Guest Editor

Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra, 3004-530 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: leisure; tourism and heritage; niche tourism; especially health and wellness tourism; garden tourism and rural tourism; touristification; sustainable tourism

Prof. Dr. Paulo Carvalho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: geography of tourism; rural spaces; protected areas; walking or cycling trails

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between tourism and sustainability has been widely explored by researchers as the discourse of sustainability has been gaining relevance in society, in its way of both thinking and acting. At the same time, it is increasingly becoming a factor to be considered in the areas of tourism management and development. However, its practical application is far from what is both desired and necessary. The disruption caused by COVID-19 has been involved in changing this situation by acting as a catalyst for re-thinking and redefining the relationship between tourism development and sustainability. This is leading to new practices and radical changes based on a paradigm shift of tourism towards sustainability and local interests. From the consumer's perspective, the pandemic has created an opportunity to (re)discover certain territories and to change behaviors and consumer patterns. From a managerial perspective, this crisis has also been an opportunity for local and regional agents, tourist products and destinations to reinvent themselves, to innovate, and to structure an increasingly sustainable tourist experience and destinations. It is important to understand the tourists’ and stakeholders’ responses to this atypical context in order to understand how the tourism sector has adapted and changed. Above all, this pandemic context offers an opportunity, which is simultaneously a challenge, to speed up the change towards a more sustainable and resilient tourism development model that should remain active and consolidate practices in the post-pandemic period.

This Special Issue of Sustainability aims to publish research focused on development strands or strategies in sustainable tourism management and development, on tourists and sustainable practices in tourist destinations, and on recent transformations and innovations in tourism during this challenging time. Works focused on the situation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic will be favored but not chosen exclusively. We invite researchers to submit both empirical and conceptual original papers to this Special Issue.

The Special Issue is hoping for papers including (but not limited to) the following topics:

Innovative management approaches
Emergence of new destinations
Niche/Alternative/Special forms of tourism
Sustainable tourism experiences
Innovative practices in tourism
Digitalization and e-Tourism
New technologies in tourism
Creativity in tourism
Sustainable tourism planning & development
Sustainable strategies and policies in local governance
COVID-19 crisis and sustainable tourism
Tourism recovery and adaptation strategies
Patterns of consumption and tourist behavior
Opportunities and challenges for sustainable tourism

Prof. Dr. Susana Silva
Prof. Dr. Paulo Carvalho
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

sustainable tourism
sustainable tourism management
sustainable tourism planning
sustainable development
COVID-19 pandemic
transformation
innovation
creativity
new technologies
resilience
opportunities
challenges

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do People Experience the Alps? Attitudes and Perceptions in Two Protected Areas in Italy

by Noemi Rota, Claudia Canedoli, Oscar Luigi Azzimonti and Emilio Padoa-Schioppa

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3341; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043341 - 11 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1362

Abstract

Protected areas play an important role due to their twofold capacity for biodiversity conservation and the provision of many benefits to human well-being. Tourism can be a tool for protecting nature, enhancing people’s sensitivity, and a threat to biodiversity management. This study investigates users’ attitudes and perceptions and managers’ concerns related to the frequentation of two protected areas in the Italian Alps: the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Adamello Regional Park. We carried out 32 semi-structured interviews with park managers and municipalities to identify their perception of tourism and possible threats related to the use of the parks. Thus, we administered questionnaires to 3399 users of the PAs to investigate their attitudes and perceptions. We made considerations on whether there were similarities in the attitudes identified by the park managers and results of the questionnaires. Questionnaires confirmed the managers’ perception of mass tourism regarding one-day stays and the purpose of the visits, but we could not exhaustively confirm the increase of new visitors. We performed a binary logistic regression to understand the relationship between short-term stays and attitudes of visitors (origin, frequency of visits, stakeholders’ category, and biographical data). Eventually, interviews stated an exacerbation of the growth of visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, we investigated if the pandemic changed the assiduity of visits, and half of the users claimed a change in their assiduity of visits, but mostly declared a decreased frequentation of the area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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20 pages, 1540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Marketing’s Impact on Rural Destinations’ Image, Intention to Visit, and Destination Sustainability

by Sónia Rodrigues, Ricardo Correia, Ramiro Gonçalves, Frederico Branco and José Martins

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032683 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3401

