Abstract:

This study examines how destination personality, visitor experience, and destination loyalty jointly contribute to tourism resilience in Osaka-Kansai, particularly in the context of Expo 2025. A key aim is to develop a sustainability perspective lens for understanding destination loyalty and perceived destination resilience. Using Korean travelers as the empirical focus given that Osaka-Kansai is one of their most favored destinations the research investigates whether the region can sustain tourism after the mega-event concludes. The study's significance is heightened by examining traveler’s perceived destination resilience under conditions of change and adversity in the Osaka-Kansai area, including post-pandemic recovery, economic fluctuations, and the transition from mega-event excitement to sustained visitor interest. The structural model tests how destination personality shapes visitor experience, which influences destination loyalty, ultimately determining the area's capacity for post-Expo resilience. This empirical research with Korean travelers provides a sustainability-oriented framework for analyzing these interrelationships, offering critical insights for destinations navigating uncertainty and transformation, with both theoretical and practical implications for destination management.

Abstract: This study investigated how adding squat exercises to the end of warm-ups affects sprinting, jumping, agility, and aerobic fitness in youth soccer players. Twenty-four male U17 players were split into two groups: one performed squats (experimental) and the other did rondo drills (control) for nine weeks. The squat group trained twice a week, doing 3–4 sets of 4–12 reps at increasing intensity (50–85% of 1-RM). After the intervention, the squat group showed significant gains in sprint speed (10 m: –3.8%; 30 m: –2.7%), jumping power (SJ: +6.8%; CMJ: +7.2%; SLJ: +3.8%; 5JT: +3.6%), and agility (–2.8%), while aerobic capacity changed little (+3.4%). The control group showed no improvement. Overall, integrating brief, progressive squat exercises at the end of warm-ups twice weekly led to clear improvements in explosive and agility performance, with minimal effect on endurance.

Abstract:

Tourism, being an inherently fragmented and multisectoral phenomenon, requires the involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders. The main aim of the present study is to map local tourism stakeholders and analyze governance networks. The researchers recruited research participants from key tourism stakeholders through purposive sampling techniques. Closed-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions were used for collecting data. This study applied the power-interest grid for mapping local tourism stakeholders. In addition, by applying the concept of resource dependency theory, the Social Network Analysis technique was employed for mapping the local tourism governance networks. The findings disclosed that the local tourism stakeholder map primarily comprises government institutions, tourism businesses, local communities, and civil society organizations. Even though tourism government institutions and large tourism businesses established strong linkages, the network density was found to be moderate. Implementing effective stakeholder mapping techniques and strengthening local tourism governance networks is crucial to augment sustainable tourism. This study makes a substantive contribution to academia by providing insights into the methods and techniques essential for mapping tourism stakeholders and governance networks. Moreover, the study has practical implications for destination management organizations, policymakers, and destination administrators.

Abstract: Basketball is an intermittent sport with high neuromuscular and metabolic demands. To optimize specificity, training tasks should replicate competitive loads, but little is known about how drills compare to official matches. This study compared the physiological and biomechanical load of training tasks with official competition in elite U18 basketball players. Twelve male players (16.9 ± 0.8 years) were monitored across two seasons (179 training sessions, 21 matches). A total of 3,136 individual records were collected using Catapult Vector S7 LPS units. Training drills were classified by specificity (0–5). Physiological (distance and intensity zones) and biomechanical variables (accelerations, decelerations, jumps, explosive efforts, PlayerLoad™) were analyzed using cluster analysis and linear mixed models. Competition imposed the highest physiological and biomechanical loads. Non-opposition drills (1v0–5v0) showed limited transfer, though 1v0–2v0 accumulated higher jump density. Among opposition formats, 3v3 full court best replicated match demands. Continuous opposition tasks (3v3v3, 4v4v4, 5v5v5) elicited lower physiological but comparable biomechanical load. Small-sided formats, particularly 3v3 and 4v4, are the most effective training tools for reproducing competition demands, while non-opposition drills are better suited for technical or rehabilitation purposes.

