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Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 16903

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ning (Chris) Chen

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Guest Editor

Department of Management, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, UC Business School, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Interests: sense of place; place attachment; identity; word of mouth; pro-environmental behaviours

Prof. Dr. Colin Michael Hall

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Interests: tourism and human mobility; regional development and social/green marketing; human dimensions of global environmental change and conservation; environmental history, especially national park history & wilderness conservation; the use of tourism as an economic development and conservation mechanism
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In general marketing, culture, tourism, hospitality, and event areas (and even in broader human geography and environmental psychology areas), almost all issues (including travel, mobility, tourism development, sustainability, etc.) can trace back to the fundamental focus on human-place interaction and human-place relationship. The earliest concept to depict the human–place relationship, sense of place, which also links to place attachment, topophilia, insideness, and community sentiment, has received wide attention within various disciplines and related areas, and develops into a complex theoretical foundation.

This Special Issue hereby aims to collect a selection of homogenous papers on in-depth exploring the human-place relationship via a sense of place and place attachment, in various disciplines including general marketing, culture, tourism, hospitality, and event areas, with a specific focus on sustainability issues.

Research papers are invited to address the role of sense of place and place attachment in studying interdisciplinary phenomena, e.g., citizenship behaviours, pro-environment behaviours, sustainability, authenticity, country of origin, resilience, disasters, responsible consumption behaviours, mobility, migration, virtual reality, augmented reality, nostalgia, solastalgia, and so on.

This Special Issue will be a collection of recent and innovative works that build toward the new horizon of sense of place and place attachment research, contributing to the literature in environmental psychology, marketing, culture, tourism, hospitality, sports, and events. It will serve as a node connecting different disciplines and research areas around its focus on the human–place relationship.

Dr. Ning (Chris) Chen
Prof. Dr. Colin Michael Hall
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sense of place
place attachment
place identity
nostalgia
solastalgia
pro-environmental behaviors

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Urban Landmark Landscapes on Residents’ Place Identity: The Moderating Role of Residence Duration

by Fan Zhang, Xiumin Sun, Chang Liu and Bing Qiu

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020761 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 943

Abstract

Landmark landscapes, as visual representations of cities, are readily identifiable to urban residents. Observing and visiting these landscapes fosters a cultural connection and identity with the locale, enhances urban character, and promotes tourism. A place’s identity is instrumental in urban development and improvement. Urban planners and managers should thus prioritize fostering residents’ place identity within city environments. In this study, we explored the influence of landmark landscapes on the place identity of residents in Nanjing—a rapidly urbanizing city with both historic and modern districts. Our methodology included on-site surveys and the application of a structural equation model to discern the relationships between various landmark landscape elements and place identity. The findings revealed the following: (1) landmark landscapes positively influence residents’ construction of place identity; (2) the characteristics, function, and historical–cultural importance of these landmark landscapes contribute to place identity formation; and (3) the duration of residence moderates the relationship between historical–cultural importance and place identity. These insights elucidate the role of landmark landscapes in shaping place identity, which in turn enhances urban characteristics and bolsters residents’ sense of belonging. The strategic planning and design of landmark landscapes are instrumental in building public consensus, fostering distinctive urban characteristics, and strengthening residents’ sense of identity, thereby catalyzing tourism development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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17 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Is the Most Influential Authenticity of Beliefs, Places, or Actions on the Pilgrimage Tourism Destination Attachment?

by Dan Wang, Ching-Cheng Shen, Tzuhui Angie Tseng and Ching-Yi Lai

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010431 - 03 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1065

Abstract

Religious tourism attracts many pilgrims and tourists to travel to a sacred space, and the issue of its authenticity has become increasingly important. Convenience sampling was used to conduct a survey at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung City, Taiwan, and 487 valid questionnaires were obtained. The linear structural equation model constructs the analysis results as follows: (1) The “authenticity of place” and “action authenticity” have a positive relationship on the “place attachment” and act as a mediator variable for the effects of “authenticity of belief” on “authenticity of action”. (2) Tourists who have visited twice or more have a higher impact on “authenticity of belief” than those who have visited once. (3) Among the factors of the “authenticity of belief”, “concept of life” and “concept of God” are the most important; among the factors of the “authenticity of the place”, “spiritual sustenance” is the most important; and among the factors of “authenticity of action”, “experiential action” and “consequential actions” are the most important. The “place identity” is the essential aspect of the “place attachment” factor. This study developed a scale of the authenticity of belief, place, and action. Research results can provide a reference for religious tourism development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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37 pages, 22320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Architectural Icons of the City of Szczecin for the Transformation of Landscape Identity and Promotion of the City’s Image

by Wojciech Bal, Magdalena Czalczynska-Podolska and Maja Nieścior

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8648; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118648 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 1170

