ABSTRACT. Event professionals are ranked as one of the most stressful jobs (Adio, 2022; Strauss, 2017; Starr, 2018; Renzulli, 2019), and most jobs ranked higher pose a risk of injury or death (LinkedIn, 2022), including enlisted military personnel, firefighters, airline pilots, and police officers (Bermejo-Casado et al., 2017). Surprisingly, even a surgeon's job is considered less stressful, falling at #11 on the World Scholarship Vault ranking 2023 (Adio, 2022). Scoping reviews are specifically designed to identify gaps in the evidence base where no research has been conducted (Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L., 2005). This scoping review investigates the pervasive stress experienced by professionals in the event management industry. Given the sector’s explosive growth over the past few decades, this review explains the primary causes, impacts, and potential strategies for stress mitigation specific to event management practitioners. By synthesizing the breadth of existing literature, the review aimed to identify key themes and gaps in knowledge and inform future research and interventions to support the well-being of event management professionals. This review aimed to answer the following research questions: What are the key stressors identified in the literature related to event management? What is the impact of stress on individuals and organizations within the event management industry? What mitigation strategies are proposed or discussed in the literature to address stress in event management? The research rigorously analyzed 66 articles from an initial pool of 147 derived from 3097 publications, employing the PRISMA-ScR framework as a guiding methodological structure. The literature spans 39 years, from 1984 to 2023, presenting a synthesis of both scholarly and gray literature despite a conspicuous absence of academic research. The analysis reveals various categories of stressors, including time pressures, high client expectations, and the inherent unpredictability of event planning. Moreover, it emphasizes the detrimental effects of this stress on professionals, organizational performance, and overall job satisfaction, ultimately affecting retention and the industry’s reputation. Despite the significant challenges posed by stress in the profession, the study also categorizes various mitigation strategies derived from the literature. These strategies encompass various best practices, including effective time management, delegation, building supportive professional networks, and implementing self-care routines. By systematically extracting and organizing critical findings related to stressors, the impact of stress, and reduction methods, this review serves as a foundational reference for both future research and practical applications aimed at improving the well-being of event management professionals. This scoping review ultimately aspires to highlight the pressing need for further academic focus on stress within the event management field. The minimal scholarly discourse specifically addressing this matter underlines an opportunity for future researchers to contribute significantly to knowledge creation in this area. In light of the unique challenges and expectations faced by event management professionals, the findings of this review not only inform academic pursuits but also propose actionable interventions that could enhance the quality of life and work performance of individuals engaged in this vital industry. Consequently, it sets the stage for future investigations that aim to comprehensively address and mitigate the impact of stress in event management, ultimately contributing to more sustainable practices and improved occupational health outcomes.

ABSTRACT. Introduction

Bringing tourists into an area with limited resources is a widely accepted approach to economic development. For this reason, tourism professionals often look to festivals and events to reshape the economy of a small community. Along Ohio’s coastal border with Lake Erie, the town of Port Clinton relies on the Annual Walleye Festival’s contributions to the gross product. Like many other small towns along the coast of Lake Erie, the city of Port Clinton suffered structural and economic decline once the manufacturing industry turned sour after its glory days of the last century. Emphasis on the festival was placed after a century of structural and economic decline that limited the resources needed to for generate product for the region. Port Clinton quickly found that it is a prime destination for sport-fishing and developed the annual festival to reflect the importance of this activity. The location is now revered as the “world’s walleye capital” and the region’s exchange of goods and services is referred to as “walleye economics” (Toledo Blade, 2000). In order to attract larger audiences, the festival has been expanded beyond sport-fishing and now includes food and merchandise vendors, a large entertainment tent with non-stop entertainment, a grand parade, a kids fishing derby, a lighted boat parade, and a 5K run/walk. To assess the volume of this festival’s economic impact to the local community, this research project investigated visitors’ expenditure during a 2016 four-day festival at Port Clinton.

Literature review

Emerging body of literature revealed that event 3rd main attraction in tourism industry beyond ambient and permanent attractions (Gets, 1991). Events are an important motivator of tourism (Gets, 2007). Creation of special event can be an effective way to promote tourism, create opportunities for community action, and generate output and employment to help local economy (Cela, et al 2007; Chhabra, et al 2003). A number of research reported positive economic impact events or festivals to local communities (Crompton & Lee, 2000; Dwyer, Forsyth, & Spurr, 2005; Long & Perdue, 1990). Further, in many cases, the economic impact does not end with initial expenditure, multiplier effect must be taken into the consideration (Kim et al 1998; Burgan & Mules, 1992). This study attempts to profile festival attendees, reveal sources of their information about the festival, and assess the volume of a festival’s economic impact to a local community,

Method

A tourism survey questionnaire was developed after conducting a comprehensive literature review. Onsite interview conducted by 8 volunteers recruited among BGSU faculty and students. The survey was administrated during Memorial Day weekend in 2016. Surveyed persons were asked how did they learn about this festival and A set of measurement on tourists’ spending were developed to inquire best estimate of spending on the given items, such as food, lodging, or transportation, etc. A total of 519 surveys were collected and used for data analysis.

Results

There was a total of an estimated 20,606 people who attended the Port Clinton Walleye Festival in 2016. Among these attendees, 66.8% were repeat visitors while 33.2% were first-time visitors. In the assessment of the festival’s economic impact. IMPLAN’s input-output analysis was utilized to measure both indirect and induced impacts of the annual festival. Input-output analysis is an economic modeling technique, aiming to measure the interactions between economic sectors, producers, and consumers. Its database contain county, state, zipcode, and federal economic statistics by region. The beauty of MPLAN is its adoption of multiplier modeling to generate indirect effect and induced effect beyond the event’s direct effect,

The result indicated a great contribution made by the Annual Walleye Festival to the economic development of Ottawa County where Port Clinton is located. The total estimated annual economic impact is approximately as follows:

• 67 jobs • 1.75 million in labor income • 2.1 million in value added • 3.8 million total economic output

Conclusion

The Walleye Festival contributes to Ottawa County’s tourism economy. Tourism generates jobs, income, and economic output, which help to diversify local and regional economies, insulating them during recessionary periods. Many sectors benefit from events such as the Walleye Festival.

The findings of this study provide helpful information for future event planners trying to organize recreational activities in a way that appeals to targeted populations. Research limitations will be discussed at the end.

ABSTRACT. Smartphone use has become an integral part of college students’ lives, but its impact on their participation in physical activities remains an area of concern. A viral meme humorously depicts a scenario where Bigfoot walks unnoticed among students who are absorbed in their mobile devices, illustrating a widespread reality on college campuses: students are increasingly distracted by smartphones, even in environments that encourage physical engagement, such as sports and recreational activities. According to Penglee et al. (2019), students typically spend between 8 to 10 hours per day on their phones, raising concerns about the potential for reduced physical activity and social isolation. This study explores the relationship between smartphone use, particularly phubbing (phone snubbing), and students’ participation in sport activities. Furthermore, it examines how childhood experiences such as playing video games and involvement in art programs impact social assurance and phubbing behaviors during sport and recreation. Recent studies indicate that a significant percentage of college students fail to meet the recommended levels of physical activity, with global surveys revealing that 36% to 53% of students do not engage in the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week (Xiaolin et al., 2024). Moreover, smartphone use during exercise and social activities referred to as phubbing may disrupt social interactions and diminish engagement in group activities, thereby reinforcing sedentary behavior. This study sough to examine whether childhood experiences with video games and participation in youth art programs influence social assurance (confidence in social situations) and phubbing tendencies during sports and recreation. The study surveyed 245 students from a mid-sized Midwestern university, with a gender distribution of 53.9% female and 46.1% male. Participants were asked to report their frequency of smartphone use, exercise preferences, participation in recreational activities, and experiences with video gaming and youth art programs. The survey also assessed students’ levels of social assurance using a 5-point Likert scale and explored phubbing tendencies during sports and recreational activities. Descriptive statistics revealed that a majority of students (73.9%) reported bringing their smartphones with them during exercise or recreational activities, with Instagram (42%) and TikTok (32%) being the most frequently checked platforms. In terms of exercise preferences, 27.8% of students preferred exercising alone, 17.1% with friends, and 55.1% enjoyed a mix of both. On average, students exercised 4.01 days per week, with 62% reporting exercise sessions lasting between 30 minutes and one hour. A Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between phubbing and social assurance (r = .325, p < .005), indicating that students with higher social assurance were more likely to engage in phubbing during physical activities. Furthermore, social assurance was positively correlated with participation in childhood gaming (r = .178, p < .005) and youth art programs (r = .205, p < .005). Path analysis indicated that both childhood experiences with gaming and art programs had direct effects on social assurance, which in turn significantly influenced phubbing behaviors (β = .291, p < .001). Additionally, students who spent more time on their smartphones tended to engage in phubbing more frequently (F = 6.53, p < .001). Gender differences were also studied , with females engaging in phubbing more frequently than males (t = 2.96, p < .05). Students who preferred exercising with friends reported higher levels of social assurance (F = 7.70, p < .001) and were less likely to engage in phubbing compared to those who preferred to exercise alone. The findings of this study highlight the significant role of smartphones in shaping students' participation in physical activities. The high frequency of smartphone use during exercise and recreation is correlated with greater instances of phubbing, suggesting that students are prioritizing digital engagement over physical and social involvement. Social assurance, which is influenced by childhood experiences with gaming and art programs, plays a mediating role in students’ likelihood of engaging in phubbing. These results suggest that students who have higher social assurance are more comfortable participating in group activities, thus reducing their tendency to phub during sports and recreation.These findings suggest that reducing smartphone distractions and promoting social interactions in physical environments may help improve students’ engagement in physical activities, thereby enhancing both their social and physical well-being. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing phubbing and to develop interventions that encourage students to be more present during sports and recreation.

ABSTRACT. Destination managers and politicians are using event tourism as a key tactic to attract large numbers of tourists and, more importantly, to increase and extend their tourism calendars. Mega events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cups, World Expos, and others have been elevated to the top of event tourism agendas, which has fueled intense competition amongst travel destinations. It is indisputable that increased tourism has a positive economic and social impact, but the perspectives of the residents, who function as the hosts, must be considered. Resident support is essential for the successful hosting of mega-sporting events (Al-Emadi et al., 2017) but they are frequently excluded from the consultation process; instead, bidding decisions are influenced by the vested interests of government officials, characterized by low transparency, rather than the needs of local people (Gursoy et al., 2017). Residents can make or mar any tourism development and promotion initiatives in their community and their support for event tourism is non-negotiable. Residents’ resistance to mega-event hosting such as the Olympics, World Cup, World Expos, and large-scale music festivals is now a recurring decimal globally since many perceive it as a misallocation of priorities, extravagant expenditure, and an avenue for corruption, all exacerbated by a lack of trust in government. While event organizers and governments argue that mega-events bring revenue and international exposure, residents often see a different picture. The costs associated with hosting large events—such as the construction of stadiums, transportation systems, and other infrastructure—can be astronomical. When these costs are funded through taxpayer money, residents may feel they are bearing the financial burden without reaping corresponding benefits. For example, Boston, Massachusetts was initially awarded the right to bid the United States 2024 Summer Olympics on January 8th, 2015, ahead of Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Fransisco by the United Olympic Committee, but by the summer, the locals have successfully resisted the hosting. The City Manager of Boston, refused to sign the Olympic Host Contract, declaring that ‘I cannot commit to putting the taxpayers at risk’ (Bloomberg, 2017). Other cities joined the resistance across Europe with Hamburg, Germany, Rome, Italy, and Budapest, Hungary categorically rejecting the chance to host the 2024 Olympics. The Olympic committee was then left with Paris, France, and Los Angeles, USA in contention to host with the former granted the 2024 edition and the latter 2028. Mega Events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup tournaments have also been inextricably linked with the global housing crisis with the displacement of poor and vulnerable people to make way for the construction of sporting and accommodation facilities. Findings revealed that in preparation for the Summer 1988 Seoul Olympics in South Korea, 48,000 buildings were removed between 1983 and 1988, displacing 720,000 residents (Davis, 2001). Sanchez et al., (2007) reported that 147 families were removed for the construction of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Village, mainly elderly, widows, and low-income families. Their findings indicated that hosting the Games adversely affected affordable housing in the city, as seen by significant increases in rental prices (+145%) and selling prices (+139%) from 1986 to 1993. This fact seems to indicate the lack of commitment that the guardians of sports mega-events have had to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11–Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable The question now arises whether the development and promotion of tourism, particularly through increased event tourism and tourist visitation, have significantly improved the standard of living for residents or helped alleviate social problems in tourism destinations. The purpose of this study is in twofold: 1. To explore the disconnect between the residents' resistance and acceptance of mega-events, highlighting the major reasons. 2. To investigate how event tourism’s legacy can solve societal problems for the wellbeing of the residents. The continent of North America, which includes Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will host the next FIFA World Cup in 2026, with ten cities designated to accommodate the month-long event in the USA. In addition, the USA will host two mega-events: the inaugural FIFA World Club Championship in 2025, in which Orlando, Florida is part of the host cities, and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The United States will host three consecutive major events, marking the first instance of a country undertaking such a feat. Using a mixed-method, the study conducted a survey using MTurk – web based online survey mechanism with local residents likely to be affected by tourism and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in Orlando and its environs. The findings revealed that most residents resist mega events due to a lack of genuine community engagement and transparency in the decision-making process. This lack of consultation leads to a recurring pattern of resistance, as residents push back against decisions, they feel are imposed upon them without consideration for their input. In conclusion, the cycle of “Residents' Resistance to Mega Events” is a complex interplay of economic, social, environmental, and cultural factors that consistently resurfaces in cities around the world. For urban planners, event organizers, and policymakers, addressing this resistance requires a balanced approach that prioritizes community engagement, transparency, and equitable benefits. By acknowledging and addressing the legitimate concerns of residents, host cities may find ways to create events that not only achieve international acclaim but also foster sustainable, inclusive growth for the communities involved.

ABSTRACT. Eco-friendly food, produced through sustainable practices, benefits individuals, the environment, and local tourism (Güneş, 2013). Despite these advantages, its adoption has been limited (Ipsos, 2021; Raptou & Manolas, 2022). This study investigates the influence of AI-generated imagery on consumer perceptions of eco-friendly food, comparing the impact of two content types: “Food Presentation” (final dish aesthetics) and “Preparation Process” (cooking in progress). Grounded in Visual Information Processing, this research explores how visual stimuli shape perceptions of food quality, credibility, and purchase intention (Theeuwes, 2010). Positioned at the intersection of sustainability, gastronomy tourism, and AI technology, it offers insights into using digital tools to promote sustainable food practices and drive eco-friendly tourism.

Advancements in AI have enabled the creation of realistic, visually appealing images with intricate details and textures, enhancing audience engagement (Yin et al., 2023). While existing research has focused on user-generated images, studies on AI-generated images in food marketing and sustainability are scarce (Law et al., 2024; Li et al., 2023). This study addresses these gaps by investigating the interplay between AI-generated content types, consumer perceptions, and knowledge of sustainable food practices through cognitive psychological theories.

Priming Theory explains how different image types ("Food Presentation" vs. "Preparation Process") activate cognitive frameworks, shaping judgments about sustainability and credibility (Doyen et al., 2012). Bottom-Up Theory highlights how sensory input from images drives intuitive perceptions, particularly among consumers with limited sustainability knowledge (Theeuwes, 2010). Constructivist Theory explores how consumer knowledge moderates these effects, with informed consumers prioritizing authenticity and less-informed consumers relying on visual appeal (Costall & Morris, 2015). Together, these theories provide a comprehensive framework for understanding consumer behavior toward AI-generated content in sustainable food marketing.

This study used an image-based experimental approach with AI-generated images created using the Stable Diffusion SDXL 1.0 model to depict four eco-friendly dishes (stability.ai., 2024). Two sets of images were developed and validated by researchers, representing “Food Presentation” and “Preparation Process.” Participants, recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), were randomly assigned to view one of the two image types. After viewing the images, participants completed a survey including manipulation checks and measures of perceived food quality (taste and healthiness), credibility, and purchase intention. Consumer knowledge of eco-friendly food was assessed using multiple-choice questions, serving as a moderating variable in the analysis. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, moderated mediation models, and MANOVA. A pre-test confirmed the reliability and effectiveness of the experimental design.

Findings revealed that “Food Presentation” images positively impact perceived credibility, taste, and purchase intention, supporting the hypotheses. However, no significant effect was observed on perceived healthiness, indicating a limitation of the Bottom-Up Processing framework in capturing subjective evaluations of health benefits. Additionally, consumer knowledge of eco-friendly food played a moderating role. Participants with accurate knowledge attributed greater credibility and higher food quality to “Preparation Process” images, while those with less accurate knowledge preferred “Food Presentation” images. These results highlight the importance of consumer knowledge in shaping perceptions and support the hypothesis that knowledge is a critical factor in influencing consumer behavior.

This study contributes to the literature by empirically validating the psychological impact of AI-generated imagery in food marketing, extending Visual Information Processing Theory to AI contexts. It advances the theoretical understanding of priming theory by comparing the effects of “Food Presentation” and “Preparation Process” imagery. The findings suggest leveraging AI-generated visuals to enhance marketing promotions and attract young talent to the hospitality industry. Furthermore, the study emphasizes tailoring marketing strategies to align with different levels of consumer knowledge, offering practical insights for promoting sustainable gastronomy tourism. By integrating AI technology with destination marketing, this research highlights the potential to enhance the appeal of eco-friendly food destinations, ultimately driving sustainable tourism and supporting local economies.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study is to examine how Extended Reality (XR) solutions such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse, can foster pre-visit decision-making and enhance consumer satisfaction. By analyzing user expectations the study investigates the role these solutions play in shaping travel behavior, boosting destination branding, and promoting tourism practices through immersive virtual representations of destinations and events. The research explores the potential of Extended Reality (XR) solutions, as an innovative marketing instrument for destinations and events. It evaluates the evolving preferences of Generation Z, to determine their valuation of immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. This was achieved through a multi-method approach, including expert interviews, workshops, and an online survey. The tourism and event industries face an unprecedented opportunity to redefine engagement strategies. XR technology offers transformative possibilities for destination marketing and event promotion, reshaping how experiences are delivered and consumed. (Aichner et al., 2019) By leveraging immersive virtual environments, stakeholders can enhance guest experiences, extend reach, and create innovative digital business models. The integration of XR solutions represents a nascent phenomenon in the marketing strategies of destinations and events. These technologies offer immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. Despite its potential, the adoption of XR as a marketing tool is still an emerging trend, and there is limited research on its acceptance and demand among future travelers, particularly Generation Z. Global mobility, technological advances, and increased cultural exchange have contributed to a rise in private travel among younger generations (European Travel Commission, 2020; Pricope Vancia et al., 2023). In 2017, “Youth Travel” accounted for 23% of all international tourism trips (Rahjasa et al., 2023). When designing future tourism offerings, addressing cross-generational needs is essential, but a targeted understanding of Generation Z's expectations is particularly critical. Current studies on Generation Z's travel behavior primarily focus on broad trends among young travelers (Borkmann et al., 2023; Agustina et al., 2022; Mavragani, E., & Dionysios, P. (2022); Kamenidou et al., 2021; WYSE, 2018). This research aims to fill the gap by exploring the adoption and implications of XR technologies within this demographic. The study provides insights into the potential adoption of XR solutions and their implications for destination branding, event engagement, and tourism development. An online survey was conducted to examine the requirements, effects, and reactions of Generation Z toward virtual travel and the latest technology trends in tourism. The aim is to draw conclusions from the socio-demographic data and the perception of trends for deriving recommendations for action for the industry. A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, was adopted to capture emerging trends and developments. To explore these trends, co-creative focus groups with interdisciplinary experts were conducted, building on insights derived from desktop research, which served as the foundation for the workshops. A quantitative online survey involving 1,407 participants (517 recruited via a snowball sampling method and 890 through an online panel) was carried out to address the research questions. Data collection took place between June 19, 2023, and July 31, 2023. Cluster and variance analyses were employed to derive actionable recommendations, complemented by additional focus groups for deeper insights. The survey reveals critical insights into the perception and potential adoption of Extended Reality (XR) technologies among the young traveler generation and their implications for the tourism sector. While 31% of respondents indicate an active interest in following technological advancements and virtual platforms such as Metaverse, 39% express disinterest in the developments (n=1,087). Notably, 49% believe that XR technologies like Metaverse will transform business travel (n=1,048), with 42% anticipating a significant role in leisure travel (n=1,041). Pre-trip applications of XR technologies show strong potential, as 56% of participants indicate willingness to use Metaverse platforms to explore destinations and accommodations before traveling (n=1,071). Social connectivity is another area of interest, with 34% willing to use the Metaverse to establish new social contacts at the destination (n=1,064). Additionally, 50% of participants predict that technologies like AR and VR will significantly influence business travel in the future (n=1,060), while 43% foresee a similar impact on leisure and vacation trips (n=1,064). These findings provide empirical evidence on Generation Z's attitudes toward XR technologies, filling a critical research gap. They offer actionable insights for stakeholders aiming to align future travel behavior with technological trends. This research contributes to the discourse on leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of future travelers. The findings underscore the relevance of XR technologies in positioning destinations and events as leaders in innovation-driven marketing, shaping the future of tourism and event promotion.

ABSTRACT. Research Objectives and Significance: Traditional Sports and Games (hereinafter TSG) constitute a vital component of global cultural heritage. TSG refers to the bodily and behavioral skills—with functions of entertainment, competition, and education—that have been passed down through generations among various ethnic groups in China, along with techniques in equipment manufacture and cultural venues for performances. Their core characteristics are their intangible and dynamic nature (Bi et al., 2023). Examples include Tai Chi, lion dance, and Yingge dance. The dissemination of TSG is typically anchored in major festivals and regional cultures, serving as a crucial vehicle for cultural transmission (Pookaiyaudom, 2019) and playing a key role in destination promotion; high-quality short videos can boost visitor traffic and economic growth (Liu et al., 2023). For instance, the spread of Yingge dance from China’s Chaoshan region via short video platforms has enhanced regional cultural recognition and local tourism. In the era of global digital transformation, short video platforms—exemplified by TikTok—offer unprecedented opportunities for the dissemination and promotion of TSG. However, due to limitations in content production and dissemination strategies, most TSG short videos have not achieved their expected effects; their cultural value and potential remain underexploited. This study aims to identify the key factors and configurational conditions that influence the dissemination effects of TSG short videos and to explore their application in TSG protection and festival culture dissemination, thereby supporting theoretical development and practical optimization. Literature Review: Before widespread digital media, TSG dissemination primarily relied on traditional media and live presentations. This singular, rigid mode of communication lacked interactivity, making it difficult to attract younger audiences and thus limiting both the breadth and depth of TSG transmission (Dennis et al., 2008). With the rise of short video platforms, TSG dissemination has transformed. Digital media lower dissemination barriers, broaden audience bases, and provide new platforms for cross-cultural communication and global interaction—injecting fresh momentum into TSG protection and transmission (Hua et al., 2024). Nevertheless, most TSG short videos underperform. On one hand, many inheritors of intangible cultural heritage are older and lack expertise in short video production, content planning, and interactive engagement needed to continuously attract younger users (Lenzerini, 2011); on the other hand, even culturally rich videos often suffer from deficiencies in content appeal, interactive strategies, and dissemination approaches, preventing them from reaching full potential (Yi, 2023). Existing research has mainly focused on short video quality and reliability (Zhang et al., 2024), health communication(Zhu et al., 2023), tourists’ behavioral intentions (Liu et al., 2023; Wu & Peng, 2025), and content creators’ motivational behaviors (Bi & Tang, 2020). In contrast, studies specifically addressing TSG short video dissemination remain scarce, with no dedicated content analysis framework that systematically elucidates the key influencing factors and variations in outcomes. Thus, constructing a multidimensional analytical framework for evaluating the key factors and configurational conditions of short video dissemination is of significant theoretical and practical value, both for deepening our understanding of TSG transmission patterns and for optimizing dissemination strategies to promote global TSG protection. Research Methodology: Guided by field theory, this study combines inductive case analysis with fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). First, an inductive case analysis identifies the key factors influencing short video dissemination. Then, QCA explores the necessary conditions and configurational combinations of these factors. QCA overcomes the limitations of previous research that relied on singular linear analyses of TikTok dissemination factors by effectively revealing the interactions among multiple antecedent conditions and their impact mechanisms on dissemination effects, making it well-suited for analyzing complex causal relationships (Pappas & Woodside, 2021). Research Results and Contributions: The study identifies seven key factors affecting the dissemination effects of TSG short videos: user interaction, topic distribution, content attributes, posting strategies, production quality, number of followers, and cultural symbols. Empirical evidence from the Douyin platform indicates that dissemination is not driven by a single factor; however, both the number of followers and production quality display relative advantages across various configurations. Within the framework of field theory, TSG short videos manifest three types of high-quality dissemination configurations: platform-driven, strategy-driven, and multi-factor collaborative. Furthermore, the influence of certain antecedent conditions on dissemination is asymmetric and dynamically adjusts according to different configurations. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of TSG short video dissemination mechanisms, clarifies the necessary factors and configurations for effective dissemination, and, through QCA, demonstrates the impact of interactions among multiple factors on outcomes. These findings offer theoretical and practical support for enhancing the protective dissemination of TSG short videos and bolstering the cultural attractiveness of destinations.

References

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Acknowledgement

This project was supported by the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (No. 023A1515110088), the Education Ministry Humanities and Social Sciences Youth Fund (No. 24YJC890078)

ABSTRACT. This study aims to develop a systematic framework for identifying and categorizing tourist preferences from large-scale user-generated content (UGC) through an integrated BERTopic-LLM approach. The primary objective is to establish a more robust and interpretable preference classification system that can effectively capture the complex, multifaceted nature of tourist preferences across dining, accommodation, and activity dimensions. While the proliferation of UGC in tourism presents unprecedented opportunities for understanding tourist preferences (Marine-Roig & Clavé, 2016), current approaches lack the sophistication needed to handle the complexity and interconnectedness of modern tourist preferences within the expanding digital tourism ecosystem (Kirilenko et al., 2019). Gaining a comprehensive understanding of tourist preferences for attractions has been challenging, because attractions belong to experience offerings with the complicated and changeable coupling of tangible, cognitive, and affective dimensions of characteristics (Taecharungroj & Mathayomchan, 2019). Recent literature reveals significant limitations in tourist preference identification from UGC: First, existing methods rely on conventional topic modeling techniques that struggle with semantic coherence and interpretability when processing large-scale tourism UGC (Gao et al., 2022), particularly in handling multilingual and context-dependent content. Second, most studies examine preferences in isolation (Vu & Li, 2020), such as hospitality (Zhang et al., 2021), restaurant (Nakayama & Wan, 2018), airline sectors (Chatterjee & Mandal, 2020), attractions (Gao et al., 2024), failing to establish comprehensive classification frameworks that capture the interconnected nature of tourist experiences. Third, traditional theoretical frameworks such as Lancaster's consumer theory (1966) and the push-pull paradigm (Dann, 1977; Crompton, 1979) fail to adequately explain preference formation in digital contexts. These theories assume preferences are static, fully rational, and context-independent, and thus lack explanatory power for the dynamic, socially influenced preference formation processes observed in UGC settings. Fourth, despite recent advances in tourism informatics (Law et al., 2019), the lack of systematic verification mechanisms and scalability testing in preference extraction raises concerns about the reliability and practical applicability of existing approaches. These limitations have created significant barriers to understanding the evolving nature of tourist preferences in the digital age. The study introduces a novel methodological framework integrating three innovative components: (1) An enhanced BERTopic architecture that incorporates hierarchical semantic clustering and dynamic topic refinement for improved preference extraction; (2) A bidirectional topic-preference mapping system that combines TF-IDF similarity metrics with large language model assistance, implementing a unique human-in-the-loop verification mechanism that ensures both accuracy and interpretability; and (3) An adaptive preference categorization algorithm that dynamically adjusts to varying data scales while maintaining semantic consistency. The framework's robustness was validated through comprehensive sensitivity analyses across different sample sizes (50K-250K reviews), confirming its scalability and reliability. Through analyzing 265,518 tourist reviews from TripAdvisor, the framework identified distinct preference patterns across three dimensions: five dining preference categories, six accommodation categories, and eight activity categories, further refined into 51 subcategories and 124 specific preferences. When applied to major tourism districts, the framework revealed clear patterns in how cultural preferences interconnect with dining and accommodation choices. Notably, the framework maintained stable preference identification (±2-3 preferences variation) across different sample sizes beyond 150K reviews, confirming its scalability and reliability. This research advances tourism preference theory by establishing a more systematic approach to preference identification and categorization. First, the integration of topic modeling, large language model, and a bidirectional topic-preference mapping system provide a replicable and extensible framework for tourism UGC analysis. The framework has been demonstrated to extend beyond traditional machine learning-based approaches (Egger & Yu, 2022), significantly improving the model's ability to capture nuanced preference patterns and can be adapted for future research in various destinations and contexts. Second, the proposed framework introduces a holistic and multi-dimensional perspective on tourist preferences, addressing long-standing gaps in the literature concerning the interconnectedness of dining, accommodation, and activity choice. Third, the study identifies dynamic, socially influenced preference formation processes in UGC that challenge the static assumptions of traditional preference models. Our empirical findings demonstrate that tourist preferences have both hierarchical structure and contextual fluidity, which contradicts Lancaster's theory of rigid categorizations. Fourth, the study provides actionable insights for destination management organizations (DMOs) and policymakers, enabling them to design targeted marketing strategies, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the overall tourist experience. The comprehensive preference categorization system offers theoretical insights into tourist decision-making patterns and practical applications for DMOs in the digital transformation era.

