Search Results (127)

Macau’s Ching Chau Hill, as a composite entity of modern industrial heritage and natural cultural landscape, faces the dual challenges of conservation and regeneration. This study takes Ching Chau Hill as a case study, integrating structural equation modeling (SEM) with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and combining the theory of the creative class, to construct an evaluation model of “industrial heritage-creative perception-cultural innovation.” Through questionnaire surveys, data from the creative class were collected, and SEM was employed for path analysis and hypothesis testing, while GIS was used for spatial analysis and visualization. This study systematically explores the creative perception pathways of industrial heritage value from the perspective of the creative class and its driving mechanisms for cultural inheritance and innovation. This study found that the retention rate of industrial structures (73%) and the “sacred-industrial” axis formed by the integrity of the spatial sequence (β = 0.58) together constitute the core of the material attachment path, and there is a significant threshold for the site identity effect: when the material authenticity score exceeds the 3.5 critical point, the identity value jumps by 37.8%, which provides a quantitative basis for the precise protection of “ruin aesthetics”. In the process of transforming cultural inheritance into innovative practice, the participation in creative activities showed a mediating effect of 72.1%, and the driving efficiency of co-creation activities was ten times higher than that of ceremonial guided tours, confirming the core position of “learning by doing” in heritage revitalization. The results show the following: (1) the creative class’s perception of the aesthetic uniqueness and historical memory of Ching Chau Hill’s industrial heritage significantly and positively influences their recognition of its creative value; (2) spatial accessibility and environmental atmosphere are key geographical factors affecting creative perception; (3) recognition of creative value effectively drives the innovative transformation of cultural heritage by stimulating participation willingness and innovative ideas. This study provides a strategy basis with both theoretical depth and practical guidance value for the revitalization and utilization of industrial heritage in post-industrial urban renewal. Full article

The rise of independent travel is reshaping tourism, moving away from mass tourism and rigid itineraries toward flexible, technology-driven, and sustainable experiences. This study examines how self-guided digital tours can reduce congestion at points of interest while maintaining visitor engagement. Using a stylized agent-based simulation implemented with the Mesa framework, we modeled guided and self-guided tourist groups to compare congestion patterns, travel flows, and completion rates. The results indicate that self-guided tours flatten congestion peaks and support decentralized, walking-based exploration while maintaining comparable engagement levels. The findings suggest that digital self-guided formats can complement urban visitor management and smart-city strategies by distributing tourist flows more evenly. Future research should calibrate the model with real-world data and case studies to validate and extend these results. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban tourism by positioning self-guided tours as a tool for integrating visitor management into smart infrastructure and enhancing long-term cultural and environmental resilience. Full article

This paper examines how 360-degree panoramic tours can enhance heritage promotion, accessibility, and engagement, illustrated through two case studies: the Understory Art and Nature Trail in Northcliffe and the Subiaco Hotel in Perth, Western Australia. The Understory Art Trail was deployed in Google Street View to deliver an interactive, virtual walkthrough of outdoor art installations. This made the site accessible to a geographically diverse global audience, including those unable to visit in person. In contrast, the Subiaco Hotel tour was created with 3DVista. It integrated multimedia features such as historical photographs, architectural drawings, and narrative audio, offering users a layered exploration of built heritage. The two studies were designed so that frameworks like Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could be applied to them to evaluate visitor experience. However, this paper focuses on the workflow for providing 360-degree panoramic tours, the integration of AR, low-cost digital twins, and the testing of interactive web platforms. Google Street View demonstrates ease of use through familiar navigation, while 3DVista reflects usefulness through its richer interpretive features. By analyzing workflows and digital strategies on both platforms, the study evaluates their effectiveness in increasing online visitor engagement, supporting heritage tourism, and communicating cultural significance. Challenges related to technical limitations, geolocation accuracy, audience targeting, and resource constraints are critically discussed. The findings demonstrate that context-sensitive applications of 360-degree tours are valuable for visibility, education, and long-term preservation. The paper concludes with targeted recommendations to guide future heritage projects in leveraging immersive digital technologies to expand audience engagement and support sustainable heritage management. Full article

