Sustainable Tourism, Part B

In an era where exceptional exhibitions and mega-events garner global attention, the association between economic advancement and environmental conservation grabs focus. This has never been more apparent than at Expo 2020 Dubai, a global event that incorporated progress, innovation and culture (Haneef & Ansari, 2019). This chapter aims to explore the relationship between sustainability, economic progress and environmental conservation through the lens of Expo 2020 Dubai. The research approach relies on prominent case studies, accentuating the contribution of Expo 2020 Dubai towards the global discussion on sustainable event management. This chapter dives into the sustainability framework, exploring strategies including eco-friendly infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management and community engagement. It demonstrates Expo 2020 Dubai's proactive approach in addressing the challenges of hosting mega-scale events sustainably. This chapter also adds value by elucidating the parallel sustainability journey, that is otherwise, often overshadowed by the economic aspects of global events (AML Gomba et al., 2018). On the whole, this chapter significantly contributes towards the understanding of sustainable event management by accentuating Expo 2020 Dubai. It highlights the event's role in driving environmental awareness and innovation, demonstrating how such mega-scale events can inspire future sustainable practices (Cull, 2022).

Over the past two decades, tourism in Zimbabwe was affected by the political and economic situation resulting from bad publicity. As a result, most ecotourism establishments under the CAMPFIRE program collapsed. Of the ecotourism establishments that survived, the revenues are decreasing such that incomes accruing to the communities have become insufficiently low. Hence, it became difficult to persuade the individuals to work collectively towards conserving and preserving the natural heritage. Ngomakurira Hills (a heritage site) was used as a case study for this particular chapter. The study used a qualitative methodology including observation, and literature review to enable the researcher to obtain the required information. Results of the study reveal that the community feels there has been a divergence from the original goals of the project which were community involvement, employment creation, improvement in income and standards of living. None of these goals were achieved, most of the respondents highlighted there has not been a change brought about by the project. The major factors affecting the potential for sustainable ecotourism at Ngomakurira were political and economic instability, lack of effective marketing and promotion, limited financial and human resources, corruption, lack of transparency, insufficient collaboration between the community, private and public sectors. The study recommends the development of an ecotourism model meant to ensure equitable distribution of ecotourism benefits, sustainable community support for the project by enhancing trans-generational preservation of natural and cultural resources.

Raja Ampat, located in West Papua – Indonesia, is renowned as a favoured tourist destination for manta ray tourism. In the years following the pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of visitors. Despite the benefits from tourists' expenditures, however, managing the influx of tourists poses an ongoing challenge in promoting sustainable tourism. This chapter focuses on carrying capacity studies examining manta ray tourism's economic, social and physical aspects in the Dampier Strait – Raja Ampat. Data was collected through on-site observations, interviews and surveys. The study aims to contribute to efforts and actions to reduce adverse effects on manta ray populations and their environments while advancing conservation, educational initiatives and responsible tourism practices for manta ray sustainable tourism. In summary, recommendations for sustainable tourism practices are proposed, including collaboration between stakeholders to continue research and monitoring, enforce guidelines and support conservation initiatives.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is creating a substantial buzz, yet there is another potentially transformative force which is making its appearance in the form of “green” revolution. Scientists, Social Scientists and Environmentalists worldwide are leveraging platforms to amplify their messages on protesting against the evils of anthropocentrism. Thus, in the realm of business, there's a noticeable shift towards focusing on green production, green services and green consumption. This trend has given rise to a new kind of entrepreneurship known as green entrepreneurship, which emphasises the creation of sustainable businesses with an environmentally conscious outlook. Eco-preneurs or eco-capitalists are being hailed for their noteworthy efforts in adopting green practices and promoting sustainability. An illustrative instance of this trend is Green Tourism, where tourists are nudged towards low ecological footprint leisure. In this chapter, the authors delve into the case studies of green entrepreneurs in the Himalayan region, examining how their initiatives have brought about a profound revolution in the lives of the local communities.

A captivating journey through Spain's verdant vineyards is unveiled in this study, where the burgeoning realm of wine tourism is revolutionising the wine industry from within. At the heart of this evolution lies Bodegas Franco-Españolas, where the fusion of wine culture, gastronomy and authenticity is being explored as a transformative force for sustainable and innovative practices. Through the lens of qualitative research, the myriad ways in which wine tourism acts as a catalyst for economic, social and environmental enrichment within the winemaking domain are revealed. This exploration transcends academic boundaries, offering a narrative of transformation that provides actionable insights and strategic frameworks for industry leaders and policymakers. The essence of wine tourism is being embraced, charting a course towards a future where the wine industry not only thrives but does so sustainably and innovatively. A toast is raised to a new era of wine tourism, where each glass poured signifies a step towards a greener, more vibrant viticultural landscape.