ABSTRACT. Tourism is a major economic sector globally, contributing to both the development of destinations and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. In Oman, the tourism industry is a critical pillar for economic diversification and sustainable growth. Ecotourism, particularly, has gained prominence to balance economic development with environmental conservation, supporting local communities and broader national goals. This study focuses on the Dhofar Governorate in Oman, exploring the impact of ecotourism on both economic development and environmental conservation, in alignment with the National Tourism Strategy and Oman Vision 2040. This study aims to examine the role of ecotourism in Dhofar’s tourism sector, assessing its contribution to economic growth and environmental preservation. By understanding the current dynamics of ecotourism in the region, the study aims to provide insights that can inform policy development and strategic initiatives in tourism management. The relevance of this research lies in its focus on an emerging area of tourism that can have profound socio-economic and environmental impacts, especially within the framework of Oman’s long-term vision for sustainable development. This study makes an original contribution by addressing a gap in the literature regarding ecotourism's dual role in promoting economic development and environmental conservation in Dhofar Governorate. Focusing on a specific regional context provides detailed insights into the challenges and opportunities local stakeholders face in integrating sustainable tourism practices. This contribution is valuable not only for researchers but also for policymakers and practitioners looking to maximize the potential of ecotourism in Oman and similar regions. The findings of this study highlight the gradual progression of economic development in Dhofar’s tourism sector, with limited exploitation of natural resources. Although aspirations exist to align nature conservation with socio-economic development for the Dhofari local community, ecotourism has yet to fulfill its potential. The study identifies key challenges, including unmet expectations regarding economic benefits, weak implementation of strategies, insufficient financial support, and ineffective management practices. Barriers such as lack of dedicated funding, weak marketing efforts, and inadequate coordination among government agencies are explored. In response to these challenges, the study offers several actionable recommendations aimed at invigorating the ecotourism sector. The proposed strategies are expected to enhance sustainability, foster economic growth, and promote long-term environmental conservation. The study’s contributions are significant for guiding future policy, supporting the sustainable development of ecotourism, and providing a model for other regions in Oman.

ABSTRACT. We delve into the complex interplay of network orchestration, shared dynamic capabilities, and innovation within tourism destinations. We aim to elucidate how these dynamics contribute to achieving a more sustainable future for the tourism industry. Our study expands on the network orchestration framework by concretizing contextual factors and network properties, illustrating how shared dynamic capabilities and social capital function in the orchestration process, and outlining how these foster innovation for sustainability. This research contributes to the extant literature by highlighting how network orchestration and shared dynamic capabilities in tourism destinations can contribute to building sustainable innovations in tourism. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and Destination Management Organizations by emphasizing the role of network orchestration in fostering innovation and sustainable tourism development while highlighting strategies to enhance policy effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and long-term adaptability for competitive and responsible tourism destinations.

ABSTRACT. Organisations responsible for managing tourism (DMOs) are undergoing a transformation from marketing to management companies (Pike & Page, 2014), from tourism flows attractors to sustainable development promoters. The relevance of this transformation has been widely recognized in previous research (dos Anjos & Kennell, 2019; UNWTO, 2019; Wagenseil Wyss, Huck, 2022) and the role of DMOs as network leaders for tourism innovation is well known (Hristov & Zehrer, 2015). However, the way and the extent to which such a transformation is implemented are still underexplored domains (Franz & Cruz, 2024). In the light of this research gap, the purpose of the study is to: 1) investigate the level of maturity of DMOs as leadership networks in the implementation of sustainability practices at regional and sub-regional level; 2) to understand the key dimensions of such sustainability transformation.

The authors understand tourism sustainability as a non-linear transition process rather than as a goal (Crabolu, 2021; Crabolu, Font, & Eker, 2023; Lane, 2009; 2017; Markard, Raven, & Truffer, 2012). The concept of sustainable transitions shifts the focus from “sustainability as a ‘goalpost’, i.e. what must be achieved, to sustainability as a journey, i.e. what needs to be done to achieve it (Magnusson, Karabag, Wigger, & Andersson, 2024; Niewiadomski & Brouder, 2024). In this context, governance structures and DMOs play a key role, as they can start and guide an effective change (Scuttari, Volgger, Pechlaner, 2016). While previous research has investigated the triggers of the sustainability transformation process (Maccioni, d’Angella, De Carlo, Sfogliarini, 2024), the present research aims to study the DMOs’ sustainability transformation steps, as well as their implementation.

The research design is grounded on a quantitative, survey-based, research approach. The data collection is based on a census survey on 283 Italian regional and sub-regional DMOs. The survey was administered via direct mailing (CAWI), with three subsequent recalls via telephone (CATI). The measurement of the level of maturity of Italian DMOs in the sustainability transition is rooted in the international standards for Destination Management Performance of the GDS-Index, a system of assessment criteria developed and tested by an international board of experts, including prominent academic scholars in the sustainable tourism field (GDS-Movement, 2024).

The sustainability performance of Italian DMOs is measured by the DMO Sustainability Score (DSS) - a summary indicator developed around the GDS standards and directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. The DSS expresses the level of maturity of DMOs with reference to several key sustainability dimensions: Strategy (connected to all SDGs), Visitor Management (SDG 8,11,12,13,14,15), Climate Action (SDGs 7,11,13,14,15,17), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (SDG 5,10,16), Policy and Certification (all SDGs), Governance (SDG 12 and 17), Capacity Building (SDG 4,11), Measurement and Reporting (all SDGs), Marketing and Communication (all SDGs), Mobility (SDG3,7,9,10,11,12,13), Impact and Regeneration (all SDGs). Preliminary results have been elaborated on a first sample of respondents (n=96; response rate: 33.9%), while final statistical analyses are still ongoing. After an initial elaboration of descriptive statistics for all items, sub-group comparisons of the DSS score were conducted based on the DMO dimension (ANOVA). Inferential statistical procedures are still planned to identify a possible latent structure in the key dimensions of the DSS score, and to further explore DMOs subgroups.

The sample of 96 DMOs located in 17 (out of 21) Italian regions revealed overall a low maturity level of sustainability implementation. Indeed, the respondents obtained on average only 27% of the maximum DSS score obtainable, the best one obtaining 83.5%. Measurement and Reporting activities are among the dimensions with lowest scores, while Capacity Building and Governance score highest. The 4 DMOs ranked best are small, sub-regional organisations (10-15 employees), linked to regional DMOs that invest in sustainability. They have implemented a participatory sustainability strategy; they all have a GSTC certification and some also have a dedicated events certification; they have implemented a sustainability monitoring system; ultimately, they all invest in training, both for employees and for destination operators.

Preliminary findings position Italian DMOs at the beginning of their journey towards sustainability and highlight the difficult engagement in non-ordinary activities, e.g. sustainability data management and reporting, impact assessment, certifications, and evidence-based policymaking (Scuttari, Windegger, Wallnöfer, & Pechlaner, 2023). To achieve an evidence-based sustainability management at DMO level there is a need for new sustainability competences: these include not only additional skills and new roles, but also the capability to implement an effective governance model, and a transdisciplinary way of thinking (Álvarez-García, Hormiga-Pérez, Sarango-Lalangui, & del Río-Rama, 2022).

ABSTRACT. With the increasingly fierce competition in the industry and the continuous expansion of user demand, the vertical segmentation of content has become an important trend in the development of short video platforms. Sports have the characteristics of wide audience, strong social attributes, and many explosive events, so sports content has become a key factor to build a healthy short video platform ecosystem. Kwai app was born in 2011, is a mobile application for users to record and share production and life. The third quarter of 2024 results showed that Kwai's average daily active users reached 408 million. Business model innovation is a research hotspot in the academic circle, and some scholars focus on the short video platform ecosystem. Ren Jinluan et al.[1] built a short video platform ecosystem model and proposed that the "centralization" strategy is suitable for the initial stage of platform development, and the "decentralization" strategy can help enterprises gain long-term competitive advantages. Wang Jiuhe et al.[2] built a short video platform business model analysis model from the perspective of value co-creation, pointing out that platforms should carry out open and sharing cooperation with customers and partners to build a more vibrant business ecology. Sports is an important content type of short video platform, but the research on sports ecosystem of short video platform is at a blank stage, and only a few scholars focus on sports Internet platform. Zhang Zekun[3] studied the business model innovation of sports live broadcasting platform from the perspective of supply chain, and proposed specific paths such as building a network interactive platform and adding value-added services. Yang Shangfei[4] sorted out the development status of the Internet sports platform business model and proposed the construction of the Internet sports industry business platform ecosystem. This paper adopts the methods of expert interview, field investigation, literature review and rooted coding to root the interviews and collected data. Based on the theory of value co-creation and the theory of business model canvas, this paper studies the main body of value co-creation and the driving factors and paths of business model innovation in the sports ecosystem of Kwai platform. The research finds that the sports ecosystem of Kwai platform presents the characteristics of diversified creative subjects, diversified sports types, scenario-based content presentation, entertainmentalized expression forms, socialized sharing content and commercialization of sports content. The main body of value co-creation includes sports ecosystem operators, sports content creators, sports mcns, sports events, sports goods merchants, sports interested users, and sports marketing brands. Sports content is composed of sports short video and live broadcast, which is a bridge connecting all stakeholders. This study focuses on its business model from four modules: value proposition, value creation, value delivery and value acquisition. Through rooted coding, it is found that the driving factors of business model innovation include external factors and internal factors. The former includes fierce market competition, strengthening network supervision, digital technology innovation, etc., while the latter includes platform development strategy, internal capability enhancement, value partner driving, etc. The results of the research put forward suggestions on the path of business model innovation in the sports ecosystem of Kwai platform. This study has a certain demonstration role for other market players to use new technologies to innovate new products and new formats and better serve market demand. At the same time, this study has reference significance for business model innovation of sports ecosystem of short video platform. References: [1] Ren Jinluan, Xiao Dan, Huang Rui & Liu Junjiang.(2023).Simulation of short video platform ecosystem evolution: A comparison of “centralization” and “decentralization” strategies. Journal of Communication University of China(Natural Science Edition)(04),39-53. [2] Wang Jiuhe & Sun Danyang.(2018).Business model of short video platform from the perspective of value co-creation: A case study of Douyin Short video. Publication and Distribution Research(10),20-26. [3] Zhang Zekun.(2022).Research on the business model of sports live broadcasting platform from the perspective of supply chain. Science and Technology Economic Market(03),158-160. [4] Yang Shangfei.(2024).Business model innovation and sustainable development of Internet sports platform. Sporting Goods and Technology (24),94-96.

ABSTRACT. Introduction Sport tourism, which lies at the intersection of sport and tourism, is expected to contribute positively to local economies and revitalization efforts. In Japan, the Japan Sports Agency actively promotes “away tourism,” a form of spectator-based sport tourism that emphasizes the tourism activities of away club spectators before and/or after attending matches. Similarly, the Japan Professional Football League (J. League) has recently adopted initiatives to encourage away tourism by leveraging the Japan National Stadium to attract both home and away club spectators. This form of sport tourism highlights a strong connection between sport-related (e.g., attending spectator events) and non-sport (e.g., sightseeing) tourism activities. Tourists engage in various activities with primary, secondary, or tertiary motivations. Activities undertaken before and/or after the primary tourism attraction are classified as supplemental tourism activities (Ito & Higham, 2020). Given that away tourists can exhibit both spectator and tourist orientations, the extent of these orientations may influence the types of supplemental tourism activities they engage in. Therefore, this study aims to examine supplemental tourism activities of away club spectators at the Japan National Stadium across different levels of spectator and tourist orientations.

Literature Review Ito and Higham (2020) introduced the concept of supplemental tourism activities as a framework for understanding sport tourism behavior. These activities refer to secondary or tertiary attractions that complement a primary tourism attraction. This framework categorizes sport tourism behavior into three patterns: (A) from primary sport attractions to secondary/tertiary sport attractions, (B) from primary sport attractions to secondary/tertiary non-sport attractions, and (C) from primary non-sport attractions to secondary/tertiary sport attractions. Away tourism requires substantial financial and time investment, as it often involves long-distance travel and accommodation. As a result, most away tourists are dedicated supporters with a strong attachment to their clubs (Newson, 2019). For these tourists, attending matches serves as the primary sport tourism activity, while supplemental tourism activities may include shopping, sightseeing, and other sport-related experiences (Ertas et al., 2019). Ozdemir et al. (2023) further suggested that decisions regarding away tourism are influenced by the appeal of historical and cultural sites, as well as local foods, highlighting the role of supplemental tourism activities in attracting away tourists. Moreover, understanding sport tourism behavior can be enhanced through market segmentation strategies. Previous studies have applied various segmentation approaches, including geographic, socio-economic, and demographic factors (Higham & Hinch, 2018). From a psychographic market segmentation perspective, which considers attitudes, opinions, and emotions, Ito (2020) developed a typology of masters games participants based on fun- and competition-oriented motivations. Therefore, analyzing away tourists’ behavior through the lens of spectator- and tourist-orientations is essential for understanding their engagement in supplemental tourism activities.

Method A questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted with away club spectators who attended a professional football match at the Japan National Stadium. The questionnaire collected information on demographics and both spectator- and tourist-orientations using a 7-point Likert scale. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to identify their supplemental tourism activities before and after attending the match. For our data analysis, we first excluded participants residing in Tokyo prefecture, where the Japan National Stadium is located, to specifically focus on sport tourists. A total of 305 responses were collected, of which 221 were usable data. Then, an important-performance analysis was employed by using the means of spectator- (M = 5.92) and tourist-orientation (M = 4.29) items, and the following four groups were created: Serious Sport Tourist (high spectator-orientation, high tourist-orientation), Serious Spectator (high spectator-orientation, low tourist-orientation), Serious Tourist (low spectator-orientation, high tourist-orientation), and Casual Sport Tourist (low spectator-orientation, low tourist-orientation). Lastly, a thematic analysis was conducted to identify supplemental tourism activities across these groups.

Results Serious Sport Tourist contained 71 samples, mainly attracted by the following supplemental tourism attractions: “local food,” “city/town,” “sport,” and “commercial facility.” Serious Spectator contained 79 samples, mainly attracted by the following attractions: “local food,” “city/town,” “sport,” and “shrine.” Serious Tourist contained 24 samples, mainly attracted by the following attractions: “local food,” “sport,” “city/town,” and “theme park.” Finally, Casual Sport Tourist contained 42 samples, mainly attracted by the following attractions: “local food,” “city/town,” “concert,” and “sport.”

Conclusion Our findings indicate that all groups were attracted by both supplemental sport (pattern A) and non-sport (pattern B) tourism attractions before and/or after the match (Ito & Higham, 2020). Based on these findings, fostering collaborations between sport and tourism industries (e.g., football teams and local restaurants) and between various sport industries (e.g., football and baseball teams), is essential for promoting away tourism behavior among all away tourists.

References Ertas, M., Soyler, S., & Sel, Z. G. (2019). Away games: Evaluating the travel behaviour of soccer fans. Journal of Tourism & Development, 32, 65-80. Higham, J., & Hinch, T. (2018). Sport tourism development (3rd ed.). Channel View Publication. Ito, E. (2020). Relationships of involvement and interdependent happiness across a revised Masters Games participants typology. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 24(4), 235-250. Ito, E., & Higham, J. (2020). Supplemental tourism activities: A conceptual framework to maximise sport tourism benefits and opportunities. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 24(4), 269-284． Newson, M. (2019). Football, fan violence, and identity fusion. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 54(4), 431-444. Ozdemir, M. A., Cakici, C., & Tombas, Z. (2023). Destination attributes on attendance at away football games: Scale development, and validation on fans. Soccer & Society. Advance online publication.

ABSTRACT. Sports tourism plays a significant role in the global economy, with millions of people traveling to sporting events each year. However, the environmental impact of travel and the growing concern about climate change have prompted a need to investigate the attitudes, behaviors, and concerns of sports tourists. This research aims to explore how climate change worries influence travel decisions to sporting events, particularly through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991). Specifically, it will focus on understanding the motivations behind attending sports events, the barriers to attendance, and how these factors intersect with concerns about sustainability. The purpose of this study is to explore how growing environmental concerns, particularly those related to climate change, influence individual decisions to attend international sporting events and their broader implications for tourism. This research seeks to understand the motivations behind travel decisions influenced by climate awareness and to identify strategies event organizers and tourism stakeholders can adopt to mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining attendance. Sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games, not only drive tourism revenues but also represent cultural milestones. However, the associated environmental costs, including emissions from transportation and resource overuse at host locations, have led to increasing public and academic scrutiny. By addressing these concerns, this study contributes to a growing discourse on sustainable tourism, providing actionable insights for policymakers, event organizers, and the tourism industry to align their practices with environmental priorities. The relationship between environmental concerns and travel behavior has been extensively studied in recent years, particularly within the broader framework of sustainable tourism. Existing research highlights several trends and gaps relevant to this study. Studies have consistently shown that environmental concerns influence consumer behavior in tourism. Mandic et al. (2023) examined the concept of “flight shaming,” finding that environmental awareness discourages long-haul flights, particularly in eco-conscious demographics among Gen Z. Moreover, limited attention has been given to the role of virtual participation as an alternative for environmentally conscious individuals. This research aims to address these gaps by integrating behavioral insights with an evaluation of sustainability practices in event tourism. Research Questions This study seeks to answer the following research questions: 1. How do climate change concerns influence individuals’ travel behavior to sporting events? 2. To what extent does the Theory of Planned Behavior explain the relationship between environmental concerns (e.g., carbon footprint) and the intention to travel to sports events? 3. How do attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control impact the behavioral intention to travel sporting events, considering environmental concerns? We recruited participants from the United States who primarily live in the Midwest. Data collection will continue but we currently have 155 respondents and will report these preliminary results. Approximately 59% of respondents were female. 32% of respondents were GenZ, 52% were Millennials, and 16% were GenX. 54% have attended 1-10 sporting events in the past year and 32% have attended more than ten. Respondents expressed greatest interest in attending American football, baseball, and basketball events. 42% or respondents indicated a strong concern about climate change. We performed a PLS-SEM analysis using SmartPLS. We initially tested the full TPB model with Subjective Norms (SN), Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and Attitude (ATT) as exogenous variables that predicted both Behavioral Intention to Attend Sporting Events (INT) and two mediators, Climate Worry (CW) and Engagement (ENG). Composite Reliability for all variables was .79-.95. HTMT for all variables was below .74 as desired. Average Variance Extracted was above .60 for all variables except ENG (.48). However, the proposed full model included several nonsignificant paths. We revised the model based on the initial results. Our revised model provided significant paths shown in Figure 1. Notably, we found that SN and PBC were significant predictors of ATT. ENG and ATT had the strongest correlation among variables in the model (r=.63). We found that ENG, while not a significant direct predictor of INT, was in fact a strong predictor of CW, along with SN. Ultimately, the model predicted 20% of the variation in ENG, 38% in CW, and 41% of the variation in INT. All direct and total indirect effects in the model were significant. The model had SRMR = .10, indicating a reasonably good-fitting model. We also ran several ANOVAs and found that GenX respondents had more INT and CW than GenZ. We found that those who were more concerned about climate charge had significantly higher means on all variables.

ABSTRACT. Research Background: Serious leisure, such as running, is characterized by sustained commitment, personal effort, and intrinsic enjoyment. It provides individuals with opportunities for personal fulfillment, social interaction, and a deeper connection with their surroundings (Stebbins & Sachsman, 2017). Increasing engagement in serious leisure activities may generate psychological benefits (e.g., Cheng & Tsaur, 2012; Lee et al., 2017; Williams & Slak-Valek, 2019). However, most existing research approaches this topic from a self-centered perspective, with limited discussion on the influence of serious leisure on prosocial tendencies. Serious leisure and prosocial behavior are interconnected through community-building, empathy development, and personal growth fostered by serious leisure activities. Therefore, this study uses running as an example to examine the mechanisms underlying serious leisure and individuals’ prosocial tendencies. Two research questions were raised as follows: 1. What are the characteristics of the surveyed runners in terms of serious runner traits? 2. What are the underlying mechanisms between serious leisure and prosocial behaviors among the surveyed runners? To address these gaps, a conceptual framework was developed based on the relationships between serious leisure, individual psychological benefits, interpersonal relationships, and place attachment. Data and Methods: To examine these relationships, a formal survey was conducted from March to April 2024. Participant selection and questionnaire distribution were conducted online. A total of 452 questionnaires were collected, and after a rigorous screening process to eliminate responses that failed screening questions or had overly short response times, 399 valid questionnaires were obtained, yielding an effective rate of 88.3%. To validate the conceptual framework, a second-order Structural Equation Model (SEM) was employed. Second-order modeling addresses issues such as multicollinearity, discriminant validity, and the potential for "bloated" specific factors (Koufteros et al., 2009). The application of second-order SEM in leisure and tourism research has been gradually increasing. For example, in a study on leisure constraints and negotiation strategies, the second-order structural equation model demonstrated superior goodness of fit compared to the first-order model (Lyu & Oh, 2015). Results and Implications: The study found that the deep commitment, responsibility, and social interactions inherent in serious leisure activities provide fertile ground for the development and expression of prosocial behaviors. By enhancing empathy, promoting collective goals, and fostering personal and social well-being, serious leisure serves as a powerful driver of prosocial tendencies that extend beyond the leisure context into broader social and community engagements. Efforts should be made to promote running as a leisure activity and increase its visibility. As a sport with low participation barriers, running can be engaged in by most people anytime and anywhere. However, the average runner may lack an in-depth understanding of running techniques, equipment, and related knowledge. This underscores the need for increased promotion of serious running as a leisure activity. By enhancing the running community's understanding of the activity and fostering their interest in running, more people can be encouraged to participate deeply. This not only improves public leisure standards but also serves as a beneficial initiative for societal health.

ABSTRACT. International Olympic committee (IOC) has systematically allowed the practice of hosting certain disciplines (e.g. sailing, surfing, rowing, equestrian sport and some winter sports) outside the mainland of the host country due to various possible reasons (from quarantine regulations to lack of weather conditions or specific nature sites). Moreover, according to IOC (2023), the events can go outside the host city officially to make the Games more sustainable by avoiding building white elephants and only proposing the projects that will serve the community. Academic literature in sport event management has started exploring the multiple host territory scenarios in the event delivery. In the Olympic context, Hoff et al. (2019) conducted the study on the 1996 Atlanta Committee for Olympic Games (ACOG) and its satellite host organizing committees in Athens, Columbus, Conyers, and Savanna, concluding that the Games acted as a catalyst for legacy creation in the satellite host territories. Other authors explored the alliances between co-hosts in monosport major sporting events across different lifecycle phases of the event (Byun et al., 2019; Mukanova et al., 2024; Stura et al., 2017; Walzel & Eickhoff, 2021). The past edition of Summer Olympics, Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (POPG) went beyond Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis department towards the whole Ile-de-France region and other cities across France (to host football, basketball, handball and shooting events) and even to overseas French territory of Tahiti for the surfing events. A few authors explored the issues concerning the preparation of the event in Tahiti, such as local population inclusion as well as the environmental concerns as the hosting of surfing events in this territory has provoked a big debate around environmental impact of judge tower construction and the views of local people into the whole decision-making process (Delaplace et al., 2024). A few other research papers have launched the discussion of economic impact evaluation of this event and tourism development in Tahiti (Delaplace et al., 2024a; Longine, 2024). So far, there was no study that have studied other stakeholder perspectives. Moreover, the gap lies in exploring this event during the actual Games period and post-event phases as well as having a more comprehensive multistakeholder point of view. This research is based on a qualitative methodological approach which includes semi-structured interviews with the stakeholders mentioned below: event organizers (local organizing committee in Teahupo’o (LOC), volunteers, Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOPG); event owner – IOC; host governments (host communes: Taiarapu-Ouest, Presidency of French Polynesia, French government); surfing federations: International Surfing Federation, Tahitian federation of surfing (FTS); participating athletes; local stakeholders (i.e. businesses, environmental associations, local inhabitants, fishermen). The content analysis of the event-related documents (federation statements, press releases, government reports, LOC reports etc.) from these stakeholders is also conducted. The data is being analysed through MAXQDA software using predominantly inductive approach (Creswell, 2013). The preliminary findings of this study will be presented at the conference that will unveil specific needs and perspectives of different event stakeholders (Freeman, 1984; Parent, 2008; Parent & Deephouse, 2007). These findings can open the discussion of legacy of this event for the various public actors, local community and the surfing movement in Tahiti and globally.

ABSTRACT. Events are often seen important elements in regional development strategies, including strengthening community cohesion and identity, and shaping destination branding (Chalip, 2017). For communities that host a range of events throughout a year, the combined effect of these events for residents is often left unexplored. In contrast to singular events, which largely result in short-term economic and social impacts, such event portfolios (i.e. the collective assortment of various types of events staged within a community or region) are suited to generate long-term, sustainable benefits for communities by fostering continuous engagement and boosting the destination's attractiveness year-round. (Ziakas and Getz, 2021).

While considerable research has focused on assessing the economic and logistical success of individual events, there remains a critical gap in the evaluation of entire event portfolios. This research gap is especially pronounced when it comes to assessing the social impacts of these portfolios. Unlike economic impacts, social impacts are difficult to define as no clear consensus exists on what constitutes a such impact. Especially, efforts to compare and assess social impacts across event portfolios constitutes a methodological and epistemological challenge (Fredline et al., 2003). Without reliable methods for assessing the social impacts of event portfolios, policymakers and event managers are left with a skewed understanding of the values that events provide. The risk here is that decisions about resource allocation, community engagement, and strategic planning are made without an assessment of the social benefits that various events bring to the table (Chalip, 2006).

Previous event literature on social impacts encompasses, among others, community pride, social cohesion, and cultural exchange, yet there is little consensus on how these impacts should be compared across a comprehensive portfolio (Fredline et al., 2003). One of the core challenges in assessing social impacts lies in their subjective nature, as they depend on individual perceptions, cultural context, and how deeply the event is embedded in the community fabric. A pragmatic approach to evaluating social impacts across an event portfolio is measuring these impacts quantitatively. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is an economic valuation technique used to measure the value individuals place on non-market goods and services, including public goods and cultural assets (Mitchell & Carson, 1989). CVM has been applied to a range of areas, including cost-benefit analyses, public policies, or event studies. However, it has not been applied to evaluate entire event portfolios.

This paper suggests that (CVM) can be used to evaluate the social impacts of event portfolios, particularly with non-use value - a measure that captures the value residents place on an event, even if they do not directly participate in it. (Bateman et al., 2002). Our study involves 12 major events as part of the event portfolio of the Swedish region Jämtland. The region positions itself as an event region, aiming at attracting both local and international audiences, focusing on sustainability and community involvement to enhance the appeal and impact of its events. A survey was distributed to a panel of regional residents which generated a representative sample of 414 responses, weighted according to gender, age and education. Respondents were asked how much they would be willing to pay in local taxes to support the event if organizers could no longer fund it, even if they didn’t personally attend. The events in the study included nine sports events (four annual tournaments, four home games of local sports teams and one proposed bid for the Winter Olympics 2026) and three cultural events (two annual markets and one annual music festival). Results show that the highest degree of public support is enjoyed by annual tournaments whereas the lowest rates of support were found to be connected to an annual market. Interestingly a potential one-time winter Olympics ranked highest in terms of willingness-to-pay. Further analysis shows that there exist statistically significant gender differences where women tend to have a higher willingness-to-pay and a more positive attitude and towards the public support of events. Also, the difference between age groups is statistically significant, indicating a general stronger support of the younger populations with regards to cultural events.

Whilst non-use value has been applied to events before, it has to our knowledge never been used on an event portfolio basis. By demonstrating the applicability of CVM to event portfolios, we contribute a methodological framework that addresses the critical gap in social impact assessment. The insights gained can inform strategic planning, ensuring that event portfolios are aligned with community preferences and thereby deliver as much social value as possible. Recognizing and accommodating diverse demographic preferences will enhance the sustainable development of regions, ultimately contributing to community cohesion, identity, and well-being.

References Bateman, I. (2002). In: Bateman, I., Carson, R., Day, B., Hanemann, W., Hanley, N., Hett, T., & Swanson, J. (eds). Economic Valuation with Stated Preference Techniques: A Manual. Edward Elgar. Chalip, L. (2006). Towards social leverage of sport events. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 11(2), 109-127. Chalip, L. (2017). Trading legacy for leverage. In Legacies and mega events (pp. 25-41). Routledge. Fredline, E., Jago, L., & Deery, M. (2003). The development of a generic scale to measure the social impacts of events. Event Management, 8(1), 23-37. Mitchell, R., & Carson, R. (1989). Using Surveys to Value Public Goods: The Contingent Valuation Method. Resources for the Future. Ziakas, V. & Getz, D. (2021). Event portfolio management: An emerging transdisciplinary field of theory and praxis. Tourism Management (81), 1-15.

ABSTRACT. Event designers are increasingly leveraging experience design tools to influence and shape attendee behavior, reflecting a growing recognition of its transformative potential. In the past decade, numerous hospitality and event firms have utilized experience design in their product development and staged environments. Organization such as Disney, Build-a-Bear, and Meow Wolf exemplify creative immersive environments through architecture, co-creation of value, and sensory stimulation to craft memorable and impactful experiences (Pine & Gilmore, 1999).

Experience design is an academic field that examines the interactions and relationships between event goers and event design (Norman, 2013). This creative approach involves the use of design elements, such as lighting and staging, technology event flow, content and speakers, and other sensory items to elicit an emotional response in order to change attendee’s behavior. Experience design is increasingly recognized as a critical component of successful events, as it centers on creating meaningful, engaging, and purpose-driven interactions for participants (Magic, 2024). It moves beyond traditional planning to address attendees' emotional, social, and intellectual needs, ensuring that events resonate deeply with diverse audiences.

Storycraft Lab, in sponsorship with Marriott International, Professional Convention Management Association, and CEMA, created a guide for experience design based on 60 one-on-one interviews with 1,987 comments (2023). The industry report provided six truths for innovative event strategies: the power of play, emotional data, the value of values, exploring identity, architect choice, and designing belonging. Utilizing PCMA’s 2025 Convening Leaders (CL) conference in Houston, Texas, this research applies the six truths for innovative event strategies and fills the dearth of event studies that have employed frameworks for examining event design concepts. The research aims to offer practitioners valuable insights into existing gaps in event design while equipping event educators with a robust case study methodology. The approach provides several key advantages, including a comprehensive contextual understanding, in-depth analysis, and rich qualitative insights that enhance learning and practical application (Bennett, 2024).

