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2024 | Buch

Sustainable Tourism, Culture and Heritage Promotion

Development, Management and Connectivity

herausgegeben von: Jorge Chica-Olmo, Miroslav Vujičić, Rui Alexandre Castanho, Uglješa Stankov, Eliana Martinelli

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Buchreihe : Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation

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Über dieses Buch

This proceedings book explores future prospects of cultural, heritage, and religious tourism and how it can impact the socioeconomic complexity of a community and future developments. It includes chapters on contemporary digital age pilgrimage, digital interpretation as a management strategy, tourism in the era of digital communication, and the role of social media in conserving intangible cultural heritage.

This book focuses on policies and mechanisms for heritage preservation. It includes cultural heritage tourism management, how the digitalization of data has impacted and further developed tourism, World Heritage classification in urban tourism destinations, cultural tourism products, and experiences. Moreover, it discusses the sustainable environment and geography in tourism. It covers topics such as ecotourism and rural sustainable development, heritage in socioeconomic sustainable development, and tourists' perceptions of tourism.

Another part of the book explores the social and economic impacts of tourism. It includes chapters on cycling tourism along the Elbe, residents' perceptions of the socioeconomic benefits of restaurants, architecture of historical mosques, tourism as a driver of soft power, tourists' perceptions of service quality, tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic, gastronomic narratives in tourism, and residents' perceptions of festivals. Also, it pinpoints the focus on user interaction-based development. It includes chapters on the role of community-led initiatives in heritage revitalization and addressing connectivity issues between historical and natural touristic heritage sites.

These research papers provide valuable insights into the multidimensional nature of cultural sustainable tourism, covering a wide range of topics and offering diverse perspectives on its development, management, and impact.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Aspects of a Sustainable Tourism

