Sustainability

Research

15 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Strategies for Marathon Tourism in the Time of Pandemics

by Kuo-Hsiung Chen, Jui-Mei Yien, Chien-Chung Kao, Ying-Yu Chen and Fu-Sheng Tsai

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052758 - 04 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2375

This study established a new assessment framework to explore the mutual influences of the international marathon tourism indices. A hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making model was used to determine solutions. The surveyed expert team revealed that satisfaction with the Kaohsiung International marathon indices requires improvement, [...] Read more.

This study established a new assessment framework to explore the mutual influences of the international marathon tourism indices. A hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making model was used to determine solutions. The surveyed expert team revealed that satisfaction with the Kaohsiung International marathon indices requires improvement, especially in the age of pandemic crisis. To make marathon tourism sustainable, we propose the following systematic improvement procedures: Decision-makers should improve the manager’s professional capabilities and ability to use a comprehensive thinking model to solve problems. Next, managers should invite tourism practitioners from neighboring areas to provide more diverse food and performances along the marathon route. Citizens should be invited to join the cheerleaders to create a lively atmosphere. In addition to the full marathon and half marathon, a completion certificate and a better gift should be provided to participants of races of other distances to increase their sense of self-worth and to encourage more runners to participate, thereby ensuring a more robust crowd of runners at the starting line. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adventure Tourism in the Spanish Population: Sociodemographic Analysis to Improve Sustainability

by Jorge Rojo-Ramos, Rubén Vidal-Espinoza, Roxana Paola Palacios-Cartagena, Carmen Galán-Arroyo, Fernando Manzano-Redondo, Rossana Gómez-Campos and José Carmelo Adsuar

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041706 - 05 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3470

Abstract

In recent decades, tourism is an activity in continuous growth and generates a significant impact in the social, economic, and environmental fields. Adventure tourism mainly takes place in natural settings, where tourist immersion will generate, in addition to profits, an impact on nature [...] Read more.

In recent decades, tourism is an activity in continuous growth and generates a significant impact in the social, economic, and environmental fields. Adventure tourism mainly takes place in natural settings, where tourist immersion will generate, in addition to profits, an impact on nature and the conservation of natural areas. The purpose of this work is to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of tourists who choose to carry out adventure activities, as well as the means of transport used. For this, we have carried out this study through analysis of the 2019 data file of tourists from the National Statistics Institute with a sample of adventure tourists of 380 people. The results of the analysis show that the type of tourist who does adventure sports is single people with a higher educational level and a stable professional situation. The most frequently used means of transport to a destination is private transport, and lodging accounts for the majority of accommodation. It should be noted that significant gender differences were found in the level of studies, professional status in the job performed, and type of accommodation. Finally, the profile of the adventure tourist will be very useful for planning sustainable tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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26 pages, 4555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Host Community and Its Role in Sports Tourism—Exploring an Emerging Research Field

by Valentin Herbold, Hannes Thees and Julian Philipp

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10488; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410488 - 15 Dec 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8135

Abstract

The increase in individual sports activities is stimulating the rise of sport-related forms of vacationing. This is further intensified by tourists seeking authentic experiences in host–guest relations, physical health and well-being, and the consumption of local products and services. Communities, especially those in [...] Read more.

The increase in individual sports activities is stimulating the rise of sport-related forms of vacationing. This is further intensified by tourists seeking authentic experiences in host–guest relations, physical health and well-being, and the consumption of local products and services. Communities, especially those in developing countries, do not yet fully recognize the potential of local sports as a resource and competitive advantage in their destination development. In the same way, tourism research is lacking analyses regarding the role of the community and its specific sports identity. Given this, the present paper aims to systematically review the promising interface between community development and sports tourism. The research questions are based on the potential of identity-based sports and necessary local engagement. These efforts are pursued through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with 49 articles. The results reveal the thematic clusters, research features, and prevalent challenges and benefits that the community has to deal with. The discussion proposes the utilization of local sports identity in systematic product development and highlights increasing local engagement. In conclusion, we call for future research on non-event-related sports tourism, in-depth case studies, and multi-disciplinary concepts to foster local sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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10 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trekking Tourism in Spain: Analysis of the Sociodemographic Profile of Trekking Tourists for the Design of Sustainable Tourism Services

by Jorge Rojo-Ramos, Rubén Martín-Carmona, Carmen Galán-Arroyo, Fernando Manzano-Redondo, Miguel Ángel García-Gordillo and José Carmelo Adsuar

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219113 - 02 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2813

Abstract

The practice of sports activities related to nature and the environment is a social and tourist phenomenon that is increasingly popular. In this paper, we aim to find and analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of tourists who take trips in order to find and [...] Read more.