Water resources allow us to trace the history of many of our towns. In settings with limited surface water, a very interesting case study is represented by the presence/preservation of water in the rupestrian towns located along the rocky walls of canyons (locally named “gravine”) southward, cutting the Murge karst area (Puglia, Southern Italy). In some sections of their valleys, soft rocks, easy to dig, are exposed, and, along the canyon flanks, favored the development of rupestrian towns (cities where dwellings are carved in these soft rocks). Here, before the construction of aqueducts that now bring water from the “distant” Apennines (at least 30 km away), the building of historical fountains, in addition to the collection of rainwater in cisterns, testifies to the presence of an aquifer now undervalued as a local water resource useful for human settlements in a predominantly karst territory. Our study regards an aquifer feeding the Mascheroni Fountain (Great Masks Fountain) through a short qanat that allowed for the development of the old town of Laterza, in Puglia (Southern Italy). Starting from the attractiveness of the ancient fountain, the connection between geological features of the area and the ancestral origin of the city could be proposed to a large audience, representing an intriguing opportunity to develop themes useful for geotouristic purposes and disseminating concepts about sustainability and the importance of preserving local renewable resources. This topic is of paramount importance since the town of Laterza is located at the boundary between the UNESCO MurGEopark and the “Terra delle Gravine” Regional Park, making it the ideal starting point for both parks. Full article

As a national treasure, architectural heritage carries multiple value dimensions such as history, technology, art, and culture. With the increasing demand for architectural heritage protection and utilization, the traditional static digital model of architectural heritage based on geometric expression can no longer meet the practical application of multi-stage and multi-level scenarios. To this end, this paper proposes a value-chain-driven multi-level digital twin model of architectural heritage. Based on the three-stage logic of protection, management, and dissemination of value-chain classification, it integrates four types of models: geometry, physics, rules, and behavior. Combined with different hierarchical application levels, the digital model of architectural heritage is refined into a VCLOD (Value-Chain-Driven Level of Detail) detail hierarchy system to achieve a unified expression from spatial form restoration to intelligent response. Through the empirical application of three typical scenarios: the full-area guided tour of the Forbidden City, the exhibition curation of the central axis and the preventive protection of the Meridian Gate, the model shows the following specific results: (1) the efficiency of tourist guidance is improved through real-time personalized path planning; (2) the exhibition planning and visitor experience are improved through dynamic monitoring and interactive management of the exhibition environment; (3) the predictive analysis and preventive protection measures of structural safety are realized, effectively ensuring the structural safety of the Meridian Gate. The research results provide a theoretical basis and practical support for the systematic expression and intelligent evolution of digital twins of architectural heritage. Full article

In response to the growing urban–rural dichotomy and escalating human–land conflicts in rural China, this study investigates the role of soundscapes as emotional mediators to enhance environmental satisfaction and foster sustainable human–land symbiosis. To address this need, we carried out a series of systematic field surveys at five representative traditional villages in a major provincial capital city in China, and we implemented a comprehensive questionnaire and surveyed 524 residents about their perceptions of sound, land affection, and environment. We employed a mixed-methods approach combining questionnaire surveys, association rule mining (ARM), and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the ‘sound–land–environment’ interaction chain. ARM analysis identified strong associations among tour guide narratives, local dialects, natural sounds (e.g., rustling leaves, birdsong), and tourist-generated sounds (support = 50%, confidence = 78%, lift = 1.33). SEM results revealed that soundscapes significantly and positively influence land dependence (β = 0.952, p < 0.001) and land rootedness (β = 1.812, p < 0.001), which in turn jointly affect environmental satisfaction (β = –0.192, p = 0.027) through a chain mediation pathway. These findings suggest that optimizing rural soundscapes can strengthen emotional bonds between people and land, thereby enhancing environmental satisfaction and promoting performance of sustainable human–land symbiosis. The study contributes theoretically by elucidating the emotional mechanisms linking soundscapes to human–land relationships and offers insights for incorporating soundscape considerations into village planning and developing policies to cultivate land attachment, supporting the sustainable development of traditional villages. Full article

Based on a literature review, the present article aims to present ecotourism as a transformative factor in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental contexts, revealing key elements for the sustainable development of ecotourism. To ensure that this objective is met, the review combines the insights of classical authors and many recent authors who have best addressed the subject. The review carefully selected consensual and contradictory arguments, reflecting on the relevance of each group, particularly in aspects such as the influence of emotional experience on behaviour and satisfaction, strategy and competitive advantage, cooperation and sustainability, and the influence of resilience on ecotourism. The impact of each perspective was presented without ignoring the major constraints that ecotourism faces in its search for a position in the tourism industry. This led the study to accept the fact that the active participation of the community is indispensable in the formula for the success of ecotourism. Some statistical data were consulted and analysed, which enabled the study to determine the quantitative impact of ecotourism on economic, social, and environmental life. In terms of benefits to communities, the review clarifies the fact that ecotourism serves as an instrument that mobilizes not only the additional value of products and services traded in the process, but also the return on investments and job creation. The combination of visiting activities with the involvement of tour guides contributes to maximizing profits in the destinations, thus supporting solid economic, social, and environmental development for the benefit of both ecotourism promoters and local communities. However, the analysis makes it clear that the economic, social, and environmental benefit depends on the degree of involvement of the local population. In terms of usability, for other studies, this review can contribute to the understanding and positioning of ecotourism in the search for a balance between satisfying socioeconomic and environmental interests. Additionally, it can serve as an aid to policy makers in their decisions related to ecotourism. Full article