Abstract

The relevance of the tourism industry to the overall sustainability of rural territories grows along with the demand for rural tourism destinations. Likewise, as the digital transition of rural tour operators takes place, their marketing initiatives also evolve towards a digital nature, which is why it is crucial to comprehend how the overall calibre of these activities might affect the perception of rural places, while also motivating tourists’ travel intentions and, as a result, promoting the general sustainability of the destination. Thus, in this paper, we propose a novel conceptual model based on Delone and McLean’s representative model of Information Systems Success Model, on Tan and Wu’s arguments on tourism destinations’ image relationship with tourists’ visit intentions, and also on Verma’s tourism destination brand equity concept. To validate the proposed model, an online focus group was developed involving several specialists whose opinions and perspectives corroborated the potential adequacy of the proposed artefact and, consequently, assumed its contribution and value. From this validation process, it was possible to highlight that digital marketing initiatives’ overall quality influences both rural destinations’ image and tourists’ intention to visit these territories, that a positive image will trigger tourists’ visit behaviour, and that these behaviours represent a valuable asset to rural destinations’ global sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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19 pages, 2776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathways toward the Transformation of Sustainable Rural Tourism Management in Central Java, Indonesia

by Nafiah Ariyani and Akhmad Fauzi

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032592 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3814

Abstract

Managing sustainable rural tourism requires a strategic transformation adapted to local conditions, the complexity of rural institutions, and the dynamics of future changes. In addition, it must be inclusive. This paper presents transformation pathways toward sustainable rural tourism management in developing countries. The general objective is to develop sustainable development strategies in the context of rural tourism. The specific objectives are to develop policy pathways and the best scenarios in this context. The study was conducted in the Kedung Ombo area in Central Java, Indonesia: a representative area involving several districts and other public organizations as stakeholders. Data analysis was performed using the MULTIPOL method. The results show that an integrated development policy that considers the interests of all stakeholders, the potential of rural resources, the infrastructure, and human resources capacity would be the optimal policy. Priority programs to be implemented are infrastructure development, strengthening private investment, strengthening governance, developing amenities, and developing information and communication technology. Furthermore, the “flight of the flamingos” and “leapfrogging” scenarios can be considered to achieve future tourism growth goals and objectives. This study is an essential resource for authorities in determining rural tourism development policies in the research location and can be applied in other areas with similar characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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21 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visit and Management of Historic Gardens during COVID-19 from the Owners/Managers Perspective: Portugal as a Case Study

by Susana Silva and Paulo Carvalho

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032229 - 25 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1403

Abstract

Gardens around the world, including in Portugal, were enjoying a growth in visitor numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing of the gates was followed by an immediate fall in visitor numbers and consequent loss of income. However, this disruptive period also acted as a challenge and an opportunity for tourist attractions such as gardens to adapt and reinvent themselves in the wake of new demands imposed by COVID-19, aiming to restore the trust of visitors and maintain or increase the public’s engagement with gardens and consequently maintain its sustainability. Taking this framework into account, the purpose of this study is to ascertain the impact of the pandemic on visiting and managing gardens, especially in terms of the precautions applied when they reopened and the measures taken to keep them functioning and reaching people during this period. To accomplish this, a literature review has been carried out and a survey questionnaire subsequently applied to the managers or owners of a selected group of Portuguese historic gardens regarded as major tourist attractions. The findings show that a drop in visitors and income were the immediate and the main negative impacts, having both negative and positive consequences for the maintenance of spaces. Gardens were also able to adapt and continue to function under adverse conditions as well as to incorporate safety requirements in their reopening periods. However, not all gardens responded in the same way to the challenges posed by the pandemic with regard to their relationship with the public. Two groups of gardens were recognized: one that remained passive and took no relevant actions in this period, and another more pro-active group that implemented or reinforced strategies to encourage visits both physical and virtual, and to strengthen their connection with the public, particularly in the digital domain. Respondents also note that they recorded a positive response from the public, specifically local residents. The vast majority agree that gardens became popular places immediately after the lockdown periods; future studies on garden visitors could consolidate this finding. In the post-COVID period, the gardens’ challenge is to maintain or improve their connection and interaction with audiences achieved during the pandemic, especially the national and local communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

18 pages, 829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Environmental Management Practices and Knowledge in Strengthening Responsible Behavior: The Moderator Role of Environmental Commitment

by Huseyin Keles, Ozgur Yayla, Abdullah Tarinc and Ali Keles

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021398 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4761

Abstract

This study examines the effects of environmental management practices on environmental knowledge and environmentally responsible behavior by means of an environmental commitment moderator variable regarding the hotel employees in Manavgat–Türkiye. The existing literature on the relevant concepts has provided the theoretical basis of the research. Using the stratified convenience sampling method, a sample of 403 hotel employees from various hotels in the region participated in the survey. First of all, data screening analysis was used for the analysis of research data and the results obtained were analyzed through the AMOS program to test the structural model. According to the research results, it has been determined that environmental management practices are considered to be an important variable in terms of environmental knowledge and environmental knowledge positively affects the level of responsible behavior. In addition, it has been concluded that environmental commitment strengthens the relationship between these variables. In future research, it is predicted that the implementation of this study, which has been applied to hotel employees, in other areas of the tourism sector by taking into account the variables such as organizational commitment, business attachment, organizational performance, and employee attitude will enrich the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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15 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality-of-Life Perception among Young Residents and Visitors: The Impact of COVID-19

by Claudia Seabra, Sofia Almeida and Manuel Reis

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16177; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316177 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2451