The practice of sports activities related to nature and the environment is a social and tourist phenomenon that is increasingly popular. In this paper, we aim to find and analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of tourists who take trips in order to find and enjoy trekking opportunities. Thus, it seeks to facilitate the design of offers of more sustainable activities aimed at this public which contribute to the development of an efficient tourism model to preserve the environment. The research has been carried out by analyzing the data obtained from the travel file of the Resident Tourism Survey of the National Statistical Institute for 2019. The profile of the trekking tourist in Spain is Spanish, married, lives as a couple, and very well educated. Participants are usually busy and use their car, other private vehicles, or destination-provided transportation. They tend to stay in the homes of family, friends, or their employer on their trips. This information is relevant for the design of sustainable tourism products since by knowing the priorities of this profile of tourists, more sustainable activities can be elaborated and better development and protection of the environment can be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

15 pages, 1178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism and Physical Activity Preferences: Development and Sustainability Strategy

by Karel Fromel, Michal Kudlacek and Dorota Groffik

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8824; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218824 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

The theoretical foundation of tourism policy is based on an interdisciplinary approach, using evidence-based findings from related scientific fields. For this reason, trends in the health and physical activity of the population should be considered as part of the promotion of healthy lifestyles [...] Read more.

The theoretical foundation of tourism policy is based on an interdisciplinary approach, using evidence-based findings from related scientific fields. For this reason, trends in the health and physical activity of the population should be considered as part of the promotion of healthy lifestyles in the field of tourism. The aim of this study is to support the multidisciplinary development of evidence-based tourism by using the results of long-term monitoring of physical activity (PA) preferences among youth. Furthermore, this study aims to support the continuation of education regarding tourism, behavioral changes in lifestyle, health promotion (including physical activity promotion), physical conditioning, as well as related mental conditioning. An interdisciplinary approach should lead to the adoption of knowledge, habits, and interests that lead to a lifelong readiness to participate in active tourism. The research sample of this 10-year survey consisted of 17,032 Czech and Polish respondents, aged from 12 to 25 years. A questionnaire on physical activity preferences was employed to explore the current status and trends in physical activity preferences and realization. The results show the actual status and trends in preferred and realized types of physical activity and represent an important indicator of tourism service choices for these youths, as well as predict future interests for tourism clients in schools. The analysis of the results enabled the suggestion of a prognostic model of tourism strategy focused on the integration of physical activity with tourism activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Sport Tourism Event Image Fit Enhances Residents’ Perceptions of Place Image and Their Quality of Life

by Bryan Cheng-Yu Hsu, Yu-Feng Wu, Hsin-Wei Chen and Man-Lai Cheung

Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 8227; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198227 - 06 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2950

Abstract

This study developed an exploration model for sport event image fit to predict and explain the place image and quality of life in order to achieve sustainable development goals in rural communities. To validate the model, 294 valid resident responses from a rural [...] Read more.

This study developed an exploration model for sport event image fit to predict and explain the place image and quality of life in order to achieve sustainable development goals in rural communities. To validate the model, 294 valid resident responses from a rural community that hosted a sporting event in Taiwan were analyzed with partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that image fit contributes to the social environment, entertainment services, and quality of life; four place image dimensions had a significantly positive effect on quality of life. The exploration model was validated, contributing to the knowledge related to Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 11. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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11 pages, 1106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Sustainable Marathon Running: The Consumer Socialization Perspective

by Chia-Huei Hsiao, Fong-Jia Wang and Yu-Cheng Lu

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187776 - 21 Sep 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

The authors attempt to explain why the generally accepted models built on consumer socialization theory do not sufficiently capture supporting consumer socialization behavior. According to marketing literature, social interaction may influence consumer behavior. The purpose of this study is to understand the behavior [...] Read more.