Frontmatter
A Readable Wukang Building: A Case Study on Cultural Sustainable Tourism (CST)
Abstract
Old houses hidden in old trees, Shikumen in the old alley, a-century-long exotic building clusters in the Bund, which demonstrates the historical, cultural and international city of Shanghai, allures people locally and abroad. Taking the almost 100-year-old Wukang Building as a case study, this paper aims to explore a novel touring mode featured with local characteristics in response to cultural sustainable tourism. Launched by Shanghai’s municipal government, the project, “a Readable Building”, is set to amply revitalize the existing antiqued buildings in the city and make them Internet celebrities through the implementation of storytelling, various activities and eye-catching souvenirs with the logos of the buildings to attract tourists as well as boost the local economy. Based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, this paper clarifies the project’s process and its favorable results. Hopefully, this paper will help introduce this successfully proven, reproducible, and applicable new touring mode to the rest of the world to further the efforts of Cultural Sustainable Tourism.
Xiangchong Pan, Yinan Guo, Wei Zhong, Fei Yin
Sustainable Tourism Development in Less Touristy Destinations; The Case of Epirus, Greece
Abstract
While Greece is a destination that everyone knows and maybe has visited at least once in their life, not all Greek destinations are touristy just like Santorini or Crete are. For this reason, in the last few years, there has been an attempt to develop strategies for sustainable tourism in less-known destinations in Greece. In order to achieve sustainable tourism development, Governments and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) must take into account several parameters. For example, not all destinations provide the same natural landscapes or similar cultural heritage. That means that different strategies must be applied so as to achieve the goal of sustainable tourism development. First of all, in this essay, development strategies for sustainable tourism are going to be discussed. It is very significant to point out good practices which can lead to tourism sustainability. In this way, both touristy and less touristy destinations can increase their sustainability. Much more, the case of Epirus in Greece is a good example of how we can apply development strategies for sustainable tourism. For example, the Cultural Route of the Ancient Theaters of Epirus is a great paradigm of how a destination can improve its tourism sustainability by using its cultural resources. In this way, it can attract more tourists all year round. To conclude, by developing good strategies for sustainable tourism, countries achieve to have tourism not just for a few months of the year but almost all year round. Finally, there are many destinations that need to develop tourism so as to develop their economy, create new jobs and thus reduce unemployment.
Eleni Gimouki
Actual Conditions of Tourist Guides in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Ecuador Case Study
Abstract
This research on the labor reality of tourist guides in Ecuador is considered because with the arrival of the pandemic caused by covid-19, tourism has been one of the seriously affected sectors. Consequently, all positions related to this activity have been forced to stop providing their services. The objective of this research focuses on analyzing the current employment situation of tour guides in Ecuador, using a mixed-method methodology, through a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions with a Likert-type rating of 5 points, divided into 3 dimensions: (1) sociodemographic data, (2) employment status, and (3) glass ceiling; validated by experts and with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.80, to a sample of 134 legally registered tour guides, the non-parametric Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test was used to identify the distribution of data within informality in tourism activity and occupational segregation affected professional development in times of pandemic. The results show that tour guides have faced economic, emotional, psychosocial, and political impacts, conditions that weaken the comprehensive well-being of all the tourism system. Also, the employment situation of tour guides has not been analyzed deeply and therefore this research explores the reality that tour guides have faced in times of pandemic. Finally, the economic impact that instability brings with it, one cannot fail to mention the changes that must be considered in the labor competencies of the guides, of tourism: protecting the mobility of small groups, respecting the allowed capacity, the management of the bio-security standards always, to promote rapid growth in proximity tourism with overall sustainability; even though the process of returning to work depends on exogenous factors.
Angélica González-Sánchez, Fernanda Navas-Moscoso, Sylvia Andrade-Zurita, Edgar Encalada-Trujillo
Accessible Tourism Businesses as a Means of Promoting Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Thessaloniki, Greece
Abstract