Abstract: One of the viable, but less explored extended activities at ecotourism sites such as zoological parks and gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature reserves in Ghana is ecomuseum. Preliminary research at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ashanti Region of Ghana revealed that there is less patronage of the ecotourism facility due to the absence of extended activities targeted at visitor engagement and enrichment of cultural heritage experience. This convergent parallel mixed methods study adopts phenomenology and descriptive study as research designs investigate the possibility of establishing an ecomuseum at the sanctuary. The study found that the establishment of the proposed ecomuseum would promote and project the cultural values and traditions of the local communities. Also, it would enhance visitor engagement, promote local community ownership, incrrease revenue generation at the wildlife sanctuary and lead to the conservation of nature. The study contends that the establishment of ecomuseums would lead to greater patronage of Ghana’s Protected Areas while creating job avenues especially for forest-fringe communities. The study proposes an investment into the establishment of local-specific extended activities in the various nature reserves, zoological parks, and gardens as well as wildlife sanctuaries in the country to enhance ecotourism development in Ghana.

Abstract: The conservation status of saltscapes can vary. These areas possess their own biodiversity, which can even be stimulated by balanced socio-ecological systems, particularly those where the development of economic activities has a low ecological footprint, as is the case of traditional salt production. This study examined the conservation status of Portuguese saltscapes, related not only to the ancient activity of extracting salt-based products, but also to the more recent emergence of cultural ecosystem services, particularly those related to tourism. Using the concept of socio-ecological systems and cross-referencing official statistical data with aerial imagery analysis, the study tested the conservation status of some saltscapes, determining whether traditional salt production areas tended to be regenerated or abandoned. The results showed that, in the main areas related to traditional salt production, conservation of saltscapes has been ongoing in recent years, particularly through the regeneration of several production areas. In some of these salt pan areas, tourism activities have been developed, increasing the resilience of the activity from a socioeconomic perspective. Saltscapes—with a particular focus on the conservation of traditional salt pans—provide ecosystem services that go beyond mere salt extraction, as they are being ecologically and culturally revalued through tourism-related activities.

Abstract: Shalimar Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Mughal engineering but underutilizes its educational potential. A mixed-methods study (n=437; surveys, inter-views) found that independent visitors are less satisfied (60.1±3.8%) than guided groups (71.3±3.2%; p=0.004), and youth (≤35 years) are less engaged (35.2±3.7%). South Asian visitors are very culturally engaged (>80%; OR=1.87, p=0.012), while interna-tional tourists suffer accessibility difficulties (18.7%; β=−0.61, p< 0.001). Post-2020 digi-tal initiatives enhanced visits (28.4±3.1% yearly growth; r=0.79), while seasonality (+41.2% Q3–Q4) and linguistic gaps (AOR=2.11, p=0.002) persisted. Our Algorithmic Interpretation Framework combines generative AI (Δ+22–28% participation), interna-tional networks, and community archives to promote SDG 11.4 compliance. It pro-vides scalable, tech-driven UNESCO site solutions.

Abstract: The biases in the theory and practice of Soviet-style socialism, particularly the misperceptions in the understanding of power, not only destroyed the symbiosis between self-interest and fairness but also left the people with neither private ownership nor fairness to speak of. While the power-holding stratum professed socialist "fairness and justice," they had, in essence, "betrayed" the moral norms preserved through human evolution. They were compelled to rely on absurd means such as violence, lies, falsification, and blockades to sustain severely imbalanced social interactions. Under the discipline of alienated power, this repeatedly gave rise to multiple major catastrophes in the 20th century.

