Sustainability

20 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Smartphone Cameras and Other Applications While Traveling to Sustain Outdoor Cultural Heritage

by Ana Slavec, Nežka Sajinčič and Vesna Starman

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7312; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137312 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3822

Outdoor cultural heritage is exposed to several detrimental factors, so involving people in its care can greatly help in its preservation. We conducted four focus groups with participants recruited through a screening questionnaire to find ways of including travelers in a citizen science [...] Read more.

Outdoor cultural heritage is exposed to several detrimental factors, so involving people in its care can greatly help in its preservation. We conducted four focus groups with participants recruited through a screening questionnaire to find ways of including travelers in a citizen science project by learning about how they interact with monuments through photography, travel apps, and location-based games, as well as their preferences regarding these apps. Since people can be apprehensive about installing new apps, we also verified the potential of games like Geocaching and Pokémon Go for cultural heritage conservation. We found that monuments appear as a photographic motif if they allow for interaction, are part of a photogenic scene or the visitor is attracted to their story. Some use travel apps to get additional information about the sights and discover hidden sites. Since cultural heritage is frequently part of the Pokémon Go and Geocaching gameplay, there is significant potential to use these apps, not only for tourism, but also for citizen science projects involving cultural heritage. While descriptive in nature, these findings provide useful insight into how to combine ubiquitous devices, smart tourism, consumer behavior, and cultural heritage protection for a more sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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23 pages, 2477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Information Support of Russian Media for the Tourist Destination of Crimea

by Aleksander Panasiuk and Halyna Zubrytska

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063228 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2012

Abstract

Crimea is a very attractive tourist destination with a high rank of tourist values, being natural and cultural heritage, with high recognition on the international tourist market. Since 2014, the tourism economy has been in a protracted crisis, caused by both internal and [...] Read more.

Crimea is a very attractive tourist destination with a high rank of tourist values, being natural and cultural heritage, with high recognition on the international tourist market. Since 2014, the tourism economy has been in a protracted crisis, caused by both internal and external reasons. The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in March 2014 significantly exacerbated the problems of the functioning of the tourism economy, preventing its sustainable development. The Russian authorities are taking political as well as socioeconomic measures to rebuild the tourism economy of Crimea, by taking steps to increase tourist traffic in Crimea, especially within the country, i.e., from other regions of Russia. One of the directions of actions to overcome the crisis is information support by the Russian media, the analysis of which is presented in this article. The aim of the study is therefore an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of information support by the Russian media for the tourist destination of Crimea in 2014–2019. Media activities are part of the Russian government’s tourism policy in this area. The article deals with the following theoretical issues: tourism policy, sustainable tourism development, heritage as the subject of tourism policy impact, information management, crisis management, the role of information in crisis management. The empirical part presents: the genesis and development of the crisis in the tourist destination of Crimea, the activity of the Russian authorities in terms of impact on the crisis, an analysis of the use of information by the Russian media in overcoming the crisis in the Crimean tourism economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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18 pages, 2565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Synchronous Model of Interpretive Sustainable Guiding in Heritage Sites: The Avatar Tourist Visit

by María José Viñals, Laura Gilabert-Sansalvador, Anna Sanasaryan, Maria-Dolores Teruel-Serrano and Marino Darés

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137179 - 26 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

The health crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created an unprecedented social situation. In the most critical moments, tourism activities were cancelled or reduced to their minimum operation, creating an extreme situation of separation of a country’s heritage from residents and tourists. [...] Read more.