Thessaloniki is a city with an important cultural heritage, which is recognized internationally. In addition to the cultural monuments which must be accessible to all, the accessibility of the city’s tourism businesses is also important for the sustainable development of the cultural destination. Accessible tourism has been intensively researched in recent decades, and its relationship to the long-term sustainability of tourism development is well established. In an effort to promote the city’s cultural heritage, a combination of accessible tourist facilities and cultural heritage sites should be offered. The purpose of the present research is to examine the accessibility of tourism businesses, specifically hotels and food and beverage businesses, in Thessaloniki. A quantitative survey was conducted in the area (Ν = 74), where it was found that the tourism businesses are in average condition in terms of their accessibility (Mean score = 2.77 out of 4) and staff training in serving people with disabilities (Mean score = 2.86 out of 5). The areas that need to be improved in order to achieve the goal of accessible cultural development in the city were also identified. The present research is considered to contribute significantly to the development of cultural sustainable tourism in Thessaloniki, as the accessibility of the city’s tourism businesses has not been studied in the past.
Dimitris Kourkouridis, Asimenia Salepaki
A Bottom-Up Approach for Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Ladakh: An Initiative Taken by Women and Homestays
Abstract
Tourism industry is considered an important sector for economic development. The notion of tourism is not entirely new; it has been popular since the dawn of civilization. Earlier the movement of people was either for pilgrimage or in the quest to know the geographical landscapes. During the 1960s and 1970s, this industry started developing at a rapid rate and the primary reason for the movement of tourism was to visit the different regions to experience different cultures and nature and also to visit historical sites, religions, and places. A similar case is also seen in Ladakh, a Trans-Himalayan region in northwestern India. The region is known for drawing tourist attractions (both international and domestic). Tourism in Ladakh has seen such a surge in the last two decades that it has become a cause of concern for the ecology, society, and culture. However, the region has adopted a sustainable cultural tourism approach to mitigate potential challenges posed by the recent surge. The present paper aims to study the working of homestays with particular reference to the women’s contribution to community-based rural tourism or maintaining sustainable cultural tourism. For this study, the village of Phyang from Ladakh has been selected as the area has the presence of large numbers of homestays with active women participation. The methods adopted for the study are literature review, participatory observation, and open-ended and close-ended interviews. This study revealed that homestays with women’s participation as a bottom-up approach have been playing a significant role in maintaining sustainable cultural tourism.
Skalzang Dolma, Ashwani Kumar
Promotion of World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Japan
Abstract
This paper reports on a study of perceptions and challenges in promoting less popular World Heritage Sites in the City of Kyoto, Japan. According to the Kyoto Promotion Office, national and international tourists visit the most common World Heritage Sites of Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo-jo castle but many miss the opportunity of visiting and getting to know other World Heritage Sites within the city. However, attracting tourists to less visited cultural sites is key to the sustainability, development, and survival of all cultural World Heritages Sites in the city. Prior to the covid-19 pandemic, overtourism was a challenge for the middle sized but compact City of Kyoto as most people that visited the city seemed to be concentrated in the same places and attractions. Meanwhile, the lack of knowledge, promotion, and marketing of less popular World Heritages Sites in Kyoto limited the sustainability, conservation, and preservation of those cultural attractions. Therefore, promoting, branding, and marketing of less popular World Heritage Sites will boost visitation, contribute to their conservation, survival and will increase repeat visits to the City of Kyoto overall. Meanwhile, the collaboration of several actors is key to the successful dissemination of information about these sites.
Rodolfo Delgado
CittaSlow: Hospitality and Sustainable Urban Tourism Development. The Case of Vizela (Northern Portugal)
Abstract
This study focuses on the Slow Cities or CittaSlow movement, which advocates a sustainable and green model of urban social development. Based on the example of the city of Vizela (Northern Portugal), we propose research on how the ideology of slowness can be applied in these urban settings. Thus, the study results in the search and documented identification of how, through education, they permeate the principles of good practices in sustainable tourism. It is, therefore, a proposal for a bottom-up model of strategic management of the sustainable cultural development. Furthermore, we propose to evaluate how environmental conservation practices and identity strengthening contribute to the tourist valorization of cities with population density according to the CittaSlow model. Based on the case study method and using open techniques (qualitative/deductive), pre-existing data collection, focus groups, and participatory research were used. Based on the information provided by the CittaSlow Education project, now complemented by the indicated procedures, it was possible to substantiate the key role of “education” in the implementation of CittaSlow values with a view to sustainable urban development.
Eduardo Cordeiro Gonçalves, António J. D. V. T. Melo, Ricardo Jorge da Costa Guerra