The carbon footprint measures a company's contribution to climate change. Implementing guidelines to address the rising carbon footprint while maintaining environmental compliance is essential. This chapter aims to identify existing sustainable practices, their benefits and drawbacks and examine the gaps in reducing the carbon footprint. Managing carbon footprint in sustainable tourism development is crucial today, where tourism has become a billion-dollar industry. Very few studies have investigated barriers to carbon footprint reduction programmes. This paper discusses the importance of reducing carbon footprints in the tourism industry. The five research objectives are (1) To judge the key factors contributing to the tourism industry's carbon footprint. (2) How can sustainable tourism development help reduce the carbon footprint? (3) What practical steps can tourism businesses take to manage their carbon footprint? (4) What is the impact of digital transformation on environmental sustainability? And (5) To identify the scope of an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and technology transformation. To this end, the researcher has chosen the literature mapping method to examine the impact of digital transformation on environmental sustainability and identify the scope of an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and technology transformation. Mapping has been described variously as a ‘graphic blueprint’, a ‘diagrammatic representation’ and a ‘geographical metaphor’ of the research field. Maps provide ‘tangible evidence’ of a student's comprehension and interpretation of the research domain that can be shared with peers and supervisors.

Sustainable tourism plays a crucial role in fostering community development, particularly in regions where indigenous tribal communities are economically disadvantaged despite their rich cultural heritage. India is home to diverse tribal populations with distinct traditions. This chapter explores the potential of sustainable tourism to drive community development in India's tribal regions. The key objectives include understanding the cultural significance of these communities as tourism assets, assessing the economic empowerment potential of sustainable tourism, evaluating environmental sustainability, exploring social inclusivity and scrutinising the role of policy and governance.

The Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) is a paramount step by the Government of India to develop sustainable communities through border tourism along the Indo-China border. The programme was launched with manifold objectives, e.g. border security (BS), event promotion (EP), infrastructure development (ID), livelihood creation (LC), check on out migration (OM) and local resource conservation (LRC). The programme performance was measured on the bases of six parameters, i.e. EP, LC, OM, LRC, service quality, BS and ID. The data was collected through a survey from participants of the Last Run, on 20th February 2023 at Pangong Tso (4225 Mt), Ladakh, India. The 65-survey data were obtained via a structured questionnaire from domestic tourists (who participated in the Last Run) on 9 parameters. The variance-based structural equation modelling (VB-SEM) was opted to test the hypothetical paths. This research was conducted with four objectives, i.e. (1) to put forward a programme performance measurement framework, (2) to find the mediation effect of word of mouth, among the relationship of Vibrant Village Programme Performance (VVPP) and destination revisit intention, (3) important Performance Metrix Analysis of the Model and (4) socio-economic impacts of the event in the border area. Tourism stakeholders can find important knowledge and can facilitate holistic destination management (especially event performance). The Smart PLS 4 was used in data analysis. The performance measurement of this programme is useable for policymakers, destination planners, researchers and business houses. This research work is a ready-to-implement document type; for tourism policymakers and managers, destination planners and border tourism event managers.

This research paper's goal is to determine whether social media communication has an impact on the loyalty of visitors. The study will explore the correlation between social media activity and visitors' loyalty by examining social media engagement. The research will take the form of surveys and a total of 385 questionnaires given to visitors at various locations of the Ladakh region, asking them about their social media actions and how they relate to loyalty. The data were analysed and tested using various statistical tools such as factor analysis, regression and structural equation modelling. The study's findings will shed important light on the interconnectivity between social media activity, visitor loyalty and the tourism industry. The study's findings show how environmental issues associated with tourism sites may be made aware to visitors through social media marketing and communication campaigns, which may eventually entice them to return.

Waterfalls are flow of water in the stream or river from mountains or hills to lower place. It is also called as cascades. Waterfall creation is significantly influenced by the process of erosion, which is the wearing away of the earth (Barton, 1974). It is usually located in the dense forest or bottom of the forest. The waterfalls are becoming important tourist destinations among tourists who are interested to visit forest through trekking (Goodall, 1990). Kumbakarai is the waterfalls located near Periyakulam town in the Vellagavi forest and it was developed by local businessman Chellan Iyer on par with Courtallam waterfalls in Tenkasi district. Kumbakarai waterfalls are being visited by thousands of tourists during the season and people from nearby districts visit frequently. This chapter mainly focuses on the tourist profile, mode of transport, facilities available in the waterfall area and suggestion for improving the destination to attract a greater number of tourists.

