The locations within the Cappadocia Region, some of which were used by past civilizations, have been preserved to the present day and converted into distinctive accommodation facilities following a series of renovation projects. These facilities, designated as rock-carved hotels, are intended to prevent the trivialization of experiences and facilitate tourists' access to distinctive geographical, historical, cultural and architectural experiences. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether the experiences of domestic and foreign tourists staying in rock-carved hotels in the Cappadocia Region differ by their demographic characteristics. A total of 465 domestic and foreign tourists were surveyed for this study using the judgmental sampling method. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS. The T-test and ANOVA were employed to determine whether experiential value differed by demographic characteristics. The analysis indicated that tourists' experiences of rock-carved hotels are influenced by their demographic characteristics. The findings align with and contribute to the broader literature on experiential Tourism, particularly this study also highlights areas where experiential value theory can be further refined. The findings reinforce the importance of customization in service delivery.
The integrated travel industry requires an inclusive business strategy to achieve sustainable growth aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This paper assesses the extent of inclusive business practices within Kerala's tourism sector, known as God's Own Country. It examines how revenue sharing and benefit sharing contribute to creating an ideal inclusive tourism model. The study addresses the gap through a mixed-methods approach, combining a qualitative analysis of five case studies involving tourism stakeholders and a quantitative survey. After validating the survey instrument, data were collected from resorts, hotels, and tour operators. The analysis focused on perceptions of tourism professionals in the hospitality sector, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and the development of meaningful partnerships in building an ideal tourism destination. This research contributes to the literature by developing a tool to measure inclusive tourism practices. It concludes that proactive, inclusive business policies can enhance the livelihoods of local communities and small enterprises.
This article proposes decolonial educational tourism as a way to challenge traditional narratives of conventional tourism, promoting experiences that value Indigenous knowledge, worldviews, and self-determination. It explores how the exchange of experiences between Indigenous students from Canada and Indigenous guides in Talamanca, Costa Rica, can strengthen an alternative approach to tourism. Using an ethnographic approach, we analyze the exchange experiences between Indigenous students and Indigenous tour guides. The findings suggest that such exchanges promote a more equitable form of tourism, grounded in mutual respect and shared learning, thereby challenging the extractivist logic of traditional tourism. Additionally, it promotes the cultural and economic sovereignty of host Indigenous communities, reinforcing their role as key actors in their own tourism development. This article concludes that exchange initiatives with a pedagogical perspective rooted in critical pedagogy and Indigenous education can serve as a model for decolonial tourism, in which Indigenous knowledge is centred and tourism experiences become spaces for intercultural learning, cultural resurgence, and cultural resistance.
This article explores the intersection of tourism and local development through the creation of participatory tourist routes in the Lago de Irap & eacute; Circuit in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Focusing on Crist & aacute;lia, Gr & atilde;o Mogol, and Botumirim, the study aims to promote sustainable development by integrating the community in the planning and management of tourist activities. An action research methodology is adopted, employing Action and Reflection Circles (CAR) to involve local actors in identifying key natural, cultural, and gastronomic attractions, as well as in creating routes that integrate these attractions with the municipalities' creative enterprises. Data collection included interviews with local entrepreneurs and georeferenced mapping of attractions and creative economy businesses. Routes such as the "Trilha do Bar & atilde;o" in Gr & atilde;o Mogol and the "Reserva Rolinha do Planalto" in Botumirim were developed to combine natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local gastronomy. The results demonstrate that participatory routes promote an equitable distribution of tourism benefits, strengthen local identity, and contribute to sustainable tourism. Local community involvement is essential to align tourism activities with the community's needs and values, ensuring long-term social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
Roasted chickpeas are a healthy and traditional snack consumed in Turkey from the past to the present. In addition, roasted chickpeas contribute positively to consumption across all age groups, thanks to their protein, carbohydrate, and mineral content, as well as their long shelf life and variety. However, the production of this traditional product, which holds an important place in & Ccedil;orum's gastronomic heritage, has decreased significantly. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to preserve the traditional production processes of & Ccedil;orum roasted chickpea within the scope of intangible cultural heritage by recording it with information received from real masters, to ensure its sustainability by transferring it to future generations. Within this scope, chickpeas have been considered a gastronomic heritage element of cultural heritage and examined in the context of tourism. In addition, the study compared traditional and modern production. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the production process in both methods consists of 14 steps: Raw material supply, chickpea siftingclassification-heating (1st heating, 2nd heating, 3rd heating)-resting-soaking-re-classification of chickpeas-shel removal-chickpea siftingchickpea sizing (classification)-chickpea resting (bagging) and speckling (roasting). In addition, the results show that gastronomic heritage plays a central role not only in preserving local cultural identity, but also in enhancing a destination's tourist appeal and contributing to sustainable development goals).