Future Prospects and Trends of Tourism

Frontmatter
Contemporary Digital Age Pilgrimage in Chichibu in Japan
Abstract
This article focuses on what makes contemporary pilgrimage sustainable in Chichibu, northwest of Saitama Prefecture, located north of Tokyo, Japan. The 34 Chichibu pilgrimage temples are dedicated to Kannon bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy, who is very popular in Japan. The Chichibu pilgrimage originated in the thirteenth century, and it endures to this day. Especially in the Edo period, between 1603 and 1867, Chichibu was a bustling place for many Edo people for the pilgrimage to the Kannon faith. Today, there are efforts to use gamification to adapt to the current digital age to make the Chichibu pilgrimage attractive to tourists of all generations. Gamification is the use of elements of game design in non-game contexts and is designed for social activities and services. A field survey has been conducted in Chichibu to explore what tourists want to get from contemporary pilgrimage. Results have indicated that one of the key factors in the success of contemporary sustainable pilgrimage is gamificated cultural communication between local stakeholders and tourists. In this article, the future use of emotional mapping on cultural routes is also proposed to attract more tourists to destinations based on a contemporary digital age pilgrimage.
Chieko Nakabasami
Digital Interpretation as a Visitor Management Strategy: The Case of Côa Valley Archeological Park and Museum
Abstract
The context of the health emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic led museums to adopt visitor management measures and interpretation techniques, which would lead to a closer relationship with the public and encourage visits. The heritage interpretation is more than transmitting information, and it is an educational activity, which can contribute to improve the visitor’s experience and to the sustainable development of local territories. The development and growing use of information technologies and multimedia techniques has boosted the use of digital media as a way of interpreting heritage. These techniques are crucial tools for museum management. However, digital interpretation is more than just a selection of technologies. It requires an integrated interpretive framework. This paper intends to understand how digital interpretation may be implemented in the scope of archeological heritage. In order to achieve the research objectives, besides a brief literature review, the Côa Valley Archeological Park and Museum is analyzed as a case study. This attraction was selected since the Côa Valley Archeological Park is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an open-air gallery of Paleolithic carvings, which was born from the strength and perseverance of civil society, revolting against the construction of the dam in the Baixo Côa, and which became the main theme of the Côa Museum. The case study was analyzed through observation and an interview carried out with the representative of the Archeological Park under analysis. It was found that hard and soft strategies are being adopted for visitor management, and that various kinds of digital interpretation techniques are used, allowing great interactivity with the visitor. However, after the diagnosis, suggestions for improvement were proposed at this level.
Gorete Dinis, Maria João Carneiro, Michelle Maiurro, Maria Mota, Rita Abrunhosa
The Role of Social Media in the Conservation and Safeguard of Gastronomy as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Abstract
Since 2003, when UNESCO launched the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and gastronomy was included in the World Heritage List as ICH in 2016, the importance of this topic has increased. However, globalization and the mixing of different cultures means that gastronomy as a heritage and related cultural traditions may be lost, requiring urgent action toward its preservation. Nowadays, social media platforms and their importance in today’s society in various fields can be a useful tool in protecting intangible cultural heritage through its dissemination. This study was carried out in the framework of the EURICA project aimed at preserving ritual cuisine as a manifestation of heritage and folklore, making it easily accessible and usable through digitising ritual recipes. In this context, this study aims to identify and analyze already existing international platforms and networks related to gastronomy as cultural heritage, as well as the presence of these platforms in social media. As a result, three international platforms related to the theme of gastronomy as heritage were found and analyzed in terms of their amplitude and spread in social media. It has been found that many countries in different parts of the world have, relatively recently, shown a trend toward preserving their cuisine as a cultural heritage.
Makhabbat Ramazanova, Raquel Santos Cardoso, Isabel Vaz de Freitas
Sustainable Cultural Tourism and Virtual Reality the Contribution of the New Technologies Applications in the Fields of Preservation and Sustainable Tourism Management of the Cultural Heritage. The Case of Greece
Abstract
Protection and preservation of natural and cultural heritage are considered vital to the survival of human civilization. Natural environment is an integral part of the cultural heritage of a place or a people. On one hand, there are special natural environments that are characterized as sensitive ecosystems or have a unique monumental character and belong to the world’s cultural heritage. On the other hand, there are components of the cultural potential that are in danger of being lost over time as their carriers have disappeared. In addition, the tangible and intangible cultural heritage is inextricably linked to the natural environment of a place and it forms the historical identity of a people. This paper examines how information and telecommunication technologies can make a decisive contribution to the protection of the natural and cultural environments. Moreover, this study analyzes how innovative and pioneering applications of new technologies can provide opportunities for the promotion of natural and cultural heritage. Besides the article demonstrates how the use of virtual and augmented reality applications contributes to the development of thematic tourism and to economic growth. It also focuses on the Greek paradigm, as a case study.
Ioanna C. Chatzopoulou

Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Environment

Frontmatter
Ecotourism and Rural Sustainable Development, Albania Case, Blezënckë Village
Abstract
Ecotourism and rural sustainable development are concepts related to the tourism and are very vibrant forms of it, with clear benefits to the actors involved, to visitors, and to the local people. Rural areas offer their activity in the ecological and rural diversity, relying strongly on nature, which seems more abundant in the past. Albanian context shows two important periods of the rural development, the first during the socialist period (totalitarian regime) and the other during the long transition after 1990s with the falling of the regime. Lately, major changes in technology, cultural, political, or economic aspects, have brought a profound transformation in rural processes related to the production. The political transformation in Albania brought the increasing phenomenon of migration, which affected strongly the demographic shrinkage of the rural area, affecting the rural development. Lack of awareness, policies, and the absence of formalized planning or intervention to the rural areas, have left the possibilities for the rural community in Blezënckë to benefit from tourism development. Rural sustainable development of Albanian local communities should rely on the ecotourism and rural tourism, being a must for the contemporary rural evolution. The rural processes include a lot of natural and cultural local resources integrated with the tourist activity, evidencing its complexity and interaction with the environment and other sectors of the economy. For rural areas, the fast steps of changes have brought with it different opportunities and favorable challenges. The aim of this research is to analyze the existing relationship between rural development, tourism, and ecotourism, challenging the need for sustainable development and the preservations of the local traditions. This also rushes the economic transformation, switching from agriculture to manufacturing and services, improves welfare to farmer, and promotes an environmental conservation in rural areas.
Juljan Veleshnja
Heritage in Socio Economic Sustainable Development: The Salzedas and São João de Tarouca Case
Abstract
Heritage and culture are considered by several academic studies as forms of achieving socio economic development. This is particularly evident in the case of Salzedas and São João de Tarouca, a region near the Douro Valley in Portugal, where the lack of economic opportunities compromises his future. The recent public investments in the restoration of the heritage sites and other forms of private initiatives related to them (hotels, restaurants, active tourism enterprises, etc.) seem to change this condition. This paper discusses why heritage maintenance and preservation can contribute to population fixation and richness growth. Several social and economic data are used to prove that statement. Another aspect considered is the evaluation of the historical values in presence and its role in the cultural tourism improvement. Considering all these variables, finally, is an objective of this research to prove that in less developed regions, the heritage and culture activities can be a way to achieve sustainability.
João Pedro Almeida Mendonça
Tourists’ Perceptions of the Image of the Peneda-Gerês National Park
Abstract
The image of a destination has been one of the most relevant concepts in tourism research, as it is considered one of the most important variables for market segmentation. Furthermore, image is a construct that influences, considerably, the preference, motivation and behaviour of individuals during the process of choosing a tourist destination. It is therefore important to understand which attributes tourists highlight in tourist destinations. The aim of this study is to understand which attributes (functional and psychological) of the image that tourists most identified in a particular tourist destination. The study method applied was the quantitative methodology, and data collection was carried out through the use of a questionnaire survey. The territory under analysis was the Peneda-Gerês, the only Portuguese national park which has registered a high growth in visitors, as a result of its projection and notoriety. According to the information gathered, of the functional attributes the natural landscape stood out, while the infrastructures, accommodation and restaurants stood out. Of the psychological attributes, the one that stood out the most was hospitality and welcome. Only the events and entertainment were the least considered attribute, given that most of the sample considered rest and contact with nature as the main reasons to visit this destination, and fun was the third most referenced reason. This study considers that the various stakeholders should seek to improve these attributes because although most visitors had good expectations, the degree of satisfaction does not demonstrate that this protected area can stand out from other competing destinations.
H. Martins, António José Pinheiro
Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Sustainable Development. The Model of the Cultural Heritage Digital Media Lab
Abstract
The protection of cultural heritage must, at present, be seen as a determining factor, taking an active role with local communities, resident populations and the environment, for local development, in what is now known as sustainable tourism, articulating all stakeholders. Institutions, organisations, private industries and local populations should play, in close coordination with each other, an active role in the socio-cultural development of the region(s) either as a place of construction and representation of intangible cultural heritage, or as a place of valorisation and revaluation of this same heritage, transforming it into a factor of self-esteem and cultural resource of the populations, considering the potential development of local communities. The Cultural Heritage Digital Media Lab (CHDML) is an ongoing project and aims to contribute to the participatory governance process, to the rescue and enhancement of cultural heritage and memory and to the creation of opportunities for economic development and appreciation of local products, bearing in mind the market potential. New modalities of appropriation and reappropriation of the popular and the traditional emerge, now shaped under the designation of “heritage”. Cultural industries are born and developed around the concept of culture, now considered fundamental in the creative economy, tourism and sustainable development. The main goal of this paper is to present and introduce the CHDML as a platform that supports the development of projects and activities related, mainly, with the preservation of intangible cultural heritage of Portuguese-speaking countries. In this context, the authors present some examples of projects that follow the methodological approach presented in this article and underline the three main characteristics that are essential to the CHDML: (i) it is focused just on Portuguese-speaking countries; (ii) the educational aspect of working with students; (iii) the importance of working on heritage reinterpretations.
