Measuring tourism success: how European National Tourism Organisations are shifting the paradigm

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Araújo

PurposeThe paper analyses the dramatic global slowdown of tourism caused by the pandemic and how it has provided an exceptional opportunity for the tourism sector to reassess both its priorities and practices, especially in relation to our planet and society.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an analysis of the European Travel Commission's position regarding the development of a sustainable tourism ecosystem and the definition of new metrics to measure this transition, thus allowing European National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) to share knowledge and learn from each other.FindingsNTOs across Europe are at different stages in their journey towards a sustainable tourism development model. Some destinations are still focussing on attracting more travellers from international markets while others at a more mature stage, are switching their work towards the management of tourism flows. These latter examples support the approach that developing a tourism strategy should start with the needs of the destination, and the local people should be directly and fully involved in the tourism strategy. Initiatives such as this can support tourism decision-making based on data and firm evidence and help to address doubts and common misunderstandings around how residents feel.Originality/valueThis paper highlights how the European Travel Commission, together with its members, are working towards a new world benchmark for responsible, sustainable and innovative tourism in response to exponential growth of demand, the reality of the ecological transition and the emergence of a new digital era.

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisha Ali ◽  
Andrew J. Frew

Purpose – The aim of this research is to foreground information and communication technology (ICT) as an innovative approach for sustainable tourism (ST) development of destinations. ICT is the technology required for information processing which facilitates data processing, information sharing, communication, searching and selection. This paper concentrates on the Abernathy and Clark model and its usefulness in applying ICT as innovative in managing ST. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to destination managers and to eTourism experts. Destination managers were selected as they were identified as the person responsible for the overall management of a Destination Management Organisation. eTourism experts were identified as someone who possesses special expertise, knowledge and skills on ICT applications to tourism and offered expertise on which ranged from such areas as electronic distribution, recommender systems, user-generated content, online communities, mobile technology, technology acceptance, tourism networks and Web 2.0. This was followed by semi-structured interviews. Findings – These ICT tools were found to be innovative for information management and distribution for critical decision-making. Innovation was fostered through the use of ICT for ST by leading to a better understanding of the tourism product, monitoring, measuring and evaluating, forecasting trends, developing partnerships and engaging and supporting stakeholder relationships. ICT would provide novel ways of approaching marketing, energy monitoring, waste management, and communication for destinations. Originality/value – This research is important in demonstrating the value that technology can have to ST and further develops the work on tourism innovation theory.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-280
Author(s):  
Raphaël Dornier ◽  
Chiara Mauri ◽  
Richard Teare

Purpose The aim of this paper is to profile the World Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “Tourism sustainability in the Alpine region: What are the major trends and challenges?” with reference to the experience of the theme editors and writing team. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings It draws on a multidisciplinary approach to identify some key components of sustainable tourism for the French and Italian Alps. It reflects on research and stakeholder interaction that helped to shape the current and future thinking about how Alpine mountain resorts can enhance sustainability in relation to the destination offer, accommodation, transport and mobility and institutional, legal and socio-economic aspects. Practical implications The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore, and they reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing. Originality/value The work reported in this theme issue provides research-based evidence of the need for rapid adaptation to sustainable tourism development for resorts in the French and Italian Alps. Traditionally designed to facilitate skiing and snow sports, the impact of climate change is forcing a rethink to safeguard Alpine tourism – a vital economic activity to these and most mountain tourism destinations.


2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. v-vi
Author(s):  
Joby Thomas

The second volume of Atna comes to you with our humble efforts to enrich tourism literature in India. We are delighted with the overwhelming response to the I volume from distinguished readers across India and abroad. Inspired by the constructive comments to the I volume, the second volume of Atna continue to incorporate articles on diverse areas of tourism such as sustainable tourism, heritage, medical tourism, cruises, cuisines, education, aviation etc. Raiesh N Ragde and Maduri T Sawant in their article on 'Proficiency of Foreign Languages : A study of the approved tourist guides of Aurangabad Region' state that, most of the tourist guides engaged in tourism business do not have proficiency of foreign languages, resulting in lack of appreciation of their role and responsibilities. Nedelea and Babu P George presents a case study of sustainable tourism development in Eastern Europe. This article points to the problems faced by hospitality and tourism industry in Romania and force the tourism sector to contemplate on the approaches towards sustainable tourism development. Strategies for sustainable eco-tourism by Maduri T Sawant examines the overall development of tourism and suggests strategies for sustainable tourism development. Sindhu Joseph critically analyses the potential and present stage of development of Bekal beach resort in Kerala in her article 'Special tourism Area- a critical study of Bekal.' 'Management of Eco-tourism sites: A case study of Aianta Ellora caves' by Raiesh N Ragde and Maduri Sawant highlights that the heritage contributes to the richness of any landscape and can attract innumerable tourists looking for cultural experiences in eco-friendly environment. Prospects of developing Medical tourism in India authored by Binoy T A draws attention to the pivotal role of medical tourism and calls for coordinated promotional strategies to develop medical tourism. Paramita Suklabaidya explores the potential of cruises as tourism product and the reasons for its growing popularity worldwide in her article 'New Age Tourism Product: The Cruise Industry - the Fastest growing Tourism Sector'. Gastronomy tourism can be a pull factor for many tourism market segments and the role of Gastronomy Tourism in promoting Jharkhand as a Tourist Destination is beautifully presented by Mohinder Chand, Ashish Dahiya and Lata S Patil. Issues of effective teaching and learning in tourism education by Toney K. Thomas reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of the application of skills in the industry. Joby Thomas and P. Pakkerappa in their article highlight the crucial role of HRD in airline industry to cope UP with the challenges of advancement in technology, changing market scenario, industry restructuring and more competitive business environment. To demonstrate the techniques of implementing intrapreneurship with examples from the tourism industry a case of Southwest Airlines of USA, is presented by Jyothirmoy Ghosh and Anianeya Swamy, and portrays how the intrapreneurship principles are applied effectively in tourism sector. On behalf of the editorial board I extend sincere gratitude to all the authors for contributing their scholarly articles to Atna. We look forward to the support, guidance and encouragement of academicians, researchers, professionals and well wishers of tourism and hospitality sector in our future endeavours. Joby Thomas Executive Editor