Abstract

The practice of promoting an image of the city using architectural objects, and the need to identify or create architectural icons in urban spaces, outlined in this article, occurs in many cities worldwide. The city of Szczecin in Poland, the subject of this research, is no exception. The turbulent history of the city, which for years remained within the borders of Germany, makes it particularly worth analyzing in these terms because it shows the shifting popularity of architectural objects in the context of changing political, cultural, and economic conditions. The research presented here aims to identify iconic objects commonly exploited to build an image of Szczecin, assess their prominent features, and analyze changes over time in their popularity and use for these purposes. The historical and interpretive research was based on a detailed analysis of old and contemporary architectural objects of Szczecin depicted in postcards from the last hundred years, from the period spanning 1920 to 2023. The analysis covered several digital databases containing archival and contemporary postcards. This analysis enables the identification of the most popular objects, suggests the key characteristics of iconic buildings, and identifies four basic types of buildings, which are distinct in terms of purpose, message, and the specific image of the city to which each contributes. The duration of each type as a popular object, the strength of its impact on the city’s image, and its importance for the urban landscape are also identified. The research revealed that: architecturally iconic buildings are created concerning political, economic, and social conditions and the need to promote a specific image of the city, certain features contribute to a building’s potential as an architectural icon, and the strength of the building’s impact, its importance for the city landscape, and the possibility of creating a specific image depending on its iconic type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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21 pages, 4588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Place Attachment on Heritage Discourse in Contemporary Places: A Case Study of Jordanian Byzantine Mosaics

by Hanan Jazaa Abukarki, Havva Arslangazi Uzunahmet and Zeynep Onur

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8395; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108395 - 22 May 2023

Viewed by 1547

Abstract

This study looks at the influence of place attachment on heritage discourse in contemporary places, specifically, Byzantine mosaics in Jordan, where the Byzantine Empire left behind a rich mosaic heritage. Today, these mosaics are replicated in contemporary architectural environments. The purpose of this article is to explore the heritage discourse surrounding Byzantine mosaics in Jordanian contemporary places with a particular focus on the replication and interpretation of the mosaics in contemporary places. To do that, the relationship between the attachments to the Byzantine mosaic places, the community’s level of awareness, and the replicated heritage discourse was examined. The research was conducted using several different methods, where structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between these factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the measurement models of the latent components and examine their construct validity and reliability. In addition, the study was conducted in Madaba Archaeological Park in the Jordanian city of Madaba, known as the “city of mosaics”, which is rich in tourism and culture, as a subject of study. The results show that the phenomena of heritage replications in contemporary places rely on the expanding interest in history, which is manifested through realizing the historical value and unique features of heritage. This attachment, knowledge, and understanding of heritage sites based on socio-cultural norms help shape the discourse of heritage replication in the contemporary built environment. These findings provide an understanding of the reasons behind the replication behavior of heritage designs in contemporary places, which can be supported in future research and used to create an appropriate contemporary sense of place. In addition to the possibility of using it as a strategy for the sustainability of heritage designs in local culture and contemporary places, not only in Jordan but also in other heritage environments, finally, some useful suggestions emerge on which future research can be based. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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16 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uses and Functions of the Territorial Brand over Time: Interdisciplinary Cultural-Historical Mapping

by Giovana Goretti Feijó de Almeida, Paulo Almeida, Lucília Cardoso and Luís Lima Santos

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6448; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086448 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1654

Abstract

Several approaches to the concept of the territorial brand have been given over time, which has generated different contextualizations to and applications of the concept. In order to homogenize and clarify the concept, the present paper aims to present the state-of-the-art of this theme through an interdisciplinary mapping of the uses and functions of the territorial brand. To this end, the study adopts a qualitative analysis approach, integrating content analysis with the historical method encompassing an interdisciplinary cultural-historical mapping. The results point to a clear and fertile body of theory, which, in turn, suggests a fertile path for future studies. The findings reveal more than 15 centuries across four dimensions of analysis: characteristics, uses, functions and discourses of the territorial brand. Different trends and future research agendas for this area are also discussed. The practical value focuses on the application of the four dimensions of analysis as a tool for territorial management and planning for territorial managers and decision-makers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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20 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where You Live Does Matter: Impact of Residents’ Place Image on Their Subjective Well-Being

by Hui Zhang and Wenhui Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16106; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316106 - 02 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1442