This article presents a proposal for pedagogical tourism that values children's experiences in their everyday territories, particularly in "day-trip" formats. The text revisits daily life and the possibilities of pedagogical tourism through reflections that emerge from a Master's research in Education conducted by one of the authors. The research used participant observation with seven children from Rio Bonito (RJ), who were accompanied during play, conversations, drawings, and walks through squares, streets, and trails. The data were recorded in a field diary, images, videos, and children's narratives. The reflections in this text revisit the research and broaden the discussion through concepts such as spatial affection, sensitive listening, and existential justice, articulating them in relation to Vygotsky's Historical-Cultural Theory. The results indicate that children produce their own spatialities, laden with affection, belonging, and local knowledge, revealing the territory as an extension of their bodies and childhood culture. It was found that pedagogical tourism, when guided by children's perspectives, promotes meaningful learning, expands the meanings of educational spaces, and breaks with adult-centred logics and rigid curricula. The conclusion suggests that educational practices grounded in listening to children help build more sensitive, democratic, and nature-connected schools and cities. It proposes that pedagogical tourism be re-signified as a powerful tool for formation, symbolic mediation, and valuing children's cultures.
Public tourism policies are the subject of relevant study, and production on their content, impacts, formulation, and history has been increasing. However, little has been discussed about the means by which these policies materialize in society, the so-called public policy instruments. This research, however, aims to investigate how sustainable tourism public policy instruments are characterized and used. For this, Praia do Seixas, in Jo & atilde;o Pessoa, Paraiba, was chosen. In its method, document analysis, field observation and interviews with the local community were used. It was possible to verify that the instruments are evident in specific actions through laws and decrees; however, in most cases, this does not necessarily constitute a sequential logic. It was concluded that the municipality's public policy instruments result from political choices, not merely from forms of action free of subjectivity, and that these instruments shape the local community's understanding and perception of public policy.
The objective of this article is to analyze the actions proposed and developed by the Government of Belo Horizonte, as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy (CCGU), from the perspective of tourism promotion. Gastronomy plays a strategic role in tourism marketing, serving to attract visitors and enhance the cultural identity of destinations. The research methodology was qualitative, divided into four stages: bibliographic review, documentary analysis of the candidacy dossier, in-depth interview and content analysis. The results indicated that although several projects were planned, the COVID-19 pandemic made their implementation difficult, limiting the initially expected outcomes. It was found that the local community still does not fully identify with the title, and brand recognition remains restricted to groups directly involved in the public sector. In conclusion, UNESCO's recognition has enhanced actions already underway in Belo Horizonte, especially those linked to the appreciation of Minas Gerais cuisine, the organization of gastronomic events, and the encouragement of creative tourism.