Fernando Faria Paulino, Tiago Cruz
The World Heritage Classification in Urban Tourism Destinations: Perspectives for the City of Porto, Portugal
Abstract
Cities are notable tourist destinations, responsible for important tourist flows. These are territories that present different dynamics, evolutions and functional transformations, visible, especially in their historic centres. The material and immaterial evidence of these dynamics configure important representations of cultural heritage that are the basis for the development of urban tourist attractions. The recognition of heritage value results from cultural perceptions and visions of different types of actors, which can be varied according to locations, aims and relationships with culture in general. However, there are relatively more consensual validations of the notion of cultural heritage, being, eventually, the most consensual on a planetary scale, the World Heritage classification by UNESCO. In terms of tourist attraction, the World Heritage seal is an expressive communication tool. As such, several researchers dedicate efforts to understanding the importance that the World Heritage classification has for the development of tourist destinations. The literature review allows finding case studies that show a high importance of classification for the growth of destinations, but others do not show that classification is a determining factor. Therefore, this study intends to contribute to this discussion with a dual purpose; to carry out a collection of case studies that demonstrate the different types of effects and to develop a case study applied to the city of Porto (Portugal). Understanding the importance of World Heritage classification for the success of this tourist destination led to the methodological option of a mixed study that includes tourism supply and demand. In terms of supply, through a sample of 29 tourist accommodations, interviews were carried out with managers and analysis on websites to understand the importance that is given and expressed in terms of communication about the World Heritage. On the demand side, surveys were carried out with 415 guests of tourist accommodations to assess how the World Heritage influenced their decision to visit the city.
António José Pinheiro, Hugo Martins
The Role of Community-Led Initiatives in the Circularity-Based Heritage Revitalization
Abstract
Community-led revitalization is a catalyst for promoting and valuing heritage centers. It enhances their conservation while empowering the community to take ownership of their cultural heritage and recognize its potential to drive local development. Several historic cities that had previously been significant for their heritage value for local identities, became under threat of decay or have become derelict. Some historic cities are suffering due to the legacy of centralized planning systems, limited capacity, and resources at the local level, which constrains them to deal with the growing responsibilities of decentralization and economic transition. In many countries going through economic and political transitional periods, innovative ways of addressing the challenges faced by heritage revitalization became needed for activating innovative powers in communities, i.e. circularity-based initiatives. One such example of inner old city witnessing a transitional political period and a gradual move from the linear economy to the circular economy in its governance strategy is the Medina of Tunis UNESCO World Heritage City. Several circular approach-based civil society initiatives are reconnecting the community with their tangible and intangible heritage based on local revitalization programs. This study presents key points on the community-led revitalization policy under the arch of the circular city concept. It provides food for thought on both opportunities and issues community-led heritage revitalization initiatives can present when meeting new trends in the economy. As a methodology, this study uses empirical research followed by a case study exploration. It opens up an examination of the existing relationship between circularity-based heritage revitalization and community-led initiatives. It concludes that the Medina of Tunis community-led revitalization initiatives are a witness to the sharing economy and circularity.
Yasmine Tira, Handan Türkoğlu
Addressing Connectivity Issues Between the Historical and Natural Touristic Heritage Sites of Egypt
Abstract
Tourism in Egypt is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with both natural and historical heritage sites playing a crucial role. However, tourists face several challenges navigating the country, particularly when moving between the natural heritage sites along the green corridor of the Red Sea and the historical sites in Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo. This study aims to address the connectivity issues faced by tourists in Egypt, to improve the tourist experience and boost the tourism industry. The results of the study showed that a lack of proper infrastructure, limited transportation options, and insufficient signage were some of the major challenges faced by tourists in navigating Egypt. Furthermore, tourists also expressed frustration with the availability of information, particularly in terms of route planning and navigating the country's landscape. The results suggest that addressing these connectivity issues would improve the tourist experience and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global tourism market. Based on the findings, the study concludes by recommending the development of a comprehensive tourism strategy that addresses the connectivity issues between the historical and natural heritage sites of Egypt. This could include the creation of better transportation options, the installation of proper signage, and the provision of accurate and up-to-date information to tourists. By improving connectivity between the different tourist sites, the study argues that Egypt can enhance its position as a leading destination for both natural and historical heritage tourism.
Mohamed Elkaftangui