Abstract

Residents’ subjective well-being is closely related to their perception of specific attributes of the city they live in, such as physical appearance, entertainment facilities, and job opportunities. This study aims to examine the effect of place image on residents’ subjective well-being as well as the mediation effect of place attachment on this relationship. Residents living in Guangzhou for more than a year were targeted to collect data, and 420 valid samples were gathered. Structure equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The results show that place image has a significant positive impact on life satisfaction and positive affect, while it has a significant negative impact on negative affect. Place identity and place dependence mediate the positive impacts of place image on life satisfaction and positive affect. Finally, management implications and limitations were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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18 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Communicating Terroir through Wine Label Toponymy Greek Wineries Practice

by Theodosios Tsiakis, Eleni Anagnostou, Giuseppe Granata and Vasiliki Manakou

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316067 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1720

Abstract

For the majority of consumers, the label is the primary motivation for wine purchases. Ιt appears from the literature that consumer behavior is influenced by the variety of information on the label, which captures with simplicity and clarity, the key information that the potential buyer needs to know. History, place, variety, name, and figure, are some of the basic elements that form the wine label and have the potential to profoundly affect consumer engagement with bottled wine. What do Greek Wineries wish to communicate through their wine labels? Historical concepts, identity, or quality? Could soft power and place branding be suitable factors to help transfer this message and achieve wishful feedback to the consumer’s awareness? A case study is presented, according to which Greek producers select three fundamental cues: toponymy, name description, justification of the name choice and language. Driven by this case study, the paper intends to open a discussion about the implementation of theories such as soft power and sense of place by wine industries on a global level in combination with the importance of the toponymy, not only on the labeling but also on other communicational aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

18 pages, 4513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agent-Based Modelling in Visitor Management of Protected Areas

by Kamila Štekerová, Josef Zelenka and Milan Kořínek

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912490 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2027

Abstract

The research was motivated by the growing importance of visitor management in protected areas, which can be based on knowledge management, system modelling of processes and phenomena, and a deeper knowledge of the experience of visitors in connection with the concept of psychological carrying capacity. The work builds on previous publications and research by the authors, focused on the optimization of tourism impacts, visitor management and the development of the theory and applicability of the concept of carrying capacity. It emphasizes the overview analysis of the possibilities of using agent-based modelling and visualization of visitor flows in protected areas. The analysis of suitable sources was based on the PRISMA method, which showed the main research directions for the use of the agent-based approach in visitor management. For the practical application of modelling, the NetLogo environment was chosen, in which the visitor flows of the model area were simulated. The visitor attendance was evaluated in relation to the psychological carrying capacity. Subsequently, visitor management measures were implemented in the model, and repeated simulations of visitor attendance, based on monitored flows, were run for a specific location around Oheb Castle (the Železné hory/Iron Mountains, Bohemia). The main result is the innovative use of agent-based modelling in visitor management in the context of visitor experience, visitor satisfaction and psychological carrying capacity. The contribution of the presented research is also the proposal of future research directions for more accurate use of psychological carrying capacity in visitor management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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25 pages, 2278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Sustainable Development of Historic District Landscapes Based on Place Attachment among Tourists: A Case Study of Taiping Old Street, Taiwan

by Xiaoyang Zhu and Shang-Chia Chiou

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11755; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811755 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3391

Abstract

Historic districts should be sustainably developed by preserving historic architectural landscapes and developing tourism. Researchers have found that attachment to a place positively influences pro-tourism and pro-environment behaviors among tourists, indicating that exploring the landscape planning of historic districts from the perspective of place attachment is a noteworthy topic of sustainability. However, there are few studies on how historic district landscapes ignite tourists’ place attachment. Using a historical district named Taiping Old Street in Taiwan as an example, we investigated the association between tourists’ landscape evaluation and place attachment in historic districts. This study mainly adopted questionnaire surveys and used partial least squares structural (PLS) equation modeling for survey data analysis. (1) The study identified three dimensions of tourists’ landscape evaluation of historic districts: visual preference, cultural heritage value, and authenticity. (2) The stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model was combined with the studies by previous scholars and a conceptual model put forward for the relationship between tourists’ landscape evaluation, destination image, and place attachment. (3) The model was verified, and we found that (i) tourists’ landscape evaluation in terms of cultural heritage values and authenticity had significant positive effects on destination image; (ii) tourists’ visual preference, evaluation of authenticity, and destination image had significant positive effects on place attachment; and (iii) tourists’ destination image influenced the impact of authenticity and cultural heritage values on place attachment. This study provides both theoretical references for the formation process of place attachment from a landscape perspective and suggestions for landscape planning in the sustainable development of historic districts of a similar type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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