The health crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created an unprecedented social situation. In the most critical moments, tourism activities were cancelled or reduced to their minimum operation, creating an extreme situation of separation of a country’s heritage from residents and tourists. The objective of this work is to propose new options and strategies to reconnect the public with heritage under any circumstance and, at the same time, offer tourism services in healthy, secure conditions. Thus, live-streaming experiences of online interpretative tourist guidance were developed in heritage spaces; those visits were led by real guide-interpreters in a real environment and transmitted for remote visitors. We have called this visiting model the “Avatar Tourist Visit”. It is based on tools associated with Heritage Interpretation, Interpersonal Communication, Filmmaking and Audio-Visual Language, and Information and Communication Technologies. The methodological development of this tool was based on Design Sciences Research as the creation of a new procedure was pursued. The result is a sustainable, immersive, interactive, inclusive, unique, and resilient tourism product designed not only for times of crisis but also to connect the public with heritage at all times and ensure universal access to it. In addition, this activity constitutes a marketable experience as a specialized and customizable tourist product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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22 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How a Tourism City Responds to COVID-19: A CEE Perspective (Kraków Case Study)

by Joanna Kowalczyk-Anioł, Marek Grochowicz and Robert Pawlusiński

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7914; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147914 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4998

Abstract

Academic papers on the COVID-19 pandemic and tourism adopt the perspective of strengthening tourism resilience or recognize the ongoing crisis as an opportunity for reflection and the need to redefine tourism development strategies. This article examines these issues using the example of Kraków, [...] Read more.

Academic papers on the COVID-19 pandemic and tourism adopt the perspective of strengthening tourism resilience or recognize the ongoing crisis as an opportunity for reflection and the need to redefine tourism development strategies. This article examines these issues using the example of Kraków, a tourism city that, on the eve of the pandemic outbreak, was experiencing symptoms of overtourism. Using a case study approach, the authors illustrate the strategies applied at the city level, as well as the range of measures and actions used to support the tourism industry during the full pandemic year. The Kraków case shows that the pandemic time can be used to reorganize relations between local tourism stakeholders and to create a new formula for a tourism city in the so-called ‘new normal’. In addition, the exploratory case study allows for the formulation of research problems for further work on tourism cities responses to COVID-19. This can focus on a revision of the tourist offer and profile; the role of culture and the accompanying technology-facilitated innovations; the continuation of ‘being-a-tourist-in-your-own-city’, as promoted in the pandemic; tourists’ reactions to introduced changes; and shaping (new) relations between tourism stakeholders in the (post)pandemic city. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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13 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Tourism Resource Perceptions: Analyses Based on Tourists’ Online Travel Notes

by Feng Liang, Yu Pan, Meilong Gu, Weihua Guan and Fusheng Tsai

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020519 - 07 Jan 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5075

Abstract

Tourism culture is the key resource by which the tourism industry of a region survives. This study analyzed the cultural perception image of Wuxi among tourists by using content analysis techniques, such as word frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and sentiment analysis based [...] Read more.

Tourism culture is the key resource by which the tourism industry of a region survives. This study analyzed the cultural perception image of Wuxi among tourists by using content analysis techniques, such as word frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and sentiment analysis based on the tourist reviews on major tourism websites. The results showed that tourists’ perceptions of local tourism culture in Wuxi are mainly focused on religious culture, landscape and garden culture, and historical culture. Further analysis revealed an obvious structural mismatch between the tourists’ perceptions and the supply of local cultural tourism resources. The findings suggest that the focus should be on the clustered development of tourism culture in Wuxi, the branding of Wu Culture, and the strengthening of the association between scenic spots in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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19 pages, 4581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Sustainability: Teaching and Design Strategies for Incorporating Service Design in Religious Heritage Branding

by Tsen-Yao Chang and Yu-Ju Chuang

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063256 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2847

Abstract

Under globalization, a local brand must be managed by strengthening local uniqueness and representativeness to become a unique brand that is irreplaceable in the international market. An examination of Taiwan’s cultural characteristics and resources shows that religion has been the focus of the [...] Read more.