Methodology This study utilized a case study research design to explore the application of the six guiding principles in experience design (Russell, 2023) for innovative event strategies: a) The Power of Play, b) Exploring Identities, c) Emotional Data, d) Architecting Choice, e) The Value of Values, and f) Designing Belonging. The selected site for the study was the 2025 Convening Leaders conference in Houston, Texas—one of the largest events in the business events industry. The event represents a vast ecosystem encompassing education, professional development, expos, and networking opportunities through keynote speeches, breakout sessions, tours, and social gatherings. The conference attracted over 4,000 attendees, including event organizers, suppliers, and destination marketers, for its four-day duration. Data was collected by two academics specializing in event management through direct observation, analysis of event documents, artifacts, photographs, and short video recordings taken during the conference.

Expected Findings/Implications The application of the six guiding truths of experience design at PCMA Convening Leaders (CL) 2025 is anticipated to yield transformative outcomes. For instance, the truth “The Value of Values” aligned the event with contemporary audience expectations for sustainability, ethics, and community impact, enhancing its relevance and appeal to socially conscious participants. Initiatives like the networking events “Hospitality Helping Hands” and “Do Good Feel Good” exemplified this truth by fostering social impact and creating meaningful contributions to local communities. The truth “exploring identities” is defined as the “intersections hat make us unique” and how event attendees “find their network tribes” among community bubbles (Storycraft Lab, 2023). Examples included: (a) personalized app submission where event goers could upload their photographs and create appointments with other event attendees; (b) a network event devoted to LGBTQ+ event attendees; and (c) the inclusion of face-to-face and digital content. Future analysis will incorporate additional quotes, observations, and multimedia from the conference to further illustrate these truths. Findings indicate that embedding these principles in event design can redefine industry practices, prioritizing human-centric experiences that foster emotional connection, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. This intentional approach has the potential to position PCMA as a leader in innovative event strategies and provide a replicable framework for industry-wide adoption.

ABSTRACT. Theoretical background and literature review: Mega sport events require a large amount of investment and are influential to a large population (Müller, 2015). The impacts and legacies of mega sport events were discussed in previous literature. The economic impact was negative as hosting mega sport events like the Olympic Games caused money loss and declination in investment on public service and social infrastructure (Baade & Matheson, 2016; Whitson & Horne, 2006). However, researchers also identified positive intangible impacts, such as the “feeling good” factor (Preuss & Solberg, 2006), spillover effects (Crompton, 1995) and psychological well-being (Sato et al., 2022). Hosting mega sport events has been facing rising risks due to local resistance and revocation of candidacies since the outbreak of COVID-19, and Paris was expected to build a better model to host the Olympic Games (Ricordel, 2023). In the context of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Paris 2024), this research used a socio-psychological lens to test the influence on residents’ psychological well-being (PWB) and their future sport event-related behaviors. The hypothesized framework was built on social anchor theory (SAT; Clopton & Finch, 2011; Oja et al, 2018). This theory proposed that sport events could be a potential anchor that construct a sense of trust, community, and reciprocity within social network, and bring psychological benefits to local residents in the host community. Paris 2024 can be a potential anchor for host residents’ social capital, positively influencing host city residents’ PWB. The outcomes (i.e., residents’ future sport event-related behaviors) of PWB were also tested based on social exchange theory (Blau, 1964) and the Meaning Transfer Model (McCracken, 1986). By testing the outcomes of residents’ PWB, this study can provide practical implications for governors and practitioners when bidding for mega sport events.

Purpose: This study has two purposes in the context of Paris 2024: The first one is to test the mechanism between social capital (Time 1) and psychological well-being (Time 2) through national team identification (Time 2) based on the social anchor theory. The second purpose is to test the association between PWB (Time 2) and residents’ future sport event-related behaviors (Time 2).

Methodology: Panel company Qualtrics France was employed to collect the data from residents. The targets were residents in five main host cities including Paris, Saint-Denis, Marseille, Versailles and Colombes. The authors adopted a two-wave time-lagged design to reduce common method bias and to test the influence from social capital on residents’ PWB. The first wave data collection was at eight days after the end of Paris 2024 (i.e., August 19th, 2024), and a month after (i.e., October 8th, 2024). The sample size for the first wave was 603 (M = 275, F = 328). The sample distribution for each city corresponds to its population size (Paris, 85.15%; Saint-Denis, 9.45%; Marseille, 11.61%; Versailles, 7.79%; Colombes, 2.49%). The sample size for wave 2 was 220. This study used Amos to run structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the association between social capital and psychological well-being (PWB), and the outcomes of PWB, including support for Paris 2024, the future support for hosting large-scale sport events, future viewing intentions, prosocial behaviors and sponsorship preferences.

Findings and implications: The results showed that social network influenced PWB indirectly and positively through national team identification. PWB has positive associations with support for the future support for hosting large-scale sport events, future viewing intentions, prosocial behaviors and sponsorship preferences. This study contributed SAT in the context of mega sport events. By examining how social capital anchored by a Paris 2024 leads to enhanced PWB, this study provided empirical evidence for SAT. The findings also underscored the importance of strengthening social networks and local identification with the national team in the host cities of Paris 2024. Host city organizers can design community programs, fan engagement activities, and team-branding initiatives that foster a sense of collective identity, potentially mitigating public resistance (Ricordel, 2023). Further, this study showed the residents’ enhanced PWB has supportive behaviors toward future events and sponsor preference. The findings can provide practical guidance for governors and organizers when considering bidding for mega sport events.

ABSTRACT. Research Background In recent years, regional revitalization through MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) has gained attention. The "Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan," approved by the Cabinet in 2024, also mentions the promotion of MICE. As part of this initiative, the use of unique venues has been progressing. Unique venues are facilities such as historical buildings or public spaces that enhance a sense of exclusivity and regional characteristics when hosting conferences or receptions. These venues are expected to enhance regional appeal, expand interactions, and generate broad economic ripple effects.

Research Purpose This study focuses on MICE venues in regional areas. In regional locations, convention centers are developed, and unique venues are utilized to attract MICE events. According to JNTO's "2019 International Conference Statistics," an increase in events held in the top 10 cities has significantly driven the overall growth in the number of conferences. However, many regional cities also ranked among the top 30 cities in 2019, and in several cases, the number of conferences has more than doubled since 2010.

This study aims to analyze the trends of international conferences held in regional areas alongside the actual venues used. It investigates the usage trends of existing venues by facility type and identifies key factors that effectively contributed to attracting MICE to regional areas. Furthermore, the study assesses the effectiveness of unique venues utilized in regional MICE promotions.

Literature Review and Research Uniqueness According to Lee and Back (2005), academic research on MICE can be broadly classified into five categories:

The economic impact of conventions The site selection process for conventions The decision-making process of conference participants The operation and marketing strategies of DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) and convention bureaus The use of technology in MICE This study falls under category (2), focusing on the site selection process for conventions. Previous studies in this classification include Crouch and Ritchie (1998), who identified 36 factors across eight categories that influence venue selection. Additionally, Crouch, Chiappa, and Perdue (2019) conducted interviews with international conference organizers to determine the most critical factors in venue selection. Furthermore, Iwamoto (2018) conducted a survey of Japanese convention bureaus, revealing the key aspects considered important for hosting conventions.

While previous studies have analyzed conference organizers' perspectives through empirical research, this study takes a different approach. It analyzes MICE venues and their evolving hosting trends, providing a theoretical analysis of regional attraction expansion and clarifying the effectiveness of unique venues for regional MICE promotion.

Research Methodology This study utilizes data from JNTO's "International Conference Statistics" covering the years 2009 to 2019. It focuses on cities that ranked highly each year, investigating the trends in the number of international conferences and participants over a decade while examining the usage patterns of hosting facilities.

Based on these identified trends, the study selects cities and regions that have successfully expanded MICE attraction and analyzes the key factors contributing to their success in terms of both infrastructure (hard aspects) and operational strategies (soft aspects).

Primary MICE venues include conference halls, convention centers, and universities. However, other types of facilities are categorized as unique venues. The study examines the usage of these unique venues over the past decade and evaluates their effectiveness in regional MICE attraction based on regional and facility utilization trends.

For instance, the Yamagata Convention Bureau has been actively attracting international conferences using hot spring hotels. Notable examples include the "14th High-Temperature Superconductors in High-Frequency Fields Workshop (HTSHFF2018)" held at Takamiya Rurikura Resort in June 2018 and the "2017 International Conference on Electronics Packaging (ICEP2017)" held at Hohoemi-no-Yado Yunotaki in July 2017. While domestic conventions dominate in terms of numbers, Yamagata, despite being a small regional city, has steadily increased the number of international conferences it hosts.

By comparing the MICE attraction policies of different regions, particularly those leveraging local assets like hot spring hotels, this study seeks to clarify the effectiveness of various regional MICE attraction strategies.

Academic and Practical Contributions The findings of this study will clarify the trends and transitions in regional MICE hosting and assess the effectiveness of regional facilities in increasing the number of MICE events. Additionally, by demonstrating the effectiveness of unique venues, the study will highlight their value as future MICE destinations.

References Japan National Tourism Organization. International conference statistics. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://mice.jnto.go.jp/document/statistics.html

Yamagata Convention Bureau. Yamagata convention bureau. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.convention.or.jp/

Crouch, G., & Ritchie, J. (1998). Convention site selection research: A review, conceptual model, and propositional framework. Journal of Convention & Exhibition Management, 1(1), 49-69. https://doi.org/10.1300/j143v01n01_05

Crouch, G., Chiappa, G., & Perdue, R. (2019). International convention tourism: A choice modeling experiment of host city competition. Tourism Management, 71, 530-542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.002

Iwamoto, H., Matsuo, T., & Hirokawa, S. (2018). Extraction of know-how for attracting international conventions from a questionnaire survey of experienced persons. Journal of Global Tourism Research, 3, 103-106. https://doi.org/10.37020/jgtr.3.2_103

Lee, M., & Back, K. (2005). A review of the economic value drivers in convention and meeting management research. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 17(5), 409-420. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110510604832

ABSTRACT. As one of the five human senses, taste has long transcended its fundamental function of perception and experience. It has gradually evolved from an embodied individual experience into a symbolic tool for cultural transmission, serving as a crucial medium for conveying culture, fostering place identity, and facilitating social interaction. However, taste itself is inherently difficult to digitize and transmit directly, as it lacks visuality and cannot be immediately perceived or reproduced like images or sounds. Nevertheless, on contemporary internet platforms, the dissemination of taste is no longer reliant on its physical properties but is instead constructed through a series of digital mechanisms, transforming it into content that can be viewed, discussed, and consumed. Traditional research on gastronomy and cultural geography has emphasized the embodied and localized nature of taste (Bell & Valentine, 1997; Howes, 2006), suggesting that taste experiences often serve as significant carriers of personal memory, identity, and local culture(Hall & Sharples, 2004; Sutton et al., 2010; Warde, 2014) .However, with the rise of digital media, this localized and embodied experience of taste has been reshaped, turning into a globally shared media phenomenon. While previous studies have examined how food media—such as cooking shows and food photography—shape culinary narratives(Ranteallo & Andilolo, 2017), systematic research on how social media platforms construct and disseminate taste experiences remains relatively limited.

This study integrates the theoretical frameworks of media geography and digital culture studies to investigate the ways in which taste is reshaped within digital media, addressing existing research gaps. The core questions of this study include: How is taste represented and disseminated in the context of social media? How do digital platforms enable the transmissibility of taste? Using the Chinese social media platform Rednote as a case study, this research focuses on the digital dissemination of Cantonese cuisine. With its long history, distinctive flavors, and refined culinary techniques, Cantonese cuisine holds deep cultural significance among global Chinese communities and occupies a prominent position in social media, making it an ideal case for digital transmission research. This study examines how content creators employ multi-layered media strategies to transform local culinary culture into visualized and interactive digital content. In the process of disseminating Cantonese cuisine, social media not only reshapes its traditional place identity but also integrates it into online culture through visual narratives, interactive rituals, and algorithm-driven recommendation mechanisms, thereby furthering the symbolic and global circulation of regional gastronomy.

This study adopts qualitative research methods, including content analysis and digital ethnography. First, it collects user-generated content (UGC) related to Cantonese cuisine on Rednote, with a focus on trending topics, key food influencers, and user interaction patterns. Through thematic analysis, this study identifies how content creators employ narrative and visual strategies to construct taste experiences. Additionally, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with food content creators and frequent users to gain insights into their perceptions and participation in the digital transmission of taste. By integrating textual, visual, and interactive elements, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of how taste is constructed and consumed on social media.

Preliminary findings suggest that taste dissemination on Rednote primarily relies on three key mechanisms: (1) Sensory Enhancement—the use of high-saturation food imagery, ASMR sound effects, and emotionally evocative descriptions to intensify taste perception; (2) Authenticity Performance—leveraging symbolic elements of local culinary culture to balance traditional and modern narratives, enhancing content appeal and credibility; (3) Interactive Rituals—users co-construct digital taste narratives through comment-section memory sharing, interactive recommendations, and food challenges.

This study argues that social media platforms are not merely mediators of taste representation but active constructors of taste experiences. Through algorithm-driven visibility mechanisms and user participation, they redefine the modes of taste dissemination.

ABSTRACT. The importance of online information search is increasing for tourists. In particular, social media sites are the most important and influential websites for tourists to search for travel information (Sun, Law, & Luk, 2022). On the other hand, destinations manage official websites as part of their destination marketing activities to provide information and conduct promotions for tourists. However, although web analytics tools such as Google Analytics are applied to official destination websites, the use of analysis results from access logs remains limited (Önder & Berbekova, 2022).The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of applying web mining methods such as Markov chain model and High Transition Probability (HTP) model (Motoyoshi, Asahi, & Yamaguchi, 2009) to the official websites of destinations managed by Destination Marketing/Management Organizations (DMOs) in the context of destination marketing. Previous studies have analyzed access logs to official destination websites, used website traffic metrics to predict actual tourist arrivals (Gunter & Önder, 2016), and combined survey results from pop-up questionnaires with website usage data to analyze access trends by trip purpose (Choe, 2022). Gunter and Önder (2016) obtained traffic indicators of website visitors from the official website of the Vienna DMO, and developed a prediction model for actual tourist arrivals. Their results indicated that traffic indicators of website visitors are effective in forecasting actual tourist arrivals. Choe (2022) analyzed the combination of DMO’s website usage data and survey responses obtained through pop-up questionnaires. The results showed differences in the types of pages visited between day visitors and weekend (2-3 day) travelers. However, their study did not analyze the data by visitor country of origin, nor did it consider the order in which pages were viewed, a key characteristic of website usage data. In this study, the access logs of GO TOKYO, the official website of Tokyo, one of the world's leading tourist destinations, were retrieved using Google Analytics. The data retrieval period was one year, from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. We retrieved country-specific access logs from the 11 countries (Japan, United States, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Canada, China, and the Philippines) identified by Google Analytics. These countries accounted for 90% of the total sessions volume during the study period. The Markov chain model was used to calculate the steady-state probability based on the state transition probabilities derived from the link structure of the site. The steady-state probability of a page was interpreted as its attractiveness in terms of cumulative visits. Transition probability matrices were constructed for each country using one year of access logs, and the steady-state probability was calculated. The HTP model visualized website page transitions by simplifying and prioritizing them based on the number of transitions. In the HTP model, transitions were tracked sequentially from the starting page to the ending page in order of highest transition probability. The steady-state probability derived from the Markov chain model made it possible to identify pages that attract more traffic, which may not be apparent from a simple comparison of session counts. The HTP model identified the main page transition route of visitors, and by interpreting these transitions in combination with the content of the pages visited, it was possible to estimate the interests of the site visitors. In addition, since the output of the HTP model is the sequence of page paths, concordance rates were calculated for each country using the frequency and variety of page paths. Specifically, concordance rates were calculated based on the "top three pages with the most external access" and "the page with the highest external access for each quarter," which were used as starting points for the HTP model. A comparison of concordance rates across countries showed that Hong Kong, which had low quarterly concordance rates, had seasonal variations in the pages accessed. In contrast, South Korea, with high quarterly concordance rates, showed relatively stable page access patterns throughout the year. By applying the Markov chain model and the HTP model to the access logs of tourist destinations, it was possible to estimate the flow and characteristics of the information seeking behavior of website visitors. Furthermore, for countries with low quarterly concordance rates, such as Hong Kong, the findings are consistent with the results of Japan's inbound tourism consumption survey, which suggests that visitors tend to expect to experience Japan's natural scenery and seasonal attractions. This suggests that online information seeking behavior may also vary by season. By utilizing the results obtained through the methods applied in this study, DMOs can increase the effectiveness of their promotional activities by adjusting the messages and timing of their destination marketing efforts for different segments (Zarezadeh, Benckendorff, & Gretzel, 2023).Thus, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of applying web mining methods, such as the Markov chain model and the HTP model, to the access logs of official destination websites managed by DMOs for destination marketing purposes.

References: ・Gunter, U., & Önder, I. (2016). Forecasting city arrivals with Google Analytics. Annals of Tourism Research, 61, 199-212. ・Motoyoshi, N., Asahi, Y., & Yamaguchi, T. (2009). “Understanding the interests of website visitors using the HTP model” [Translated from Japanese.]. Communications of the Operations Research Society of Japan, 54(6), 342-350. ・Önder, I., & Berbekova, A. (2022). Web analytics: more than website performance evaluation?. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 8(3), 603-615. ・Sun, S., Law, R., & Luk, C. (2022). Tourists’ travel-related information search channels. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 23(2), 149-164. ・Yeongbae Choe (2022). Can we identify trip purpose from a clickstream data?. Journal of Smart Tourism, 2(2), 15-19. ・Zarezadeh, Z. Z., Benckendorff, P., & Gretzel, U. (2023). Online tourist information search strategies. Tourism Management Perspectives, 48, 101140.

ABSTRACT. 1. Background

According to a survey by the Japan National Tourism Organization (2023), nearly 50% of inbound tourists install translation apps before traveling, and 44.7% use MT to resolve language-related issues during their trip.　 With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the widespread use of smartphones, machine translation (MT) has become a common tool in inbound tourism. MT eliminates language barriers, enabling tourists to navigate, communicate with Japanese-speaking, and access services more smoothly. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, academic research analyzing the impact of MT on tourist behavior was limited. As international travel resumes, there is an increasing need to understand how MT influences travel motivation, mobility, spending behavior, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the demand for translation device rentals at airports is a key factor in assessing the extent of tourists’ reliance on MT. The objective of this study is to review existing research and conduct an independent data analysis to explore the relationship between translation devices and tourism trends.

2. Tourist Profiles and Machine Translation Usage

Carvalho et al. (2023) conducted a large-scale survey on travelers’ attitudes toward MT and its relationship with travel behavior. The study examined 2,535 general travelers, including 907 "language travelers" who traveled with the goal of language learning. The key findings include:

• Travelers with positive attitudes toward MT: Younger travelers with lower educational backgrounds and limited foreign language skills were more likely to use MT and rely on English as a lingua franca.
• Language travelers and MT use: Those who traveled specifically for language learning placed greater importance on cultural experiences and preferred direct communication in the local language rather than relying on MT.
• Impact of MT use: The study found that using MT did not negatively affect travel satisfaction or diminish travelers’ perception of the importance of language learning.

Based on findings above, our study will analyze how translation device demand correlates with different tourist segments.

3. Demand for Translation Device Rentals at Airports

In addition to smartphone-based MT applications, translation devices are available for rent at major international airports. Our study examines the demand for translation devices at Haneda and Narita airports to assess tourists' reliance on MT in real-world settings. Key points of analysis include:

• Peak demand periods for translation device rentals
• Characteristics of users (nationality, travel purpose, length of stay, etc.)
• Comparison between translation device rentals and mobile app usage trends

Preliminary findings suggest that tourists traveling beyond major urban areas are more likely to rent translation devices. While previous studies have focused primarily on MT app usage trends, few have analyzed rental device demand at airports in detail. Our research will fill this gap by using independent data analysis to clarify how translation devices impact tourism behavior.

4. Tourists’ Perspectives on Machine Translation

Lee & Lee (2024) conducted a qualitative study on how travelers perceive and use MT during international trips. Their research identified three main categories of MT users:　1) “Shortcut to Communication” Users　2) “Compass for Understanding” Users  3) “Pocket Language Assistant” Users. This study highlights that MT is not just a translation tool but also has cognitive and social value for travelers. Our study will examine how translation device users fit into these categories and explore their relationship with travel behavior.

5. Research Significance and Future Outlook

Previous studies have focused on the convenience of MT and its impact on travel motivation, but there has been little analysis of how translation device rentals at airports relate to tourism behavior. Our study will analyze rental data from Haneda and Narita airports, conducting an independent investigation into: 1)  How translation device rentals influence travel behavior　2)  The correlation between rental demand, length of stay, and mobility　3)  The relationship between tourist demographics and MT reliance

Through this analysis, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the potential of MT in tourism and provide insights into how the tourism industry can improve multilingual support strategies.

References

• Carvalho, R., Santos, A., & Wang, T. (2023). Attitudes towards machine translation and languages among travelers. Journal of Tourism and Communication Studies, 35(2), 112–130.
• Japan National Tourism Organization. (2023). Report on inbound tourism and technology adoption. JNTO Research Papers, 12(1), 45–67.
• Lee, J., & Lee, S. (2024). Travelers’ viewpoints on machine translation using Q methodology. CoLab Journal of Consumer Research, 19(4), 78–95.

ABSTRACT. Introduction This study investigates the formation mechanisms of embodied metaphor in virtual reality (VR) tourism by collecting data from the Wind Rises in Luoyang (风起洛阳), a full-sensory VR tourism drama with classic Chinese cultural characteristics. Integrating VR technology with traditional Chinese culture, the drama provides immersive embodied experiences, enabling tourists to experience the ancient Tang Dynasty virtually. The concept of embodied metaphor is introduced to describe the cognitive process by which tourists map tangible embodied experiences (source domains) onto metaphorical imageries (target domains) in VR tourism (Forceville, 2006; Lakoff, 1980; Lakoff et al., 1999). It posits a conceptual mechanism through which people map embodied experiences onto abstract concepts. Despite increasing scholarly discussion on VR tourism, limited efforts have been paid to the concept of metaphor in the tourism context, overlooking the interpretive and constructive roles of metaphors in delivering meanings and creating tourist experiences (Adu-Ampong, 2016). Therefore, this study seeks to interpret embodied metaphor and explore its metaphorical mapping pathways within the emerging context of VR tourism via analyzing 2710 online reviews posted by VR participants.

Literature Review Existing VR tourism studies mainly focus on its potential as a marketing tool (Wen & Leung, 2021) or a way to enhance user experiences (Cheng & Huang, 2022).In the realm of experiential research, common theoretical frameworks such as stimulus-organism-response and flow theory oversimplify VR tourism’s complex dynamics, especially regarding how multimodal embodied inputs are translated into abstract conceptualizations (Kim et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2024). This research introduces the concept of “embodied metaphor”, a mechanism where concrete embodied experiences are mapped onto abstract concepts, to explore how complex and abstract virtual worlds are constructed in VR tourism (Lakoff et al., 1999).

Wang et al. (2024) employed Sebeok and Danesi (2000) biosemiotics framework to study tourists’ embodied metaphors, where the sign functions as the signifier, the object represents what is signified, and the interpretant elucidates the triadic relationship between the sign and the object. While this framework offers valuable insights, it has not explored how they are linked together to embody VR experiences via the construction of embodied metaphors yet. To address this gap, the present study incorporates image schema analysis to examine pathways from embodied experiences (source domains) to metaphorical imageries (target domains) and the mechanisms of metaphor formation (Clausner & Croft, 1999).

Methodology This study employs a qualitative research methodology that integrates online reviews and participant observation. Online reviews were collected from Dianping—a leading Chinese platform for restaurant and service reviews with user ratings and deals—covering the period from February 2023 to September 2024. These reviews are triangulated with on-site observations conducted in Shanghai (January 2024) and Luoyang (January 2025). The observations focus on tourists' behaviors, facial expressions, verbal communication, and informal interviews, generating comprehensive experiential insights within the VR tourism context.

The current study employed semiotic modeling system and image schema analysis, which elucidated the relationship between source domains (embodied experiences as signs), target domains (metaphorical imageries as objects), and mapping pathways (interpretants), providing a nuanced understanding of tourists embodied and cognitive engagements within VR tourism (Clausner & Croft, 1999; Sebeok & Danesi, 2000). The data analysis follows three steps: 1) Primary Modeling: Extract embodied experiences; 2) Secondary Modeling: Extract metaphorical imageries; and 3) Tertiary Modeling: Map embodied experiences to metaphorical imageries.

Findings This study identified six major categories of embodied experiences, including visual (preset and interactive animations), auditory (music, sound effects, narration), haptic (physical, liquid, and gas contacts), olfactory (fragrance), kinesthetic (walking, riding, shooting), and vestibular elements (vibration and weightlessness). Additionally, five types of metaphorical imageries were revealed: locations, architectures, characters, transportation, and devices. Through image schema analysis, embodied experiences (source domains) were mapped onto metaphorical imageries (target domains).

Implications The findings shed light on the concept of embodied metaphors by providing an improved interpretation within the VR tourism context and integrating embodied metaphor theory with semiotics. By offering a novel framework that connects embodied experiences with metaphorical imageries via embodied metaphors, our study advances VR tourism research. This study also adds new knowledge to tourism literature by uncovering the cognitive processes involved in multimodal virtual environments in VR tourism.

Practically, it provides managerial insights into experience design in the context VR tourism, as demonstrated by Wind Rises in Luoyang, to convey traditional cultural attributes, enhance destination identity, and boost user engagement. The embody-metaphor mappings serve as a guide for creating seamless and interactive virtual worlds, which helps improve the cultural storytelling capabilities of VR technology. The findings also can inform metaverse tourism practitioners with an emphasis on smooth virtual-to-real transitions, offering valuable directions for the innovation and development of immersive tourism experiences.

Reference: Adu-Ampong, E. (2016). A metaphor analysis research agenda for tourism studies. Annals of Tourism Research, 57, 248-250. Cheng, L.-K., & Huang, H.-L. (2022). Virtual tourism atmospheres: The effects of pleasure, arousal, and dominance on the acceptance of virtual tourism. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 53, 143-152. Clausner, T. C., & Croft, W. (1999). Domains and image schemas. Forceville, C. (2006). Non-verbal and multimodal metaphor in a cognitivist framework: Agendas for research. Applications of Cognitive Linguistics, 1, 379. Kim, M. J., Lee, C.-K., & Jung, T. (2020). Exploring consumer behavior in virtual reality tourism using an extended stimulus-organism-response model. Journal of travel research, 59(1), 69-89. Lakoff, G. (1980). Metaphors we live by/Chicago Univ. In: Press. Lakoff, G., Johnson, M., & Sowa, J. F. (1999). Review of Philosophy in the Flesh: The embodied mind and its challenge to Western thought. Computational Linguistics, 25(4), 631-634. Sebeok, T. A., & Danesi, M. (2000). The forms of meaning: Modeling systems theory and semiotic analysis (Vol. 1). Walter de Gruyter. Wang, J., Sun, Y., Zhang, L., Zhang, S., Feng, L., & Morrison, A. M. (2024). Effect of display methods on intentions to use virtual reality in museum tourism. Journal of travel research, 63(2), 314-334. Wang, Z., Tang, J., Zhou, L., & Goh, B. K. (2024). Tourists’ Embodied Metaphors in Lifestyle Cultural Space. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 10963480241237089. Wen, H., & Leung, X. Y. (2021). Virtual wine tours and wine tasting: The influence of offline and online embodiment integration on wine purchase decisions. Tourism Management, 83, 104250.

ABSTRACT. Pro-poor tourism (PPT) is a prosocial behavior that benefits low-income communities in other reference groups. This study examines psychological factors promoting tourists' participation in PPT, an angle mainly overlooked in previous research focusing on destination sites.

ABSTRACT. Global-scale events are pivotal drivers of regional development, extending benefits beyond host cities to neighboring areas. As the Osaka World Expo 2025 approaches, there is an urgent need for destinations to embrace inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for the growing Muslim tourist market. Despite the growing demand of Muslim-friendly tourism, research addressing the development of Muslim-friendly tourism in non-Muslim countries remains limited. This study bridges this gap by exploring how non-Muslim destinations such as Japan can strategically develop Muslim-friendly tourism. This research examines the perspectives of 16 tourism-related stakeholders, including local governments and destination management organizations through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis reveals key themes such as contextualization, stakeholder collaboration, and community relationships. The research provides actionable insights for regional tourism strategies, emphasizing the unique challenges of non-Muslim destinations. This study contributes to the discourse on inclusion and accessibility, offering valuable recommendations ahead of global events such as the Osaka Expo 2025.

ABSTRACT. Background The global growth of the tourism sector is raising serious concerns about its impact on the environment. Many accommodations worldwide are implementing sustainable actions to reduce this impact and contribute to a better future. Increasingly, tourists are choosing green hotels during their travels (Rahman and Reynolds, 2019), and considering sustainable certifications and actions as key service quality dimensions that influence their satisfaction (Preziosi,et.al.2022). While there is a plethora of research literature published overseas on sustainability and accommodations, there are only a limited number of studies available in the Japanese context. For example, a search on CiNii1) using the Japanese keywords “sustainability” and “hotel” in the titles of publications yields only a small number of studies. This indicates that there is not enough research-based information available for the hotel industry in Japan to refer to. Thus, compared to Western countries, sustainable actions in the hotel industry seem to lag behind in Japan. As of 2024, there are only six facilities in Japan2) awarded the Green Key, an international eco-label certification for tourism facilities. The Japanese version of ESG certification, called Sakura Quality Green, was officially approved by the US GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) in 2022, and the certification process has just started to progress. Hence, the sustainability movements in the hotel sector have been advancing, albeit slowly. According to data from the Tourism White Paper 2022 (Japan Tourism Agency), Japanese tourists' perceptions of sustainable tourism were 20 percent lower than those of global travelers. While the implementation of sustainable actions by the sector is important, traveler awareness is essential to accelerate the sustainable movement. Given the current situation in Japan, this study aims to explore the sustainability awareness of Japanese travelers when staying at accommodations. 　