The National Tourism Policy (2002) has significantly strengthened India's tourism industry and economy by positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic development. Therefore, this study examines tourism's contribution to India's economic growth and its long-term relationship with key indicators, including gross domestic product (GDP), employment, foreign exchange earnings (FEE), and tourist growth, using the Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis (TLGH) approach. Based on secondary data from 2002 to 2025, the research employs descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Johansen cointegration tests to explore these relationships. Findings indicate that tourist growth significantly enhances GDP growth, employment and FEE. Moreover, a longterm equilibrium relationship exists between tourism and the analyzed economic factors. These results align with the National Tourism Policy 2002's vision of leveraging tourism for national development. The study provides theoretical support for the TLGH by establishing a long-term relationship between tourism growth and key economic indicators, such as GDP, employment, and FEE. In practice, the findings guide policymakers in enhancing tourism strategies, investing in infrastructure, and promoting skill development to drive equitable job growth. The results also highlight opportunities for private investment and public-private partnerships, reinforcing tourism's role as a driver of sustainable economic growth in developing economies.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, focusing on public attitudes and travellers' decision-making in emerging economies, with particular attention to travellers' risk perceptions and behaviours, as influenced by the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The core of our analytical framework is based on the interaction between perceived threats (such as the severity and vulnerability of contracting COVID-19) and coping mechanisms (including self-efficacy and response efficacy), drawing insights from existing health behaviour theories. The literature suggests that observation of societal behaviour, threat appraisal, and coping appraisal play significant roles in travel constraint negotiation and intentions. Using structured questionnaires, data were gathered from 150 respondents in Kerala, an attractive tourism destination in India, and analyzed in SPSS, accounting for demographic factors such as age, gender, and occupation. The results show that while demographic variables have a limited influence on travel attitudes, occupational differences meaningfuly shape responses, highlighting the importance of PMT in understanding travel behaviours during pandemics. The study also indicates potential correlations among threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and travel behaviour, emphasizing the need to build travellers' confidence to mitigate risks and promote tourism. In conclusion, a deeper understanding of travellers' decision-making processes and PMT not only aids in understanding changes in tourist behaviour during health crises but also helps tourism stakeholders develop targeted strategies to strengthen industry resilience and recovery.
This study aims to systematically analyze the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence applications in cultural heritage preservation, interpretation, and transmission, and to propose potential solutions. The research examines the interrelationship between AI technology, cultural heritage ethics, and sustainable preservation practices, revealing tensions between technological advancement and ethical responsibility. Through a systematic literature review of Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, complemented by case analyses of prominent AI cultural heritage projects, the study evaluates ethical dimensions across multiple contexts. The results indicate significant imbalances between technical and ethical aspects in current applications, with critical concerns including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and cultural representation. The study contributes both a comprehensive ethical framework tailored to cultural heritage AI applications and practical guidelines for stakeholders, emphasizing the need to balance technological innovation with ethical imperatives.
Tourism safety has long been, and continues to be, a vital factor influencing both destination development and tourists' motivation to select a vacation spot. Simultaneously, issues related to risk classification in tourism and mechanisms to mitigate their effects remain a focus for researchers and necessitate solutions. The study conducted a retrospective analysis of risks in tourism from the early 2000s to the present. In exploring risk reduction in tourism, the aim was to identify how risks affect the sector's stability and growth. In-depth interviews with 140 Russian researchers revealed that, beyond existing political, economic, epidemiological, and natural risks, other factors may also play a role. Risks, viewed as states of uncertainty, create a 'bifurcation' point at which it becomes impossible to project the future direction. Experts' forecasts regarding tourism risks are less optimistic than those of UNWTO representatives, who predict a recovery of the international tourism market by 2023. As a result of the research, a model illustrating the nature of risks in tourism was developed, categorized by their origin and influence level. The model includes examples of specific risks. An analysis of risks within the Russian tourism sector was performed, identifying effective mechanisms to mitigate their impact, including state support, strategic destination planning, and regional and local risk management, among others.
This research aims to identify changes in consumers' eating and drinking habits following the COVID-19 pandemic, propose solutions to the negative impacts arising from fear of viral infection in the food and beverage sector, and address global food issues. The interview method was employed within the framework of qualitative research techniques. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 19 participants. The data were analyzed using content and descriptive analysis methods. It was found that consumers' eating and drinking behaviours have shifted post-COVID-19 pandemic. 3D food printers, offering benefits such as hygienic, contactless production; reduced waste and costs; efficient timing; and competitive advantage, could help address certain food challenges and aid in reviving the food and beverage industry by boosting demand. If society becomes sufficiently informed about the advantages of 3D printers, their adoption rates could increase, leading to broader implementation. Businesses should actively promote 3D printing technology through diverse marketing channels. This would help convince consumers that meals prepared with this technology are very healthy. Identifying the specific changes in people's eating and drinking habits after the pandemic is crucial. This study is among the few in the literature to explore the potential of 3D printers to address the challenges faced in the food and beverage industry and to tackle global food problems.