Under globalization, a local brand must be managed by strengthening local uniqueness and representativeness to become a unique brand that is irreplaceable in the international market. An examination of Taiwan’s cultural characteristics and resources shows that religion has been the focus of the government’s tourism promotion in recent years. A religious site is filled with architectural, historical, aesthetic, and cultural elements. Through online marketing and multilingual introductions, the government has packaged Taiwan’s religious culture into a brand. Temples not only provide devotees with a place for spiritual sustenance but also offer them cultural tourism experiences. When service design is integrated into the branding process, the various touchpoints experienced are the key to promoting temple and tourist interactions. A culture can be converted into unique and representative patterns by using brand design strategies, thereby creating opportunities for cultural sustainability. This study chose a national monument temple in Yunlin County, Taiwan, as the study location. Through a course of instruction, students with professional design backgrounds were granted the opportunity to work in a monumental temple, where they practiced participatory learning, played the role of mentors, and developed design proposals. By using observation and interview methods as well as service design tools, the students identified problems and needs and proposed service design insights and design implementation plans. The results of this study were analyzed along with the design flow, course outcomes, and students’ open-ended questionnaires. Finally, a religious branding design strategy based on the core value of cultural sustainability was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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16 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heritage Interpretation and Sustainable Development: A Systematic Literature Review

by Marek Nowacki

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084383 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7620

Abstract

Heritage interpretation is an educational activity that provides information on natural and cultural heritage to people visiting heritage sites and objects. The article aims to identify different ways of using heritage interpretation as a tool for managing areas of sustainable development. The study [...] Read more.

Heritage interpretation is an educational activity that provides information on natural and cultural heritage to people visiting heritage sites and objects. The article aims to identify different ways of using heritage interpretation as a tool for managing areas of sustainable development. The study consisted of a systematic literature review (knowledge mapping) in the field of heritage interpretation and sustainable development. Using the most important databases of scientific publications in the world (Scopus, Web of Science, Ebsco, Proquest), publications on the interpretation of heritage and sustainable development were searched. A total of 106 articles and scientific monographs were identified. Then, quantitative and qualitative data analysis was performed (text mining, topic extraction, content analysis). As a result, six thematic areas were identified: opportunities and threats for the area related to the implementation of heritage interpretation programs; the effectiveness of heritage interpretation in the areas of sustainable development; sustainable tourism development planning in heritage areas; the role of a guide-interpreter in the sustainable development of the area; the role of creativity in the heritage interpretation; and strategies for managing the visitor traffic in heritage areas. These thematic areas were discussed by citing examples from the literature on the subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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16 pages, 1261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Perceived and Projected Destination Image: A Social Media Content Analysis

by Wei Sun, Shoulian Tang and Fang Liu

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3354; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063354 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4960

Abstract

Destination image has been extensively studied in tourism and marketing, but the questions surrounding the discrepancy between the projected (perceptions from the National Tourism Organizations) and perceived destination image (perceptions from tourists) as well as how the discrepancy may influence sustainable experience remain [...] Read more.

Destination image has been extensively studied in tourism and marketing, but the questions surrounding the discrepancy between the projected (perceptions from the National Tourism Organizations) and perceived destination image (perceptions from tourists) as well as how the discrepancy may influence sustainable experience remain unclear. Poor understanding of the discrepancy may cause tourist confusion and misuse of resources. The aim of this study is to empirically investigate if the perceived (by tourists) and projected (by NTOs) destination image are significantly different in both cognitive and affective aspects. Through a comprehensive social media content analysis of the NTO-generated and tourist-generated-contents (TGC), the current study identifies numerous gaps between the projected and perceived destination image, which offers some important theoretical and practical implications on destination management and marketing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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13 pages, 3578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macau Squares: Discerning the Triadic Sign Model of Built-Heritage

by Mark Hansley Yang Chua

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7024; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137024 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1620

Abstract

Despite an objectivist vision by many heritage conservation bodies, the extant literature mostly dwells on the value of heritage as something subjective and arbitrary. Semiotically treating built-heritage as a Peircian triadic sign, instead of a dyadic sign, could reconcile this apparent dichotomy. Some [...] Read more.

