Until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual tourism was not as popular as during its duration in 2021, when traveling in the real world was not possible due to social isolation and forced ...quarantine. In response to the lockdown and the lack of freedom of movement around the world, tourists decided to travel in cyberspace during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this way only, and without leaving home, could they visit tourist attractions, watch museum exhibitions, participate in various media events and take virtual walks. After the “unfreezing” of tourism, the time has now come to adapt tourism to the post-pandemic normality. The aim of the paper is to discover whether the new trend of online tourism that developed during the pandemic will stay with us forever and how it will evolve, especially for Generation Z, who are just entering the labor market but who, at the same time, will determine the future of tourism soon. The research results show that as the pandemic restrictions disappear, the need to experience various forms of tourism in places previously viewed in cyberspace (virtually), occurs among the representatives of Generation Z. Thus, virtual tourism is a form that precedes and complements a real journey. The qualitative method was chosen for the research conducted in Poland. The research was carried out in 2022. A total of 40 focus groups of 7 people each (N = 280) participated in the research. They consisted of Generation Z representatives born after 1995; the oldest of them will be 27 in 2022. In parallel, the method of in-depth individual interviews was used in the research. In order to reach the participants, a non-random sample was chosen using the “snowball” method. In total, 100 people took part in the in-depth individual interview. The two-track research allowed to obtain a total sample of N = 380.
Tourism is a sector of high relevance worldwide, due to the multiple impacts it generates in local, regional, national, continental, and global economies, and it is a key generator of employment and ...provides sustenance to an innumerable number of people around the world. There have been many challenges at a global level to improve the user experience in a particular tourist place, where technology has played a highly relevant role in strengthening the conditions for tourists to achieve immersion in the culture, gastronomy, and recreation. The objective of this literature review is precisely to know and understand the key contributions that are currently being developed around the implementation of augmented reality as tourist technological support for user experiences. The literature on this topic is quite dispersed in specialized databases; therefore, it constitutes an opportunity to carry out a more detailed exploration of the topic. To address the different developments that have been carried out on tourism and augmented reality, an analysis was carried out based on the fusion of scientometric analysis and the metaphor of the Tree of Science, in which two relevant visions about the data were generated. The first focused on the different scientometric statistics regarding countries, authors, universities, or research or technological development centers that currently generate new applications based on augmented reality for tourism. The second focused on an evolutionary analysis based on the Tree of Science, analyzing the origins of the basic contributions of research and how it has evolved over time. This review indicates that the topic is currently valid and that it has been strengthened even more with the post-pandemic process, where many technological developments have been strengthened that allow people to enjoy tourist and cultural sites even without leaving home.
La pandemia de COVID-19 forzó al sector turístico a detener una maquinaria mundial que llegó a mover a 1460 millones de viajeros internacionales durante 2019 y generar 1,7 billones de dólares en ...exportaciones. El turismo, que se había convertido en tabla salvadora para muchas economías golpeadas por la anterior crisis económica, ha sufrido especialmente las consecuencias socio-económicas de la pandemia, pero al mismo tiempo se ha convertido en un terreno de innovación social en el que se han podido estudiar sincrónicamente fenómenos de adaptación que probablemente cambien de forma duradera las formas en las que practicamos y nos relacionamos, en diferentes niveles, con el turismo.
El presente texto sirve al mismo tiempo como presentación de monográfico “Turismo post-COVID-19 desde las Ciencias Sociales” que Barataria nos ha facilitado coordinar y como reflexión teórica sobre cómo la pandemia ha impactado en el turismo como hecho social total.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the tourism sector to stop a global machine that moved 1.46 billion international travellers during 2019 and generated 1.7 trillion dollars in exports. Tourism, which had ...become a lifeline for many economies hit by the 2008 previous economic crisis, has suffered especially the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, but at the same time it has become a field of social innovation in which adaptation phenomena have been studied synchronously. These changes will probably change permanently the ways in which we practice and interact, at different levels, with tourism. This article serves at the same time as a presentation of the monographic "Post-COVID-19 Tourism from the Social Sciences" that Barataria has facilitated us to coordinate and as a theoretical reflection on how the pandemic has impacted tourism as a total social fact. The general agreement, in the contributions to this number, of certain conclusions is a good indicator of its reliability and relevance. La pandemia de COVID-19 forzó al sector turístico a detener una maquinaria mundial que llegó a mover a 1.460 millones de viajeros internacionales durante 2019 y generar 1,7 billones de dólares en exportaciones. El turismo, que se había convertido en tabla salvadora para muchas economías golpeadas por el desfalco de 2007, ha sufrido especialmente las consecuencias socio-económicas de la pandemia, pero al mismo tiempo se ha convertido en un terreno de innovación social en el que se han podido estudiar sincrónicamente fenómenos de adaptación que probablemente cambien de forma duradera las formas en las que practicamos y nos relacionamos, en diferentes niveles, con el turismo. El presente texto sirve como presentación al monográfico “Turismo post-COVID-19 desde las Ciencias Sociales” que Barataria nos ha facilitado coordinar y como reflexión teórica sobre cómo la pandemia ha impactado en el turismo como hecho social total. La coincidencia generalizada, en las contribuciones a este número, de determinadas conclusiones es un buen indicador de la fiabilidad y relevancia del mismo.