Visiting places, whether home or passing through, has different motivations. One of them is the name of the places. These carry an origin and a history, which toponymy seeks to understand. There are official and alternative toponyms that are not always known by the community or tourists. The objective of the research was to identify toponyms of neighbourhoods and attractions in Parnaiba (Brazil) and to assess the perceptions of the community and tourists regarding their potential for tourism. The methodology considered: bibliographic review, documentary research, fieldwork in neighbourhoods and tourist attractions in the city and interviews with residents and tourists. The results suggest strong potential for cultural tourism through the material and immaterial heritage carried by the toponyms of these places. There is a strong sense of belonging among residents in their neighbourhood, but little recognition of its tourist potential; in turn, tourists do not know the origin and history of the names of the places they visit, but they are interested. Both believe in the importance of preserving this memory and disseminating it, to protect places and people. The conclusions move towards the confluence of toponymy and tourism, whose scientific research has catalyzed the interdisciplinary of tourism geography, for the vocation of cultural tourism and urban tourism in the city, diversifying and adding to nautical and sun and beach tourism in the Delta of Parnaiba.
In contemporary times, pedagogical tourism emerges in rural areas as an educational approach that connects students with traditional knowledge and community lifestyles. More than just a tourist activity, this model integrates education, culture, and environmental conservation, transforming rural environments into dynamic, living classrooms. Combined with the notion of social innovation, it creates immersive experiences that enhance learning while building solutions to local challenges, establishing direct synergy with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed upon in the global context of the 2030 Agenda. This study aims to analyze how integrating pedagogical tourism and social innovation can promote experiential learning for students and strengthen socioeconomic development in rural communities. The research adopts a qualitative, mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, document analysis, interviews, and direct observation with field notes. The results demonstrate that rural pedagogical tourism enables experiential education and community development, serving as a practical, applied tool for achieving multiple SDGs. Final considerations highlight the connection between theory and practice, generating improved educational, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions in line with international agreements.
EdgarD'Souza* Abstract This study aims to explore the multifaceted impact of social media on hospitality marketing, focusing on identifying key trends, strategies, and future directions. The review synthesizes key concepts such as omni-channel strategies, influencer marketing, and user-generated content (UGC), illustrating their interrelationships and implications for the hospitality industry. These concepts highlight how social media platforms have evolved into dynamic online communities characterized by user-generated content and participatory engagement. Using a comprehensive literature review, this study examines existing research to identify significant patterns and themes. The findings reveal that social media enhances brand identity, customer engagement, and reputation management through visual storytelling, influencer partnerships, and responsive feedback mechanisms. The review underscores the importance of integrating online and offline touchpoints to create cohesive guest experiences and foster loyalty. Additionally, the analysis highlights the persuasive power of authentic influencer endorsements and the credibility of UGC in shaping consumer perceptions. The conclusions emphasize the necessity for hospitality businesses to adopt integrated marketing approaches and leverage social media's dynamic capabilities to meet the evolving needs of digitally engaged consumers. By addressing identified research gaps, such as the long-term impact of influencer endorsements and the nuances of customer trust in UGC, this study offers both theoretical insights and practical recommendations. These insights aim to guide the development of effective strategies that enhance guest experiences, optimize marketing efforts, and ensure industry relevance in the digital age.
This research aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on holiday intentions. The research sample consists of 393 individuals aged 18 and over who permanently reside in Ankara, T & uuml;rkiye. An online questionnaire form was used to collect research data. The questionnaire form consists of two sections: "COVID-19 and Holiday Intention" and "Sociodemographic Characteristic". The "COVID-19 and Holiday Intention" section of the questionnaire form contains 34 statements and was adapted from the research statements of Pappas (2021). The "Sociodemographic Characteristics" section of the questionnaire form contains four closed-ended questions (gender, age, education status, and income). The questionnaire was administered to participants voluntarily between February 09 and March 16, 2022. Pappas (2021), whose statements were used in the research, found that the psychological and economic impacts of COVID-19, travel, destination, and hospitality risks affected holiday intentions, and that the recession did not affect this issue. This research revealed that the psychological and sectoral impact dimensions of COVID-19 affected holiday intention, whereas the economic impact dimension did not. The research contributes to the literature by the scale of the research developed for the people of Athens to the people of Ankara and by the method it uses. On the other hand, the research results are valuable for guiding decisions in the tourism sector.