Despite an objectivist vision by many heritage conservation bodies, the extant literature mostly dwells on the value of heritage as something subjective and arbitrary. Semiotically treating built-heritage as a Peircian triadic sign, instead of a dyadic sign, could reconcile this apparent dichotomy. Some squares of Macau]’s Historic Centre are taken as case study. Using a Coasian perspective, this paper argues how the meaning-delimiting consequences of a triadic semiotic framework allow for a lower transaction cost in valuation and eventually a more sustainable conservation. This has been confirmed by an expert decision in designating the relatively new squares as heritage protected areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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16 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Interpretation through Guiding Tour, Quality of Reception and Relics’ Worship on the Satisfaction of Pilgrims Attending the Iasi Feast

by Maria Tătărușanu, Gina Ionela Butnaru, Valentin Niță, Angelica-Nicoleta Neculăesei and Elena Ciortescu

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6905; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126905 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1772

Abstract

Recently, in line with the increased attention paid to cultural tourism in general and to religious tourism in particular, researchers and practitioners have become increasingly interested in the analysis of various aspects related to cultural heritage in order to capitalize on its value [...] Read more.

Recently, in line with the increased attention paid to cultural tourism in general and to religious tourism in particular, researchers and practitioners have become increasingly interested in the analysis of various aspects related to cultural heritage in order to capitalize on its value by means of its interpretation, thus providing beneficial effects both for tourists and for tourism’s sustainable development. The aim of this research is to analyze the extent to which the methods of interpretation of the religious cultural heritage: guiding tours, quality reception, and relic worship influence the satisfaction of tourists participating in the “Saint Parascheva” pilgrimage, held annually by the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iasi. The data were collected by means of a survey (N = 932) and the information was processed by using the SPSS version 25 program. Our results indicate the significant influence that the potential to worship relics has on pilgrims’ satisfaction compared to other interpretation methods, such as the relationship with the Cathedral’s staff or the possibility of participating in guided tours. Pilgrims’ satisfaction is also perceived differently depending on certain aspects of their socio-demographic profile, i.e., their age and the perceived faith level. This study is relevant for researchers, managers, and students interested in the field of cultural heritage interpretation in genera, and in the field of religious heritage in particular, and could significantly contribute to improving pilgrims’ satisfaction as well as cultural heritage preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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18 pages, 4666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Imported Buddhism” or “Co-Creation”? Buddhist Cultural Heritage and Sustainability of Tourism at the World Heritage Site of Lumbini, Nepal

by Kiran Shinde

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115820 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4520

Abstract

Lumbini—the birthplace of Buddha—was declared a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1997. This recognition came following sustained efforts by many international organizations and the UN-led master plan that was prepared in the 1970s. Almost 50 years in the making, the Lumbini sacred precinct [...] Read more.

Lumbini—the birthplace of Buddha—was declared a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1997. This recognition came following sustained efforts by many international organizations and the UN-led master plan that was prepared in the 1970s. Almost 50 years in the making, the Lumbini sacred precinct (WHS) is still a work in progress. Based on the fieldwork conducted in December 2019, this paper examines international and domestic visitation patterns and the complexities of tourism management in Lumbini, and explores the challenges it faces in attracting an international community of Buddhist followers and those interested in Buddhist heritage. Situated amidst a rural hinterland comprising non-Buddhist populations, the Lumbini Sacred Garden master plan covers an area of about 4.5 km². It has a special “monastic zone” for the construction of 39 international monasteries (13 plots for followers of Theravada and 29 plots for Mahayana monasteries) of which 13 have been built (notable are the Thai, Japanese, Burmese, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Bhutanese, Korean, and European monasteries). The unique architectural styles and following of rituals and cultural practices traditional to the sponsoring native country make these international monasteries into “attractions” for foreign and domestic tourists. This mixing pot of Buddhist cultural heritage can be understood using the conceptual approach of co-creation. However, in practical terms, it is perceived as “imported Buddhism”, based on the resources (both tangible and intangible) that international communities bring to Lumbini. The active role of international monasteries constrains opportunities for the participation of local businesses in the religious tourism economy. Moreover, the limited opportunities for interpretation of this co-created heritage reinforces a sense of alienation for the local community, and poses challenges for the sustainability of tourism and the vitality of Lumbini as a WHS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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34 pages, 7830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Heritage Tourism: Native American Preservation Recommendations at Arches, Canyonlands, and Hovenweep National Parks