Social and Economic Impacts

Frontmatter
Elbe—A Tourist Line Cycling Through Europe
Abstract
The Lower Elbe region, the last part of the Elbe River on Czech territory, has been a major tourist destination for several hundred years, an important development element in the past and today. It is not only the river that is important, but also its hinterland. The Elbe has influenced the geological development of this landscape, giving life and livelihood. It motivates tourists to visit the area and discover the unique local landscape. Today, the Lower Elbe area is protected by several special protection areas with a relatively high degree of protection—Bohemian Switzerland NP, NPR Elbe Canyon, number of Natura 2000 sites. The Elbe is also followed by one of the most important cycle paths in Europe, which runs from the source of the Elbe up to the estuary of the Elbe. Not only with the development of the cycle path, a concentration of tourist destinations, activities, and services, as well as visitors, is emerging in the Lower Elbe area. However, tourism is not an isolated activity, but also affects its surroundings, residents, and landscape, and influences local life, economy, and culture. The main question of this thesis is how residents perceive tourism development in the region and whether they perceive a conflict between tourism, development, and conservation in the area. This study is based on a case study of tourism in the Lower Elbe and it used content analysis of media, development documents, interviews with key actors, and field research. The research shows that the cycle path is important for the municipalities, however, its potential is much higher than the municipalities are currently able to exploit.
Michaela Štěbetáková, Petr Červinka, Michal Hořejš, Šárka Lukešová, Leona Vaculovičová
Residents’ Perceptions of the Socio-economic Benefits of Restaurants in the Township
Abstract
With the emerging change and rapid development within the tourism industry, we have seen the rise of a number of restaurants in the townships of South Africa. Residents are now moving away from franchise restaurants or restaurants located in the city and more towards authentic restaurants within the township which provide a local experience. This has been largely due to a change of perception in the township regarding township-based tourism establishments and the understanding of socio-economic benefits associated with the existence of these establishments. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the residents’ perception of the socio-economic benefits of restaurants in the township. This study focused on a qualitative approach. A non-probability technique was selected to ensure convenience sampling of residents within the Langa township, in Cape Town, South Africa. The semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted October 2019, and the data collected has been analysed through descriptive analysis which outlined the socio-economic benefits that emerged in the research. The results from this study outlined the importance of restaurants in townships and the significance in tourism development within township. The results further outline the socio-economic benefits of the restaurants in townships, thus contributing to the knowledge of research in tourism, and especially within the South African context.
Zimkitha Bavuma
Architecture of Historical Mosques: A Typological Study on the Archaeological Site of Barobazar
Abstract
The focus of this study is on the architectural organization and typological characteristics of ancient mosques in the archaeological remains of Barobazar, a region with historically rich infrastructure and vast natural resources. While a small number of historic structures in Bangladesh have received minor conservation measures, the conservative decisions rarely reflect the built environment's period-centric architectural traits. Barobazar's excavated site has a variety of mosque archetypes, such as the Sultanate, as well as ancient mounds and tanks, all of which are indicative of Bangladesh's historical architectural scene. Despite efforts by the Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh to locate and safeguard the old mosques at Barobazar as antiquity, some of the unearthed building forms have been modified in contrast to their prior state, while others have remained deteriorated and unrestored. The study of these mosques provides opportunities to learn about existing instances of ancient religious spaces as well as the decisions that must be made to preserve the physical structures' history and “sense of space”. The study focuses on the historical, socio-cultural, and architectural effects on the composition of traditional Islamic religious spaces in the Barobazar area. Based on the results of the archaeological excavation by the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh, historical mosques were studied, and eight cases were researched to create a typological comparison based on architectural and structural traits. As part of the methodology, field surveys, existing literature reviews on each mosque's social and architectural history, interviews with locals, and data collection based on prior and current structural and architectural conditions were compiled. The research presented in this paper can aid in the design considerations needed to preserve Barobazar's government-protected sites.
Humayra Alam, Nomrota Sarkar, Md. Khalid Hossain
Tourism as a Driver of Soft Power: The Case of South Korea
Abstract
In recent years, Korea has become more well known due to the expansion of its culture and entertainment industries. According to the four regions proposed by Ooi (Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 1–2, 2016), (i) Tourism has increased knowledge about Korea, fostering empathetic understanding and familiarity with the destination. (ii) The principal goal of the tourism authority is to enhance Korea's reputation as a tourist destination. (iii) Korea has organized and invested in several events, exhibitions, and games that serve as a major tourist draw, thereby enhancing its geopolitical position. (iv) Through their behavior in the destination country, foreign tourists reflect the image of their home country, so altering preconceived notions of the other countries. This paper examines how tourism has become a driver of the country's soft power, taking into account the shift in the rebranding of the country toward the cultural and entertainment industry “Hallyu” and the country's ability to design public policies that promote attractive and accessible tourism for international visitors. In addition to their ability to organize large-scale events, the peninsula has demonstrated its political, social, and economic development to the world. Additionally, the manner in which tourism has been approached during and after COVID has made it possible to maintain the confidence of tourists and capitalize on the popularity of Hallyu stars as a clear strategy to attract tourists and position the country as a tourist destination, thereby boosting tourism and, consequently, enhancing soft power.