Abstract

This research intends to measure the quality of life (QoL) perception, from the perspective of residents and tourists towards Coimbra, a city with an important World Heritage Site, as classified by UNESCO. In these times, preserving tangible and intangible heritage is so important for future memories. Identifying the QoL perceptions through the eyes of residents and tourists allows the improvement of the community well-being of the destination for both stakeholders. Starting from this assumption, this study aims to: (i) measure the tourists’ and residents’ perceptions on quality of life (QoL); (ii) analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on QoL perceptions, both from the tourists’ and residents’ perspective. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire was disseminated to residents and tourists in two different phases, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that in general, residents and tourists exhibited, in both periods, medium and high perceptions of QoL, with an exception made for the Urban Issues domain that decreased even more during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results show, for residents and tourists, that the perception of Urban Issues, Way of Life, Community Pride and Awareness, Economic Strength, and Recreation Amenities impact significantly and positively their Community Well-Being perception. New paths for academics and for practitioners are presented at the end, as well as limitations and evidence for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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16 pages, 1069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism Enterprises Marketing Management and Upgrading Situation of Tourist Sites to Achieve Sustainable Regional Economic Development

by Gaoguang Li and Abdol Aziz Shahraki

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315913 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2165

Abstract

This article is the result of applied research on the use of potential tourist resources to remove obstacles to the development of tourism marketing and subsequently cause tourism business growth to improve the quality of life in the host communities. The method to achieve this goal is practical and straightforward: First, specific indicators are introduced to measure the rate of destruction/degradation of tourist sites in a period. Then, by referring to the opinions of tourism business experts, official administration managers, and tourists and by using a mathematical model, the financial losses of the tourism business at tourist sites and resulting total economic losses of the tourism business due to the delay in the reconstruction/upgrading of indicators at tourism sites are calculated. A model is developed and simulated for 10 tourist sites in Iran to calculate the damages to 38 indicators in the period of 1978–2019. In the next step, the weaknesses and threats related to Iran’s tourism business are discovered to reform the indicators, especially those related to planning, policymaking, and the democratic rights of tourists and the host community and to the necessary infrastructure and provision of decent services. Field studies reveal that the number of visitors to the 10 tourist sites since 2014 has declined on average from 8% to 25% due to the implementation of Sharia law, the violation of democracy, and the lack of necessary infrastructure. The model that this article proposes for economic growth through the development of the tourism business may feasibly be applied to similar tourist site areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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35 pages, 6621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Circular Tourism as the Tourism of Tomorrow: The Role of Travellers in Achieving a More Sustainable and Circular Tourism

by Martina Bosone and Francesca Nocca

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12218; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912218 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3069

Abstract

Nowadays, the challenge of sustainability is increasingly played out in cities, which represent the favoured field of action to implement strategies and actions for supporting the transition towards a more human and ecological development paradigm. The problems caused by the current economic model (linear model) are even more stressed today due to the effects produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism sector (one of the world’s major economic sectors and, thus, one of the main players in the development dynamics) is one of the economic sectors that has been the most negatively impacted by the pandemic. In this study, Human Circular Tourism (HCT) is proposed as a strategy to move towards a more sustainable future and, thus, reduce the negative impacts produced by the tourism sector. In particular, the objective of this paper is to understand the awareness of travellers (one of the categories of actors involved in the tourism experience) regarding sustainable and circular tourism in order to support local governments in the elaboration and implementation of strategies and actions towards more sustainable and circular tourism. To this end, a survey was conducted. In particular, a questionnaire was developed and submitted to a sample of tourists from all over the world to understand their behaviours and perceptions in their tourist experiences. From a critical analysis of the results, it emerges that there is a growing awareness of issues related to the concept of sustainability, especially in relation to the major issues of climate change and people’s health. This perception has certainly been influenced by the health emergency from COVID-19, but the sample of interviewees reveals that much still needs to be invested in increasing their awareness of the complexity of the factors involved in more sustainable, circular, and human-centred tourism. Therefore, starting from this, possible future prospects for the tourism sector from the circular economy perspective are here identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Management and Sustainable Development: Transformations, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World)

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