Purpose
– This study aims to assess the possibility of adapting evidence-based policies in the daily operations of tour operators in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. This intervention is important, as ...on-site investigations reveal that operators are operating their businesses with little reference to the ecotourism policy guidelines.
Design/methodology/approach
– This study adopted a full qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted on tour operators in Semporna, while text mining was used to elicit data from the Malaysian National Ecotourism Plan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from the primary sources.
Findings
– Gaps were evident between best practices guidelines from the National Ecotourism Plan and the day-to-day practices of tour operators in Semporna, Sabah. This was due to the limitations of the National Ecotourism Plan and the limitations of the operators in identifying and adhering to best practices; the impracticality of best practices in site-specific scenarios; and the benefit of adapting evidence-based practices (ECP) in Semporna, Sabah.
Practical implications
– The implications of this study include a plan to bring forth a non-parochial and innovative approach in rural tourism policymaking process and to advocate evidence-based intervention through the inclusion and participation of stakeholders.
Originality/value
– This study contributes towards the requisite of evidence-based intervention for rural tourism policies to meet site-specific needs.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to share information on how the advantages of tourism are both a result and a determinant of the quality of life in rural areas. Consequently, it is one of the ...main factors for sustainable development in the social context.
Design/methodology/approach
– Quantitative and qualitative research was undertaken of 36 villages that have been developing rural tourism for at least 20 years in Poland. In-depth interviews were conducted with destination management organizations (DMO) leaders and members of the local communities. Direct observation was used to gain an understanding of the realities in the field. Round table discussions with managers of rural tourism and members of the communities helped to perform the cost-benefit analysis of the development of rural tourism. This study was conducted between the years 2009 and 2014.
Findings
– This study monitored patterns and changes in residents’ quality of life and measured their perceptions of rural tourism. The findings showed that negligence and errors during the planning stage results in a negative opinion of tourism, leading to unfavorable effects on future development, causing intolerable material, financial and social costs. Three types of factors influencing tourism were identified: social and technical infrastructure, ecology and lifestyle. These findings are important for local policymakers and rural tourism business.
Research limitations/implications
– Readers need to remember that only clearly determined population was considered in the research and specific sampling settings; reference to other settings may have produced different results. The extent to which the findings can be generalized certainly requires further investigation.
Practical implications
– The development of rural tourism is considered a viable means to attract tourists to a destination and to enhance residents’ overall quality of life. However, the perception of tourism’s influence on the overall quality of life depended on internal marketing and proper communication. This study yielded interesting conclusions that have practical implications for DMO and tourism leaders who continually evaluate rural tourism initiatives.
Social implications
– The experience of 20 years in the Polish modern agrotourism industry represent a set of observations concerning both the improvement within the quality of life of rural residents, as well as the danger of social conflict, depending on the management tools and practices applied at rural tourist destinations. Negligence and errors during the planning stage may result in a negative opinion of tourism, leading to unfavorable effects on future development of tourism and causing intolerable material, financial and social costs.
Originality/value
– Although this study referred to communities living in Polish villages, the findings show that detailed planning and the DMO’s communication efforts resulted in positive opinions from local residents with regard to tourism, and helped to avoid high material, financial and social costs. The case studies from Poland offer a universal benchmark in managing rural tourism destinations and show the challenges that needed to be addressed for the development of sustainable rural tourist destinations.
Purpose
– This paper aims to explore innovative education approaches in a rural area of Thailand and the socioeconomic transformation fostered in that area through community-based tourism.
...Design/methodology/approach
– This study examined the elements in a case study that successfully linked “non-formal education” (NFE) channels to community development. More than half the population of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) still lives in rural areas, where poverty is widespread. Numerous programmes have been initiated to address the socioeconomic imbalances of the region, and tourism is now considered a driver for rural economic development. However, the development of human resources in rural areas remains low. Education is considered both an important tool for development and a channel for innovative practices to effect the socioeconomic transformation of rural areas. The data for this case study were sourced from secondary documents such as institutional communication, statistics, iconographic documents and websites. The data were analysed through content analysis and provided the basis for interpretation and conceptualisation of the innovative practices adopted by the school.