The authors attempt to explain why the generally accepted models built on consumer socialization theory do not sufficiently capture supporting consumer socialization behavior. According to marketing literature, social interaction may influence consumer behavior. The purpose of this study is to understand the behavior of consumers engaged in marathon running. The authors use three types of consumer socialization constructed factors (intergenerational influences, peer influences, and traditional media) and examine their effects on event conformity. A total of 299 marathon runners who were runners in one or more marathon running responded to the survey. The findings highlight social interaction as an influence on the consumer behavior of those engaged in marathon running. Meanwhile, our support conformity moderated the relationship between the intergenerationally influenced and marathon running behavior in marathon events. The authors emphasize the importance of reflecting on different relationships (consumer-related skills, knowledge, and attitudes) in understanding supporting consumer socialization behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Brand Image of a Sports Event on the Recommendation of Its Participants

by Daniel Martínez Cevallos, Mario Alguacil and Ferran Calabuig Moreno

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5040; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125040 - 19 Jun 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4446

Abstract

The aim of this research is to test the psychometric properties and relationships of a model where, from brand congruence of a sport event, trust and commitment to it can be generated, influencing future behavior of participants and resulting in a higher recommendation [...] Read more.

The aim of this research is to test the psychometric properties and relationships of a model where, from brand congruence of a sport event, trust and commitment to it can be generated, influencing future behavior of participants and resulting in a higher recommendation also called Word of Mouth (hereinafter WOM). A quantitative approach has been carried out by means of a validated questionnaire with Likert-type responses, and data were analyzed with the EQS 6.4 software. The findings indicated that the model is adequate, and also confirm that from congruence, we can explain, at a theoretical level, 45% of trust, and in the same way, from the congruence and trust, we can explain 67% of the commitment with the brand. Finally, it is confirmed that trust and brand commitment significantly influence WOM, predicting it up to 51%. These conclusions provide implications to managers, to guide their marketing strategies more effectively and to know what is important to achieve the desired behaviors, which will favor the sustainability of the event and the generation of positive impacts in the host location. This research also provides original information in a context such as sporting events where the study of brand image is practically non-existent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 2272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Golf Tourism and Sustainability: Content Analysis and Directions for Future Research

by Luis Miguel López-Bonilla, María del Carmen Reyes-Rodríguez and Jesús Manuel López-Bonilla

Sustainability 2020, 12(9), 3616; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093616 - 30 Apr 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7479

Abstract

Golf tourism is an important sector in the tourism industry, in terms of average daily expenditure per visitor. However, golf tourism also generates social and political controversies, mainly due to its impact on the environment. The main objective of this paper is to [...] Read more.

Golf tourism is an important sector in the tourism industry, in terms of average daily expenditure per visitor. However, golf tourism also generates social and political controversies, mainly due to its impact on the environment. The main objective of this paper is to observe the progress of research on golf tourism from the perspective of sustainability. For this, the study is based on identifying the scientific production on the subject from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Thus, we have detected 46 articles published in scientific journals in the last 22 years. The findings indicate five lines of research, such as environmental impacts, environmental management, environmental attitudes and behaviors, conflict of interests, and sustainable management and planning. Environmental impact is the most prolific content, while environmental attitudes and behaviors are the least frequent, but the latter is the most current line of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 2946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bibliometric Analysis of Sports Tourism and Sustainability (2002–2019)

by Mercedes Jiménez-García, José Ruiz-Chico, Antonio Rafael Peña-Sánchez and José Antonio López-Sánchez

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2840; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072840 - 02 Apr 2020

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 10853

Abstract

Sports tourism is a relatively recent type of tourism, which has grown significantly in recent times. Not all effects of tourism are positive, so the analysis of its sustainability has particular relevance; especially since the publication of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development [...] Read more.

Sports tourism is a relatively recent type of tourism, which has grown significantly in recent times. Not all effects of tourism are positive, so the analysis of its sustainability has particular relevance; especially since the publication of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. The growing concern about tourism and sustainability makes it essential to examine how scientific research has adapted to new realities. This paper uses bibliometric techniques to investigate research trends related to sports tourism and sustainability. VOSviewer and SciMAT software were used. A total of 214 articles from Web of Science (WoS) indexed journals were analyzed. The results confirmed that interest in the study of these concepts has been growing, especially in the last four years. This is a comparatively new field of research (since 2002), so consolidated relations between thematic areas have yet to be observed, and there is a generally low concentration of authors and journals. Increases in several publications in this area are related to the celebration of mega sporting events or the publication of SDGs. The main contribution of this analysis lies in identifying important research issues, such as education and destination planning, which should continue to be addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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20 pages, 1064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing a Sustainable Sports Tourism Evaluation Framework with a Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model to Explore Potential Sports Tourism Attractions in Taiwan

by Jen-Jen Yang, Huai-Wei Lo, Chen-Shen Chao, Chih-Chien Shen and Chin-Cheng Yang

Sustainability 2020, 12(4), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12041673 - 23 Feb 2020

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 7703

Abstract

In recent years, the awareness of sustainable tourism has risen around the world. Many tourism industries combine sports to attract more customers to facilitate the development of the economy and the promotion of local culture. However, it is an important task to establish [...] Read more.