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) can be used at follow-up for patients with stable interstitial lung disease (ILD). LUS could also help guide the diagnosis of etiology for acute respiratory episodes. Methods: We conducted a prospective, one-center, observational study including patients with ILD hospitalized in the pulmonology unit or in the intensive care unit of the Tours University Hospital for acute dyspnea. LUS was performed at admission and then at a follow-up visit in the six months following discharge. We compared the number of B-lines between the two LUSs. We also compared the features of the first LUS between the different etiologies responsible for increased dyspnea. Results: Of 24 patients, 16 had acute ILD exacerbation (67%), 6 had pulmonary infections (25%) and 2 had acute heart failure (8%). LUS was feasible in all patients and always showed lung sliding, pleural irregularities and B-lines. There were pleural effusions in four cases (17%) and pulmonary consolidations in two cases (8%). Seven patients had A-lines in at least one thoracic space on the initial LUS. We found a significant decrease in the number of B-lines at follow-up (76; IQR, [59–86.75]) compared to admission (86.5; IQR, [71.5–94.5]) (p-value = 0.02). There was a trend of more A-lines in patients with infection (1 [0.25–1.75]) compared to AE-ILD (0 [0–0]). Conclusions: Following an episode of acute dyspnea in patients with ILD, LUS shows a decrease in the number of B-lines. Patients with ILD and concurrent pulmonary infection may have more A-lines than patients with AE-ILD. Full article

Students who enter higher education as independent students do not bring with them the financial and familial support that their dependent counterparts experience. When these needs are not met, their likelihood of graduating is decreased. One method that has shown promise for addressing support that promotes belonging and well-being is peer mentorship. The following study presents data collected from students at a western, urban, Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) who participated in a program designed for supporting financial, academic, and emotional needs of independent students. A community based participatory research (CBPR) framework was implemented to design the peer mentorship model, develop the evaluation plan, complete data collection and analysis, and guide dissemination. We used a mixed methods design collecting both survey and listening tour data simultaneously regarding students’ support networks, sense of belonging, and perspectives of the peer mentoring model. While the evidence for the efficacy of peer mentorship is abundant, the inclusion of a CBPR framework in higher education has not been well explored. Key findings demonstrated that the use of a CBPR framework for development and evaluation of peer mentoring increased the mentor’s sense of belonging and increased engagement with their community. Similarly, mentees identified that peer mentorship increased their sense of belonging, particularly when their mentor had a shared identity, beyond that of student, that allowed for an unspoken understanding of lived experience. Recommendations for higher education to support the emotional well-being and sense of belonging among independent students will be presented. Full article

This study addresses the critical need for an evaluation framework for tour guides within the rapidly expanding tourism sector of Saudi Arabia. Employing the best–worst method, a robust multi-criteria decision-making technique, this study identifies and prioritizes key criteria for tour guide performance. Experts ranked local cultural and historical background as the most significant attribute, demonstrating its importance in delivering authentic and enriching visitor experiences. Results revealed the relative weights of other criteria, highlighting the significance of several factors such as language proficiency, time management, and environmental and ethical awareness. Notably, technology adaption criterion received the lowest weighting, indicating a potential area for future focus within the Saudi tourism sector. The study’s findings provide a foundational framework for developing a comprehensive tour guide evaluation system. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on tour guide evaluation and offers practical implications for training and development initiatives within the Saudi Arabian tourism industry. Full article

Wine tourism is a key segment of the global tourism industry, offering visitors opportunities to explore vineyards, taste wines, and experience cultural heritage. This study examines online reviews to identify positive and negative themes of wine tourism experiences and explores how perceptions vary among traveler types. Data were collected from 2850 TripAdvisor reviews of wineries in Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy, France, and analyzed using Leximancer software. The findings reveal seven key themes, including Wine Quality, Tasting Experiences, Tour Guides, Vineyard Views, and Cultural Charm, alongside Dissatisfaction with Time Management and Value for Money. Variations among traveler types highlight distinct preferences, with solo travelers valuing education, couples prioritizing romance, groups focusing on culture, and families concerned with organization. This study contributes to research on experiential tourism by addressing diverse visitor expectations and enhancing service quality. Full article

