Sustainability and its challenges in destinations that highly depend on tourism: a thematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iveta Dembovska ◽  
Anda Zvaigzne

PurposeThis article aims to adopt a thematic approach to a review of the literature relating to sustainability and its challenges in destinations that highly depend on tourism.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of scientific and theoretical research studies on the concept and principles of sustainable tourism, the effects of tourism on society and sustainable tourism strategy.FindingsThe basic principles of sustainable tourism development apply to all destinations, including Cyprus. The development of tourism is associated with the observance of the principles of sustainable tourism development, which takes the form of balanced environmental and economic development and involves the observance of public interest.Originality/valueThe paper offers a broad-ranging review-based perspective on sustainable tourism and the principles and development thereof.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantinos Charalambous ◽  
John Violaris

PurposeThis paper aims to study and analyse thematic literature on sustainability and its challenges in destinations that highly depend on tourism. The aim of the paper is to focus on the opportunities and challenges for the sustainability of the tourist industry in Cyprus. The criteria for tourism sustainability are identified in UNESCO publications and are categorized as environmental, social and economic/financial. The paper examines the theory as well as the empirical applications regarding these criteria for the island of Cyprus, emphasizing the steps which have been taken by the government as well as other organizations towards maintaining industry sustainability. Opportunities that arise as a result of European Commission-funded programmes are also mentioned. Identification of the challenges is also very significant as they hinder sustainability practices. The paper tackles this issue and provides proposals as to the possible solutions to these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of scientific and theoretical research studies by various authors on the concept and principles of sustainable tourism, the effects of tourism on society and the sustainable tourism strategy.FindingsThe basic principles of sustainable tourism development apply to all destinations, including Cyprus. The development of tourism is associated only with the observance of the principles of sustainable tourism development, which takes the form of balanced environmental and economic development and involves the observance of public interests.Originality/valueThe paper presents a viewpoint on sustainable tourism and the principles and development thereof.


2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 745-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid M. Ghoochani ◽  
Mansour Ghanian ◽  
Bahman Khosravipour ◽  
John C. Crotts

Purpose Destinations wishing to exploit their natural resources, such as wetlands, for tourism development are wise to reach consensus among their community’s stakeholders on the policies and practices needed to sustainably manage tourism development and activities in their fragile natural environments. Drawing from an old adage that you cannot manage what you do not measure, one of the most important challenges facing policymakers and destination managers is the measurement of tourism to determine if it is meeting its desired objectives. This paper aims to focus on producing a system for monitoring the performance of tourism development on sustainable tourism practices. Design/methodology/approach The proposed system is based upon a qualitative study using the Delphi method involving stakeholders from different areas of expertise in rural economic development and natural resource management. Findings After three rounds in the Delphi stage, the participants reached consensus on the following set of 69 indicators: Environmental (8 sub-components and 19 indicators), Socio-cultural (7 sub-components and 24 indicators) and Economic (8 sub-components and 26 indicators) for sustainable tourism development performance in the wetland areas. Originality/value The provided scale in this manuscript will allow the planners/managers to assess the sustainable tourism development in their area in an easy and reliable way.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Tham ◽  
Marianna Sigala

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the disrupting usage and impacts of blockchains and cryptocurrencies and advocate their role as enablers of sustainable tourism development goals. Design/methodology/approach Literature on blockchains and cryptocurrencies is critically synthesized, debated and expanded to identify and discuss their implications toward sustainable tourism futures. Findings As a distributive digital ledger, blockchains have the potential to create a more inclusive tourism future to address debates around tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development that alludes to value accruing to only certain providers and consumers. Blockchains and their cryptocurrencies (as a financial transaction capability) elevate trust and relational capabilities in an expedited and holistic manner, democratize participation in economic systems and re-distribute power and economic relations amongst actors by influencing the way data (the currency of the digital economy and the lifeblood of tourism) is collected, stored, exchange, owned and traded for co-creating value. Research limitations/implications The paper is conceptual and speculative by identifying ways in which blockchain and cryptocurrencies can support sustainable tourism development goals. Directions for future research are provided for further elaborating and collecting primary evidence on whether the premise and applications of these technologies can deliver the acclaimed sustainable impacts. Originality/value The paper contributes to the emerging but controversial literature about the trajectories between technology and sustainability by critically debating on how blockchains, through cryptocurrency economies, can be positioned to facilitate sustainable tourism futures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 173-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ecem Ince ◽  
Deniz Iscioglu ◽  
Ali Ozturen