Method and Results We conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the perceptions of hotel stays and knowledge of sustainability certifications among the Japanese population. The questionnaire was delivered online, and the aggregated survey data was analyzed. The questionnaire collected 121 responses from a variety of age groups, revealing some significant findings. First, it was found that the majority of respondents select accommodations based on rates and location, with only a few considering the sustainability strategies of hotels for their choice. The movement toward choosing green hotels, as mentioned by Rahman and Reynolds (2019), is not yet clearly seen in Japan. Secondly, reducing the frequency of changing towels and sheets is a common strategy for sustainable actions in many hotels (Nisa et al., 2017); however, about 65% of Japanese respondents prefer having towels changed every day. Cross-analysis by age group showed that people under 30 are more sensitive to daily towel changes (75%), while those over 51 care less about it (38%). Regarding sheet changes, respondents are more flexible, with about 35% preferring daily changes. Finally, the questionnaire asked respondents about their knowledge of hotel sustainability efforts, and only 16% are aware of sustainability certification systems, such as Green Key.

Conclusion The results suggested that Japanese people's awareness or interest in sustainability efforts during their travel is not strong. It indicated that some people were unaware of the efforts of accommodations, as shown by their ignorance of sustainability certifications. Moreover, whether a hotel is green or not is not a significant factor in their choice of accommodations. To accelerate sustainability efforts in the industry, active participation from hotel guests is essential. This study, an initial stage of a larger project, has highlighted the need to raise awareness among Japanese guests. The next stage of the study will investigate how hotel management communicates sustainability with staff in the Japanese context. The final goal of this project is to contribute to sustainability communication among stakeholders.

Notes: 1) A comprehensive academic information search service provided by the National Institute of Informatics in Japan. 2) Information from S-Pool Blue Dot Green, Inc. https://www.bluedotgreen.co.jp/column/esg/greenkey/ Retrieved Jan 10th 2025.

References: Japan Tourism Agency. (2022) White paper on Tourism 2022. Japan Tourism Agency. Nisa, C., Varum, C., & Botelho, A. (2017) Promoting sustainable hotel guest behavior: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 58(4), 354-363. Preziosi, M., Acampora, A., Lucchetti, M. C., & Merli, R. (2022). Delighting hotel guests with sustainability: Revamping importance-performance analysis in the light of the three-factor theory of customer satisfaction. Sustainability, 14(6), 3575. Rahman, I., & Reynolds, D. (2019). The influence of values and attitudes on green consumer behavior: A conceptual model of green hotel patronage. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 20(1), 47-74.

ABSTRACT. In Japan’s tourism policy, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) serve as ‘control towers’ for destination development, but their sustainability depends on securing stable financial resources. To address this, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) has proposed revising DMO registration requirements to include financial stability indicators, such as a secured financial resource rate and a comprehensive budget and procurement plan. This policy shift underscores the increasing importance of financial sustainability for the long-term viability of DMOs.

Diversification in financial resource acquisition is already evident among Japanese DMOs, with some generating revenue through commercial activities such as selling tourism products. Additionally, an increasing number of local governments are considering the introduction of tourist taxes, which could bring stable revenue stream for DMOs. However, financial self-sufficiency through commercial revenue is not feasible for all DMOs, as tourism resources, organizational capacity, and regional economic conditions vary significantly across destinations.

Beyond financial concerns, DMOs must now balance tourism development with local community well-being, as seen in the issue of overtourism. This shift highlights their evolving role as both economic entities and social institutions fostering stakeholder engagement and public interest. Given these emerging responsibilities, the legitimacy of DMOs—traditionally justified by their role in tourism promotion—now requires reevaluation. In light of global trends in impact investing and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment, DMOs may benefit from exploring diverse funding mechanisms that align with their evolving mandate. Against this backdrop, this study critically examines the legitimacy of DMOs by analyzing the implications of stable financial resource structures.

The funding of DMOs has long been recognized as a critical issue (Pike, 2004). Existing research indicate that DMOs secure funding through a mix of public subsidies, membership fees, and commercial activities (OECD, 2020). However, while prior studies have documented the diversity of funding models (Yu, 2024), there is a lack of research on the underlying determinants of this variation and their implications for DMO legitimacy and governance.

International comparisons reveal stark differences in funding models. European DMOs still tend to rely mainly on government subsidies, whereas those in the United States operate predominantly on self-generated revenue. These divergent funding models have been attributed to historical background (Furuya, 2018). However, such path dependencies are context-specific and do not directly translate to the Japanese setting, necessitating a nuanced analysis of Japan’s DMO financial structures.

This study employs an exploratory research approach to reassess the legitimacy of DMOs through the lens of financial sustainability. The primary data source comprises annual reports submitted by registered DMOs in Japan to the government. These reports offer a systematic record of financial planning and revenue streams, providing insights into the financial sustainability of DMOs.

To enhance the comparative dimension, this study examines the United Kingdom’s DMO policy, which has undergone recent transformations (de Bois, 2021; UK Government, 2022). The UK’s approach aligns with its “Levelling Up” regional policy, emphasizing the role of DMOs in local economic development. Given Japan’s ongoing second phase of regional revitalization policy, the UK model serves as a relevant comparative case to assess potential policy adaptations.

The comparative analysis highlights key differences in DMO functions and financial models between Japan and the UK. In the UK, DMOs actively contribute to local economic regeneration by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and attracting private sector investment. Conversely, Japanese DMOs generally lack a structured framework for business support and investment facilitation, focusing primarily on destination promotion and visitor management.

This disparity raises critical questions about the role of DMOs in economic development and their legitimacy within the public policy sphere. If DMOs are to justify public funding, their role must extend beyond tourism marketing to encompass broader socio-economic contributions. In this context, the principle of cost-sharing among beneficiaries warrants reconsideration, particularly in the allocation of government subsidies.

This contributes to its reframing of DMO financial sustainability as an issue of institutional legitimacy rather than merely a technical budgeting challenge. This study underscores the need for Japanese DMOs to align their financial strategies with emerging global trends, such as impact investment and ESG financing, to ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, the UK experience suggests the potential value of pilot programs to evaluate whether targeted government funding can stimulate private sector investment in tourism development.

Overall, this study advances the discourse on DMO governance by linking financial sustainability with broader questions of legitimacy and public accountability. Future research should explore alternative financing mechanisms, including hybrid funding models that integrate public, private, and community-based contributions, to enhance the resilience of DMOs in Japan’s evolving tourism landscape.

ABSTRACT. In response to negative portrayals of disaster-affected destinations, travel social media influencers (SMIs) in Japan showcased alternative, positive images of Fukushima and Noto Peninsula, subverting mainstream media representations, encouraging donations for disaster relief, and supporting tourism recovery efforts. With real-world impacts of how travel influencers are powerful in influencing their followers’ travel decision-making, this study takes a mixed-method approach, grounded upon the Prospect Theory to examine the message framing effects of travel SMIs posts on Fukushima and Noto Peninsula and analyze audience sentiments towards such posts on their perceived risk, destination image, and (re)visit intention to these destinations. Expected outcomes and implications of the study concerning destination image restoration and tourism recovery for post-disaster destinations will be discussed.

ABSTRACT. Virtual tourism has evolved from a complementary component of traditional travel into a standalone experiential domain (Beck et al., 2019; Garau & Ilardi, 2014). The rise of advanced technologies has broadened virtual tourism research into areas like virtual gaming, exploring factors such as presence, emotional engagement, and destination perception (Dubois et al., 2021). For instance, Li and Chen (2019) reveal a nuanced relationship between perceived enjoyment and real-world visitation intentions, which can diminish if virtual experiences surpass a certain threshold of satisfaction.

Postmodern authenticity has shifted the perception of tourist experiences from unmediated “realness” to constructed, performative immersion (Baudrillard, 1994). In video game-induced tourism, authenticity is derived not from physical reality but from emotional engagement and immersive experiences. Guttentag (2010) argues that tourists’ acceptance of virtual substitutes hinges on their attitudes toward authenticity, motivations, and constraints. Despite increasing research, virtual tourism remains fragmented across diverse technologies, such as VR and AR, and settings, including cultural heritage and gaming. Video games, with their immersive narratives, present a unique opportunity to investigate how postmodern authenticity shapes travel behavior.

This study examines how video games influence perceptions of postmodern authenticity and behavioral intentions, advancing virtual tourism marketing by optimizing immersive technologies for both real-world and digital experiences. Using Genshin Impact as a case study, this research demonstrates how players construct perceptions of postmodern authenticity and how vividness, interactivity, and immersion shape travel behavior. Drawing on videos, secondary data, and interviews, it highlights Genshin Impact’s role in bridging virtual and real-world tourism by promoting curiosity and inspiring exploration of real-world destinations. The main theoretical discoveries are as follows:

First, this research highlights vividness, interactivity, and immersion as essential drivers of VR’s effectiveness in influencing destination image, satisfaction, and travel intentions, aligning with findings from prior studies (Zhu et al., 2022; Kim et al., 2021). Specifically, immersion strengthens emotional connections to destinations, while interactivity enables dynamic and personalized exploration (Hur et al., 2019). Consequently, VR offers transformative potential for tourism marketing by delivering heightened realism and engagement, enriching both anticipatory experiences and on-site interactions, and ultimately redefining how travelers connect with destinations.

Second, video games have been shown to leverage immersive storytelling, gamification, and cultural representation to stimulate tourism demand. VR-enhanced games, in particular, create deep immersion and a heightened sense of presence, which motivate players to travel (Shaheer, 2021). Therefore, video game-induced experience can be strategically harnessed in tourism marketing to enhance destination branding, engage potential tourists through interactive experiences, and familiarize them with the cultural and historical significance of various locations. As a powerful marketing tool, this approach may increase tourist arrivals and boost the popularity of destinations.

Third, telepresence—the sensation of “being there”—is a key factor in VR and video game tourism. It enhances destination image and visitation intentions by promoting emotional engagement and satisfaction (Tussyadiah et al., 2018). Immersion amplifies telepresence, as deeper engagement strengthens emotional connections to virtual destinations (Ouerghemmi et al., 2023). Video games, with their unique combination of interactivity and telepresence, serve as highly effective tools for virtual tourism marketing.

Fourth, postmodern authenticity redefines traditional notions of “real” experiences, framing authenticity as subjective and constructed (Baudrillard, 1994; Wang, 1999). Therefore, emotional and immersive engagement often outweigh physical accuracy. This is particularly relevant in virtual tourism, where digital reconstructions and simulations evoke strong emotions and immersion, often perceived as authentic despite their artificiality (Guttentag, 2010; Tussyadiah et al., 2018). Video games epitomize this shift, offering virtual environments where authenticity is rooted in emotional depth and personal resonance rather than material fidelity.

This study positions video games as transformative platforms for virtual tourism, emphasizing the importance of vivid, interactive, and immersive environments in enhancing emotional resonance and shaping perceptions of authenticity. These characteristics are critical to constructing authenticity in a postmodern context, where the emotional connection evoked by virtual experiences often outweighs the need for replication of real-world locations. For tourism marketers, this research highlights opportunities to collaborate with game developers to harness the emotional connections inspired by virtual environments, promoting destinations in a sustainable and engaging manner. Game developers, in turn, can incorporate real-world cultural and geographic elements into their designs to enhance both the authenticity and appeal of their games. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential of video games to redefine tourism marketing and experience design, creating emotionally impactful virtual worlds that inspire real-world exploration and promote meaningful connections between digital and physical spaces.

ABSTRACT. This study develops the concept of non-place making to examine how social media platforms facilitate the production of tourism non-places. It explores how Chinese tourists intentionally create transient, fluid, and asocial environments in outbound travel exclusively for daka, a practice of photo-taking that signals tourist presence while engaging in aesthetic and vernacular performances on social media.

The concept of non-place refers to spaces devoid of relational, historical, and identity-based significance, in contrast to anthropological places shaped by language, local references, and social norms (Augé, 1995). However, Augé’s conceptualization has been critiqued for being overly humanistic and static, failing to account for the fluidity of spatial experiences, the sociocultural complexity of sites, and the symbolic meanings they hold for different actors (Korstanje, 2009; Merriman, 2004). In tourism research, non-place has been adapted to reflect tourists’ intentionality and agency in navigating and transforming non-places (Bauder, 2016; Varley et al., 2020). Responding to calls for a “dynamic sense of place” (Thrift, 1999, p. 296) and integrating perspectives from media studies, this study reframes non-place as a dynamic, performative process shaped by social media participation. It introduces non-place making to conceptualize the dynamic, contextual, and strategic production of non-places in tourist experiences.

Social media has increasingly shaped tourism geographies, urban spaces, and tourist experiences (Bronsvoort & Uitermark, 2022; Oh, 2022; Törnberg, 2022). In China, digital platforms have facilitated the emergence of “marked sites” (daka destinations)—specific locations that attract tourists to document their presence through aesthetically curated photography (Connell et al., 2024; Guo et al., 2024). The daka phenomenon, cultivated and popularized by urban stakeholders, social media influencers, and ordinary users’ aesthetic labor, has become a dominant practice in Chinese tourism (Guo et al., 2024; Zou, 2024; Zhang et al., 2022). This trend is embedded in China’s endogenous digital ecosystem, where domestic platforms foster a lifestyle centered on sharing everyday lives and consumption experiences for visibility (Cao, 2024; Guo, 2022). Among these platforms, Xiaohongshu has emerged as a key tourism community, shaping travel motivations and the production of tourist spaces (Li & Lee, 2024; Wang et al., 2022).

To examine the production of non-places, this study focuses on Chinese outbound travel to Otaru, Japan, a city renowned for its connection to the film Love Letter and a favored destination among Chinese tourists. I employed netnography (Kozinets, 2015) to conduct an ethnographic observation on Xiaohongshu from November 2023 to January 2025, capturing the post-pandemic resurgence of Chinese tourism in Hokkaido. Data collection was guided by search queries such as Otaru travel (小樽旅行) and Otaru marked sites (小樽打卡)—keywords frequently used by Xiaohongshu users to gain algorithmic visibility. Taking advantage of Xiaohongshu’s recommendation system, my browsing behaviors continually surfaced related posts, constituting an ongoing digital ethnographic immersion into Otaru’s tourism discourse. Drawing from the insights of non-place, I focused on tourist discussions regarding niche, photogenic locations beyond mainstream attractions and their reflections on the travel experience. In total, 87 posts were analyzed using an interpretive approach, offering insights into the dynamics of tourist performances and digital placemaking.

The analysis identified three representative daka sites in Otaru: (1) Asari Station, a transit point on the railway route, where tourists capture a sea-view photograph; (2) Sumiyoshi Shrine, a lesser-known location sought out for its torii gate, appreciated for its color characteristics and photogenic appeal; and (3) Otaru’s snowy scenery, an arbitrary, interchangeable backdrop used to recreate the nostalgic aesthetic of Love Letter, often featuring tourists wearing a blue scarf as a visual reference to the drama First Love. These sites illustrate how Chinese tourists actively construct non-places through performative tourism practices, transforming these locations into tactical spaces for niche tourism experiences and digital self-expression. These spaces remain inherently transient, asocial, and solitary, crafted for fleeting aesthetic moments, visual gratification, and social media representation rather than for cultural engagement, commercial development, or local interaction. Moreover, their popularity is exclusively sustained within the Chinese digital ecosystem, shaped by Xiaohongshu’s participatory, aesthetic, and creative culture (Cao, 2024; Guo et al., 2024). Tourists leverage the platform’s algorithmic visibility to discover, share, and validate niche destinations, fostering a collective sense of non-place making through ceremonial photography, curated narratives, and vernacular engagements. For Chinese tourists, the significance of these non-places lies precisely in their placelessness, which defines the essence of daka culture. At the same time, their relationality emerges through the curated aestheticization of digital tourism, reinforced by participatory engagement and social validation within the Xiaohongshu community.

This study advances the understanding of non-places in the social media era by introducing non-place making as a dynamic, relational, and performative process rather than a static spatial category. It highlights how tourism geographies are produced and reconfigured through digital practices, as tourists strategically engage with spaces to construct ephemeral, aestheticized, and platform-driven non-places. By bridging tourism and media studies, this study offers a conceptual framework for examining the evolving intersections of spatiality, social media use, and tourist experience in contemporary tourism.

ABSTRACT. The Olympic Games attract a global audience, with media playing a crucial role in shaping public engagement. As digital platforms continue to evolve, YouTube has emerged as a key space for audience interaction, offering valuable insights into public sentiment. This study analyzes YouTube comments on full-length recordings of the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies from 2010 to 2024 to explore viewers’ emotional responses. The sentiment analysis revealed a predominance of positive sentiments, with joy, anticipation, and trust as the most frequently expressed emotions. Additionally, the study identifies frequently occurring positive and negative words associated with each ceremony. The study provides a valuable resource for understanding audience engagement and informing future Olympics ceremony planning.

ABSTRACT. The restructuring of rural societies in the global North, where globalization and urbanization have significantly impacted local communities, has led to a renewed focus on tourism as a key strategy for rural development and regional revitalization. In Japan, facing severe rural decline and an aging population, various initiatives have been implemented to revitalize rural areas, particularly through the culture tourism sector. While experience-based rural creative tourism has become a major focus within Japan’s tourism industry, it remains underexplored in academic literature compared to other countries. This study investigates two rapidly growing forms of creative tourism in rural Japan: rural arts festival tourism (high culture tourism) and content tourism (pop culture tourism). Through three multiple cases studies conducted over the past five years, this research demonstrates that both forms of tourism provide significant benefits and foster social innovation in rural areas. Art tourism facilitates the transformation of elite art into accessible culture through broad civic engagement and tourism interactions. In contrast, content tourism merges pop culture with daily life, attracting a younger, more diverse audience. Beyond their cultural impact, art and content tourism also contribute to social enterprise and territorial rehabilitation, indirectly benefiting rural communities. These tourism forms represent a dynamic shift toward a more active cultural tourism model, enhancing rural areas and promoting cultural creation. The findings from this study offer insights that could inspire and support the cultural and economic development of rural communities worldwide. However, the research also highlights several management challenges associated with this type of creative tourism, warranting further exploration and attention.

ABSTRACT. Background Entrepreneurship education is increasingly recognized as a key tool for fostering problem-solving skills, proactive thinking, and adaptability in an uncertain global society (Neck & Corbett, 2018). However, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM, 2023), Japan has one of the lowest levels of entrepreneurship penetration among developed countries, and high school students have limited opportunities to acquire entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (2023) indicates that only 43% of high schools in Japan have introduced entrepreneurship education programs, highlighting the need for effective and engaging educational models for younger students.

Differentiation from Traditional Entrepreneurship Education Traditional entrepreneurship education has primarily focused on business plan development and theoretical knowledge, often lacking practical engagement and experiential learning. In contrast, this study introduces a problem-solving and action-based approach through the Mission-Completion Type Real International Exchange Machinaka Rogaining program. Unlike conventional methods that emphasize business strategies and financial projections, this program fosters real-world entrepreneurial competencies through interactive missions, strategic decision-making, and cross-cultural communication in English.

Methodology and Mission Design To address the lack of practical entrepreneurship education for high school students, we developed and evaluated the "Mission-Completion Type Real International Exchange Machinaka Rogaining in Hokkaido University" program. This program incorporated Rogaining, an experiential and collaborative learning approach, where participants engaged in English-based real-world missions while interacting with international students. The program aimed to cultivate critical thinking, strategic planning, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and creativity, which are essential competencies for entrepreneurship.

The missions included: ・Creative Team Collaboration: Teams created original poses or solved puzzles instead of taking standard photos. ・Social Issue Challenges: Participants developed and presented solutions to real-world social problems. ・Entrepreneurial Video Projects: Teams produced business-oriented video presentations in English, simulating real-world pitching scenarios. These activities were structured to enhance entrepreneurial competencies, particularly skills and attitudes, as defined by Lackéus (2015), while fostering collaborative learning and adaptability.

Survey Design and Measurement Metrics The program’s effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-questionnaire surveys conducted with 93 high school students, following the Lackéus (2015) Knowledge-Skills-Attitudes (KSA) framework. The survey measured 16 key entrepreneurial competencies, categorized as follows:

Knowledge：Mental Models,Fundamental Knowledge, Self-Insight Skills：Marketing Skills, Resource Management Skills, Opportunity Recognition, Interpersonal Skills, Learning Skills, Strategic Thinking Attitudes：Passion for Entrepreneurship, Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Proactiveness, Assertiveness, Tolerance for Uncertainty and Ambiguity, Innovativeness, Perseverance Each item was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale to quantify students' entrepreneurial growth.

Findings and Contribution Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements across all competency areas, particularly in: Strategic Thinking: Improved ability to prioritize and formulate strategies. Self-Efficacy: Increased confidence in problem-solving and leadership. Innovation-Oriented Problem-Solving: Enhanced creativity and adaptability. Participants reported greater willingness to take initiative, engage in creative ideation, and collaborate effectively under pressure. These findings suggest that a mission-driven, action-based approach is more effective than traditional classroom-based entrepreneurship education.

Conclusion and Future Research Directions This study highlights the effectiveness of interactive, real-world problem-solving activities in developing entrepreneurial skills among high school students. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the sustainability of these learning outcomes and explore hybrid educational models incorporating digital tools to enhance accessibility and engagement. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on expanding entrepreneurship education at the high school level and emphasize the importance of early exposure to entrepreneurial thinking in fostering an innovative, opportunity-driven society.

ABSTRACT. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the tourism industry, and the instability of international affairs has made its recovery difficult. Nevertheless, sustainability remains an important theme for the tourism sector, and the spread of the SDGs has made it a concept frequently encountered in daily life. When considering tourism, it is necessary to simultaneously take into account risks such as infectious diseases and wars, as well as the common goal of sustainability. In recent years, there has been an increasing discussion on broader sustainability, including risk management and reconstruction/recovery. On the other hand, as the concept of sustainability spreads, there is a challenge in the unclear nature of its practical implementation. This stems from the lack of clarity between discussions on "what is sustainable" and those questioning "how sustainability can be achieved." The expansion of the SDGs has been successful as a movement, but difficulties arise when trying to translate them into concrete policies and businesses. Furthermore, when considering the international tourism market, "Galapagosization" through individual interpretations is not acceptable; it is essential to understand how the world and regions define sustainability. Sustainable tourism is a concept formed by the fusion of sustainability and tourism, with its background rooted in the Brundtland Commission's discussions on "sustainable development." Tourism is an industry that drives the 21st-century economy and has been promoted in many developing countries. In this context, the link between sustainability and tourism has been an inevitable development. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as "tourism that takes into account the economic, social, and environmental impacts while responding to the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities." This perspective emphasizes that tourism holds a special position in bringing benefits to local communities and contributing to environmental conservation. However, there are criticisms of the view that treats tourism as special. R.W. Butler points out that discussions on sustainable tourism have deviated from the original direction of sustainable development, which should encompass various industries and approaches. In other words, there is an issue where sustainability is trivialized by making tourism the primary focus. This "reversal of roles" arises because the relationship between sustainability and tourism has not been adequately organized. While ecotourism and adventure tourism try to find sustainability within tourism, responsible tourism and regenerative tourism tend to set goals outside of tourism. Sustainable tourism, due to its simple structure, leads to various interpretations, and this ambiguity becomes a factor causing divergence in policy implementation. Therefore, to incorporate sustainability into tourism policy, it is crucial to grasp the overall picture and clarify the regional direction. Sustainable tourism involves varying interpretations depending on the region, and it is difficult to capture it comprehensively. Therefore, a "factorization" perspective, breaking it down into components rather than seeing it as a whole, becomes effective. This paper organizes sustainable tourism into "mindsets" and "policies" and structures it as a tree model, which will be called the "NIST Tree." First, the mindset is organized along two axes: policy issues and scope. Policy issues can be classified into three areas: environment, society, and economy. For example, in Hawaii, the goals are natural environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and tourism industry sustainability. Next, policy motivations can be categorized into "problem-solving" and "vision-pursuing." The former focuses on solving specific issues, while the latter aims for an ideal future. Regarding the scope of policy, it is organized into five levels: local, regional, national, international, and global. Local policymakers are expected to consider local perspectives, while national policymakers should consider national and global perspectives. Based on this, vision-pursuing policies can be classified into three types: "Eco-Mind," "Urban Development Mind," and "Green Marketing Mind." Problem-solving policies can be categorized into three types: "Resource Conservation Mind," "Societal Mind," and "Pro-Poor Mind." For example, in Okinawa, the "Eco-Mind" policy aims at ecosystem conservation following the registration as a World Natural Heritage site. Meanwhile, in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, policies based on the "Resource Conservation Mind" are being implemented to reduce environmental impacts caused by the increase in tourists, such as limiting the number of visitors. Thus, by not merely treating sustainable tourism as a concept but organizing it based on specific policy directions, more effective tourism policies can be designed. The realization of sustainable tourism suited to regional characteristics requires the establishment of an appropriate mindset and the development of relevant policies.

ABSTRACT. “Sports anime” refers to animation works around sports activities or competitions. This genre is often passionate and inspiring, motivating audiences and even serving as an introduction for many viewers to appreciate and develop an interest in a particular sport. As a major powerhouse in anime production, Japan has consistently created sports-themed anime since the last century, covering a wide range of sports. Sports anime contribute to the development of sports culture through their dynamic storytelling and depiction of athletic competition. Furthermore, it turns certain locations featured in their narratives into cultural symbols, attracting anime fans to visit these places for a media pilgrimage. This study refers to tourists traveling to locations associated with sports-themed anime works as “sports anime tourism”. This form of tourism combines elements of “sports tourism” and “anime pilgrimage”, where tourists often seek to explore real-world sports facilities, experience competition scenes depicted in the anime, or even participate in related sports activities for an immersive experience. For example, the basketball-themed anime Slam Dunk has inspired many domestic and international tourists to visit the Kamakura High School in Kanagawa Prefecture, where the protagonist studied. Similarly, the volleyball-themed anime Haikyuu!! has attracted tourists to the Sendai City Gymnasium in Miyagi Prefecture, a venue featured in the series for volleyball matches. Additionally, Run with the Wind, which is set against the backdrop of the Tokyo-Hakone Round Trip College Ekiden Race, has drawn significant attention to this uniquely Japanese long-distance relay race, with many tourists traveling to the Tokyo-Hakone area to watch the sports event during competition periods. Sports anime tourism is not merely a re-experience of anime works but also a form of “pilgrimage” to sports culture. Sports anime tourism is founded on the research of media-induced tourism. Media-induced tourism research emphasizes how the narrative structure and symbolic representation of media content shape the tourist destination image (Frost, 2006; Iwashita, 2006), highlighting how media content affects tourists’ perceptions and travel behaviors (Kim, 2012; Reijnders, 2016). Media-induced tourism turns filming locations into popular tourist destinations, generating economic and cultural benefits for those destinations (Kim et al., 2007; Connell, 2012; Beeton, 2016). Additionally, the thematic and narrative elements expressed in media works can also act as further tourist attractions. In 2005, the Japanese government introduced the concept of “contents tourism”, promoting the development of the tourism industry through the content industry. This term has been widely used in media and tourism studies in Japan. Contents tourism is not merely a localized term for media-induced tourism, it represents a particular aspect of media-induced tourism that highlights phenomena rarely addressed in previous research, such as the transmedia expansion of media content and tourists’ mediatization experiences (Beeton et al., 2013; Seaton et al., 2017). Contents tourism studies emphasize that fictional media content continuously expands through tourists’ practices, dynamically revitalizing tourist destinations through their engagement and interaction with physical locations (Graburn and Yamamura, 2020). As a unique subcategory of media-induced tourism, sports anime tourism merges the enjoyment of sports activities with the consumption of media content, blending sports culture and media culture into the multifaceted value creation of the destination. Against this background, this study will analyze different development models of sports anime tourism using a case study approach. It will examine the development processes of scene-based experience tourism, sports participation experience tourism, and event-based experience tourism, based on different sports anime works. Furthermore, the study will explore the contributions of different sports anime tourism models to the promotion of tourist destination development. By examining the characteristics of tourism driven by media content with a sports theme, this research aims to enhance the understanding of integrated cultural tourism that fuses specific cultural themes with media-induced tourism. Additionally, it tries to provide insights for utilizing sports-themed media content to boost sports tourism and support the growth of tourist destinations.

ABSTRACT. Tourism transportation contributes to approximately 46% of tourism-related GHG emissions, highlighting the need for effective reduction measures. This study examines intracity travel within tourist destinations to propose viable policies for sustainable tourism by assessing carbon emissions from tourism-related transportation. The Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, a popular domestic tourism area with an existing Tourism MaaS (Mobility as a Service) initiative, serves as the study site. Utilizing data from Blogwatcher, the research collects and analyzes intracity travel patterns, conducting scenario analyses on shifts in transportation modes (e.g., from private vehicles to public transit or walking) and the adoption of EVs. The goal is to develop regional-level strategies in Japan for reducing carbon emissions from tourism transportation while balancing tourism growth and environmental sustainability.