Abstract: The whale shark aggregation area in La Paz has given rise to a vital wildlife tourism activity since the mid-1990s, which has been consolidated during the first decade of the 21st century. La Paz Bay is one of the three sites in Mexico where whale shark wildlife tourism is practiced. Biological and ecological research of whale sharks in the La Paz Bay is extensive. However, there is a considerable lack of knowledge about the socioeconomic implications of this activity. Understanding the recreational values of users of the whale shark area is fundamental to formulating an effective management policy. Using the individual travel cost method, we estimate the recreational value of whale shark marine wildlife in La Paz Bay—the estimated individual´s willingness to pay ranges from 8 to 27 US$ per trip. The recreational value of whale shark wildlife tourism ranges from 304,600 to 1,028,025 US$/season. The recreational value per whale shark ranges from 2,361 to 14,083 US$. These results serve as a baseline for implementing economic and environmental policies and/or instruments to collect financial resources, aiming to strengthen actions oriented towards site and species conservation. Community-based management options, limitations, and opportunities are also discussed.

Abstract: This study investigates the potential of creative tourism in Thailand’s national parks and the role of social media in promoting creative-tourism experiences. The objectives were to examine creative tourism activities, identify visitor segments based on activity preferences and media use, and propose targeted communication strategies to enhance engagement and support sustainable tourism. A mixed-methods design combined document review of 133 national parks, field surveys in 10 parks, and a structured visitor survey with 1,133 respondents across terrestrial and marine parks. The study identified 25 tourism activities, of which 20 were classified as creative tourism. Ex-ploratory Factor Analysis revealed four key dimensions: nature-based learning, scenic immersion, community participation, and culinary experiences. Cluster analysis seg-mented visitors into five groups: Local Advocates, Nature Explorers, Food Enthusiasts, Nature Learners, and Diverse Enthusiasts. Media preferences varied across groups. Nature Explorers and Food Enthusiasts engaged strongly with short-form videos and scenic visuals, while Local Advocates and Nature Learners preferred educational and text-based formats. Diverse Enthusiasts, the largest segment, interacted with multiple content types. Scenic imagery emerged as the most influential theme overall. These results provide practical implications for designing creative tourism strategies and creating social media campaigns to diverse groups of tourists in Thailand’s national parks.

Abstract: Mountain cultural landscapes represent dynamic systems where heritage, policy, and tourism intersect to shape local resilience. This study explores how public incentives and adaptive reuse frameworks can transform traditional settlements into sustainable tourism destinations. Building on the Conservation–Development model of Zhao et al. [8], an additional 'Investigation' axis is introduced to empirically link policy intent, investment implementation and demographic outcomes. Combining archival research, quantitative indicators and spatial analysis, the study examines the impact of successive development laws (1982–2022) on the evolution of heritage hospitality, focusing on small-scale, high-altitude enterprises that integrate cultural preservation with local entrepreneurship. The UNESCO cultural landscape of Zagori, Greece, serves as the empirical context of this analysis. The results reveal that heritage hospitality, driven by policy incentives rather than spontaneous market growth has formed a micro-network of small-scale hotels, reinforcing both preservation and local resilience. Municipal-level patterns indicate that population decline was mitigated where heritage hospitality coexisted with diversified tourism infrastructure. Conversely, overconcentration or policy gaps led to stagnation. These findings position Zagori as a model for policy-driven, heritage-based sustainability in mountain cultural landscapes, emphasizing the interplay between legislation, built heritage and population vitality.

Abstract: This study explores the factors influencing pro-environmental behavioral intention among local visitors to heritage sites, aiming to inform effective heritage site management strategies. Extending the framework of norm activation theory (NAT), the study integrates place attachment to elucidate pro-environmental behavioral intention in the Hail region heritage site of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a simple random sample of local visitors to Hail, which was then subjected to multiple statistical analyses to test the hypotheses. Out of 600 questionnaires, 543 local visitors participated, resulting in a 90.4% response rate. 503 were deemed valid for research. Structural analysis revealed significant relationships within the adapted NAT model, particularly in the context of cultural relics. Place attachment emerged as the strongest predictor of pro-environmental behavioral intentions among heritage site visitors.