Purpose Sustainability concept exists in the soul of the Cittaslow (slow city) philosophy. This protest movement is mainly based on the philosophy of sustainability by promoting the “slowness” perspective and the concept of sustainable development at the local level. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impacts of Cittaslow (slow city) philosophy on support for sustainable tourism development in North Cyprus. In this context, this research study is concentrated on the influences of Cittaslow practices on support for sustainable tourism development with dimensions in terms of socio-cultural, economic and ecological aspects. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on a quantitative research approach to observe the significant effects and meet the objectives. The data were collected randomly by self-administrated questionnaires from residents who are living in the slow cities (Yeni Bogaziçi, Mehmetçik, Lefke, Geçitkale and Tatlisu) at North Cyprus. Findings The partial least squares approach to the structural equation model was used to analyze the data. The research results were discussed the critical issues and consequences in the management of slow cities. Originality/value The slow city concept is a very significant movement that emphasizes the importance of local differences and sustainability. There is a lack of knowledge about the effects of Cittaslow membership and efforts on sustainable tourism development in North Cyprus. The critical factors and implications were pinpointed for enhancing sustainable tourism development in slow cities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita R. Carballo ◽  
Carmelo J. León ◽  
María M. Carballo

Purpose Lanzarote, Spain, as a tourism destination, suffered a rapid tourist expansion for many years, and this has endangered its sustainability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the case of overtourism and its consequences for the local population and the environment, and to identify ways to mitigate this issue. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a case study approach. Data obtained from tourists visiting the destination were used to examine three key aspects of tourism development, namely, the arrival of tourists to the island, the accommodation offer and the growth of the population. Social awareness with environmental values and protection of the island’s natural resources were the main engine to establish measures to mitigate overtourism. Findings The analysis shows rapid growth in the arrival of tourists to the island and how it affected the accommodation offer and the population. It explores the solution that the authorities of the island took to solve the problem of disorganized growth of tourism and makes reference to the importance of managing the image of a destination to contribute to tourism sustainability. Originality/value This research proposes practical solutions to tackle overtourism at a destination which has been used by the United Nations as an example to establish sustainable tourism development guidelines. It proposes a unique mitigation strategy which is derived from the use of natural recreation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 151-163
Author(s):  
Mui Do Thi

This article has the basic objective of assessing the potential, current situation and proposing solutions for sustainable tourism development in Northwest region of Vietnam. The main research methods are: Theoretical research - general analysis of documents and datasets; and Field research. This article has assessed the potential for both the natural potential and the cultural potential for tourism development; and analyzed the current situation and proposed solutions to develop tourism in a sustainable manner. Some of the most important solutions for sustainable tourism development are: high quality human resource training, investment in infrastructure construction capital, technical facilities for tourism, diversification of tourism products, environmental protection, good propaganda, and promotion of products and destinations as a whole better exploit the tourism potential of the region.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hale Özgit ◽  
Ali Ozturen