ABSTRACT. Urban heritage is an important means of showcasing the cultural depth of a city. Various stakeholders engage in diverse practical activities within urban heritage, particularly in cases where certain heritage sites are still closely linked to the daily lives of contemporary people. This gives such heritage sites both the characteristics of traditional urban heritage and the “everyday” attributes. Cultural space serves as a vital carrier for the protection and development of urban heritage. The involvement of daily life in urban heritage ensures the active transmission of its cultural connotations and spirit, while also playing a crucial role in the reconstruction of urban cultural spaces. Based on this, this study takes the Daming Palace National Heritage Park as a case, using qualitative interviews and the semiotic triadic relationship theory to explore the symbolic representation of everyday urban heritage and its impact and mechanisms on the reconstruction of urban cultural spaces. The findings reveal that various stakeholders within the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, connected through the “everyday” attribute, engage in a series of practices that endow the park with the “everyday” attribute, thus promoting the social significance of urban cultural space reconstruction in contemporary times. This study introduces the concept of everyday urban heritage into the research of urban cultural space, broadening the perspective of urban cultural space reconstruction and facilitating the dynamic inheritance and development of urban heritage culture to support urban cultural space reconstruction.

ABSTRACT. The green climate can subtly promote consistency between residents’ knowledge and actions of environmentally responsible behaviours in ecotourism communities, but understanding the structure of green climate remains a challenge. This study defined and developed a scale with 4 dimensions and 21 items for measuring the green climate in ecotourism communities. Four progressive studies are included. First, based on a review of research on climate in various disciplines, we defined green climate in ecotourism communities. Then we conducted in-depth qualitative research in the communities of the NanKun mountain ecotourism area and 31 initial items were extracted from the interview transcripts through coding analysis. Second, we utilized this scale to collect data in two ecotourism communities and 21 items are retained through exploratory factor analysis. Third, we collected data from three other ecotourism communities, validating the reliability and validity of the scale. Fourth, we tested its nomological validity by further revealing the predictive role of green climate on environmentally responsible behaviour and its moderating role between connectedness with nature and environmentally responsible behaviour. This study responds to the demands for contextualized research on the green climate in tourism and offers a more accurate scale for measuring from the perspective of residents. Most importantly, we explored the characteristics and concepts of green climate in tourism context, and bridged the research gap between the green climate and environmentally responsible behaviour, contributing to the advancement of residents’ ecologically sustainable practices.

ABSTRACT. A STUDY ON THE SPACE OF ETHNIC MINORITY FESTIVAL IN POST-DISASTER RECONSTRUCTED SETTLEMENTS

                                        -A CASE STUDY OF QIANG ETHNIC VILLAGES IN SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA

Wenqian Hu, Yu Okamura and Yingju Zhang

Tokyo Metropolitan University

In recent years, disasters have been frequent. After disasters, many countries try revitalizing their economies by developing minority tourism. Tourism development has been recognized as a significant way out of post-disaster poverty. For post-disaster ethnic minority settlements, different types of disasters lead to varying reconstruction approaches, affecting the shaping of festival spaces, resulting in distinct spatial characteristics. This study focuses on the festival space in villages, A Case Study of Qiang Ethnic Villages in Sichuan Province, China. Explores how stakeholders in different villages shape festival space and its differences and impacts, and further analyzes its relationship with disaster conditions and reconstruction methods.

Ethnic minority tourism is tourism development in the residential areas of non-dominant ethnic groups within a multi-ethnic country (Huang Rui, 2024). This study focuses on how different stakeholders shape festival spaces within settlement spaces. The first aspect is post-disaster power relations, conceptually defined as the joint decision-making process between key stakeholders to address planning issues and manage problems related to planning and development(Sautter & Leisen, 1999). Ethnic minority tourism development also often involves the participation of different powers, such as the government, private enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and residents. Secondly, The festival space can be understood as a space set apart for the festival-goers seeking an extraordinary experience. This experience can have an emotional and symbolic significance(Morgan, 2007). The production of festival traditions is a collective activity constructed through the participation of multiple stakeholders(Yang, 2013). It is also an important manifestation of ethnic minority cultural tourism. Developing festival activities in tourism hubs plays a crucial role in driving the local economy and shaping the regional image.

The subject of this study is the Qiang ethnic group, an ethnic minority in China. The research question focuses on the following: What are the characteristics of how different stakeholders in Qiang settlements shape festival spaces? From a sociological perspective, this study primarily uses qualitative methods to conduct in-depth and multi-dimensional investigations of Qiang settlements. It utilizes document analysis to organize relevant data from multiple settlements. It collects information related to the study area through online searches, including local news reports and historical records, to better understand the current state of festival spaces in tourism settlements. Finally, the study classifies settlement types, summarizes the dominant types of stakeholders and spatial characteristics in different settlements, and provides a deeper understanding of post-disaster festival spaces. For post-disaster reconstructed Qiang settlements, reconstruction types can be divided into relocation, in-situ reconstruction, and restoration（Liu, 2019）. The current research findings show that Stakeholders in festival spaces can be categorized into four types: developer-led, merchant-led, government-led, and resident-led. Developer-led settlements usually have sufficient financial support and diverse cultural expressions but may face the issue of cultural distortion. The current research takes the ancient Qiang City of China as a case study, the most popular tourist destination with the highest number of visitors. Merchant-led settlements are more flexible, but the cultural space may become disordered; the most typical settlement is Tao Ping Qiang Village. Currently, there are three main types of festival activities in Tao Ping Qiang Village: first, major festival events organized by the government; second, when there are more tourists, hotels collaborate with Sarang Square to organize song and dance performances; and finally, when the number of tourists is lower, many hotels in the Qiang villages use their own courtyard spaces to host small bonfire parties to attract visitors. Government-led settlements organize fewer activities but emphasize social and public welfare, with more equitable resource distribution, and settlements that aim to develop post-disaster tourism but have not yet done so often become resident-led. Such settlements have greater cultural authenticity.

For ethnic minorities, regional autonomy and stakeholders have their uniqueness. In addition, the festival space of ethnic minorities is closely related to the success or failure of tourism development, which directly impacts the post-disaster economic recovery and development of ethnic minorities. While previous studies have explored the cultural space and power relations of ethnic minorities, this paper provides a novel perspective on festival spaces from the viewpoint of post-disaster reconstruction types, offering valuable recommendations for the festival spaces in settlements with different reconstruction types in the future.

References

Huang Rui. (2024). A Study on the Ethnic Tourism Attractiveness in Western Sichuan Based on EAHP. (Master's thesis). Retrieved from  https://link.cnki.net/doi/10.27415/d.cnki.gxngc.2024.001072 Available from CNKI

Sautter, E. T., & Leisen, B. (1999). Managing stakeholders: a tourism planning model. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), 312-328.

Morgan, M. (2007). Festival spaces and the visitor experience.

Yang, J. (2013). Tourism performance and folk variation in multiple interactions: A case study of Lijiang Dongba culture. Folklore Studies, (02), 147-154. https://doi.org/10.13370/j.cnki.fs.2013.02.008

Liu, B. (2019). A study on the continuity of Qiang village landscape in post-disaster reconstruction in Aba Prefecture (Master’s thesis, Hunan University). China National Knowledge Infrastructure. https://doi.org/10.27135/d.cnki.ghudu.2019.004488.

ABSTRACT. Research Background

Adventure tourism enhances added value, supports the local economy, and promotes sustainable activities. Therefore, the continuous development of this field has a positive impact not only on tourism but also on the economy, people, and environment of the destinations. In Japan, adventure tourism (AT) faces challenges such as a lack of guides and disparities in the awareness of local stakeholders. There are few guides with the necessary expertise and English proficiency, and issues like aging populations and difficulties in handling wide-area operations are also pointed out. Furthermore, accommodations and dining facilities are insufficient, and regional collaboration is inadequate. In Eastern Hokkaido, national parks such as Kushiroshitsugen National Park, Shiretoko National Park, and Akan-Mashu National Park are scattered across the region, each with rich natural environments and unique ecosystems. However, compared to national parks in Canada, which offer a wealth of multi-day adventures over extended periods, day tours are the mainstream in Japan, and there is insufficient focus on various sustainability efforts and promoting these aspects to participants. This study aims to address what strategies can enhance the added value of adventure tourism in Eastern Hokkaido’s national parks, and how can the local experience be improved by drawing lessons from international adventure tourism destinations?

Research Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify specific strategies to enhance the added value of adventure tourism in the national parks of Eastern Hokkaido. In addition, by comparing with international adventure tourism, the study explores sustainability measures and the potential for long-stay tours to increase the attractiveness of AT in the region, while proposing a tourism model that contributes to the local economy and environmental conservation. 

Literature Review

The essential factor that tends to place such activities within adventure tourism, and not eco-tourism, is the nature of interaction with the surrounding natural environment (Weaver, 2001). While ecotourism faces challenges related to economic sustainability, adventure tourism is expected to serve as a complementary tool to address these issues. In recent years, with the emergence of overtourism, whether AT can bring economic sustainability to the tourism industry is a crucial factor that will influence the development of AT in Japan (Kasahara, 2024). Additionally, national parks play a crucial role in both nature conservation and regional economic development. In Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park, annual tourist expenditures reach approximately $12.1 million, generating $6 million in revenue for the local economy and creating 206 jobs (Job, 2008). Furthermore, in Bavaria’s Bavarian Forest National Park, 760,000 annual visitors spend €27.79 million, resulting in a net income of €13.15 million for the regional economy (Mayer, 2014). In Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, tourism revenue is utilized for infrastructure maintenance and landscape improvement (Lal et al., 2017). These cases highlight the added value that national parks contribute to regional economies and their sustainability, while also suggesting that strengthening collaboration with local communities is a key factor (Kawamura, 2005). Hokkaido boasts abundant natural resources and is gaining recognition as a prime destination for adventure tourism (AT) with activities available throughout all four seasons. Moreover, the region aligns closely with the Japanese government’s policy of promoting stay-type nature tourism in national parks under the framework of the “virtuous cycle of conservation and utilization” (DBJ, 2024). However, there is a notable lack of research on adventure tourism and national parks in Japan, particularly regarding strategies to enhance the profitability of national parks.

Research Methodology

This study will assess the feasibility of this project by examining successful international cases with natural conditions similar to those of national parks in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Additionally, it will analyze the differences between tourism conditions in Japan and those in other countries, while also identifying the unique characteristics of Japanese national parks. Specifically, Switzerland and New Zealand are selected as case studies. By investigating and comparing the natural resources, traveler demographics, risk management, adventure tourism promotion systems, and human resource development related to adventure tourism in Switzerland, New Zealand, and eastern Hokkaido, this study seeks to identify commonalities and differences, thereby examining the challenges and future directions for the development of adventure tourism in eastern Hokkaido. Through this research, the aim is to enhance the added value of these tourism destinations and provide insights applicable to other regions.  

ABSTRACT. In April 2023, it was officially decided to invite Japan’s first integrated resort (IR), including a casino, to Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka City. Osaka Prefecture and City had hoped to open the facility in 2029, but due to delays in the government’s approval of the plan, the current projection is for the opening to take place in 2030.

An IR (Integrated Resort) is a large scaled tourist facility integrating a casino, hotels, shopping malls, conference halls, entertainment facilities, etc. IR has the potential to play an important role in the tourism industry and contribute to economic growth and regional development. However, they also entail social challenges. We would like to compare that with Paradise City in Incheon, South Korea, and consider whether there is potential for an IR in Tokyo in the future. In February 1991, Mizuho Research Institute published a report titled “Case Study on Management Strategies and Reinvestment in IR in Neighboring Countries and Other Countries Around the World,” in which the importance of IR in tourism is discussed. The facility at Yumeshima－a man-made island in Osaka City, based on the concept of “Water Capital of Connections,” will include, in addition to the casino, an international exhibition hall that can host world-class exhibitions and trade fairs, entertainment facilities such as a large theater, multiple facilities that convey the charm of Japan, three hotels (2,500 rooms in total) which can meet a variety of needs, and other attractive non-gaming facilities. The facilities will include an international exhibition hall, a large theater, and other entertainment facilities.

On the other hand, in Korea and Japan, people have a strong negative image of gambling, and when they hear the term “integrated resort (IR),” they tend to think mainly of casinos, but it is important to remember that an IR is essentially a complex facility including a casino. As an advanced gaming city, Las Vegas used to derive most of its revenue from gambling, but now its main customer base has shifted to younger generations, who are spending more on food and beverage, accommodation, and entertainment than on casinos. Therefore, in Las Vegas, a business model that emphasizes non-gaming revenues and does not depend on casinos seems to have already begun to succeed. Macau, the largest casino area in Asia, has also recently adopted a policy of not relying on casino revenues and is focusing on non-gaming revenues.

In light of these examples of advanced IR countries, the key to success for IR in Korea and Japan is not simply to rely on casino revenues, but to focus on increasing the attractiveness of tourism. Tourism plays a crucial role in stimulating economic growth by generating revenue, creating jobs, and driving infrastructure development. As one of the world’s largest industries, tourism contributes significantly to GDP growth, supports local businesses, and enhances a country’s global economic power of competition.

This presentation will examine the findings of this report in the context of the Osaka IR development and provide a comparative analysis of the economic and strategic implications. It will also explore the feasibility of establishing an IR in Tokyo by evaluating Tokyo’s economic impact projections and policy considerations. The analysis focuses on how IR in Tokyo could impact Tokyo’s tourism industry, infrastructure development, job creation, and the local economy as a whole, while also addressing potential social challenges.

References

1. Osaka Prefectural Government. (2023). Economic Data Report 2024. Retrieved from Osaka Prefectural Government.
2. AFP. (2023). South Korean Casino Market Struggles Amid IR Growth. Retrieved from AFP.
3. Mizuho Research Institute. (1991). Case Study on Management Strategies and Reinvestment in IRs in Neighboring and Other Countries Worldwide.
4. NEVADA GAMING REVENUES, 1984-2023 Calendar Year Revenues for Selected Reporting Areas February 2024, Center for Gaming Research    https://gaming.library.unlv.edu/reports/NV_1984_present.pdf

ABSTRACT. UNDERSTANDING THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF TOURIST MISBEHAVIOR

P. Monica Chien, The University of Queensland, Australia

Wanting Sun, City University of Macau, Macau

Ravi Pappu, The University of Queensland, Australia

Tourist misbehavior is a longstanding issue that disrupts the travel experience (Tsaur et al., 2019), threatens host communities’ social order (Sun et al., 2023), and harms environmental sustainability (Juvan et al., 2018). Its impacts extend beyond immediate disturbances, influencing residents' support for tourism (Chien & Ritchie, 2018) and damaging the reputation of tourists' home countries (Zhang et al., 2019). While previous studies have examined tourist misbehavior from various perspectives, few have explored its secondary effects, particularly how residents' criticism of misbehaving tourists influences broader social dynamics between tourists and destinations.

As international travel recovers post-COVID-19, many destinations are grappling with how to manage returning tourists, including those exhibiting disruptive behavior. In Japan, incidents like tourists taking photos of Mt. Fuji in unsafe spots have frustrated locals, leading to strong reactions and criticism. However, little is known about how this criticism affects other tourists from the same country. Drawing on theories of ingroup deviance (Hornsey & Jetten, 2003), metastereotypes (Vorauer et al., 2000), and the intergroup sensitivity effect (Sutton et al., 2006), our research examines how tourists respond to locals' criticism of fellow tourists' misbehavior, investigates if responses differ depending on the severity of the misbehavior, and explores the role of anger in shaping these reactions.

We hypothesize that residents' criticism of tourist misbehavior triggers negative metastereotypes—perceptions of how one's ingroup is viewed by outsiders. These metastereotypes may lead to negative reactions toward misbehaving tourists (i.e., black sheep effect) (Hornsey & Jetten, 2004) such as denigrating transgressors or engaging in retaliatory actions like boycotting the destination. However, some individuals may attempt to counter negative metastereotypes through prosocial actions. We also hypothesize that the severity of the misbehavior influences the intensity of the response, with more serious offenses eliciting stronger reactions. Additionally, we expect that emotions such as anger, particularly when negative metastereotypes are activated, will intensify intentions to boycott the destination and reduce prosocial behaviors.

To test these hypotheses, we conducted a survey experiment with 387 U.S. participants recruited via MTurk. All participants had recent overseas travel experience and were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in a 2 (negative metastereotype: activated vs. not activated) × 2 (misbehavior severity: low vs. high) design. Metastereotype activation and misbehavior severity were manipulated using fictitious news articles describing U.S. tourists misbehaving in Japan, ranging from littering (low severity) to defacing a temple (high severity). Pretests confirmed the effectiveness of the manipulations. We tested the impact of the metastereotype, the moderating role of misbehavior severity, and the mediating role of emotions using PROCESS Model 5 (Hayes, 2018).

Our findings showed that residents' criticism of compatriot tourists heightened awareness of negative stereotypes, triggering emotional distress and defensive reactions. When negative metastereotypes were activated, individuals exhibited the black sheep effect, distancing themselves from transgressors to protect their ingroup image. In the absence of a negative stereotype, people showed ingroup bias, being more lenient toward the misbehaving tourists. Although prior research suggests people typically react more strongly to outgroup criticism, the negative stereotype triggered by residents’ criticism did not directly affect responses to the destination. This could be because the misbehavior of compatriot tourists made the negative stereotype seem somewhat justified.

Misbehavior severity moderated the effect of negative metastereotypes on the intention to boycott the destination. For low-severity misbehavior, negative metastereotypes amplified boycott intentions, as individuals saw the criticism as exaggerated. However, for high-severity misbehavior, the impact of the negative metastereotype diminished, as the misbehavior appeared more justified.

Anger toward the outgroup, fueled by the negative stereotype or a perceived threat to the ingroup, increased boycott intentions and reduced prosocial behavior. Notably, anger toward the misbehaving tourists did not mediate the response, aligning with the black sheep effect, where individuals make harsh judgments of ingroup transgressors to defend the ingroup's reputation.

Our findings highlight the complex interplay between group identity, perceived judgment, and behavioral responses in tourism contexts. While criticism of tourist misbehavior is often intended to improve the situation, it can lead to defensive reactions and even retaliation against the destination. By applying social psychology to tourism research, our study offers fresh insights into how destinations can navigate the challenges posed by tourist misbehavior in a way that maintains sustainable tourism development. It also informs areas for future research, such as the long-term impact of repeated criticism on tourists' views of destinations. As destinations work to balance resident concerns with maintaining a positive reputation among international visitors, effective communication and managing tourist behavior will be key to supporting destination resilience.

References

Chien, P. M., & Ritchie, B. W. (2018). Understanding intergroup conflicts in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 72(C), 177-179.

Juvan, E., Grün, B., & Dolnicar, S. (2018). Biting off more than they can chew: Food waste at hotel breakfast buffets. Journal of Travel Research, 57(2), 232-242.

Hayes, A. F. (2018). Partial, conditional, and moderated moderated mediation: quantification, inference, and interpretation”. Communication Monographs, 85 (1), 4–40.

Hornsey, M. J., & Jetten, J. (2003). Not being what you claim to be: Impostors as sources of group threat. European Journal of Social Psychology, 33(5), 639-657.

Sun, W., Chien, P. M., & Pappu, R. (2023). Responses to compatriot tourists’ misbehavior: The importance of social identity, emotions and misbehavior type. Journal of Travel Research. 00(0), 1-20.

Sutton, R. M., Elder, T. J., & Douglas, K. M. (2006). Reactions to internal and external criticism of outgroups: Social convention in the intergroup sensitivity effect. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 32(5), 563-575.

Tsaur, S. H., Cheng, T. M., & Hong, C. Y. (2019). Exploring tour member misbehavior in group package tours. Tourism Management, 71, 34-43.

Vorauer, J. D., Hunter, A. J., Main, K. J., & Roy, S. A. (2000). Meta-stereotype activation: Evidence from indirect measures for specific evaluative concerns experienced by members of dominant groups in intergroup interaction. Journal of Personality and Social psychology, 78(4), 690-707.

Zhang, C. X., Pearce, P., & Chen, G. (2019). Not losing our collective face: Social identity and Chinese tourists' reflections on uncivilised behaviour. Tourism Management, 73, 71-82.

ABSTRACT. 1. Introduction Museums are increasingly embracing their role as experiential venues, providing visitors with experiences that foster favorable outcomes, such as consumer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth (Ponsignon & Derbaix, 2020). A key strategy to achieve this is the integration of digital technologies. Research has indicated that the implementation of interactive technologies contributes to favorable visitor responses, including autonomy, personalization, interactivity, and immersion (Larivière et al., 2017),which also allow museums to create engaging educational entertainment. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the specific types of interactive technologies that museums should leverage. Previous findings underscore the importance of examining the specific forms of interactive technologies(Ponsignon & Derbaix, 2020). Therefore, the present study aims to explore and compare the effects of two primary forms technologies in museum,which are phygital and virtual interactive technologies. Phygital indicates that museums can enhance visitor experience by incorporating interactive elements into their physical exhibitions. our research examined how the presence or absence of physical objects within interactive experiences influences visitors' perceptions and experiences.

2. Literature Review The concept of interactive technologies centers on the engagement between consumers and technological devices. Museum studies indicated that such technologies significantly improve visitor-exhibition engagement (Adams et al., 2004). For example, Museum visitors often find themselves fully immersed in meticulously recreated settings, surrounded by sharp high-definition video images, life-like sounds, virtual reality, smells, colors, and vibrations (Falk & Dierking, 2012). Neuhofer et al. (2012, 2014) introduced the "experience hierarchy," which includes four levels: conventional, technology-assisted, technology-enhanced, and technology-empowered experiences. This research indicated that technology- empowered experience is the most valuable, which means visitors deeply engage in their own experiences through immersive technologies, and virtual interactive technologies without physical exhibits are of the greatest value. Expanding upon this, we apply the theory of groundedness to investigate more closely how visitors appreciate interactive technologies both in the presence and absence of a physical exhibit. Groundedness reflects “a feeling of emotional rootedness” that “emanates from connections to one’s physical, social, and historic environment” (Eichinger et al. 2022, p. 1). Groundedness can be promoted through three foundational pillars .The first pillar, place, emphasizes establishing connections between individuals and their physical surroundings. The second pillar , people, centers on forming bonds with the social environment, includes intimate relationships with family and friends, extending to interactions with individuals previously unknown. The third pillar, Past, emphasizes linking individuals to their historical context, which encompasses deeply personal elements as well as broader concepts of a shared history. Based on the groundedness theory, we suggest that in the museum context, interactive technologies paired with a physical exhibit elicit a stronger sense of groundedness compared to purely digital interactive technologies. Prior studies have suggested that physical goods enable a stronger emotional bond and are more closely associated with the people and places involved (Belk 2013; Siddiqui & Turley 2006). Furthermore, due to their tangible nature, physical goods are thought to be better reminders of the past, attributed to their durability. Therefore, we propose that: H1: Interactive technologies accompanied with a physical exhibit increase visitors’ feeling of groundedness, compared to purely digital technologies that lack a physical component. Feeling grounded is important because it provides several positive outcomes in consumers such as a sense of strength, safety, and stability, and happiness (Eichinger et al. 2022).For example, previous research has shown that local products, traditional designs, and items from indie brands connect consumers with a place, the past, and people, fostering groundedness and positively influencing their preferences and willingness to pay.Therefore, we propose that: H2: Interactive technologies accompanied with a physical exhibit increase visitors’ positive attitude, compared to purely digital technologies that lack a physical component. H3: The effect propose in H2 is mediated by the feeling of groundedness.

3. Methodology A qualitative study and an online experiment was adopted to test the proposed hypotheses. Study 1 aims to provide preliminary evidence by interviewing visitors and practitioners in museums. Study 2 was designed to test the three hypotheses by using a two cells (interactive technology with vs. without a physical exhibit) between-subjects design.

4. Results We found consistent results from two studies. Specifically, the first study revealed that interactive technologies accompanied with a physical exhibit make visitors feel more connected to a place, people, and the past. The second study empirically verified the effect of a physical exhibit and the mediating role of feeling of groundedness. The current research is both theoretically impactful and practically meaningful.

ABSTRACT. Despite the increasing popularity of retro products in tourism and hospitality, there is limited research examining consumer's perception towards the consumption of retro products in these sectors. This study aims to conceptualize retro experiences in tourism and hospitality from an individual perspective, utilizing optimal distinctiveness theory. By exploring the nuances of consumer perceptions, this conceptual paper seeks to understand individual's perception toward retro products in tourism and hospitality from an experiential perspective. The study identifies three key dimensions—Distinctiveness, Belongingness, and Refinement—as critical factors in interpreting how individual perceptions shape retro experiences. These dimensions provide a framework for tourism and hospitality practitioners to enhance the design and marketing of retro products, ultimately enriching consumer experiences and engagement with retro products.

ABSTRACT. Emotions play a significant role in shaping tourism experiences and influencing tourist behavior at various stages of travel. Specifically, existing studies have confirmed that emotions greatly impact tourists' evaluations of their travel experiences (Al-Msallam, 2020; Nieves-Pavón et al., 2024). However, most studies have limited their analysis of emotions to the overall feelings during the entire tourism experience, overlooking the dynamic nature of emotions and their varying intensities throughout the journey. Emotions are not static; they ebb and flow, influenced by specific moments and encounters (Nawijn et al., 2013). Understanding these emotional fluctuations and their impact on tourist behavior can provide valuable insights into marketing strategies, service design, and destination management, ultimately leading to enhanced tourist experiences and improved outcomes for the tourism industry. One theoretical framework that addresses emotional fluctuations is the peak-end rule, which suggests that emotions experienced during the most intense and final moments of an experience are the strongest predictors of overall experience evaluations (Fredrickson & Kahneman, 1993). Although the peak-end rule has been widely applied across various research fields, its use in tourism studies has been limited to a few investigations (Kim & Kim, 2019; Müller et al., 2019; Park et al., 2018). Some researchers argue that this theory may not fully apply to tourism experiences, which are often more heterogeneous and multi-episodic in nature (Strijbosch et al., 2019). Furthermore, most studies examining the peak-end rule have relied on a summary dimension of emotions, categorizing them simply as positive or negative (Kim & Kim, 2019; Müller et al., 2019; Park et al., 2018). This approach overlooks the diverse and multidimensional nature of tourism experiences, which can evoke a wide range of discrete emotions, such as happiness, surprise, anger, and regret. Recognizing and distinguishing between these different categories of emotions is crucial, as each type has a unique structure and distinct impact on judgment and evaluation (Lerner & Keltner, 2000; Machleit & Eroglu, 2000). Such differentiation is essential for developing targeted marketing strategies, designing services that address tourists’ emotional needs, and managing destinations to optimize tourist experiences. To address this research gap, this study aims to investigate whether the peak-end rule applies to multi-episodic tourism experiences and whether the rule has heterogeneous implications for different emotional categories in tourism experiences. In this study, we selected Meiji-mura, located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, as the research site. Meiji-mura is a theme park spanning approximately 1 million square meters that offers a variety of content, activities, and events. The survey was conducted over five days: from September 16 to 18 and October 21 to 22, 2023. Visitors were invited to participate in the survey after completing their activities at Meiji-mura and were required to respond to the questionnaire on the same day. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: (1) emotions of eight categories (i.e., joy, warm feelings, pleasant surprise, excitement, boredom, anger, disappointment, and fatigue) associated with each activity, (2) an overall evaluation of the experience at Meiji-mura, and (3) individual characteristics. A total of 500 valid responses were collected. This study employed an ordinal probit model to analyze the influence of emotions on tourists’ overall evaluations. The explanatory variables included the sum of time-weighted emotions for each episode during the entire experience, the magnitude of emotions at the peak and at the end of the experience, and the dependent variable, which was the overall evaluation of the entire tourist experience. The findings indicate that in a multi-episodic tourism experience, tourists' retrospective evaluations are largely shaped by the most intense emotions and those experienced during the final episode, rather than the accumulation of moment-by-moment emotions. Therefore, this study confirmed that the peak-end rule is applicable to multi-episodic tourism experiences. Furthermore, the results suggest that different emotion categories influence the overall evaluation through heterogeneous patterns. Specifically, peak values significantly influenced retrospective evaluations for certain emotion categories (i.e., joy, excitement, and fatigue). For other categories (e.g., disappointment), the end value was a significant predictor of the overall evaluation. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study to explore the role of different emotion categories in tourism experiences using the peak-end rule. The study’s findings have considerable practical implications for the tourism industry, particularly in the areas of marketing strategies, event design, and destination management for multi-episodic tourism experiences.