by Richard Stoffle, Octavius Seowtewa, Cameron Kays and Kathleen Van Vlack

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239846 - 25 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4115

Abstract

The sustainable use of Native American heritage places is viewed in this analysis as serving to preserve their traditional purposes and sustaining the cultural landscapes that give them heritage meaning. The research concerns the potential impacts of heritage tourism to selected Native American [...] Read more.

The sustainable use of Native American heritage places is viewed in this analysis as serving to preserve their traditional purposes and sustaining the cultural landscapes that give them heritage meaning. The research concerns the potential impacts of heritage tourism to selected Native American places at Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument. The impacts of tourists on a heritage place must be understood as having both potential effects on the place itself and on an integrated cultural landscape. Impacts to one place potentially change other places. Their functions in a Native American landscape, and the integrity of the landscape itself. The analysis is based on 696 interviews with representatives from nine tribes and pueblos, who, in addition to defining the cultural meaning of places, officially made 349 heritage management recommendations. The U.S. National Park Service interprets Natives American resources and then brings millions of tourists to these through museums, brochures, outdoor displays, and ranger-guided tours. Native American ethnographic study participants argued that tourist education and regulation can increase the sustainability of Native American places in a park and can help protect related places beyond the park. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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19 pages, 14159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Walking among Mammoths. Remote Sensing and Virtual Reality Supporting the Study and Dissemination of Pleistocene Archaeological Sites: The Case of Fuente Nueva 3 in Orce, Spain

by Juan Francisco Reinoso-Gordo, Deborah Barsky, Alexia Serrano-Ramos, José Antonio Solano-García, Carlos Alberto León-Robles, Carmen Luzón-González, Stefania Titton and Juan Manuel Jiménez-Arenas

Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114785 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3307

Abstract

Remote sensing is a useful tool for the documentation of archaeological sites. The products derived from a photogrammetric project applied to archaeology such as orthophotos and three-dimensional virtual reconstruction (3DVR), allow for detailed study of the Fuente Nueva 3 site in Orce. In [...] Read more.

Remote sensing is a useful tool for the documentation of archaeological sites. The products derived from a photogrammetric project applied to archaeology such as orthophotos and three-dimensional virtual reconstruction (3DVR), allow for detailed study of the Fuente Nueva 3 site in Orce. In our study of the Fuente Nueva 3 site in Orce, we used 3DVR intensively to map out the morphometric features of mammoth tusks exposed on the surface and a geological fault affecting the site’s deposits. To do so, we used imagery captured since 2017 in order to follow the evolution of ongoing excavations during each subsequent field season. We also integrated the 3DVR model in a videogame environment, to create a virtual reality (VR) that allows a VR navigation experience around the scenario using a head mounted display like Oculus Rift. The main features of this VR experience are: (1) It is ideal for the diffusion of archaeological contents since it permits an attractive presentation mode thanks to stereo visualization and realistic immersion sensations; (2) it provides a high level of detail all along the navigation experience, without incurring any damage to the archaeological remains; (3) it allows users to observe more details than they would in an in situ visit to the site; (4) it makes it possible to convert an archaeological site into portable heritage, opening up the possibility to extend visits to vulnerable groups: specifically those with reduced mobility. Our results show that using VR should permit enhancements to a visitor’s experience and contribute to the socio-economic development of the town of Orce, one of the Spanish municipalities with the lowest income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Visitor Attractions and Heritage Interpretation)

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