In recent years, the awareness of sustainable tourism has risen around the world. Many tourism industries combine sports to attract more customers to facilitate the development of the economy and the promotion of local culture. However, it is an important task to establish a comprehensive tourism evaluation framework for sustainable sports tourism. This study proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model to discuss the above issues, using the Bayesian Best Worst Method (Bayesian BWM) to integrate multiple experts’ judgments to generate the group optimal criteria weights. Next, the modified Visekriterijumska Optimizacija i Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) technique is combined with the concept of aspiration level to determine the performance of sports attractions and their priority ranks. In addition, this study adds a perspective of institutional sustainability to emphasize the importance of government support and local marketing. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed model is demonstrated through potential sports tourism attractions in Taiwan. A sensitivity analysis and models comparison were also performed in this study. The results show that the proposed model is feasible for practical applications and that it effectively provides some management implications to support decision-makers in formulating improvement strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Male and Female Motivations for Participating in a Mass Cycling Race for Amateurs. The Skoda Bike Challenge Case Study

by Ewa Malchrowicz-Mośko, Maciej Młodzik, Patxi León-Guereño and Katarzyna Adamczewska

Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236635 - 24 Nov 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3961

Abstract

The purpose of our research was twofold: to investigate the motivations for participating in a mass cycling event for amateurs and the motivational differences between men and women in cycling. This empirical study involving 385 cyclists was conducted during the fifth edition of [...] Read more.

The purpose of our research was twofold: to investigate the motivations for participating in a mass cycling event for amateurs and the motivational differences between men and women in cycling. This empirical study involving 385 cyclists was conducted during the fifth edition of the Skoda Bike Challenge held in Poznań in 2018. The event forms part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series of events organized around the world, which are sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). A diagnostic survey method with a standardized interviewing technique was used to interview cyclists. The interview questionnaire was divided according to the MPAM-R scale (Motives for Physical Activity Measure–Revised). This scale assesses people’s motives for participating in physical activities. The following motivations were examined: appearance, fitness, social, competence/challenge, and enjoyment. Descriptive statistics were used. A chi-square test was used to determine characteristics between responses. Cramer’s φ for statistically significant scores was indicated. The research results show some differences between male and female motives for competitive amateur cycling. Statistically significant differences were found between the following motives: interest/enjoyment, competence/challenge, and fitness. This is important information from the point of view of promoting cycling and for organizers of cycling events in regions wishing to promote sports tourism as a form of sustainable development. An understanding of mass cycling motivations is needed, as such knowledge can be used to encourage cycling, which has a potentially positive effect on future cyclists’ physical and mental health. Learning about cycling motivations also allows us to determine which physical and mental health functions are fulfilled by mass sporting events and how to prepare for them. The motives for participating in mass cycling events for amateurs in Europe constitute an interesting field of research. The first part of the paper presents the literature review related to cycling in the context of motivations, sporting events, tourism, event management, and sustainable development, and the second part presents the results of our empirical study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

16 pages, 457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sport Involvement on Support for Mega Sport Events: Why Does It Matter

by Changwook Kim and Kyriaki Kaplanidou

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5687; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205687 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4986

Abstract

For residents of a city that hosts a mega sport event, sport involvement can be associated with their perceptions of the impacts and quality of life (QoL) gained from that event. The attributes of mega sport events, with multiple sports in one competition, [...] Read more.

For residents of a city that hosts a mega sport event, sport involvement can be associated with their perceptions of the impacts and quality of life (QoL) gained from that event. The attributes of mega sport events, with multiple sports in one competition, are linked with the level of residents’ sport involvement, specifically their interest in and identification with sports, which can foster more positive perceptions and enhance the anticipated QoL from the games. Despite the importance of sport involvement on the support for a mega sport event, most studies have mainly focused on how perceptions of the impact from the event influence support based on social exchange theory (SET). Hence, this study examined how sport involvement affected the relationships among impact perceptions, QoL, and support for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the hypotheses in the proposed model, using a sample of 301 Korean residents. The results revealed that sport involvement had a positive effect on event impact perceptions and QoL, which, in turn, significantly influenced support for the Olympic Games in the pre-stage. The study suggests that sport involvement can leverage support for a mega sport event through the creation of positive perceptions of the impacts of the event. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Tourism and Sustainability)

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