Findings
– This study found that the efforts deployed in setting up a non-formal school in a marginalised rural area placed the community at the centre of the pedagogical approach. NFE, indeed, was found to have the ability to enhance the new concept of sustainability for socioeconomic transformation. It helped to leverage the knowledge gained at school onto other skills such as communication and business and built entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge of newer technology required to develop the tourism industry.
Research limitations/implications
– This study is expected to delineate the basis of a framework for innovation in rural education. This framework should be relevant to researchers and practitioners, and could guide local communities in Thailand and other areas of ASEAN.
Originality/value
– This is the first study of its kind to examine innovative practices initiated by a specific community school that enhanced tourism and built entrepreneurs. This model can be replicated in other field studies.
Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to analyse the importance of rural communities’ participation in the management of tourism development.
Design/methodology/approach
– A case study was conducted ...at the Katse and Mohale Tourism Development Area of Lesotho. This study was conducted in three villages adjacent to the Ts’ehlanyane Nature Reserve: Ha ‘Mali, Bokong Nature Reserve; Ha Lejone and Liphofung Nature Reserve; and Phelandaba using a mixed method design. In-depth interviews were conducted with Conservation Committee Forum members, and a survey was conducted on various stakeholders that included local rural communities, local authorities, nature reserve managers, tourism officers and environmental/conservation officers.
Findings
– Respondents from all three villages (Ha Lejone, Ha ‘Mali and Phelandaba) shared the same preference of greater community involvement and decision-making power in the management of tourism. Ha ‘Mali and Ha Lejone respondents recognised community members’ participation but the Phelandaba respondents generally disagreed that the communities were involved in management, as they indicated not being consulted in any planning about tourism.
Practical implications
– This study concluded that governments should not merely set aside conservation areas or construct tourist destinations in rural areas but should also empower local communities to participate in all stages of planning, developing and managing the tourism venture. Involving community members in the formulation of supporting tourism regulations, implementation, monitoring and evaluation procedures would be beneficial for sustainable development of rural tourism. Building partnership amongst all tourism-related stakeholders in rural tourism management is an ideal tool for promoting rural tourism.
Originality/value
– Although the case study specifically referred to KMTD, the information gathered was used to formulate a model of the elements influencing rural tourism benefit-sharing processes from the perspective of a rural local community.
Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to report the findings of a benchmarking exercise among official tourism websites of five Southeast Asian countries. website benchmarking, namely, a strategy ...used to evaluate and compare website quality, has been widely used within the context of tourism studies. Yet there is a relative lack of information concerning best practices for official tourism websites as a form of promoting rural tourism and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
– By using a qualitative approach, a group of six tourism researchers were invited to evaluate official tourism websites of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines for user-friendliness, site attractiveness, marketing attractiveness and provision of information on rural tourism and sustainability.
Findings
– Overall, the evaluations provided by the researchers indicated that in general, the Indonesian and Malaysian websites were always perceived as the best options compared to the Thai, Philippine and Vietnamese online platforms, mainly due to their visual appeal. However, this study also highlighted that the information about rural tourism products in all the websites evaluated was regarded as being very limited. Furthermore, the variety and diversity of respondents’ opinions showed that subjective components played a role in the interpretation of the websites.
Practical implications
– Based on the findings of this study, three main recommendations have been suggested to assist tourism websites’ designers to design more impactful websites.
Originality/value
– The novelty of this study lies in the consideration of websites as interactional and dialectical narratives whose meanings are produced, negotiated or challenged by the users.
Purpose
– The main aim of this paper is to review the contribution made by this theme issue in responding to the strategic question: “How do we develop more sustainable and responsible rural tourism ...by benchmarking innovations and new practices in Asia?”
Design/methodology/approach
– A content analysis of the papers was undertaken to learn from best practices within and outside Asia. Structured questions were used to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point and the nature of the contribution made by the writing team.
Findings
– This summary highlights the most significant outcomes in terms of the contributions to knowledge and/or professional practice, and also the implications for management action and applied research arising from the review of best practices in Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, India, China and Chinese Taipei. Some of the innovative approaches that can be adopted by Asia from non-Asian countries, namely, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Lesotho and Poland, are also presented.
Research limitations/implications
– This paper outlines the challenges and new approaches needed in managing and developing rural tourism initiatives that have been established in other countries.
Originality/value
– This paper explores the extent to which the lessons and innovative approaches discussed in this theme issue could be replicated and applied in countries that are developing rural tourism.
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