In the digital era, user-generated online reviews serve as a valuable resource for understanding visitor experiences in cultural institutions. This study analyses sentiments and thematic trends in TripAdvisor reviews of mountain museums, using Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modelling and sentiment analysis. A dataset of 2157 reviews from ten museums was classified into local and non-local perspectives, revealing significant differences in visitor expectations. Findings indicate that local visitors prioritize historical authenticity and educational value, whereas non-local visitors emphasize aesthetic appeal, interactivity, and cultural immersion. Sentiment analysis highlights generally positive perceptions, with business travellers and groups of friends reporting the highest satisfaction levels. Comparative analysis across visitor types reveals distinct engagement patterns, with families valuing child-friendly exhibits, couples seeking cultural enrichment, and solo travellers focusing on intellectual depth. These insights inform strategic recommendations for museum management, including multilingual content, interactive elements, and guided tours dedicated to specific visitor profiles. Despite limitations related to lack of real-time feedback, this research demonstrates the potential of sentiment analysis in enhancing museum experiences. Future studies should integrate multimodal analysis and real-time tracking to further refine visitor experience evaluation. Full article

The research contributes to developing and implementing four tourist hubs in Salamanca, León, and Zamora (Spain) territories and the District of Guarda (Portugal). These hubs will act as innovation pivots promoting innovative, sustainable, and inclusive rural tourism and creating specific territorial ecosystems in each region. The main objective is to boost new economic activities and generate employment, especially for priority groups, through smart specialisation and strengthening local economies. The research also focuses on strengthening tourism value chains, making them more competitive and resilient, emphasising accessibility and inclusion. Within a focus group methodology, a SOAR analysis was undertaken. Three stakeholder groups from Portugal and Spain participated in this study: consumers, distributors/marketing professionals (tour operators, tourist offices), and producers (hotels, restaurants, and museums). They participated in collaborative activities within the SOAR framework to understand the needs of tourists, especially those with reduced mobility, and to identify barriers and opportunities for innovation in the sector. The results offer a framework for tourism providers to develop Accessible and Inclusive Rural Tourism Ecosystems by enhancing understanding and improving accessibility for groups with specific needs. It outlines actionable methods for creating inclusive tourism hubs as “innovation pivots,” establishing performance metrics, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to guide evidence-based policies. Full article

Geoparks, via the ABC geotourism concept, represent ideal places to effectively combine natural and cultural heritage, allowing visitors to better understand the country’s history and development. In this way, the sustainable development of local communities is promoted and contributes to the protection of the unique natural and cultural values of the region. Proper presentation of natural and cultural heritage in a geopark is key to developing soft forms of tourism, e.g., geotourism or ecotourism. The paper focuses on Slovak geoparks with a special emphasis on analysing the information availability and presentation of both natural and cultural heritage in these areas from the perspective of potential geopark visitors. Based on the analysis and evaluation of defined categories, including websites, social media platforms, mobile applications, information centres, brochures, educational trails, information panels, and guided tours, results show that, in general, existing geoparks’ promotional materials can be considered the best source of information on heritage and its presentation. On the other hand, the most significant identified shortcomings include insufficient use of mobile applications, a lack of educational activities, and the relatively low quality of existing educational trails. However, considerable differences exist in information access and heritage presentation in Slovak geoparks. Based on the findings, specific measures are suggested as potential solutions to enable the appropriate and correct presentation of heritage in the territories of Slovak geoparks. Their practical application will contribute to the development of Slovak geoparks, increase awareness of heritage located in the areas of individual geoparks, and provide a better understanding of the values of this heritage by the wider public. Full article

Children are the future of society, and their well-being is vital for sustainable urban development. Chengdu, as the birthplace of the “Park City” concept, has actively integrated child-friendly principles into its urban model. In 2022, the “Implementation Plan for Building a Child-Friendly City in Chengdu” was launched, aiming to establish Chengdu as a leading national model. Since 2023, the city has leveraged its ecological strengths to promote “child-friendly happiness spaces”, providing children with ample recreational and developmental opportunities within its “Park City” framework. Analyzing urban park construction in Chengdu from a child-friendly perspective is significant not only for promoting children’s growth and urban development but also for providing valuable references for the development of child-friendly urban parks. Guided by the concept of “Tour–Art–Learning”, which focuses on creating outdoor recreational spaces suitable for children, this study establishes a quality assessment framework for urban parks from a child-friendly perspective. Based on survey data collected from Chengdu’s Shaheyuan Park using the Photo Elicitation Interview (PEI) method and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, the analytic hierarchy process–fuzzy comprehensive assessment (AHP-FCE) model is applied to evaluate the park’s Tour–Art–Learning quality. The results show that while the park demonstrates high overall quality, there are deficiencies in cultural aesthetics and learning activity carrying capacity and significant room for improvement in site accessibility. This study systematically evaluates the child friendliness of Shaheyuan Park and proposes strategies for improving its Tour–Art–Learning quality, offering new theoretical perspectives and practical pathways for urban park construction and the development of child-friendly cities. Full article