2020 ◽  
Vol 208 ◽  
pp. 06004
Author(s):  
Vitali Maksimeniuk ◽  
Roza Timakova

The article considers theoretical aspects of a most important contemporary issue, i.e. modern approaches to sustainable tourism. The study shows the main relationships of the phenomenon with sustainable economic and social development. The research results in identification of the essential characteristics (signs) of sustainable tourism, i.e. for the legal regulation purposes. The concept of “sustainable tourism” for deliberate influence of the state on public relations in tourism using special legal means and methods was defined. The conclusions may improve the current regulatory framework of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. Changes and additions to the national laws on tourism are suggested and justified. They relate to introduction of the definition of the concept of “sustainable tourism” and inclusion of the principle of sustainable tourism development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 1565-1575
Author(s):  
Md. Imran Sheikh

Tourism sector has been considered as the crucial sectors of many different countries of the world. And sustainable tourism brings enormous scope as a rapid growing economic sector on the basis of foreign exchange earnings and generation of employment opportunity and thereby elevating poverty from the country. The central aim of this study is to investigate the role of sustainable tourism in alleviating poverty from developing countries, especially the northern part of Bangladesh.  For this purpose, the different tourism sites have been selected that are situated in Rajshahi region like Padma Garden, Varendra Museum and Shaheed Kamruzzaman Zoo. Rajshahi, the major tourist destination region in Bangladesh which is very beautiful and flourished that has a great chance to contribute country’s infrastructure and economic development. This study conducts a survey on 200 respondents in three different places of Rajshahi through the structured questionnaires, observation, interview and literature review. An exploratory research method was employed because the nature of the study was descriptive due to the fact that most of the respondents were illiterate or semi   illiterate. Besides IBM SPSS Statistics 20 is being used to analyze the data. Through the factor analysis and other measurements tools this study expatiates the social, cultural, economic, environmental and other factors which touching the sustainability of Rajshahi and also provide recommendations about the required steps that needs to be taken into account to palliate and to manage the drawbacks of tourism to make Rajshahi as a sustainable tourism destination. Besides it reveals the relationship between tourism development and poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. The study also suggested few ways by which existing tourism can be promoted and well developed in Bangladesh thereby ensuring sustainable tourism development (STD) and economic growth.   


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-163
Author(s):  
Teddy Tandaju ◽  
Steven Y. Kawatak ◽  
Mesak Kadepa

Amungme Tribe, residing in Mimika Regency, has important roles in developing the Papua Province’s tourism sector. Up to now, this tribe has experienced various obstacles in developing its community and region. Authors conducted a qualitative-based method research to find strategies to elevate this tribe to have competitive advantages to increase its prosperity. In this research, surveys and in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders were conducted in Timika City to generate effective strategies. Authors have designed a comprehensive approach, namely Amungme-Based Sustainable Tourism (ABST), which focuses on the development of 4Rs: Revitalization, Reconstruction, Remuneration, and Reconciliation. Through effective and efficient applications of 4Rs, it is expected that there will be great changes for Amungme Tribe and the community of Mimika Regency.


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.


Author(s):  
Aida Ciro ◽  
Merita Toska

The tourism sector in Albania has been upheld as a government development priority and a promising window for overall local economic development. Although these ambitions have started to shape the governance of the sector, the inherent challenges on a governance level have meant that most of the tourism development on a local level is being led by local initiatives and the private sector service providers. These initiatives are often fueled by entrepreneurial drive and are sustained by a network of local community actors, giving rise to applied models of sustainable tourism development, as shown by numerous agritourist enterprises emerging across Albania. Through a case study approach, this chapter will focus on the role entrepreneurial eco-systems rooted in local communities can play in the development of sustainable tourism models in Albania.


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