Abstract: Destinations such as Bali face intensifying overtourism, which undermines ecological integrity, cultural authenticity, and local livelihoods. Traditional sustainable tourism approaches have proven insufficient, leading to calls for regenerative tourism that restores ecosystems and strengthens communities. This study examines how Penta-Helix collaboration can drive regenerative tourism, mitigate overtourism, and deliver sustainability outcomes. A mixed-methods design was employed. Survey data from 220 domestic and international visitors were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM–PLS) to test relationships among Penta-Helix collaboration, regenerative tourism, overtourism mitigation, and sustainability outcomes. To complement these findings, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was conducted with 30–40 key stakeholders drawn from 100 informants (government, businesses, communities, academia, and media) to prioritize mitigation strategies. SEM–PLS results indicate that Penta-Helix collaboration significantly enhances regenerative tourism practices (β = 0.62), which strongly reduce overtourism impacts (β = 0.58). Mediation tests reveal that overtourism mitigation is a key mechanism linking regenerative tourism to triple bottom line outcomes (economic, socio-cultural, environmental). AHP results show that carrying capacity enforcement and participatory governance emerge as the top-priority strategies, underscoring the dual importance of institutional policy and community empowerment. The findings advance theoretical debates by positioning regenerative tourism as a systemic innovation enabled by networked governance and operationalized through overtourism mitigation strategies. Practically, the study highlights the need for policy enforcement, participatory governance, and adaptive destination management to embed regenerative principles in overtourism hotspots.

Abstract: Cultural landscapes are facing increasing challenges in terms of sustainable financing, owing to fiscal austerity and limited public funding. This study explores tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the conservation of cultural landscapes through Japan’s Furusato Nozei (Tax payment to hometown), which institutionalises ‘impure altruism’ by combining tax incentives and return gifts. We developed an integrative model that incorporates psychological pathways (motivation and destination evaluation), behavioural investments (time, expenditure, and local interaction), and socio-demographic conditions. We surveyed 500 tourists who visited Shibamata, Tokyo, and analysed the collected data using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results indicate that motivation significantly influences WTP indirectly through destination evaluation, while behavioural investments—particularly interactions with locals—positively affect WTP. Among demographic factors, age (negative) and marital status (positive) showed significant effects, whereas income, sex, and residential location did not. These findings suggest that Furusato-Nozei’s institutional design may reduce the role of financial capacity, making emotional and social factors more decisive. This study contributes theoretically by linking institutionalised impure altruism with the intention–behaviour gap, empirically by quantifying tourists’ perspectives on heritage financing, and practically by offering policy insights for sustainable cultural landscape conservation.

Abstract: Many destinations depend significantly on tourists’ future behavioural intention. Hence, comprehending the interaction between cognitive and affective images is vital for obtaining in-depth insights into tourists’ perceptions of a destination. This study examined the differences in the affective and cognitive components of first-time and repeat travellers’ views of the destination image of Thailand and their intent to revisit and endorse it. The interactions between cognitive, affective, and behavioural processes for understanding and predicting between cognitive, affective, and behavioural processes for understanding and predicting human behviour were described using the cognitive-affective-behavioural model. Data were obtained from 392 international travellers. A multigroup analysis (between-group analysis) was done with partial least squares-structural equation modelling. The results demonstrate that repeat and first-time travellers did non have do not significantly differing perceptions of the destination image of Thailand. Destination marketing organisations should develop new marketing strategies, create marketing plans, provide updated information, and offer loyalty programmes or incentives to improved tourist destinations.

Abstract: Community-based tourism (CBT) is promoted as a sustainable development strategy, yet implementation often fails to empower local communities. This study examines how structural barriers (Bar) shape community disempowerment (Dsemp) and local support (Lcst) for tourism development in the Ankasa Conservation Area (ACA), Ghana. A cross-sectional survey of 205 residents from three adjacent communities was conducted using validated scales measuring structural barriers, disempowerment, and reduced local support. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity, and the structural model achieved excellent fit (χ² (42) = 46.315, p = 0.299; RMSEA = 0.022; CFI = 0.995; TLI = 0.993). Structural barriers significantly predicted community disempowerment (β = 0.192, p = 0.015). However, disempowerment did not significantly reduce local support for tourism (β = 0.058, p = 0.480). Despite limited benefits, residents maintained support for tourism. Findings challenge linear assumptions in Social Exchange Theory (SET), suggesting resilience and future expectations underpinning support despite disempowerment. Addressing governance deficiencies, elite capture, and economic barriers is critical for fostering community empowerment and sustainable tourism development.

