Abstract: This study aimed to identify relationships between variables by integrating green consumption value (GCV), attitude toward foods, and brand evangelism for farm-to-table (FTT) foods in the context of green food tourism. Moreover, the study aimed to provide insights into the travel behaviour of tourists. The study sample comprised 473 South Koreans who participated in FTT events held in a rural area. Data analyses consisted of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Data analyses showed that health value had the greatest influence on attitude toward FTT foods, followed by emotional value, environmental consciousness, quality value, and social value. Moreover, a positive relationship was found between attitude toward FTT foods, purchase intention, and positive and oppositional brand referrals. In particular, the importance of health value, environmental consciousness, and social value, and the relationship between the sub-variables of brand evangelism, was a finding that differed from previous food tourism studies. Understanding tourists' consumption value for FTT foods in the context of green food tourism is crucial for effectively measuring tourist behaviour. However, the relationship between GCV, attitude toward foods, and brand evangelism for FTT foods has not yet been investigated. Suitably, this study is the first attempt to discuss these tourist behaviours.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of harvest-time temperature on the aroma composition and sensory expression of Hárslevelű wines from the Tokaj region, with particular re-levance to sustainable gastronomy, where freshness, aromatic precision and reduced technological inputs are increasingly prioritised. Grapes were harvested either at night under cool pre-dawn conditions (18 °C) or at midday during high-temperature (28 °C) exposure, and subsequently processed through controlled microvinifications using bi-oprotection with Metschnikowia pulcherrima, applied alone or in combination with SO₂. Volatile compounds were analysed by HS-SPME–GC–MS and interpreted through PLS-DA, while sensory evaluation followed OIV standards and was complemented by qualitative insights from fine-dining chefs. Night-harvested wines contained higher levels of fresh, floral and citrus-associated terpene- and ester-derived volatiles, whereas sun-harvested wines exhibited riper aromatic traits and higher perceived acidity. Bi-oprotection increased metabolic diversity and enhanced ester formation but did not eliminate the fundamental differences imposed by harvest temperature. Sensory results consistently showed that night-harvested wines displayed greater aromatic purity, freshness and overall harmony across treatments. These findings demonstrate that night harvesting, particularly when combined with bioprotection, supports the pro-duction of aromatically expressive, high-quality Tokaj wines in alignment with the principles of sustainable gastronomy.

Abstract:

This study examines how Generation Z’s digital practices on TikTok and Instagram shape their music festival experiences, focusing on event perception, engagement, and the development of collective identity. The aim is to identify key factors connecting online and offline aspects of festival participation. The research adopts a quantitative approach based on an online survey of 248 respondents born between 1995 and 2010 from various regions of Serbia. Data were analysed in SPSS 26.0 using Spearman correlation, quantile regression, and the Mann–Whitney test. Findings show that frequent social media use has a positive but limited effect on how important these platforms are perceived for the festival experience. However, user-generated content created by attendees plays a more significant role in shaping engagement and attitudes than influencer content. Influencer credibility also influences how festivals are interpreted digitally. The interplay between online interaction and offline participation motivates content sharing and reinforces a sense of community. Overall, the study concludes that social media and digital narratives are central to Generation Z’s festival experience. Authentic, attendee-created content strongly contributes to collective identity, helping bridge digital and physical dimensions – insights valuable for festival organisers, influencers, and cultural tourism.

Abstract: This conceptual paper proposes a purpose-driven experiential marketing framework for film-inspired destinations, integrating sustainability and emotional engagement into destination management. The model comprises five interconnected dimensions — integrated experience, branding, people, emotional touchpoints and processes — articulated through purpose-driven marketing principles and aligned with relevant Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators. This alignment reinforces the model’s capacity to support ethical, transparent, and sustainability-oriented destination strategies. The framework was developed through an interdisciplinary literature review and is illustrated with insights from an exploratory case study of Monsanto, a rural Portuguese village recently featured in HBO's House of the Dragon. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of local stakeholders, including tourists, residents, entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives, and analysed thematically to assess the model’s relevance and practical applicability. The findings suggest that emotional engagement, co-creation, and territorial authenticity play a central role in shaping memorable, film-related tourism experiences that align with the destination’s purpose and value creation. The study also highlights the strategic importance of storytelling, audiovisual narratives and stakeholder collaboration in strengthening place identity and achieving sustainable differentiation. Although the study is exploratory in scope, the framework offers practical guidance for destination management organisations (DMOs), cultural programmers, and creative industry actors. The article concludes by identifying avenues for future research, including cross-regional validation, digital experimentation, and the quantitative assessment of experience dimensions.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of the Slow Food movement on sustainability and local gastronomy in North Cyprus. After reviewing key concepts such as sustainable gastronomy, local food heritage and regional practices, the research focuses on the five Cittaslow regions of North Cyprus and the development of Slow Food activities since 2013. Using a qualitative design with purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants, including local producers, chefs and regional administrators. The study identifies the challenges faced by local businesses, the role of Slow Food in promoting sustainable practices and the ways regional actors contribute to cultural and environmental preservation. Findings highlight both progress and gaps, offering practical recommendations and outlining areas for future research. As one of the few studies examining Slow Food in North Cyprus, the research provides valuable insights and contributes significantly to the existing literature.

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.