Purpose This theme issue sought to find answers to the question: How could tourism planners and policymakers overcome the barriers to sustainable tourism development in the small island developing state of North Cyprus? The purpose of this paper is to draw on the collaborative work of tourism academics and practitioners featured in this issue. Design/methodology/approach A thematic analysis of the articles in this collection draws together the key outcomes related to the strategic question, with particular reference to the contribution to knowledge, policy and practice and the implications for further applied research in relation to sustainable tourism development in North Cyprus and small island developing states (SIDS) more generally. Findings The main finding is that insufficient and/or ineffective collaboration is one of the main obstacles in managing sustainable tourism in North Cyprus. More diversification of tourism products and better conservation of natural, cultural, economic and environmental resources are also needed. It is argued that this can be achieved through planning and policy improvements that focus on facilitating sustainable tourism development. Originality/value This paper reflects on the strategic question discussed in this theme issue, and it contains a descriptive analysis of the results and recommendations for policymakers and tourism sector practitioners. The recommendations include: the development of sustainable tourism practices by harnessing technological advances and by raising the awareness of policymakers and tourism stakeholders. This paper and the collection of articles that it draws on, is the first to explore different academic and practitioner perspectives on ways of overcoming obstacles and managing and developing sustainable tourism in the SIDS of North Cyprus.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Gowreesunkar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contributions of Agenda 2063 in tourism development in Africa while examining the inherent contradictions in its implementation. Ultimately, it brings out a meaningful synthesis of the overall implications and proposes recommendations for an equitable and sustainable tourism development in Africa. Design/methodology/approach This study draws from desk-based research and content analysis of documents and research studies related to Agenda 2063. A hypothetico-deductive approach was adopted, as this allowed for the deconstruction of text and context. Findings The findings reveal several internal inconsistencies which cuts like a double-edge sword. Empirical results show that Africa can emerge as a desirable destination if the aspirations of Agenda 2063 are appropriately popularized and operationalized. African countries need to align their tourism plans with the aspirations projected in the plan. It is imperative that the African Union (AU) oversees that there is consistent and sustainable tourism development across all member states. Research limitations/implications The study draws from and relies solely on available secondary data. This implies that unofficial and unpublicized secondary data (proceedings, concept notes, position papers and archived documents) developed from AU’s conferences and workshops have not been considered. The outcome might therefore be indicative, but not necessarily reflective of trends and hidden realities of Africa. Practical implications The outcome of this empirical study provides an improved understanding of opportunities and challenges faced by African countries seeking to develop tourism as an economic activity. It unveils discrepancies which need address and further articulates recommendations which are practical and workable to achieve the aspiration of Agenda 2063 to be a “United Africa.” Social implications The study provides valuable information for the socio-economic transformation of the continent, one of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. It further seeks to promote social and economic development based on a spirit of Pan-Africanism. Originality/value Unlike previous studies, this exploratory piece of paper provides a meaningful synthesis of Agenda 2063 from a unique perspective – the double-edge sword approach; it examines the potentials and opportunities the agenda triggers for tourism and at the same time, reveals its contradictions.


Author(s):  
Timothy H. Jung ◽  
Elizabeth M. Ineson ◽  
Amanda Miller

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss stakeholders’ understanding of sustainable tourism development and their experiences regarding the contribution of these movements to sustainable tourism development. The contribution of the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements to the success of a tourism destination is evaluated by determining local stakeholders’ perceptions of the meaning of these terms and views on their benefits. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 11 purposively sampled local stakeholders. The interview questions spanned knowledge, membership and perceived benefits of the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements and the contribution of these Movements to sustainable tourism development. The data were analysed using framework analysis. Findings – Varying levels of familiarity with the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements were evident. Clear economic and personal benefits from membership were acknowledged. It was confirmed that the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements have contributed to sustainable tourism development and that public–private partnership is key to its success. Research limitations/implications – The specific research context and limited purposive sample suggest great caution in any generalisation of the results. Practical implications – Close and continued involvement of stakeholders plus membership of the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements can contribute strongly to promoting sustainable tourism development in rural areas. Social implications – It is recognised that the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements make a substantial contribution to local economies and add value to sustainable practices. Originality/value – Involving local stakeholders in public–private partnerships can contribute to the success of rural tourism destinations when the Slow Food and Cittaslow Movements are considered as alternative approaches to sustainable tourism development.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hale Ozgit ◽  
Serkan Abbasoğlu

Purpose This paper aims to review the current state of energy efficiency in North Cyprus and the extent to which this supports small island sustainable tourism development, together with related policy implications. Design/methodology/approach Documentary analysis is used to evaluate energy efficiency studies in North Cyprus. Findings Results of this study reveal that the legal framework relating to energy efficiency and stakeholder reports about the level of energy efficiency falls short of expectations for sustainable tourism practices from an energy efficiency perspective. Practical implications Policymakers should consider revising the current draft energy efficiency law to take into account the needs and views of hospitality and tourism stakeholders. This could be accomplished by involving them in discussions about how enhanced energy efficiency could contribute to economic, social and environmental development. Further, policymakers and these industry stakeholders in North Cyprus should develop common goals to harmonise tourism and energy regulations in support of sustainable development. Originality/value This study evaluates current energy efficiency developments and possible contributions to sustainable tourism development in North Cyprus. Energy efficiency policy has not yet been applied in North Cyprus, and a broad-ranging policy could help to prevent future environmental problems in North Cyprus.


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