Abstract: Background: Early childhood is crucial for motor and cognitive development, with physical activity playing a key role. Mini-trampoline exercises may offer an effective approach to enhance these domains. Methods: This study assessed the effects of a mini-trampoline program on executive functions, such as attention and inhibitory control, and motor skills, including balance and coordination, in Tunisian preschoolers. Fifty-four children (Age 3.87 ± 0.47 years) participated in a 12-week intervention, divided into a control group (n = 27), following standard activities, and an experimental group (n = 27), engaging in mini-trampoline exercises. Pre- and post-tests measured motor skills like postural steadiness, balance, and coordination, as well as cognitive functions, including working memory and inhibition. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group for functional mobility, postural steadiness, lower body strength, and inhibition (p &lt; 0.001), whereas the control group showed minimal changes. ANOVA revealed no significant group × time effects, except for a trend in postural steadiness (p = 0.062), suggesting a potential benefit of the intervention. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of mini-trampoline exercises to enhance motor skills and specific executive functions in preschoolers, supporting their overall development.

Abstract: The study examines the travel behaviour and motivations of tourists visiting heritage attractions in the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) in South Africa, as part of the sustainable development of rural heritage tourism. A quantitative approach through a means of a questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample size of 208 respondents at major heritage attractions in the study area. The results indicate that the respondents are primarily motivated by cultural performances, historical stories and sites associated with mining and agricultural heritage. The study identified that tourists are more concerned about the level of crime and environmental degradation as inhibiting factors to their attitudes and behaviours of participation. The study also demonstrates the socio-economic and environmental barriers rural municipalities deal with. The study provides practical recommendations for enhancing cultural engage-ment, addressing safety concerns, and promoting local economic development, thereby fostering a more sustainable and inclusive approach to heritage tourism in the SDM.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to identify doctoral and postdoctoral dissertations that were created between 2003-2023 and based on tourism research, and the promotion procedures were conducted within the discipline of ‘Physical culture sciences’ (PCS). An attempt was made to identify the connections between such theses and other fields/disciplines of science and the methodological approaches used in them. The conducted research was empirical in nature, and its result is the opinions of the authors of 119 doctoral theses and 42 postdoctoral dissertations addressing tourism issues on the scientific disciplines within which these works were located. The research results revealed strong connections between “tourism” Ph.D. and postdoctoral theses completed in the PCS discipline, especially with the fields of ‘Social Sciences’ and ‘Humanities’. In the research, it was shown that doctoral and postdoctoral dissertations devoted to tourism issues completed within the discipline of PCS are characterised by great diversity concerning the applied methodological approaches. They are largely multi-/inter-disciplinary in nature, and the doctoral theses are dominated by empirical methods focused on cultural research. At the same time, these profiles are strongly diversified depending on to which other field of science the works formally assigned to the PCS are related.

Abstract: Background: Teaching evaluation of university badminton elective courses remains limited in terms of systematization, quantification, and feasibility, particularly given their skill-oriented nature and the challenges of handling fuzzy information.Methods: This study developed and applied an evaluation framework integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE). The framework included four dimensions—teaching resources, teaching process, student participation, and skill development—with weights determined through expert consultation. Skill development received the highest weight (35.22%). A total of 175 valid student questionnaires were analyzed using AHP-derived weights and the FCE method.Results: Findings indicated that the overall evaluation of the sampled courses reached a “good” level. Among the dimensions, skill development was identified as the most influential factor, while teaching resources served as a critical foundation.Conclusions: The AHP-FCE framework offers a reliable quantitative tool for assessing the teaching quality of badminton elective courses. It underscores the central role of skill development and supports the advancement of evaluation methods toward greater scientific rigor and precision in physical education.