ABSTRACT. Purpose and Relevance of the Study In recent years, East Asian countries and regions, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan, have witnessed a growing preference for nature-based activities. This trend has led to the expansion and diversification of rural tourism and the evolving needs of urban residents. Traditional rural tourism products are no longer sufficient to meet these demands, creating a need for more diverse and personalized rural tourism experiences. For instance, in China, outdoor tourism in suburban rural areas—characterized by "short distances, weekend trips, outdoor activities, and car transportation"—has gained significant popularity, resulting in a rapidly expanding market. These countries and regions, which are geographically and culturally close to Japan, share a similar appreciation for nature and constitute a significant portion of inbound tourists to Japan. In the United States, a global leader in outdoor leisure activities, the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report by the Outdoor Industry Association projects a 4.1% increase in participation in outdoor activities, with 57.3% of the population expected to engage in such activities. Hiking and camping are identified as the most popular forms of outdoor tourism. Since the 2010s, foreign tourists visiting Japan have increasingly expressed interest not only in traditional tourist attractions but also in local culture and lifestyles, which can be described as “living resources.” This trend reflects a growing preference for authenticity and a rising demand for experience-based tourism. Hokkaido, renowned for its rich natural environment and diverse culinary offerings, stands out as one of the most appealing destinations for foreign tourists. However, inbound tourism in Hokkaido has largely remained centered on conventional package tours. According to the Hokkaido Auto Camping Association, more than 10,000 foreign tourists utilized facilities at 20 campsites across Hokkaido in 2019. This demonstrates the potential of outdoor tourism as a key area for the future development of Hokkaido's tourism sector. It is anticipated that a new tourism style, involving foreign tourists making use of camping facilities, will emerge and grow. To facilitate this, it is essential to develop mechanisms that allow visitors to experience the unique charm of the region through innovative tourism products, including camping experiences. This study investigates the preferences of Chinese tourists regarding camping facilities and explores their implications. It specifically examines the potential of outdoor tourism in Hokkaido, a region underrepresented in inbound tourism research. By clarifying the elements of outdoor tourism that appeal to Chinese tourists, the research aims to contribute to the strategic planning of Hokkaido's tourism development. Previous Research Isono et al. (2021) studied the "Woodland Mio" campground in Misugi, emphasizing the need for unique experience-based activities that leverage forest resources for regional revitalization. Chin and Nagai (1999) analyzed Taiwan’s camping boom, linking it to motorization and economic growth. Their survey-based study identified Taiwanese preferences for camping facilities and provided insights into market-specific facility development. While past research has explored various aspects of outdoor tourism, little attention has been given to foreign tourist experiences at camping facilities. Research on inbound tourists, especially their use of camping facilities, remains limited. Research Methods This study employed an online questionnaire survey, which gathered 127 responses. A factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the preferences of Chinese tourists regarding camping facilities in the context of Hokkaido tourism. Additionally, the study examined the actual usage patterns of camping facilities by Chinese tourists. Key Findings and Results The factor analysis revealed three primary factors influencing Chinese tourists’ preferences for camping facilities: 1. Location Factor: The items 'Natural scenery,' 'Access,' and 'Nearby facilities' have high scores, indicating the critical importance of the camping facility's location. 2. Seasonality Factor: This factor reflects the significance of seasonal variations in influencing tourists' decisions. 3. Novelty Factor: Chinese tourists are drawn to experiences that differ significantly from their everyday lives, suggesting that the novelty of camping is a key motivator. These findings indicate that Chinese tourists prioritize the location of camping facilities, particularly those offering exceptional natural environments and convenient access. Additionally, they are influenced by the opportunity to engage in activities that provide unique, out-of-the-ordinary experiences. This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the gap in research on inbound tourists’ preferences for camping facilities, offering insights into how foreign visitors perceive outdoor tourism in Japan. And the findings also provide practical insights for tourism stakeholders in Hokkaido, highlighting key factors to consider when developing camping experiences tailored to international visitors, ultimately enhancing regional tourism competitiveness.

ABSTRACT. Purpose – Following the subsidence of COVID-19, domestic and international tourism demand has rapidly recovered, with many tourist destinations regaining their vibrancy and the tourism industry achieving a V-shaped recovery. Against this backdrop, major overseas-branded theme parks have been actively employing co-branding strategies as part of their localization efforts, focusing on collaborations with local intellectual properties (Intellectual Property: Refers to ideas and creations generated through human creative activities that hold property value, IPs) to attract tourists. These collaborations have significantly diversified the range of attractions and products, thereby offering tourists novel and immersive experiences. For instance, Universal Studios Japan has successfully implemented this strategy. This article aims to explore the impact of co-branding within theme parks from the perspective of tourists’ perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior and co-branding theory, this study develops a theoretical framework positing that tourists’ perceptions of local IP collaborations in overseas-branded theme parks—including perceived brand localness, perceived product innovativeness, perceived fit, and cultural respect—positively influence their attitudes toward these collaborations and their subsequent behavioral intentions. To test these hypotheses, data were collected through a combination of online surveys and on-site field investigations, targeting visitors at Universal Studios Japan who have experienced attractions themed around Japanese IPs or purchased products related to Japanese IPs. Key constructs measured included tourists’ perceptions of Japanese IP collaborations with Universal Studios Japan, their attitudes, and their behavioral intentions. A total of 406 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling to investigate the relationships among these variables.

Findings – The findings revealed the following three points: (1) Tourists’ perceptions of theme park and local IPs collaborations consist of four dimensions: perceived product innovativeness, perceived fit, perceived brand localness, and perceived cultural respect. (2) Tourists’ attitudes toward collaborations are positively influenced by perceived brand localness, perceived product innovativeness, perceived fit, and cultural respect. (3) Tourists’ attitudes toward collaborations positively impact their behavioral intentions and revisit intentions for the same brand.

Practical implications – Drawing on these findings, the study offers valuable insights into effectively identifying the needs of theme park visitors and provides practical guidance for developing future customer-attraction strategies. Notably, theme park operators should incorporate local cultural elements—such as traditional attire and cuisine—across various facets of their attractions to demonstrate respect for, and affinity with, local culture. This cultural integration can heighten tourists’ perceptions of the brand’s localization efforts and cultural sensitivity, ultimately fostering stronger connections with tourists. From a broader perspective, these findings not only benefit theme parks but also contribute to the enhancement of cultural experiences within destinations. When destinations enter co-branding partnerships with local IPs, it is essential to prioritize tourists’ perceived product innovativeness and perceived fit, given their substantial influence on attitudes toward the collaboration. Selecting IPs that align with the destination’s image is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of such co-branding strategies.

Critique of the literature – Over the past two decades, heightened recognition of co-branding’s market potential has led to a notable surge in brand collaborations. Concurrently, research on co-branding success factors has expanded, focusing on elements such as consumers’ attitudes toward collaborative brands, perceived brand quality, brand awareness, brand fit and so on. But much of this research has been conducted in the fashion and foodservice sectors. Despite the increasing attention to co-branding with local IPs in the theme park industry, there is currently no academic research specifically examining this topic in a theme park context. Little is known about how tourists perceive this strategy and how such perceptions influence their attitudes and behavioral intentions. Consequently, examining tourists’ perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward local IP co-branding strategies in theme parks is considered valuable for future research on theme parks and co-branding strategies.

Originality/value – This article first proposed that tourists’ perceptions of local IPs collaborations in theme parks are composed of four dimensions (perceived product innovativeness, perceived fit, perceived brand localness, cultural respect). In prior literature, researchers have primarily analyzed localization within theme parks from a qualitative perspective, without thoroughly examining how tourists perceive such localization strategies or their resulting attitudes toward them. The impact of tourists’ perceptions of local IPs co-branding strategies in theme parks on their attitudes and behavioral intentions has not been previously reported in the existing body of research. Therefore, it is also the first article to use the Structural Equation Modeling analysis method for measuring tourists’ localization experiences in theme parks.

ABSTRACT. This study explores how Rongjiang County, a rural area in Guizhou Province, successfully transformed itself into a destination brand through the Village Super League (VSL). By leveraging grassroots football and ethnic cultural performances, Rongjiang created a tourism product that integrates sports, culture, and digital media to redefine its identity and attract national recognition. The VSL represents an innovative example of community-based tourism (CBT), emphasizing active community participation in enhancing quality of life while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. As de Abreu and de Almeida (2024) and Salazar (2012) emphasize, CBT initiatives prioritizing authenticity and inclusivity can achieve both cultural preservation and sustainable economic growth. Rongjiang's branding strategy builds on the role of sports in community engagement, socio-economic development, and identity building, as noted by Higham and Hinch (2018). The VSL combines grassroots sports with ethnic cultural elements, creating a unique experience that resonates with local and national audiences. Fan and He (2023) highlight the collaborative nature of the VSL, involving government agencies, businesses, media, and citizens in a synergistic platform for collective action. This study examines how such collaboration catalyzed tourism growth, redefined rural branding, and elevated Rongjiang's visibility as a cultural and sports tourism destination. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews and social media analysis to understand the VSL's success. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, business owners, social media teams, and tourists. These interviews captured diverse perspectives on collaborative processes, governance structures, and branding strategies. Main questions included: 1.How did local government agencies and community groups collaborate in organizing the VSL? 2.What role did ethnic cultural performances play in enhancing the event's appeal? 3.How did businesses contribute to the VSL's branding and economic impact? 4.What strategies did social media teams use to amplify the VSL's visibility? 5.How did tourists help to spread their experience with the VSL through social media? Textual analysis of social media content provided further insights into how platforms like Douyin (TikTok in China) facilitated the construction and dissemination of the VSL's brand narrative. These platforms also allowed for interactive engagement through likes, comments, and shares, creating a sense of community participation that extended beyond the physical event. By generating widespread attention and fostering a participatory online environment, the VSL became a cultural and social phenomenon. This dual focus on interviews and social media analysis ensures a comprehensive understanding of the innovative strategies employed in building Rongjiang's destination brand, particularly the integration of digital tools with grassroots initiatives. Key findings from the research highlight several innovative aspects of Rongjiang's approach to destination branding. First, the integration of grassroots football with ethnic cultural performances created a distinctive and culturally rich tourism product. This aligns with de Abreu and de Almeida's (2024) assertion that CBT initiatives rooted in cultural authenticity can effectively promote sustainable development. Second, digital media amplification emerged as a transformative tool. Platforms like Douyin not only enabled the VSL to reach a national audience but also created a participatory space for online communities, amplifying the event's impact. Third, stakeholder co-creation was critical to the initiative's success. Inclusive collaboration among government agencies, businesses, and local communities ensured that the benefits of tourism growth were equitably distributed and that broad participation was encouraged. Finally, the tourism boom driven by the VSL revitalized various sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, and handicrafts, demonstrating the event's far-reaching socio-economic impact. The research illustrates how Rongjiang's VSL exemplifies the potential of grassroots initiatives to redefine rural tourism branding. By integrating cultural heritage, sports, and digital media, the VSL serves as a model for rural areas to achieve national prominence while promoting sustainable development. Fan and He (2023) observe that the multi-stakeholder collaboration behind the VSL reflects a broader trend in CBT, where diverse contributors work together to create innovative and impactful tourism products. This study contributes to the literature on rural tourism and destination branding by offering a nuanced analysis of the intersections between grassroots sports, cultural heritage, and digital communication. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to leverage local culture and community engagement in tourism development. Policymakers can draw on Rongjiang's experience to design initiatives that prioritize authenticity, inclusiveness, and collaboration, while tourism practitioners can adopt similar strategies to enhance the appeal and sustainability of rural tourism products.

ABSTRACT. In recent years, Avant-Garde Bookstore, as a distinguished representative of Chinese private academic bookstores, has pioneered the expansion of its operations into rural areas. By skillfully integrating the transformation of traditional village spaces with innovative business models, it has achieved significant success in cultural industry revenue and bookstore brand management. Additionally, this initiative has effectively enhanced the tourism appeal of local villages, injecting new vitality into sustainable rural development. This study aims to explore the perceived value and influencing factors for both internal and external stakeholders of Avant-Garde Bookstore regarding the innovative business model of rural bookstores in the new era. The objective is to provide valuable insights for the sustainable development and heritage protection of rural areas.

Through in-depth observations and interviews with three employees and twelve customers, this study applies grounded theory to rigorously analyze the collected data.The analysis reveals that consumer value perception encompasses seven categories, including personal preference satisfaction and product service value. For bookstore managers, perceived value includes six categories such as career fit satisfaction and material benefits. Further research indicates that the value perception of both internal and external entities is rooted in the enterprise's innovative value proposition. High recognition of this value proposition serves as a critical prerequisite for promoting positive behavioral intentions among all parties involved.

The findings of this study offer important theoretical references for the innovation and development of related cultural enterprises in China from an objective perspective. Moreover, they provide practical guidance for the orderly entry of private capital into rural areas under Chinese rural revitalization strategy. This paper contributes to the sustainable development of rural areas, the protection of cultural heritage, and drives comprehensive destination development. It is anticipated that these insights will offer new ideas and pathways for cultural inheritance, economic development, and ecological protection in rural regions.

ABSTRACT. In an era of deepening global interconnectedness, universities play an essential role in preparing graduates to navigate complex, transnational challenges. Singapore’s higher education institutions are at the forefront of this effort, leveraging global learning programs to cultivate adaptable, resilient, and globally-minded citizens. This paper explores students’ perceptions, choices, and aspirations regarding global learning opportunities within Singapore’s universities, with a particular focus on their intersections with tourism and mobility networks.

This study is situated within the extensive body of research on international education, global citizenship, and educational tourism (e.g., Tarrant, 2010; Doyle et al., 2010), as well as recent scholarship in Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad and the Journal of International and Intercultural Relations. It builds on theoretical frameworks emphasizing experiential learning (Kolb, 1984) and intercultural competence (Deardorff, 2006) to critically examine how students engage with global learning as both an educational and touristic experience.

Singapore offers a unique case study, where most universities incorporate compulsory global learning graduation requirements. At the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), the 2023 Core Curriculum introduced NIE351: Interdisciplinary Global Learning, a compulsory, credit-bearing module for all full-time undergraduates (900–1,000 students per year). NIE351 includes an overseas experiential component where students engage with communities and stakeholders in SUSS' international partner network. These programs frequently align with tourism flows, leveraging cultural heritage sites, eco-tourism hubs, and the broader tourism and hospitality sectors to create immersive learning environments.

A central focus of this study is the geographic regions that feature prominently in Singapore’s global learning initiatives, including ASEAN, China, India, Japan, and South Korea. These regions are not only vital to Singapore’s strategic interests but also provide rich, diverse contexts for cultural, academic, and experiential learning. Importantly, these destinations also serve as significant nodes in regional tourism networks, where students engage with stakeholders such as local tourism boards, community leaders, and hospitality businesses. This intersection of tourism and education offers students unique opportunities to understand the economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions of global travel.

Reseach is currently ongoing, using a mixed-methods approach incorporating the following methodologies: 1. Surveys: A broad survey was conducted to capture insights from students across multiple institutions in Singapore, focusing on their motivations, expectations, and outcomes related to global learning. 2. Focus Group Discussions: Both pre- and post-program focus groups were held with students who participated in global learning initiatives. These discussions provided qualitative insights into students' lived experiences, highlighting areas of alignment and divergence between expectations and outcomes. 3. In-depth Interviews: Faculty and staff members responsible for designing and managing global learning programs were interviewed to capture institutional perspectives and identify opportunities for programmatic refinement. 4. Data Review: Existing datasets, such as participation rates across various destinations and students' fulfillment of overseas learning requirements, were analyzed to complement primary data collection.

Preliminary findings suggest that while students appreciate the diversity and scope of global learning opportunities, there is significant variation in how these opportunities are perceived and utilized. For instance, some students view global learning as a pathway to career advancement, while others prioritize cultural immersion or personal growth. Moreover, students often weigh practical considerations, such as cost and duration, alongside academic and experiential factors when making decisions about participation. Notably, programs that emphasize intercultural competencies and real-world problem-solving were consistently highlighted as effective in fostering resilience and adaptability.

This study also revealed nuanced perspectives on regional destinations. ASEAN programs were frequently associated with fostering a sense of regional identity and mutual understanding, while opportunities in China and India were often seen through the lens of economic and geopolitical significance. These findings underscore the importance of aligning global learning initiatives with students' diverse aspirations and the broader strategic priorities of Singapore’s higher education system. Moreover, the inclusion of tourism-related experiences within these programs enhances their relevance, enabling students to directly engage with industries that are vital to Singapore’s global positioning.

The findings also have pedagogical significance, offering actionable insights for educators seeking to integrate global learning into their curricula. For example, interdisciplinary modules that combine academic rigor with experiential learning can be particularly effective in cultivating the soft skills necessary for global citizenship. Programs such as NIE351, an interdisciplinary global learning module, serve as valuable case studies for exploring how theoretical and practical elements can be seamlessly integrated. The inclusion of tourism-focused elements within these programs further enriches students’ understanding of global interconnectedness and the cultural and economic dimensions of mobility.

Ultimately, this paper advocates for a holistic approach to global learning, one that considers the diverse backgrounds, aspirations, and trajectories of Singapore’s students. By doing so, Singapore can position itself as a leader in global education, fostering a generation of adaptable, resilient, and globally-minded graduates who are well-equipped to thrive in an interconnected world. The integration of tourism perspectives within these initiatives further underscores Singapore’s role as a hub for both education and global mobility.

ABSTRACT. This research aims to analyze sustainability factors of anime tourism sites by investigating the local characteristics of the Hitoyoshi Kuma Region, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The region has been a long-standing anime tourism site since the TV animation show Natsume Yujin-cho [Natsume’s Book of Friends] series started airing in 2008. The analysis method used was mostly participant observation and interviews based on the human geographic method. While doing research in the area from 2022 to 2024, the author managed to build rapport with Natsume fans as well as local people and organizations connected to them (see Onozawa, 2023, 2024, 2025). The history of the anime mecca development of this region can be divided into three distinct stages. In the first stage, fans of the anime continually kept visiting the area to enjoy the atmosphere of scenes from the anime. At this point, Hitoyoshi Kuma was similar to other anime tourism sites; the local government, Hitoyoshi City, taking notice of the movement and trends of anime fans rushing to visit the model sites, decided to prepare anime-related contents for them, such as maps and organized events, all of which were supported by the production company which holds the rights to the series. In the second stage, after intensive interaction by the local government, the anime tourism trend in the region began to be maintained mainly by local hosts connected with anime fans. This development flow of anime tourism sites is very typical and has been seen in other areas of Japan, such as the case study of Washimiya Town, conducted by Yamamura (2008). In the third stage, after more than ten years had passed from the first anime tourism boom in the area, the local government started to promote this type of tourism once again from 2021 as part of the post-disaster reconstruction project carried out after a torrential rain disaster hit the region in 2020. As the Kumamoto Prefectural Government has launched a series of new anime tourism strategies with Natsume at the forefront, the region has begun to renovate the anime sites and more frequently organize anime-oriented events that have been targeting a wide range of tourists. These brand-new endeavors have considerably stimulated local anime tourism sites in terms of the number and variety of tourists and has also changed the way local people think about tourism. The findings of this research are mainly two-fold: First, the anime tourism strategy led by the renewed involvement of the local government was effective in a comparatively short period of time, especially in an area trying to make an economic recovery from a natural disaster. Secondly, no matter how the local government has organized events for anime tourism, the main purpose of Natsume fans is still to visit the anime model locations to experience the nature and society of the area, as depicted in the anime works, in their raw form. The Natsume series itself features rich nature and the slow lifestyle of the protagonists’ daily lives. In recent years, other anime tourist sites have tended to become theme parks that have focused on recreating the world depicted in each work. On the other hand, Hitoyoshi Kuma's approach has emphasized the natural regional character of the area, which has matched the needs of Natsume fans. The warm and welcoming spirit of local people toward the anime’s fans also has played an important role in the sustainability of anime tourism in the region. After the decline of mass-tourism in the early 1990s, it has long been a trend for the Japanese to make individual trips to various types of destinations. This case study on Hitoyoshi Kuma can hopefully contribute to the research as a unique example of sustainable tourism; one of an anime tourism site based on a natural style of the local society and nature, and one which does not need to be promoted in the long run.

References Onozawa, Y. (2023) Sustainability of Anime Tourism Spots: Case Study of Natsume Yujin-Cho [Natsume’s Book of Friends] Model Location Area in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Bulletin, 55, Shokei University/Shokei University Junior College, 75-96. Onozawa, Y. (2024) Anime Tourism Strategy to Aid in Economic Recovery from Natural Disasters: Case Study of Natsume Yujin-Cho [Natsume’s Book of Friends] Model Location Area in Hitoyoshi Kuma region, Kumamoto Prefecture, Bulletin, 56, Shokei University/Shokei University Junior College, 43-55. Onozawa, Y. (2025) Methods of Information Sharing and Interaction among Anime Pilgrimage Fans: Case Study on Filming Locations of Natsume Yujin-Cho [Natsume’s Book of Friends] in Hitoyoshi Kuma Region, Kumamoto Prefecture, Bulletin, 57, Shokei University/Shokei University Junior College, 89-104. Yamamura, T. (2008) Study of Birth and Development of "Sacred Place for Anime Fans" : Discussion of Tourist Promotions Based on Animated Work "Luckey Star" Focused on Washimiya, Saitama Prefecture, The Journal of International Media, Communication and Tourism Studies, 7, Hokkaido University, 145-164.

ABSTRACT. In the context of rural revitalization, a variety of social forces, including social organization and enterprise foundation with different expertise are co-creating and changing the existing occupational jurisdictional boundaries in rural areas. This paper applies jurisdictional boundary theory to explore how the specialized division of labor in rural tourism development has changed and what the driving mechanism is. The research team evaluated the implementation of a rural tourism development program through participant observation, household survey interviews, and a three-year long tracking study in a rural community in China. This paper divides the rural tourism development into three phases based on the stakeholders' dictation. 1) The corporate foundation donates funds to the villages, and, donors and social organizations set up working groups dedicated to the development of rural revitalization, which resulting in the changing of jurisdictional boundaries in the village. At this stage, social organizations took the lead and organized villagers to do those basic work, leading villagers to jointly formulate development plans and fostering villagers' sense of autonomy. However, the efficiency was low and the results could not be seen quickly. 2) The corporate foundation as a donor has regained its power and reshape the jurisdictional boundaries, vigorously developed its infrastructure and accelerated the projects. However, the development of rural tourism has not allowed villagers to see direct benefits, which leading to increased conflicts. 3) Social organizations have gradually withdrawn from the village, the boundaries of jurisdictional have reshaped, the power of rural development has been returned to the villagers. The reception facilities necessary for tourism development, such as B&Bs, have been handed over to collective enterprises set up by the villages on their own initiative. And, professional support teams have helped villagers formulate development plans.

This paper shows that the jurisdiction of different subjects in rural tourism development results from the economic resources, discourse power and professional and technical knowledge they possess, which is a useful complement to previous studies that emphasize the spatial practices of social organizations and spatial conflicts. Through a review of a rural tourism development process, this paper shows chronologically the process of jurisdictional boundary changes at several stages of the project. First, although jurisdictional boundaries are in constant flux, the forces that maintain the boundaries have not disappeared. Under the call of the rural revitalization policy, the pluralistic subjects temporarily slow down the pursuit of organizational goals and efficiently promote the development of the project. Secondly, the arduous and long-term nature of rural revitalization work makes the flow of jurisdictional boundaries inevitable. From the initial intervention of social organizations to cultivate villagers' sense of autonomy, to the medium-term intervention of market players to improve efficiency, to the late intervention of professional support organizations to help village collective tourism enterprises achieve sustainable operation. This also reminds us that the flow of jurisdictional boundaries should not be limited to inter-organizational interactions, but should also take into account changes in the external environment.

ABSTRACT. A problem that emerges within event research literature is a dissonance in how event management regards its use of local actors’ knowledge to protect nature. On the one hand, authors of event research have long argued that local actors must be included to meet local needs (Duignan, 2023; Ziakas, 2014; O’Brien & Chalip, 2008). Local actors can provide important insights to steer events towards meeting specific requirements, especially regarding the local environment. On the other hand, literature shows there is a gap between organisers' environmental rhetoric and action (Duignan, 2023; Müller et al., 2021), particularly during one-off events when event management prioritises the global environment over local nature protection (Higgins-Desbiolles, 2018; Phi et al., 2014; Kearins & Pavlovich, 2002). If local actors within event management are considered an important source, the question must be raised: precisely whose knowledge among local actors, and which environmental aspects, are included in event management to protect the local environment? To understand whose knowledge is included within event management, this presentation aims to delineate how knowledge moves between groups. Assemblage Theory developed by DeLanda (2016) describes entities composed of heterogeneous parts that together form a common identity. Each part within assemblages has its own action that contributes to a common action. In this presentation, knowledge is viewed as assemblages to examine how knowledge between management and local actors coalesces and diverges in efforts to protect nature. Assemblage Theory reveals how different knowledges become integrated to form shared understandings for the protection of local nature, especially the mechanisms through which knowledge flows between assemblages. The empirical data are drawn from fieldwork conducted between May and August 2023 to study the event management group of an orienteering event in Jämtland, Sweden, hosting approximately 15,000 participants. Orienteering is a sport in which participants, using a map and compass, locate control points in the terrain without necessarily following trails. Jämtland is a mountainous area in northern inland Sweden where nature is particularly vulnerable to high levels of visitation, especially from intensive use by nature-based events with several thousand participants. The empirical data from fieldwork include qualitative interviews, participant observations and documentation, each method contributing different angles to understand how local actors and the event management group interact to protect nature. The findings are divided into four parts that illustrate a separation between event management and local knowledge. First, management operated within a coded framework that shaped how individuals within the event management group determined which environmental impacts were relevant to discuss. Their common cultural identity compared to others led the event management group to perceive its environmental actions as more important than those of others. Second, the event management group selectively included local actors in the management process, involving only those already aligned with the event’s environmental management approach. Third, the event management group created a specific language that prioritised certain aspects of environmental practices, such as greenhouse gas emissions or litter collection, while largely disregarding the physical impacts on nature. Fourth, the event management group applied its managerial practices as if the destination were any other location and unrelated to future tourism at the nature-based destination. This presentation highlights the importance of understanding how knowledge as assemblages coalesces and diverges. The critical issue is not merely whether local knowledge is included, but Assemblage Theory teaches us that local knowledge is always partial, which allows the event management to determine which knowledge is considered relevant. The main argument of this presentation is that while claims are made for the inclusion of local knowledge, the issue of dissonance within literature lies in determining which local actors are included. Assemblage Theory demonstrates that reducing the sharp boundaries between knowledges is crucial to understanding. Maintaining sharp boundaries for local actors leads event management to apply the same knowledge and environmental actions as if the location were generic. Future event research must further scrutinise environmental management practices by questioning precisely which management approaches are prioritised. While global environmental actions such as combating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing litter must be considered, there is also a spatial dimension to environmental issues that are localised and specific, which require local knowledge for effective understanding.

ABSTRACT. It is estimated that 15% of the global population is disabled. This figure is further expected to increase as a result aging populations, the rapid spread of chronic diseases, as well as improvements in the methodologies used to measure disability (Hansen & Fyall, 2021). Accessibility for and the inclusion of disabled people is of increasing concern to societies across the globe. To that extent, most countries today have disability legislation in place to protect and guarantee the independence, equity and dignity of disabled people in society, a movement that has long been championed by global organisations, such as the United Nations. More specifically, tourism (within which events are subsumed) is widely considered a human right due to its impact on quality of life and overall wellbeing (McCabe, 2020), a right that extends to disabled people. Likewise, accessibility for disabled people is highlighted in policy documents of mega-event organisers such as the International Olympic Committee. Event owners like the International Olympic Committee, and national governments that bid for and stage mega-events, are increasingly positioning the way their events can play a key role in advancing inclusivity and social sustainability objectives (IOC, 2022) which then impacts tourist awareness, consciousness, and behaviour. This was particularly evident during the two most recent Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris.

Nevertheless, tourism, and society more broadly, remain inaccessible to disabled people as legislation is seldom enforced. Indeed, tourism experiences remain littered with constraints to access for disabled people (Sisto et al., 2021). In light of the challenges disabled people experience when travelling, it is perhaps not surprising to see the increased attention accessible tourism scholarship has experienced over the past two decades (Duignan et al., 2023; McKercher & Darcy, 2018; Yau et al., 2004). Tourism destination stakeholders have been widely criticised as they struggle to comprehend the complex needs of disabled people, a considerably large consumer group (Small et al., 2012; Kong & Loi, 2017). In turn, tourism experiences exclude and alienate disabled people, thus not only failing to address the needs disabled consumers but also threatening the sustainability of destinations (Hansen et al., 2021; McKercher & Darcy, 2018).

This presentation highlights how Japan used the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to expose and tackle barriers and constraints to access for disabled people, a historically neglected and excluded demographic in Japan and beyond. Mega-events provide national governments with a unique opportunity to expose and address societal problems, essentially acting as crucibles and drivers of social change. In this case, the Games provided the Japanese government with a unique opportunity to address accessibility within the country whilst showcasing the country on a global scale as a world-class and welcoming tourism destination. Indeed, we theorise the Tokyo Games as field configuring events (Duignan, 2021) employed to raise awareness and educate citizens in an effort to addressing physical barriers and eliminate negative attitudes toward disabled people, in order to deliver accessible tourism experiences.

The second theoretical perspective we also draw on is the social model of disability, which considers the environment and society to be disabling (Gillovic et al., 2018). Focus revolves around the way in which organisations, structures, processes and practices exclude, omit, overlook or deliberately discriminate against disabled people (McKercher & Darcy, 2018). The social model recognises that impairments are an inherent part of society and the role of society is therefore to enable full participation as opposed to disable people (Duignan et al., 2023). As such, the model seeks to identify barriers to participation and on either eliminating them or at least minimising their impact (Randle & Dolnicar, 2019).

We conducted 32 interviews as well as triangulated 4 key stakeholder group perspectives, including event and tourism managers, consultants, tour operators and disabled people. We discover commitments toward providing accessible and inclusive environments for Disabled people at national-level in Japan, by addressing awareness and the physical environment, such as infrastructure, in the years up to Tokyo 2020 taking place. Nevertheless, our findings highlight an amplification of focus on the physical environment, despite negative attitudes being considered the roof of all barriers, leaving disability still as stigmatised, thus continuing the exclusion of disabled people from equal participation in society. We highlight the disability-attitude gap, and as a priority recommend the complete elimination of negative attitudes toward disabled people in order to deliver fully accessible and inclusive societies. In turn, physical and informational barriers may be addressed.