This study analyzes the management of common goods as a foundation for community-based tourism development in rural areas of Concordia, Sinaloa, to promote sustainable local development. The research examines how collective action, social cohesion, and community social capital are interdependent components that condition the effective management of shared resources and interact with the possibilities of implementing community-based tourism as a local development strategy in contexts of social fragmentation. From the critical perspectives of Mattei (2013) and Rodot & aacute; (2013), common goods are conceived as universally accessible resources managed in accordance with principles of inclusion and sustainability. Through a qualitative ethnomethodological approach, the study collected data from 21 key informants (8 in Copala and 13 in San Miguel del Carrizal) through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and social cartography. Analysis using Atlas.ti revealed significant deficiencies in collective action mechanisms, with contrasting patterns: San Miguel del Carrizal exhibits generalized individualism with minimally functional structures, while Copala presents deeper fragmentation mediated by criminal groups, although it retains greater territorial identity. The research concludes that the transformative potential of community-based tourism can only be materialized by simultaneously addressing the organizational, economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions. The complementary tourism profiles identified (ecotourism versus cultural heritage) could catalyze inter-community collaboration. These findings have implications for designing differentiated public policies that strengthen local organizational capacities and for future research on inter-community collaboration in rural contexts affected by violence.
Technological advances and increased intercontinental mobility have made the world smaller. Today, it is common to encounter people from different cultures in a country or even a town, whether as visitors, students, or workers. Consequently, microscale education systems have shifted from homogeneous to more heterogeneous environments that reflect diverse cultures and associated values. More specifically, student exchange programmes, such as Erasmus, are considered the main drivers of strengthening intercultural communication in education. Simultaneously, it is crucial to emphasize the role of intercultural education in tourism. In this study, individual interviews were conducted with tourism students residing in Turkey who were pursuing tourism studies. This study aims to identify the opportunities and challenges that international students encounter during their education in Turkey, particularly from academic, social, and cultural perspectives. A qualitative research plan was developed using content analysis, and the opportunities and challenges encountered by the students were presented through themes based on the interviews, focusing on their experiences during the pandemic. In line with this study's findings, the opportunities and challenges of intercultural education in tourism were comprehensively addressed. The students' plans were examined within the framework of push-and-pull theory, and recommendations for the future were presented to universities.
Women entrepreneurs in rural India, especially in West Bengal, are increasingly contributing to the tourism economy. The state leads the country with 23.4% of women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting a progressive approach to empowerment. In rural areas, women are utilising local resources and cultural heritage to establish tourism-related businesses such as homestays, guided tours, and handicraft enterprises. This research directly examines how the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bolpur-Santiniketan supports women entrepreneurs through gender equity initiatives in confronting gender-based obstacles. The study is based on a conceptual framework from feminist theory and the ethic of care. This perspective argues that the region's entrepreneurial culture, while strongly rooted in transgenerational know-how, is simultaneously constrained by pervasive patriarchal structures and deep social vulnerability. Methodologically, we employed a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and stakeholders. The data was analysed through a feminist lens to explore the lived experiences within this ecosystem. Our findings analyse and reveal three main gender equity issues: (i) 'Entrepreneuring and the Motherhood Penalty'; (ii) 'The Gender Entrepreneurship Binary: Balancing Pursuit and Nurturing'; and (iii) 'Social Conditioning and Gender Norms: Reinforcing Gender Inequities.' The analysis shows these are direct results of systemic biases and social inequality, critically limiting business growth and personal agency. Based on our findings, we highlight specific gender biases and suggest pathways to promote equity. In conclusion, this study presents a theoretical framework to understand and address these inequalities comprehensively and to strengthen the success of women entrepreneurs. This adds to feminist scholarship and offers policymakers practical, actionable guidance to cultivate a more equitable and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