The Modhera Sun Temple, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the Chaulukya dynasty's reign in 1026-27 CE, graces Gujarat's Mehsana district. This historical gem holds profound cultural significance, and the ‘Solarisation of Modhera Sun Temple and Town’ project draws inspiration from this iconic monument. Its core vision is to seamlessly blend the temple's historical importance with modern sustainability by harnessing solar energy to power Modhera town. At the heart of this transformative endeavour lies the establishment of a 6 MW Grid-Connected Ground Mounted Solar PV Power Plant in Sujjanpura. This is complemented by the installation of 1383 1KW Rooftop Solar Systems on residential buildings in Modhera village. To ensure a continuous power supply, a 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Sujjanpura addresses solar power intermittency. The project also incorporates smart energy metres, a SCADA-based Smart Energy Centre at the Modhera Sun Temple, a 50 KW Solar Parking Infrastructure with Battery Storage and Electric Charging Stations, and sensor-based smart street lights. In October 2022, the Honourable Prime Minister inaugurated the Solar Powered 3-D Projection Mapping Show and Heritage Lighting at the Temple. Serving as a model for rural electrification through solar energy, it offers valuable insights for tackling renewable energy challenges on a broader scale. Noteworthy achievements include Modhera becoming the first Indian village to enjoy uninterrupted 24×7 solar energy access, a testament to the seamless fusion of ancient heritage and modern sustainability.

Kashmir is widely recognised as a prominent tourist destination within the Himalayan region of India. The Valley is abundant with a diverse range of valuable tourism assets. In order to ensure the sustainable utilization of these tourism resources, the implementation of an appropriate tourism policy is necessary. The primary objective of this study is to analyse government policies pertaining to the expansion and advancement of tourism in the Kashmir region. Additionally, the study also seeks to evaluate the potential for tourism and the influx of tourists in Kashmir. The Government of India has developed a preliminary tourist policy, as indicated by the research findings. It also focuses on enhancing human resources and tourism infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of tourists and promoting tourism education within the state. Furthermore, the government is diligently endeavouring to foster the growth of ecotourism and lesser known tourist locations through collaborative efforts with many relevant entities. This study utilises secondary data sources to analyse the economic implications of tourism in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to investigate several indicators of economic progress, including tourist arrivals, job creation, the state's gross domestic product (GDP), infrastructure development and regional advancement. In addition to the agricultural industry, the tourist sector has emerged as a prominent contributor to the economy, serving as a significant source of income and employment opportunities.

Spiti Valley is a home to temples, untouched natural landscapes and is enriched in flora and fauna. This makes Spiti Valley an emerging ecotourism destination. The prime objective of this study is to analyse the development of ecotourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, particularly in the region of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. This study provides an opportunity to examine the level of awareness about ecotourism among tourists. In order to achieve the objectives of the study quantitative methodology has been adopted. The data were collected through a questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate towards the awareness among the tourists regarding the environment and how everyone is playing their parts to conserve and protect the environment. The study also depicts the economic benefits of ecotourism to the region and how it can generate employment for the local people directly or indirectly.

The tourism industry plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, but its sustainability is crucial for long-term benefits. This study critically examines the effectiveness of subsidies as a strategic tool to promote sustainable tourism and contribute to economic development. The research explores various dimensions of subsidies and their impact on the triple bottom line – economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism. The study employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies and empirical data to assess the outcomes of subsidy programs in different regions. By adopting a critical lens, the research evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of subsidy initiatives, considering their influence on the overall sustainability of tourism destinations. Key focus areas include the analysis of government policies, financial incentives and support mechanisms designed to encourage sustainable practices within the tourism sector. The study also investigates the role of subsidies in enhancing community engagement, preserving cultural heritage and mitigating environmental impacts associated with tourism activities. Moreover, the research scrutinises the potential challenges and unintended consequences linked to subsidy implementation. This critical assessment aims to identify gaps in current subsidy strategies and provide recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders and practitioners to refine and optimise subsidy programs for sustainable tourism development. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of subsidy policies, sustainable tourism and economic growth. Ultimately, the research aims to provide valuable insights that can guide the formulation of effective subsidy frameworks, fostering a symbiotic relationship between tourism development and long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

This research article explores the intricate relationship between self-help groups (SHGs) and destination sustainability in the context of tourism. SHGs, typically formed by individuals with shared interests and objectives, have gained prominence as a means to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability at tourism destinations. This study investigates the impact of SHGs on destination sustainability, focusing on various dimensions, including economic empowerment, cultural preservation, environmental conservation and social development. After conducting an extensive review of the literature and supported by empirical case studies, this chapter undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the role played by SHGs in promoting the sustainability of tourism destinations. Furthermore, it examines the challenges encountered by SHGs in their pursuit of sustainable tourism objectives. The findings of this research contribute to a better understanding of the potential of SHGs in fostering destination sustainability and provide valuable insights for policymakers, destination managers and stakeholders interested in harnessing the power of community-driven initiatives for sustainable tourism.