ABSTRACT. The Niseko area has emerged as a leading international snow resort in Hokkaido, Japan, attracting both international tourists and seasonal residents. Known for its high-quality powder snow, Niseko has seen a rapid growth in foreign visitors, particularly from Australia. This increase in tourism has led to a parallel increase in seasonal employment opportunities, attracting working holiday makers (WHMs) and other temporary foreign workers. Each winter, the number of foreign residents spikes due to an influx of seasonal workers, including WHMs. By December 2024, the number of foreign residents in Niseko Town and Kutchan Town reached 4,778, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the total population in the area (Niseko Town, n.d.; Kutchan Town, n.d.). This phenomenon is unique in Japan and warrants an investigation into the impact of WHMs on the resort community. In 2020–2021, our research team conducted interviews with local stakeholders who hosted or worked alongside WHMs in Niseko during a period when international mobility was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviewees reflected on their past experiences with WHMs, highlighting both the benefits and challenges associated with their presence in Niseko. Research on WHMs has often focused on their own perspectives, particularly their motivations for participating in the program (e.g., Nagai et al., 2018). Research on the impact of WHMs on host communities has been active in Australia (e.g. Jarvis & Peel, 2013; Reilly, 2015). More recently, Spyraidis and Went (2024) examined the social structures within WHM communities, revealing the coexistence of tight social bonds and social divisions within these communities. However, international WHMs in Japan have remained understudied until the post-COVID era. To address this gap, our research team revisited the same stakeholders from the original interviews, as well as new participants in similar roles, for follow-up interviews to examine recent conditions in Niseko following the pandemic. This study employed a qualitative longitudinal research design, which enabled researchers to explore how individuals, groups, and social phenomena evolve (Neale, 2021). Given the profound socioeconomic changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach was particularly valuable. The follow-up interviews allowed participants to reflect on previous findings and provide updated perspectives in the post-pandemic context. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to identify patterns of continuity and change in local experiences with WHMs. Findings from the 2021 interviews (Morikoshi & Nagai, 2021) highlighted key characteristics of WHMs in Niseko. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tracks the issuance of working holiday visas, there is no official data on the activities or locations of WHMs after their arrival. WHMs, who have played an important role in Niseko’s tourism sector since around 2005, typically arrive in November and work from December to March in hotels, restaurants, ski schools, and tourism-related businesses. Some extend their stay into the summer season by working in agriculture. WHMs make a s significant contribution to the local economy by addressing labor shortages and promoting cultural diversity. However, challenges remain, including social friction between WHMs and locals, high staff turnover, and the burden of frequent training and staff management. The post-pandemic follow-up interviews sought to assess whether local perspectives on WHMs had changed. The findings reaffirm the critical role of WHMs as an essential workforce for the resort. However, new challenges have emerged. The depreciation of the Japanese yen has made salaries in Niseko attractive by Japanese standards but relatively low compared to international benchmarks, leading to increased global competition for WHMs. Furthermore, as Niseko competes with other international ski resorts for seasonal workers, both employers and residents are becoming more accustomed to being associated with WHM. The expansion of Japan’s Working Holiday Program through reciprocal agreements with additional countries further supports Niseko’s workforce needs. This study highlights the evolving role of WHMs in Niseko and the shifting dynamics of international labor mobility in Japan. Future research should continue to monitor these trends and explore strategies for sustainable labor integration in the region.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Jarvis, J., & Peel, V. (2013). Tourists for hire: International working holidaymakers in a work based destination in regional Australia. Tourism Management, 37, 114–124. Kutchan Town. Kutchan cho no jinko to setai (Population and households of Kutchan Town). https://www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp/ Morikoshi, K. & Nagai, H. (2021). Working Holiday Makers in the Niseko Area: Preliminary Findings. Proceedings of the 10th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Tourism Studies, 82-83. Nagai, H., Benckendorff, P., & Tkaczynski, A. (2018). Exploring the motivations of Asian working holiday makers travelling to Australia. Kankogaku (Tourism Studies), 18, 43-53. Neale, B. (2021). The craft of qualitative longitudinal research: The craft of researching lives through time. SAGE Publications. Niseko Town. (n.d.). Jinko to setai (Population and Households). https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/ Reilly, A. (2015). Low-cost labour or cultural exchange? Reforming the working holiday visa programme. The Economic and Labour Relations Review, 26(3), 474-489 Spyriadis, T., & Went, A. (2024). Social connections of tourism working holiday makers. Tourism Management Perspectives, 51, Article 101242.

ABSTRACT. Background and Objectives "Reconstruction Tourism," which involves visiting disaster-affected areas in Tohoku severely impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake to experience the realities of the disaster, understand the importance of disaster prevention, and learn about the recovery process, has gradually gained traction (Japan Society of Tourism Studies, 2013; Murozaki, 2021). However, more than a decade has passed since the disaster, and the number of visitors to disaster memorial facilities has been declining over the long term (Maruoka, 2023). Conversely, in regions where local leaders have spearheaded efforts to create new attractions—such as developing regional branded products and services—there is an observed increase in visitors who resonate with these revitalization efforts (Oshima, 2021; 2024a). The integration of "reconstruction" and "revitalization" to enhance awareness of disaster-affected areas, foster empathy, and promote visits represents a new form of tourism referred to as the "Reconstruction and Revitalization Tourism (RRT)" model (Oshima, 2024a; 2024b). However, the RRT model remains abstract and requires further examination and concretization. Additionally, with growing attention to Tourism Digital Transformation (Tourism DX), as promoted by Japan's tourism agency, its application within this field remains unclear. This study reexamines the RRT model within the context of existing tourism research to explore the relationship between reconstruction, revitalization, and tourism. It further investigates the utilization of Tourism DX, drawing on tourism awareness surveys and case analyses, to identify challenges and possibilities for the RRT model.

Literature Review In Japan, "Reconstruction Tourism" primarily focuses on disaster memorialization and disaster prevention education. While some initiatives incorporate elements of revitalization, these discussions remain mixed, necessitating conceptual clarification (Inaba, 2022; Takada, 2022; Oshima, 2024b; Oshima, 2024c). The RRT model, characterized by a continuous cycle of tourism content—from "disaster memorialization" to "disaster prevention" and finally "revitalization"—shares similarities with Butler’s "Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC)" (1980) and Lundgren’s staged "Composite TALC" model (2006). However, unlike the linear progression typical of composite TALC, the RRT model requires flexible content combinations tailored to shifting needs, such as renewed focus on reconstruction following major earthquakes. Modern marketing research emphasizes the importance of digital tools and fostering empathy (Kotler et al., 2021). While Tourism DX, including digital marketing, has garnered attention within the tourism industry, its implementation has been delayed, and research in Japan remains limited (Suzuki, 2022; Oshima, 2024d).

Methodology and Summary of Results This study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the research theme. A survey on changes in tourism behavior conducted in December 2023, with 4,961 respondents, revealed that over 80% identified "nature and scenery," "historical and cultural landmarks," and "regional products (food)" as significant factors in choosing destinations. In contrast, 49.4% supported disaster-related learning and observation as a reason for visiting, while 51.6% valued the efforts of local businesses at tourism sites, reflecting moderate interest in reconstruction and revitalization aspects. In a simultaneous survey of 400 online tour participants, high levels of empathy were noted for reconstruction-related content ("learning about disaster-affected areas": 68.0%) and revitalization content ("stories behind regional products and their development": 73.8%, "efforts and ingenuity by local businesses": 70.0%). These findings suggest that reconstruction and revitalization content align well with online tours, where innovative digital dissemination can enhance empathy and promote visits. Oshima (2024a, c) analyzed numerous initiatives involving industry-government-academia collaborations, such as developing regional brand products, conducting social media marketing campaigns, and producing nearly 50 tourism promotional videos for revitalization in Tohoku. These case studies showed that visualizing authenticity—through relatable narratives about local efforts and the involvement of young people such as university students—effectively fosters empathy and engagement.

Discussion and Future Research The RRT model, as explored through quantitative and qualitative research, has garnered certain levels of support, indicating its potential viability. Additionally, this study offers new insights into the composite TALC framework by highlighting the dynamic interplay of reconstruction and revitalization needs within disaster-affected areas. However, empirical validation of the RRT model remains an area for further research. Future studies should address the types and combinations of reconstruction and revitalization content, as well as optimal methods for implementing digital marketing. By concretizing the RRT model, it can be adapted to new disaster-affected regions, contributing to sustainable recovery and development. This study highlights the need for flexible, needs-based combinations of content and innovative digital strategies, aiming to bridge the gap between reconstruction efforts and sustainable tourism development. As the RRT model evolves, it holds promise for not only enhancing visitor engagement but also fostering long-term community resilience and growth.

----------------- REFERENCES Butler, R. W. (1980). The concept of a tourist area cycle of evolution: Implications for management of resources. The Canadian Geographer, 24(1), 5–12. Kotler, P., Kartajaya, H., & Setiawan, I. (2021). Marketing 5.0: Technology for humanity. Wiley. Lundgren, J. O. (2006). An empirical interpretation of the TALC: Tourist product life cycles in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. In R. W. Butler (Ed.), The Tourism Area Life Cycle (Vol. 1, pp. 91–106). Channel View Publications. Inaba, M. (2022). The potential of reconstruction tourism. Proceedings of the Japan Society of Tourism Research Annual Conference, 37, 355–359. Maruoka, Y. (2023). Incompatibilities in tourism during disaster recovery periods. Proceedings of the Japan Society of Tourism Research Annual Conference, 38, 339–342. Murozaki, M. (Ed.). (2021). Tourism as an engine of reconstruction: What constitutes a resilient tourism destination? Soseisha. Oshima, A. (2021). Introduction to digital management: IT management, e-business, and marketing edition. Gakubunsha. Oshima, A. (2024a). A textbook on tourism DX to foster empathy and co-creation (Revised edition). Sonobe. Oshima, A. (2024b). Reconstruction and revitalization tourism and tourism DX: Examining tourism RDX to convey and foster empathy for recovery and revitalization efforts. Presentation at the Research Committee on Reconstruction Tourism, Japan Society of Tourism Research, March 2, 2024. Oshima, A. (2024c). Practices and challenges in regional branding: Tohoku reconstruction support and regional collaboration PBL. Practical Policy Studies, 10(1), 93–98. Oshima, A. (2024d). Tourism DX and leadership development for sustainable regional revitalization: Perspectives on digital marketing and leadership. Proceedings of the Japan Society of Tourism Research Annual Conference, 39, 53–56. Japan Society of Tourism Studies. (2013). Reconstruction tourism: A message from tourism studies. Dobunkan Publishing. Suzuki, S. (2022). Talent development for promoting tourism DX: Current status and issues from the perspective of education and research. Tourism Studies, 35(2), 90–93. Takada, T. (2022). Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tourism resources in food tourism. Proceedings of the Japan Society of Tourism Research Annual Conference, 37, 351–354.

ABSTRACT. Destination image has long been a powerful tool for destination marketing and management (Afshardoost & Eshaghi, 2020; Zhang et al., 2014). Tourism destinations have faced serious challenges after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic (Lu & Atadil, 2021; Rasoolimanesh et al., 2021). It is noticed that the pandemic crisis cause great damage to destination images, but little research has taken the destination image gap between residents and visitors into consideration. This study aims to investigate how residents and (potential) visitors perceived a destination that was suffering from the Covid-19 outbreak, and then provide managerial implications for destination image repair. Two cities - Wuhan and Shanghai - were selected for investigation in this study. Wuhan and Shanghai experienced severe Covid-19 outbreaks in 2020 and 2022, respectively, which were considered typical destination crises with high public awareness. The questionnaires for the two cities were distributed separately through Credamo.com in April 2022. Context priming was used to measure the image of the destination under the pandemic. Participants were first asked to recall the memories about the city during the lockdown period (Wuhan in spring 2020 or Shanghai in spring 2022) and write down what they saw and experienced at that time. Second, participants were asked to fill the questionnaire about the destination image, including cognitive image, affective image, and overall image. Third, the questionnaire measured control variables related to the research questions, including their fear of coronavirus, concern about this crisis, and familiarity with the destination. Finally, 400 respondents (160 residents and 240 visitors) answered questions related to Wuhan’s destination image during the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, and 401 questionnaires (201 residents and 200 visitors) responded to the questions related to Shanghai’s destination image in 2022. Results revealed a different pattern between the residents and (potential) visitors in perceiving the destination image in the Covid-19 outbreak in both cases: (1) The perceived image of the destination’s economic facet affects the overall image more strongly for local residents than for potential visitors. (2) The social and people facets of the destination image affect the overall image more strongly for potential visitors rather than local residents. (3) The fear of Covid-19 significantly affects potential visitors' evaluation of the overall image of the destination, while it has no effect on local residents. (4) Familiarity of and concern about the destination and the pandemic crisis are more likely to affect the overall image for potential visitors than local residents. These findings contribute to understand the formation of destination image among residents and visitors. It also suggests that the destination management organizations need to develop different crisis recovery strategies for residents and visitors.

ABSTRACT. Harmful algae blooms (HABs) occur when photosynthetic microbes in water bodies encounter optimal conditions to grow out of control. Many species of these microbes release biotoxins that can poison seafood, drinking water sources, and may even go airborne and into people’s airways. Furthermore, when blooms of these microbes die the decomposition process uses up the dissolved oxygen in the water and leads to hypoxia or dead zones in the water (Sanseverino et al., 2016). With increasing human populations, water pollution from sewage and fertilizers is leading to higher nutrient loads in water bodies, or in simpler terms, increased levels of food for harmful algae blooms. The problem is occurring all around the world, and in conjunction with warmer waters due to climate change, threatens to get much worse in the future (Paerl and Scott, 2010). The social and economic impacts of HABs can be widespread, but they are generally understudied (McKinley et al., 2024). When they occur in tourism destinations centered around waterfronts, the destination may suffer impacts of such magnitude and depth that they seem disproportionate for a hazard caused by a microbe. The theory of social amplification of risk (Kasperson et al. 1988) posits that social aspects could be responsible for the amplification of attenuation of risk. In other words, the magnitude of impacts from risk events—relative to the event’s biophysical characteristics—could be increased or decreased by social factors. The theory highlighted the role of information and communication of information as an amplifier of risk, but other social aspects of risk have been identified (e.g., Kasperson, 2014). Prior studies on perceptions of harmful algae risk have identified the role of social amplification (e.g., Cahyanto and Liu-Lastres, 2020; Borbor-Cordova et al., 2018; Brisson et al., 2017; Kuhar et al., 2009), but these studies have focused on establishing the differences in risk perceptions across different groups of people rather than on establishing a theoretical model to explain how risks of HABs may be amplified or attenuated by social factors. This study attempts to close this gap by exploring the case of Florida, USA, a global destination renowned for extensive beaches and human-made attractions, and integrates insights from recent studies of the social and economic impacts of HABs on tourism and the destination more broadly to develop a general theoretical model of social amplification of risk in the context of waterfront tourism destinations plagued by harmful algae blooms. The state of Florida suffers from recurring blooms of the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, known locally as “red tide”, which produces a biotoxin that can affect the neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Exposure to the biotoxin can result in death to wildlife and severe respiratory irritation in people, making visits to the waterfront unpleasant and potentially hazardous to human health. As a result, visitation to waterfront tourism districts is diminished when there are HABs of red tide. This study relies on a comprehensive literature review and insights from studies conducted by the author to examine whether the magnitude of impacts from risk events increase linearly or proportionally as the magnitude of the risk event (i.e., intensity, strength, duration) increases. In other words, the study examines two competing hypotheses: Hypothesis 1: Impacts of risk events are driven by the biophysical properties of risk events, increasing linearly and proportionally as the intensity of the risk event increases. Hypothesis 2: The biophysical properties of hazards interact with psychological, social, institutional, and cultural processes in ways that may amplify or attenuate public responses to the risk event, with impacts of risk events responding nonlinearly as the intensity of the risk event increases. There is growing evidence supporting the social amplification of HAB risks in waterfront tourism destinations (e.g., Alvarez et al., 2024; Bechard 2021). The mechanisms for social amplification of risk are varied and interact with one another, transcending short term economic impacts on the tourism industry and the housing market, and threatening the social fabric of the destination in the long term by becoming a motivator for social polarization and conflict (O’Leary et al., 2024; Armstrong et al., 2022). The common thread tying these mechanisms together is the role of information and misinformation regarding the HABs, which erodes the destination’s image and encourages divergent and conflicting perceptions of the problem and motivations to address it.

ABSTRACT. Urban greening is an important part of urban regeneration initiatives because it adds an aesthetic of comfort and calmness in otherwise very crowded settings when events are happening. But in cites with drier environments that are planning for larger-scale sporting events, these greening initiatives are met with concerns and criticism. A common critique of hosting large-scale events is the new venue development complexes can lead to gentrification which impacts on surrounding and often underserved communities. Given this point about gentrification, Los Angeles will be the first host city not to build any new venues for the Olympic events in 2028. The city is using all existing venues/stadiums and only making necessary renovations. This is not to say that gentrification will not happen, but with this point of no new developments, this directs us to consider other directions of research related to recent events facing the city of Los Angeles. Given the current events in the city, there is a need to address how the city will set new policies on urban greening in response to the catastrophic fires.

In Los Angeles there are emerging discourses in the media and policy documentation pertaining to urban greening—as a response to both drought and fires. Greening represents an aesthetic enhancement to develop attractions across a destination, but this concern offsets conditions that may need to be met to align with proposed and evolving policies aimed at mitigating drought and fire risks in such dry fragile environments (especially ones that have just experienced disaster). Recent drought reports note that 100% of Los Angeles County residents are affected by drought. The Los Angeles area is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and fires. Despite the large magnitude earthquakes Los Angeles has experiences, the wildfires that started on the 7th of January 2025 have been deemed California’s worst natural disaster. Moreover, what is not yet addressed is greening around venues can invite vegetation fires during drought periods and winds can push these to surrounding communities given the population densities around many of these complexes.

This discussion is timely because attention on aesthetic landscape planning and integrating greenery into attraction regeneration plans is part of establishing a new image of a venue and for the destination more broadly. The visualizations of plans of what venues will look like show venues with lush greenery and water scenes in Los Angeles, which differ from the concerns of drought and water mitigation efforts. Granted these images were drafted before the recent fires that ravaged Los Angeles, but these proposed images may need to be altered to reflect environment and drought policies as landscape planning initiatives commence in the near future around venues. This work is in the beginning stages but will develop as sites are upgraded and as we get closer to the 2028 events. Methods that will be used in this study include images from proposed plans, landscape planning plans from bidding documentation, environmental policy documents, and analysis of local news content combining narratives of the fires and Olympics. The triangulation of all this content will influence landscape planning agendas. The focus will be on how a natural disaster influences the landscape design of venue attractions going forward. What the researcher will pay attention to is how drought and fire mitigation measures are discussed in policy documents and news releases and what the realization of aesthetic planning looks like as venues are regenerated.

For the conference, this topic brings forward a longitudinal plan for research for destinations that have just experienced disaster and are simultaneously preparing to host a large-scale sporting event. This presentation will frame the literature on event planning and disaster management before offering a critical analysis of discourses surrounding media coverage and re-imagined attraction plans in response to Olympic planning in Los Angeles. The future outcome of this work is to establish a set of guidelines for destination planners and landscape planners to consider when creating aesthetic plans in fragile urban settings prone to natural disasters. To this regard, questions surrounding what sort of regenerative processes are appropriate need to be consistent with the environmental challenges that a destination faces. As policies change, so will landscape planning and urban greenery situations. Given the tragedy of the fires in Los Angeles, a new awareness of concurrent planning to mitigate disasters whilst preparing for a future large-scale event is currently being put into perspective.

ABSTRACT. In the digital era, VR technology has transformed the cultural tourism industry. This research focuses on VR's application in tourism, integrating basic and reverse experience economy theories to explore immersive and absorptive experiences and their impacts on tourists' satisfaction, VR usage intention, and revisit intention. The experience economy theory proposed by Pine and Gilmore in 1999 classifies experiences into four types. It emphasizes the product - like nature of experiences, prompting enterprises to shift from service - provision to experience - creation. VR, with its immersive and interactive features, aligns well with this theory, offering tourists personalized and engaging experiences. However, previous research mainly centered on traditional experience economy models, leaving the reverse experience economy theory under - explored. This study aims to fill this gap. The research has three main innovations. First, it's the first to systematically apply the reverse experience economy theory to VR - based cultural tourism research, providing a new perspective on understanding VR tourism experiences. Second, while exploring the reverse theory, it validates the experience economy theory in museum tourism and discovers its different effects in various scenarios. Third, it comprehensively examines the interactions of different experience types in VR tourism, analyzing how immersive and absorptive experiences influence each other and tourists' behavioral intentions, thus expanding the research scope. An empirical approach was adopted. In July - August 2024, 400 participants experienced VR tourism. Afterward, they completed an online questionnaire with measurement items adjusted according to previous research and this study's context, using a five - point Likert scale. SmartPLS software was used for data analysis, assessing the model's reliability, validity, and testing hypotheses. The findings show that in VR cultural tourism (Study 1), immersive experiences precede and positively impact absorptive experiences. Escapist and aesthetic experiences promote educational and entertainment experiences, which in turn enhance VR experience satisfaction, affecting VR usage and revisit intentions. In museum tourism (Study 2), absorptive experiences come first and positively influence immersive experiences. Educational - reality and entertainment experiences boost escapist and aesthetic experiences, which then impact satisfaction and intentions. The good model fit indicates the model can explain variable relationships. This verifies that the experience economy theory has different manifestations in different scenarios, with the reverse theory effective in cultural tourism and the basic theory beneficial in museum tourism. This research contributes theoretically by expanding the experience economy theory and offering new research directions. Practically, it guides tourism practitioners and VR content developers in product design and enhancing the tourist experience. However, it has limitations like a small sample size and unbalanced gender ratio. Future research can address these issues and further explore the application of these theories in diverse scenarios to support the development of the tourism industry.

ABSTRACT. Animals play vital roles in tourism, from exotic species like polar bears to common animals like cats. While feral cats have emerged as unique tourist attractions in places like Japan (Endo, 2018), research on tourist engagement with free-roaming animals remains limited, with most studies focusing on wildlife or pets (Beckman et al., 2014). Although feral animals are often viewed as nuisances, their potential positive contributions to tourism through place identity and unique experiences remain underexplored (Echeverri et al., 2019). This study examines how feral cats influence tourism in Houtong, Taiwan, addressing the question: How do perceptions and interactions with feral cats shape destination attractiveness and tourist experiences in rural tourism contexts?

Feral animals occupy a unique position between wild and domestic states (Holmberg, 2018), creating distinct tourist experiences that emphasize entertainment and emotional connection rather than authenticity (Usui, 2022). These encounters can provide "healing" experiences for urban tourists, though perceptions vary based on cultural background and personal experiences (Ryan, 1998). Their presence creates management challenges, balancing tourism benefits with public health, safety, and animal welfare concerns (Beckman et al., 2014). The cultural ecosystem services (CES) framework helps analyze these interactions, considering both recreational and aesthetic benefits (Zhang et al., 2022; Wood et al., 2022). As part of the evolving "cute economy" in tourism, the appeal of feral animals could be commodified through aestheticized representations that emphasize smallness, playfulness, and emotional engagement, shaping destination branding and travel intentions (Guo, 2022; Su & Li, 2023). Recent studies indicate that animal interactions at heritage sites can enhance tourist well-being and destination loyalty, though comprehensive management strategies must consider both positive and negative impacts.

Located in New Taipei's Ruifang District, Houtong is a former mining village accessible via the Pingxi Railway. Since 2008, it has transformed into a distinctive tourist destination characterized by its large population of free-roaming cats, providing a unique setting to examine the relationship between feral animals and tourism attractiveness. The study analyzed user-generated content (UGC) from Google Maps, including textual reviews and photographs collected through WebHarvy web scraping software. This approach enabled the systematic extraction of visitor narratives and visual documentation related to cat interactions, capturing authentic tourist perspectives without researcher intervention. The study employed text mining and computer vision analysis. Leximancer analyzed textual data to generate semantic networks and identify conceptual relationships, while Google Cloud Vision API analyzed photographic data to identify visual elements. Python programming facilitated data preprocessing and integration. This triangulation of multiple data sources enhanced the findings' robustness and validity.

Analysis of 1,990 Google Maps reviews from 1,969 unique reviewers demonstrated overwhelmingly positive visitor experiences, with an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 (SD = 0.91), and 87% of reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. Reviews averaged 42.16 words in length (median = 30). Sentiment analysis revealed minimal differences between reviews mentioning cats (0.23) and those without (0.25), though cat-related reviews had a marginally higher average rating (4.39 vs 4.37). The Leximancer concept map (Figure 1) identified three main themes: cats as the central node (associated with "friendly," "cute," and "beautiful"), mining heritage (linked to "coal," "mine," and "experience"), and temporal aspects (including "holidays" and "times"), reflecting the destination's dual identity as both a cat-themed attraction and historical site.

Visual analysis of 1,668 photographs through Google Cloud Vision API (confidence: M = 0.86, SD = 0.13) identified 501 unique labels across images. Landscape elements dominated the visual content, with hill station (n = 746), hill (n = 625), and mountainous landforms (n = 593) being the most frequent, highlighting the destination's topographical significance. Cat-related content comprised 16 distinct cat-related labels, most commonly co-occurring with vacation (n = 127) and taxonomic categories (Felidae: n = 121; Felinae: n = 113). While visual sentiment analysis showed predominantly neutral tones (n = 13,905), the analysis also revealed secondary themes of leisure (n = 212) and commercial elements like toys/figurines (n = 92), indicating diverse visitor interests beyond cat interactions.

This study demonstrates how feral cats in Houtong impact tourists’ perceptions of a destination. The high visitor ratings (M = 4.39/5) indicate that cats function primarily as a cultural ecosystem service, offering recreational and aesthetic benefits. Houtong’s success aligns with the principles of the "cute economy," where animal-associated tourism destinations capitalize on cuteness as an emotional and economic driver. Free-roaming cats' aesthetic appeal and playful nature align with the growing consumer preference for interactive, visually appealing experiences that generate social media engagement and destination loyalty (Guo, 2023; Su & Li, 2023). This commodification of cuteness can shape planning strategies for peripheral destinations, leveraging “adorable” animal interactions to create niche markets (Lee & Yan, 2021). The research also shows how feral animals, typically considered ecosystem disservices, can become valuable tourism assets through appropriate management.

However, this study's focus on cats limits broader conclusions about feral animals in tourism. While other free-roaming animals have been studied in tourism settings, they often generate mixed reactions due to safety and health concerns. Further research should examine if the cute economy or the CES framework applies similarly to other species or if particular animals are naturally more appealing to tourists.

ABSTRACT. Destination Image (DI) is a cornerstone of tourism research, as it influences travel behavior, destination choice, and post-visit evaluations. Most previous literature identified the concept of DI as a sum of two main dimensions: Cognitive (e.g., knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, impressions) and affective (e.g., emotional thoughts and feelings) that individuals or groups hold about a specific tourist destination (Artuger & Cetinsoz, 2017; Baloglu & McCleary, 1999; Jenkins, 1999). Sometimes, a third, conative dimension of DI is considered by other scholars, such as Agapito et al. (2013) and Stylidis (2022), reflecting the potentiality to visit/revisit or recommend the destination. In general, cognitive evaluations are often antecedents to both affective and conative attributes of DI, suggesting that individuals’ feelings and intentions are directed mainly by their cognitive assessment of the destination’s settings. The evolution of DI is a complex process that incorporates both cognitive and psychological characteristics. It is argued that the formation of DI is a highly subjective process that differs broadly among non-visitors, first-time visitors, and repeated visitors to the destination (Fakeye & Crompton, 1991; Woosnam et al., 2020). Previous research heavily relied on descriptive comparisons of visitors' and non-visitors’ perceptions, leaving the cognitive mechanisms and psychological characteristics underlying these differences underexplored. Adopting the Construal Level Theory (CLT), this research provides a robust theoretical framework to uncover such overlooked mechanisms, offering a deeper understanding of how psychological distance shapes destination image formation (Sun & Sano, 2024; Wang et al., 2022). In this context, the study applies Construal Level Theory (CLT) to investigate how psychological distance affects DI of Japan among Arab visitors and non-visitors, who are specially positioned in terms of cultural distance and growing interest in Japan as a unique tourism destination. In particular, the study explores how psychological distance (driven by direct vs. indirect experience) shapes abstract and concrete perceptions, feelings, and intentions toward Japan. Moreover, it identifies the underlying mediums that Arabs use to reduce their psychological distance while forming their image of Japan. The research adopted a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews (average length 43 minutes) with 22 Arab non-visitors and 18 interviews with Arab visitors to provide an in-depth analysis of their perceived DI of Japan. First, the interviews questions have been reviewed and approved by an academic ethical committee, then the interviews were conducted between November and December 2024. The interviews' questions were conceptualized in a pretty similar form, after Stylidis and Cherifi (2018) and Mohamed et al. (2024), covering the DI cognitive, affective, and conative dimensions. The interviewees' profile data reflected a wide range of demographic characteristics, representing different citizens from specific Arab countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco), which recorded significant numbers of visitors to Japan according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) recent statistics. The thematic analysis of the interviewee’s responses reflected similar and different perceptions of Arab visitors and non-visitors about Japan. For example, both groups used similar attributes to describe the built environment (e.g., infrastructure, transportation, streets, tourist attractions and products) in Japan as a mix of traditional and modern facilities that heavily rely on advanced technology. However, while the Arab non-visitor image of Japan is excessively dominated by imagined natural features, Arab visitors mainly highlighted urban and cultural elements as the main parts of their constructed image of Japan. Similarly, Arab visitors and non-visitors hold positive and negative attitudes towards Japanese people. For example, both groups argued that Japanese people are honest, polite, respectful, helpful, friendly, organized, clean, and follow the rules. However, Arab visitors provided more detailed and closer views of the Japanese people’s stressful lifestyle, highlighting its overt impact on several individuals noticed crying in narrow streets or lying drunk on trains. According to the CLT, Figure 1 highlights the characteristics of Japan’s DI as perceived by each group, explaining the reasons behind such similarities and differences. The different mediums used by visitors and non-visitors to reduce their psychological distances (temporal, spatial, social, and cultural) resulted in a third, in-between group of non-visitors whose DI is psychologically closer to visitors. The DI of that group is mediated by reliable factors such as descriptions of previous visitors (informed knowledge), experience of Japanese culture/food (indirect sensory) or driven by their passion and planned visit to Japan. By leveraging CLT, the study advances theoretical insights and addresses practical challenges in destination marketing, experience design, and policymaking. Understanding the underlying psychological factors influencing the DI evolution among visitors and non-visitors can inform a targeted marketing plan that meets the tourists’ expectations and boosts their satisfaction.