Jessica L. Quijano Herrera, Gema Pérez-Tapia
Tourists’ Perceptions of Service Quality: Using Text for Tourism Hospitality Industry Insights
Abstract
More and more consumers describe their tourism experiences through online reviews. Online reviews create a wealth of textual data that is extremely important in supporting consumers’ purchasing decisions and, as a result, in helping hotel managers understand customer preferences. The authors analyze 7248 online tourist reviews of 109 Portuguese rural accommodation establishments (RTA) of a leading international travel website. The results show that tourists’ perceptions of overall service quality reflected in their online reviews depend on their perceptions of the accommodation and of the surroundings. These discoveries have implications for academics, as well as for RTA owners who want to understand precisely the factors that affect tourists’ evaluations and perceptions of their services. Lastly, the authors conclude by stating some potential areas for future work.
António J. D. V. T. Melo, Eduardo Cordeiro Gonçalves, António José Pinheiro
Religious Tourism in Covid-19 Period: The Event of the Festival of Crosses, Barcelos (Portugal)
Abstract
The events have a very relevant role in the development of the territories. In the context of events, events at sacred sites stand out. The Festival of Crosses in Barcelos is known as the first Pilgrimage in the Minho region, in Barcelos (Portugal). This festival usually begins at the end of April, and ends on the 3rd May, which is a municipal holiday. Considering the increasing visitors that attracts and the quantity of highlights that it has in its programme, the Festival of Crosses has gained recognition, rivalling other popular festivities. This one stands out, naturally, for its religious component, but also for its ethnocultural aspects. The purpose of this investigation is to identify the impacts that the Covid-19 has affected in terms of the occupancy rate in the city and what changes its programming has undergone. Methodologically, we sought to analyse statistical data from between 2019 and 2022, characterising the Festival of Crosses with its various moments/events before and during the pandemic. The data was analysed and the respective conclusions were described. It was found that these festivals suffered many changes in their programme, mainly resorting to the digital aspect. In 2022, the demand values exceeded the pre-pandemic values.
Hugo Martins
Event Tourism: Analysis of Residents’ Perceptions of the São Bento Festivities, Santo Tirso (Portugal)
Abstract
Popular events have proven to be a key factor for the development of economic and cultural strategies in the regions while contributing to the distinction and prosperity of destinations. In Portugal, festivals and pilgrimages are prominent festivities. Each city, town, and village are full of customs and traditions that combine the sacred and the profane. Therefore, tourists are attracted to visit the territory and simultaneously participate in the various activities, processions, concerts, marches, entertainment, and handicrafts. The São Bento Festivities are secular, and its program includes several activities that combine the religious and the profane. This research has as main goal to analyze the perceptions of residents in the municipality of Santo Tirso regarding its most iconic festivities, the São Bento Festivities. In order to ensure this achievement, data were collected through a questionnaire, conducted between May and June 2022, which had 211 respondents. A survey by interviewing representatives of the various municipal departments responsible for the event was also conducted. The results obtained show that, in general, residents’ perceptions of the São Bento Festivities and its program are positive, meeting the expectations of the event’s organizers.
Rita Teles, Ana Raquel Barbosa, Hugo Martins
Pilgrimage Tourism for Enhancement of Heritage Conservation Management: Study of Potential, Possibilities in Kurnool, Anantapur Districts of Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract
Religious places attract devotees in huge numbers to take up pilgrimages as prescribed by their respective faiths. Like Mecca or Vatican for Muslims and Christians, sacred places of large, mega scale to medium/small centres and temples spread across India are ‘teertha-sthalas’/‘punya-kshetras’ are holy places for ‘teerth yatras’ (pilgrimages) by millions of Hindus. Pilgrims/devotees visit them all through the year normally, and much more in numbers on particular festivals/auspicious days. These kshetras/places provide well-developed visitor amenities, hospitality facilities provided by the government and private operators, contributing to regional/local economies. Historical and natural sites located in proximity of religious centres often stand neglected for lack of patronage and resources. Well-planned tourist circuits and loops, if designed to link popular pilgrimage destinations, can help support heritage conservation management. Kurnool and Anantapur districts of the southern Indian State of Andhra Pradesh are case examples, where popular large and medium-scale pilgrim centres are located alongside less-visited historical and natural sites, having high tourism potential. In this paper, the study of Kurnool, Anantapur region of Andhra Pradesh for the potential and possibilities of enhancing heritage conservation management and historic/natural sites tourism by connecting them to popular large/medium pilgrim centres of the region is presented with illustrations, examples along with the results of a brief survey conducted to demonstrate the application of hub and spoke model of tourism development.
Vasanta Sobha Turaga
Correction to: Tourism as a Driver of Soft Power: The Case of South Korea
Jessica L. Quijano Herrera, Gema Pérez-Tapia
Metadaten
Titel
Sustainable Tourism, Culture and Heritage Promotion
herausgegeben von
Jorge Chica-Olmo
Miroslav Vujičić
Rui Alexandre Castanho
Uglješa Stankov
Eliana Martinelli
Copyright-Jahr
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-49536-6
Print ISBN
978-3-031-49535-9
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49536-6