References Agapito, D., Oom do Valle, P., & da Costa Mendes, J. (2013). The cognitive-affective-conative model of destination image: A confirmatory analysis. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 30(5), 471-481. Artuger, S., & Cetinsoz, B. C. (2017). The impact of destination image and the intention to Revisit: A study Regarding Arab Tourists. European Scientific Journal, 13(5), 82-98. Baloglu, S., & McCleary, K. W. (1999). A model of destination image formation. Annals of tourism research, 26(4), 868-897. Fakeye, P.C. and Crompton, J.L. (1991). Image differences between prospective, first time, and repeat visitors to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Journal of Travel Research, 30(2), 10-16. Jenkins, O. H. (1999). Understanding and measuring tourist destination images. International journal of tourism research, 1, 1-15. Mohamed, M. E., Lehto, X. Y., & Behnke, C. (2024). Visitors' and non-visitors' destination food images: How do they vary in Egypt?. Tourism Management Perspectives, 51(1), 101241. Stylidis, D. (2022). Exploring resident–tourist interaction and its impact on tourists’ destination image. Journal of Travel Research, 61(1), 186-201. Stylidis, D., & Cherifi, B. (2018). Characteristics of destination image: visitors and non-visitors’ images of London. Tourism Review, 73(1), 55-67. Sun, H., & Sano, K. (2024). Tourists' willingness to contribute to smart tourism: a construal level theory perspective. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 7(5), 2763-2785. Wang, F., Feng, Y., & Wang, Z. J. (2022). Inspiring desirability or ensuring feasibility: Destination image and psychological distance. International Journal of Tourism Research, 24(5), 667-676. Woosnam, K. M., Stylidis, D., & Ivkov, M. (2020). Explaining conative destination image through cognitive and affective destination image and emotional solidarity with residents. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 28(6), 917-935.

ABSTRACT. Creative tourism has attracted considerable scholarly attention as a key approach to enhancing the appeal and competitiveness of tourism destinations (Gato et al., 2022; Richards, 2020). Previous studies have examined the advantages of creative tourism, emphasizing its distinctive features relative to traditional tourism models. For instance, creative tourism offers opportunities for destinations to develop new narratives and identities (Richards, 2011), contributes to the preservation of local culture and heritage, and generates income for local residents and creative talents (Sarantou et al., 2021). Furthermore, creative tourists often use their travel experiences as opportunities for self-reflection and the reevaluation of life choices. These journeys are framed as manifestations of 'life politics,' as they are shaped by and respond to broader social and cultural contexts (Sheldon, 2020; Zhao & Agyeiwaah, 2023). Despite the growing scholarly interest in creative tourism as an emerging field, existing research predominantly adopts market-oriented perspectives. Limited attention has been devoted to understanding the drivers that attract creative talents and tourists within the context of broader societal development (Islam & Sadhukhan, 2024). Specifically, there remains a lack of systematic theoretical investigation and in-depth analysis of the social factors motivating creative talents and tourists to participate in creative tourism (Li & Kovacs, 2024). This research uses Jingdezhen, China, as a case study to examine these questions through the lens of life politics. It explores the life-political practices of creative talents (Jingpiao) and tourists, linking these practices to the rapid transformation of urban tourism in Jingdezhen. In recent years, Jingdezhen, renowned as a city of traditional craftsmanship, has leveraged its unique cultural appeal to become not only a spiritual utopia for Jingpiao but also an emerging creative tourism destination favored by younger generations. Historically known as the "Porcelain Capital of the World," Jingdezhen experienced a severe industrial decline in the early 1990s when state-owned ceramic factories faced operational crises. In recent years, many of these former state-owned factories have been repurposed into creative hubs, complemented by the emergence of new cultural and artistic landmarks, attracting over 30,000 Jingpiao from across the country (Jingdezhen Porcelain Bureau, 2018). These Jingpiao engage in creative craftsmanship as a means of self-expression and resistance against alienation (Thurnell-Read, 2014; Yang et al., 2021). Their works, combined with their unique lifestyles, have become a key attraction for tourists visiting Jingdezhen. The spontaneous clustering of creative ceramic artisans has revitalized local tourism, while the rise of creative tourism has played a pivotal role in the productive preservation of traditional crafts (Liu & Xu, 2024). Guided by lifestyle politics theory, this study aims to elucidate the personal and social drivers behind the participation of creative talents and tourists in creative tourism. The concept of life politics refers to the political dimensions of everyday life, encompassing decisions influenced by ethical, moral, or political considerations (De Moor, 2017). Here, "politics" does not refer to conventional power struggles but rather to the negotiation of meaning through individual interactions and behaviors in daily life (Seyfi et al., 2023). This study considers participation in creative tourism as a form of life politics, emphasizing how interactions between creative talents and tourists foster mutual personal and social growth. Methodologically, this research employs semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to collect and analyze data. The qualitative findings demonstrate that Jingdezhen, using ceramics as a medium, has constructed a place identity characterized by the notion of “escaping modernity” through host-guest interactions between Jingpiao and tourists. The motivations for Jingpiao to participate in creative tourism include constructing self-identity, self-expression, challenging conventional life values, and fulfilling social responsibilities. In contrast, tourists are driven by motivations such as constructing self-identity, seeking a sense of achievement, combating existential crises, and supporting social equity. Additionally, as pioneers of life-political practices, Jingpiao encounter tourists in the specific context of Jingdezhen, sparking reflexive thinking among the latter. The rise of social media has further amplified the reach of Jingpiao’s life-political practices. These practices not only attract large numbers of tourists but also exert a profound influence on tourists’ value choices in their post-travel daily lives, leading to a stronger commitment to creative tourism. In conclusion, this study explores the mechanisms of participation and interaction between creative talents (Jingpiao) and tourists in creative tourism from the perspective of life politics. It provides a novel theoretical explanation for the sustainable development of creative tourism destinations. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of creative tourism to contribute to the construction of a healthy society and offers an in-depth analysis of how the personal choices and interactions of Jingpiao and tourists drive processes of social change.

ABSTRACT. Attractive Hokkaido –using by platform” Hokkaido Loginet Express” Seiichi Iida, Loginet Japan Co., ltd, JAPAN

Japan's tourism industry is still lagging behind global standards. In particular, the ability to generate income remains a challenge for the future. To address this, we will build a "profitable structure" based on overseas examples and consider how to enhance earning power. By understanding the history of how Napa Valley has developed its earning power, we will explore how Hokkaido can establish its own earning capacity and conduct practical business as foundational research. Hokkaido is experiencing a population decline, so revitalizing the local economy is necessary to maintain the region. To achieve this, it is essential for relevant suppliers in the local tourism industry to participate and operate on a single platform. Involving tourism businesses and local stakeholders in such initiatives is not very simple, and it is crucial to encourage their participation. The ability to engage the people at the center, such as DMO or DMC representatives, is the key to the success of the project. What is needed for this are, first, person who promote the project with an altruistic mindset, and second, professionals in the tourism industry. Person who have these two criteria must be at the center of the project. The success depends on how well that person can manage the stakeholders in the tourism business. Next, in sales, it is necessary to focus on digital transformation using social media strategies alongside sales strategies that utilize social capital. Marketing in today's era must encompass both personal connection sales and social media strategies for web sales. In Hokkaido, a region in Japan, there are few persons who can manage both aspects. This kinds of a bus business including sightseeing for secondary transportation that promotes the appeal of tourism is an important factor in increasing the number of passengers and visitors by being perceived as a model course for tourists heading to Hokkaido. “Hokkaido Loginet Express” is a scheme devised to solve the issues of secondary transportation in Japan. This scheme ensures convenience for tourists visiting from outside to reach tourist destinations, revitalizes the bus companies operating in the area, and contributes to the revitalization of the local economy. Above all, it addresses challenges including the revitalization of the local economy by encouraging people to visit. Eight years have passed since the registration of candidates for the Japanese version of DMO (Destination Management/Marketing Organization) began. While the role and function of DMO are primarily non-profit activities, what is expected of DMO as an outcome is to draw out the region's "earning power" through tourism and generate continuous economic effects for the region. Additionally, it is necessary for DMO to secure stable operating funds for autonomous and continuous activities as an independent entity. Therefore, this paper focuses on Visit Napa Valley (official DMO) in Napa Valley, California, USA, as an advanced case, aiming to grasp its outline and strategy through publicly available data. Visit Napa Valley demonstrates its existence and goals as a "premier" region while implementing strategies targeting luxury travelers, securing operating funds through a unique funding mechanism called TID (Tourism Improvement District) for regional marketing activities, and widely disclosing the results of its activities to clarify its achievements. This is expected to serve as a guideline for the future direction of the Japanese version of DMO. Hokkaido's tourism resources are rich in nature, and are a valuable resource from a global perspective, and animals and plants remain in a sustainable natural form. It is necessary to think of a system that makes use of this resource so that all tourists, not just the wealthy, can enjoy it, contribute to the revitalization of the local economy, and benefit from it to citizens. That's what DMO is for. In recent years, an organization called DMC (Destination Management Company) has emerged and continues to operate in parallel. As research material, we will create a Hokkaido tourism platform using a bus service called “Hokkaido Loginet Express”. We will conduct qualitative research with regional travel material providers connected through that platform. This research aims to clarify how to from regions that can generate income. Finally, what is profitable structure? That is Professional person to have ability of managing Stakeholder must conduct local business in one platform involving all local business player with sincere. All member have same vector to same aims. This platform will be solved by Hokkaido Loginet Express as secondary transportation.

Reference Ideal Ways DMOs Promote the Economic Impact of the Region: A Case Study from a Napa Valley DMO in California, Nagasaki international University review. 19:2019,　p81-98 https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/books/R000000004-I029678000 (Provided by CiNii Research)

ABSTRACT. Black Myth: Wukong (BMW) is a famous Chinese action role-playing game. After being officially released on August 20, 2024, the game has gained an impressive success commercially, and quickly topped the sales charts on multiple platforms, selling more than 18 million copies worldwide within two weeks. BMW also showcases 36 real-world spots in China and 27 of them are located in Shanxi province, which launched a tourism boom in Shanxi (Shen & Zhao, 2024). The enthusiasm of thousands of gamers has ignited the market for pilgrimage tourism. This research uses BMW as a case to study how the commodification of emotion in video games stimulates pilgrimage tourism. The study bridges game culture and tourism motivation, offering insights into how fantasy, as a commodified emotion, fuels contemporary pilgrimage practices.

ABSTRACT. Cultural tourism is considered a crucial component of the tourism industry and is recognized as “one of the most important forms of tourist traffic” (Niemczyk, 2013). Cultural institutions, particularly museums, serve as significant tourist attractions for both domestic and international visitors (Stylianou-Lambert, 2011). In recent years, as museums worldwide have launched virtual tours, the potential for virtual tourism development has become a prominent topic (Chen & Geng, 2024; Geng, Li, Zhang, Jiang, & Xue, 2024; Lu et al., 2022; Yu, Kim, Hailu, Park, & Han, 2024; Wu & Medai, 2022). On one hand, some destinations view virtual tourism as a promising tool for tourism marketing. Existing studies confirm that virtual tourism experiences positively influence people's intentions to visit destinations (Lee, Lee, Jeong, & Oh, 2020; Tussyadiah et al., 2018). On the other hand, some destinations are developing virtual tourism as an alternative product to serve potential customers. However, some researchers argue that virtual tourism competes with physical destinations, potentially diverting tourists away (El-Said & Aziz, 2022). To gain a clearer understanding of virtual tourism development, it is essential to examine the relationship between virtual tourism and onsite tourism choices. However, research in this area remains limited. This study aims to analyze the simultaneous selection of these two options using a bivariate dichotomous logit model to determine their interrelationship. In this study, we used “KAHAKU VR” from the National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan as the research subject (National Museum of Nature and Science, 2020). To investigate the intention to visit the museum both virtually and physically, we conducted a web-based survey. The questionnaire was administered by an internet survey company, and registered panel members were invited to participate. To minimize bias in responses regarding museum visit experiences, participants were limited to residents of Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa prefectures. The survey was conducted in three steps. First, we collected demographic information from respondents. Second, we asked about their physical visits to the museum, including their knowledge, visit history, and travel constraints. Third, respondents were instructed to experience the virtual content available on the museum’s website. After engaging with the virtual content, respondents evaluated their experience based on five aspects: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, positive emotion, telepresence, and authenticity. Finally, they were asked about their intention to visit the museum either virtually or physically. As a result, a total of 618 valid responses were obtained. To represent the joint choice probability of onsite and virtual museum visits, we utilize a bivariate dichotomous logit model with cross-category dependence (Fukuda & Morichi, 2002; Russell & Petersen, 2000). To capture the interaction between virtual and onsite visits, the model includes the following two elements: (1) Cross-category variables—factors influencing the other choice category. In this study, these variables include onsite tourism features that may affect virtual tourism visits and virtual tourism features that may affect onsite tourism visits. (2) Dummy variables for the choice outcomes of the other category, describing the interdependency between the two choices. In the model, the choice outcomes of virtual and onsite tourism visits are included as explanatory variables to influence behavior intention of each other. The model analysis results suggest that certain features of virtual tourism positively influence behavioral intention to visit museums physically, and vice versa. Specifically, the findings show that physical factors related to onsite tourism—such as cost, distance, and prior visit experience—positively influence virtual visit intention. Similarly, factors related to virtual tourism, including perceived usefulness and positive emotions, significantly affect people’s intention to visit museums onsite. Moreover, the study confirms a positive interdependence between virtual and onsite tourism intentions. That is, individuals who visit a cultural tourism destination in person are more likely to engage with it virtually, and vice versa. While existing studies indicate that virtual tourism enhances people’s intention to visit destinations physically, this study suggests that the influence is bidirectional rather than one-directional. In other words, virtual tourism and onsite tourism can reinforce each other. These findings provide valuable insights for cultural tourism institutions on leveraging virtual tourism either as a marketing tool or as an alternative product.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the dynamic aesthetic experiences of tourists engaging with tourism videos through an electrophysiological approach. While aesthetic appreciation has traditionally been regarded as a subjective phenomenon, this research leverages electroencephalography (EEG) to capture objective neural responses to tourism video stimuli. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted with fifteen participants, who viewed and evaluated three categories of tourism videos—historical, cultural, and nature-based. The findings reveal that different types of tourism videos elicit distinct neural activations, with frontal alpha asymmetry indicating variations in aesthetic appreciation. While participants explicitly reported a preference for nature-based videos, their EEG data indicated greater neural engagement with cultural content, suggesting a misalignment between conscious aesthetic judgments and unconscious cognitive processing. These findings contribute to tourism aesthetics research by advancing the application of neuroscientific methodologies to complement conventional self-reported measures. Furthermore, this study offers practical insights for tourism video production, destination marketing, and consumer engagement strategies, emphasizing the necessity of integrating objective neurophysiological assessments into tourism research.

ABSTRACT. Introduction The shift towards internet and mobile devices has made videos central to marketing, particularly in tourism, where they vividly illustrate destinations (Alamäki et al., 2022). Among video elements, human faces may affect marketing effectiveness, as humans are naturally sensitive to faces from infancy. Despite extensive literature on human faces, tourism research lacks consensus on their impact. While studies find human faces attract attention (Adil et al., 2018), others suggest fewer human faces enhance entertainment value (Alamäki et al., 2022) or show no significant impact (Li & Xie, 2019). These contradictions hinder theoretical progress and create confusion in marketing practices.

Furthermore, most research on human presence in tourism focuses on static images (e.g., Zhang et al., 2023), leaving the effects of human faces in videos less explored. Videos differ from images by featuring the duration of human faces. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of human face presence (including presence and duration) in destination marketing videos on viewers’ responses.

Literature Review The human face is a powerful stimulus that draws significant attention (Langton et al., 2008). Recent studies highlight the role of human faces in social media engagement and destination marketing, though findings are mixed. Hartmann et al. (2021) found that brand images with consumer faces on Twitter and Instagram received more likes and comments. Conversely, Li and Xie (2020) observed that human faces boosted engagement on Twitter but not on Instagram.

The effects of face presence in videos, especially in destination marketing videos, are largely unexplored. According to Gestalt Theory (Wagemans et al., 2012), human faces in destination marketing videos featuring natural scenery become prominent elements, competing for attention and disrupting the visual balance. As the duration of human face appearances increases, viewers' attention shifts between the landscape and faces, increasing perceptual complexity and instability, further diminishing their liking for the video. Thus, we propose:

H1: The presence of human face in the video is associated with lower viewers’ liking of the video.

H2: The duration of human face presence in the video is associated with lower viewers’ liking of the video.

Methodology We collected 663 destination marketing videos and their related data from New Zealand's official YouTube channel up to September 2023. We separated the visual frames and audio tracks. For visual frames, we used the Microsoft Azure video analytics API to identify human face presence and duration, and OpenCV to measure visual variations. For audio tracks, we used automatic speech recognition to detect human voices and librosa to measure auditory variations. We also analyzed video metadata for related controls.

The dependent variable was the number of likes of the video. The independent variables were human face presence and the proportion of the video duration featuring human faces. We controlled video-related variables (number of views, days since upload, video duration, and title length), visual variation in colorfulness and brightness, and auditory variation in loudness and pitch. Results Regression results indicated that videos with human faces received significantly fewer likes (β = -13.750, p < 0.01), confirming H1. We employed Propensity Score Matching to reduce selection bias and estimate causal effects. Post-matching results showed that the average number of likes for videos with human faces (mean = 33.70) was significantly lower than for those without (mean = 47.36, p < 0.01), further supporting H1. Using the same control variables and regression models, we found that human face duration had a significant negative effect on the number of likes (β = -14.690, p < 0.01), supporting H2. Exploratory analysis of potential U-shaped effects of human face duration, controlling for the same variables, confirmed the linear negative effects with no significant U-shaped effects. Discussion and Conclusion Human presence is crucial for marketing communication effectiveness. This research enhances our understanding of how human face presence in tourism destination marketing videos affects viewers' responses. Using social media video data and video analytics, we found that for destinations like New Zealand, where nature is a primary asset, human face presence negatively impacts viewers' attitudes towards the videos. Given the importance of videos in destination marketing, this study makes important theoretical contributions by empirically testing the effects of human face presence and duration in destination videos on viewers' liking.

ABSTRACT. During the COVID-19 pandemic, small- and medium-sized hotels have faced a huge business crisis, with a sudden decrease in the tourism economy worldwide. Governments have attempted infection prevention measures, including city closures and travel restrictions, which have drastically decreased the number of tourists and travel spending. For example, in Kyoto, the highly ranked global destination in “Travel + Leisure” magazine, as the room occupancy rate of major hotels in Kyoto City fell from 81.2% in 2019 to 31.4 % in 2021, 98.4 % of small lodging companies in Kyoto, whose revenue is under 100 million JPY per year, have worsened their business performance. However, even during a crisis, small hotels with a strong commitment to their unique small businesses, long-term customers, regional business communities, local tourism resources, and unique hospitality cultures may survive more than those with fast-growing strategies. Runyan and Covin define the special strategic orientation of Small Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)as “small business orientation” (SBO), in which they do not seek growth or innovation but maintain unique business value, customers, stakeholders, community, environment, and their permanent business activities. Our study examines whether small hotels with SBO are more likely to survive than those with a fast-growth orientation in Kyoto, Japan. Research on organizational resilience in the hospitality industry has gained much attention after the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Basnyat and Sharma argue that previous researchers have mainly discussed large hotels’ efforts for organizational resilience, while few have discussed what facilitates the resilience of small hotels. In SME research, it is widely discussed that the development of the resilience capability of SMEs can be affected by several factors, as Chu and Smyrnios argue. In discussing the factors of organizational resilience, many researchers stress that the strategic orientation of business owners is important, in addition to the skills and careers of owners, internal resources, external environment, and firm age. Presutti et al. pointed out that different strategic orientations of small hotels may create different performances, examining the entrepreneurial, learning, and market orientations of SMEs. In a similar vein, from the attention-based view, William Ocasio insists that the performance and growth of firms depend on how and where top management pays managerial attention in their business. Small hotels with SBO may pay more attention to a strong commitment to preserving the unique value of their business, customers, community, regions, and culture rather than high profitability and fast growth. Thus, small hotels with a SBO are likely to survive more than fast-growing hotels in a crisis. Kyoto has many small hotels with SBO that show strong commitment to historical heritage, cultural assets, and traditional events. Many are Ryokan, traditional Japanese-style inns, which intend to provide traditional Japanese styles of accommodation, hospitality services, cuisine, and life culture to guests. To examine the resilience effects of SBO in small hotels, we compared the surviving and failing small hotels in Kyoto in 2022, focusing on the statistical features and trends of the pre-pandemic era ( From 2014 to 2018). In 2019, Kyoto Prefecture had 3,770 hotels and residences, according to the Accommodation Survey by the Japan Tourism Agency. Based on the Teikoku Data Bank, we used data from 211 local hotels in Kyoto Prefecture, excluding hotels run by companies outside Kyoto. They have an average 25.06 employees and most are small hotels. We performed a t-test analysis of 10 variables between 194 surviving and 17 failing companies, including 1) scale of revenue, financial capital, employees, and rooms (in 2018), 2) growth rate of revenue, capital, employees, and rooms (from 2014 to 2018), and 3) firm and owner age (in 2018). Using a t-test analysis, we find that surviving small hotels show a much lower rate of growth in revenue, financial capital, and employees from 2014 to 2018 than failing hotels, with statistical significance. We also confirm that younger firms and their owners are more likely to go bankrupt. In Kyoto, small hotels with a SBO tended to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. We assume that small hotels that maintain their small businesses tend to strongly commit to their repeat customers, community, unique service culture, and unique tourism resources. Older firms tend to have long-term relationships with their owners. Thus, small orientation in small hotels leads to the preservation of unique local hospitality services and cultures.

ABSTRACT. Study Purpose and Relevance 　The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted unprecedented disruptions on the global tourism industry, with nations such as Japan—where the importance of inbound tourism had been growing and its contribution to GDP was steadily increasing—being particularly hard hit. In response, online communities have emerged as critical platforms for industry stakeholders to share information and collaborate on recovery strategies. This study investigates whether and how social capital cultivated within an online community contributes to business benefits for its members during crises. Drawing on Putnam’s (2000) framework, social capital is defined as the network of connections among individuals and the norms of reciprocity and trust that arise from these interactions. In this study, bonding social capital refers to the inward-looking connections among individuals with similar backgrounds that foster mutual support, whereas bridging social capital denotes outward-looking connections that expand perspectives and provide access to novel information and opportunities. By examining both types, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how online social interactions can mitigate the adverse impacts of crises—a perspective that is crucial for fields requiring rapid adaptation and collaborative problem solving.

Literature Review 　Prior studies have consistently highlighted the importance of social capital in enhancing organizational resilience and business performance (Stam et al., 2014; Yani et al., 2020). Empirical research in disaster contexts has further demonstrated that social capital positively affects both the resilience and business performance of the tourism industry (Chowdhury et al., 2019), underscoring its role in post-disaster recovery. 　Despite these insights, there is a notable gap in understanding how the distinct types of social capital—accumulated at the individual level within organizations—relate to business performance. Moreover, the advent of social networking services (SNSs) has blurred the boundaries between online and offline interactions (Xie, 2008) and facilitated the formation of connections beyond conventional networks (Ellison et al., 2007). Although SNS use is widely recognized as a key driver of social capital generation, few studies have focused on business-oriented online communities, and virtually none have explored how the social capital they generate benefits members during crises. This study addresses these gaps by explicitly linking bonding and bridging social capital to specific business benefits in the context of the tourism industry.

Methodology 　The empirical investigation centers on the Facebook group “Inbound Tourism Strategies for the Current Crisis,” established in Japan in May 2020 to support tourism industry stakeholders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This online community, which expanded rapidly to nearly 4,000 members by the end of 2023, provided an ideal environment to study the dynamics of social capital formation. An online questionnaire was announced to all community members, and 281 responses were collected, capturing respondents’ perceptions of the community’s effectiveness and the specific business benefits it provided. To assess the relationship between social capital and perceived business benefits, regression analysis was employed.

Findings, Contribution, Limitations and Future Research 　The regression analysis reveals that both bonding and bridging social capital contribute to overall business benefits within the community. However, the analysis also uncovers distinct differences in their specific effects. Bonding social capital is directly linked to business benefits such as increased awareness of products and services, the start of a new business deal, and reduced transaction costs. These findings suggest that the strong internal ties fostered by bonding capital facilitate immediate operational support, which is particularly valuable during crisis conditions. In contrast, while bridging social capital also contributes to overall business benefits, its impact is more diffused; it primarily enhances members’ access to novel information and opportunities that can stimulate longer-term innovation and market expansion. 　This study makes an original contribution by clarifying how different dimensions of social capital operate in tandem yet yield distinct benefits during global crises. By integrating insights from previous literature and outcomes from the empirical study, this research provides practical recommendations for tourism businesses and community managers. The findings advocate for a dual strategy that not only nurtures strong internal bonds for short-term operational gains but also encourages diverse external connections to foster long-term growth and innovation. However, there are limitations of this research. The study was conducted in the aftermath of a negative event using data collected through online methods in one nation, indicating possible issues with external validity, including, but not limited to, sampling errors. Although the empirical focus is on Japan’s tourism industry, similar dynamics are likely to occur in other countries and regions, warranting further cross-cultural and international research on the benefits of social capital in business-oriented online communities in the future.

References Chowdhury, M., Prayag, G., Orchiston, C., & Spector, S. (2019). Postdisaster social capital, adaptive resilience and business performance of tourism organizations in Christchurch, New Zealand. Journal of Travel Research, 58(7), 1209-1226. Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college students’ use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer‐mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and rivival of American community. Simon & Schuster. Stam, W., Arzlanian, S., & Elfring, T. (2014). Social capital of entrepreneurs and small firm performance: A meta-analysis of contextual and methodological moderators. Journal of Business Venturing, 29(1), 152-173. Xie, B. (2008). The mutual shaping of online and offline social relationships. Information Research: An International Electronic Journal, 13(3), paper 350, Article paper 350. Yani, A., Eliyana, A., Hamidah, I., & Buchdadi, A. D. (2020). The impact of social capital, entrepreneurial competence on business performance: An empirical study of SMEs. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 11(9), 779-787.

ABSTRACT. In Japan, the number of inbound international tourists has been intensely focused for over twenty years. Conversely, the number of outbound tourists has received little attention for decades. In 2019, the number of Japanese tourists travelling abroad exceeded twenty million for the first time (Japan National Tourism Organization, n.d.). However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure dramatically dropped to only 512 thousand in 2021. The World Health Organisation declared the termination of the state of emergency for COVID-19 in May 2023. Accordingly, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs lifted all "infectious disease risk information" regarding COVID-19 and relaxed all airport pandemic-related restrictions. Since then, the number of Japanese travelling overseas has gradually recovered. Nevertheless, this recovery has been relatively weak compared to that of other countries. The number of overseas tourists in October 2024 reached 69% of the level seen in October 2019. In contrast, other countries and regions have returned to pre-pandemic levels: for example, Korea at 111%, Taiwan at 93%, Singapore at 100%, and Australia at 105%. As a result, the Japanese government and travel industries have emphasised the importance of recovering Japanese overseas travel. Some destinations have struggled to attract Japanese tourists and have proposed several measures. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on travel intentions during and after the pandemic since 2020. These articles draw on the theoretical concepts of perceived risk, travel constraints, and the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1991). Two types of research were conducted. The first aimed to specify the factors influencing travel intention (Rahmafitria et al., 2021; Sánchez-Cañizares et al., 2021). Previous studies indicated that attitudes towards travel, perceived behavioural control, and social norms influenced travel intentions, and perceived risk negatively impacted attitudes and behavioural control. The second sought to segment potential tourists through cluster analysis (Handler & Tan, 2024; Liu-Lastres et al., 2021; Neuburger & Egger, 2021). Research classified potential tourists as ranging from positive to indifferent. However, the number of publications addressing domestic and international travel in the Japanese context was limited (Nakamura, 2022a, 2022b; Naoi et al., 2020; Taguchi, 2023; Takenaka & Hihara, 2023; Handler & Tan, 2024), and questionnaire surveys for these articles were conducted before 2022, with few studies have shed light on Japanese overseas travel following the termination of the state of emergency. Thus, the research question was developed: Why has the number of Japanese overseas travellers abroad not recovered since the pandemic? This study aims to identify the factors influencing Japanese intentions to travel overseas and to clarify the characteristics of individuals who do not intend to travel in post-pandemic circumstances in 2024. A quantitative survey of Japanese individuals aged 20 to 69 was conducted in February 2024. The survey was implemented online, and 1,680 responses, of which 1,667 were valid. The questions were about past overseas travel experiences, intentions to travel overseas within the next two years, preferred travel times abroad, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, travel constraints, and perceived risks associated with travelling post-pandemic. The survey revealed that 18.7% of respondents intended to travel abroad within two years. In contrast, 45.4% had no intention of travelling abroad, and 32.2% expressed a desire to go but had not considered it for the time being. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors influencing travel intentions. Attitudes, behavioural control, and internal constraints regarding travel affected the intention to travel abroad, with attitude being the most significant factor. Subjective norms and perceived risk did not have a significant effect. A k-means cluster analysis was conducted to clarify the characteristics of the segment that did not intend to travel overseas. Four clusters were identified: positive, positive-anxious, negative-indifferent, and rejecters. Rejecters exhibited negative attitudes towards travelling abroad, low behavioural control, high perceived risk, and high perceived intrapersonal travel constraints. In contrast, the positive segment held favourable attitudes, high behavioural control, moderately low perceived risk, and low perceived intrapersonal travel constraints. The positive-anxious group showed a moderately high intention to travel and a positive attitude; however, they perceived high intrapersonal constraints. This research identified the factors influencing overseas travel intentions among the Japanese sample and outlined the characteristics of Japanese individuals not planning to travel abroad. The current low recovery situation in overseas travel is attributed to negative attitudes rather than pandemic-specific circumstances. This research contributes to the academic field of tourist behaviour by documenting exceptional post-pandemic circumstances in the Japanese context. These findings also suggest that destination marketers aiming to attract Japanese tourists should focus on positive segments and develop positive-anxious segments.