Purpose-The paper aims to analyse the social responsibility concept and to explore its role in the implementation process of the tourism sustainability concept. The intention is to explore the way in which the social responsibility concept is implemented in the tourism and analyse how it contributes to its sustainability. Design/methodology/approach-In this interpretivist research, the authors implemented a qualitative strategy using the following methods: content, critical and comparative analyses of the results reported in available scientific studies, categorization, causal analysis and mental mapping. The authors identified 14 thematic categories of research on the tourism social responsibility. For the causal description, the authors used driving force, pressure, state, impact, response (DPSIR) method. Findings-The results include identification of the categories of the research topics concerning tourism social responsibility as well as categories of the approaches to the implementation of the social responsibility into the practice of the tourism sector. The causal description of this implementation process is elaborated in the form of the DPSIR model. The created mental map shows the specific facets of the social responsibility concept applied to the diverse tourism subsectors. Originality value-The main contribution lies in basic overview of the conceptual (theoretical) and instrumental (practical) base for implementation of the social responsibility concept into the tourism, providing in this way a critical analysis of examples of the social responsibility practice in the key tourism subsectors. The examination of the causal analyses in the form of DPSIR model as well as employment of the content analyses in the form of mental map represent innovative approach to the tourism responsibility research.
UNESCO global geoparkUNESCO global geoparks dynamic initiative draws attention of both experts and public by its innovatively holistic approach to conservation, presentation and interpretation of the Earth heritage interrelating the geodiversity of the region with its biodiversity and cultural diversity. The objective of this contribution is to analyse the processes behind the sustainability management of the UNESCO global geoparks.The process analysis of the certification and revalidation schemes of the UNESCO global geoparks reveals a combined application of the interrelated approaches of the sustainability management, in particular the environmental quality management, knowledge management, strategic management and participative management. The environmental quality management, stimulating UNESCO global geoparks to implement their mission, is ensured through the system of initial certification and regular revalidations. The performance of the UNESCO global geoparks is coordinated on the continental and global levels. This networking facilitates an effective implementation of the knowledge management, which consists in the systematic sharing of knowledge and experience among individual geopark representatives. The participative management is implemented not only through the participation of the individual geoparks representatives in the decision making processes of the Global Geoparks Network and continental networks, but mainly through the participation of local actors in the activities of given UNESCO global geopark. The application of the strategic management ensures the long term balanced contribution of UNESCO global geoparks to the sustainable development and cultural identity of the given region. The analysis has shown a specific way in which the selected concepts of the sustainability management are implemented in the evaluation and revalidation procedures, networking and other pillars of the UNESCO global geoparks development.
Emerging forms of alternative or even niche tourism represent a dynamic trend in tourism development. Astrotourism is completely off the beaten path. The aim of this study is to provide a deeper insight into this phenomenon. It strives to reveal motivations, experiences, and perceptions of its participants. It also aspires to propose its complex definition as an activity including both terrestrial astrotourism and space tourism. It is suggested to perceive it not only as a form of alternative and/or niche tourism, but also that of mass and professional tourism. To reach these objectives, the authors analyzed relevant published studies and astrotourism products presented on relevant websites and social media. They elaborated the collected secondary data by mental mapping and the comparative analysis of terrestrial and space tourism products. Moreover, the authors collected primary data through a survey with open-ended questions addressed to persons interested in astrotourism and through semi-structured interviews with terrestrial astrotourism participants and personalities. The results provide insight into both the specifity and variability of astrotourism and their typical products, as well as a discussion of their future trends. They also bring a motivation spectrum for the astrotourism participants and benefits perceived by them.
Holistic interpretation of Earth heritage is one of the most important tasks of UNESCO Global geoparks. The ABC (abiotic, biotic, and cultural interconnections) concept is a potential interpretive approach used in Earth heritage popularization through geotourism. Apart of the deeper understanding of this concept, this study explores the application of this concept in selected geoparks. The Colca and Volcanoes Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark (Peru) and Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) served as a case study in the frame of this qualitative research conducted during the summer 2019. Results show that the ABC approach is nearly perfectly understood by both geoparks, however there are both internal and external factors which influence the extent and form of how this concept is applied in practice. Except for specific geographical settings, different stages of geopark product development, and different managerial approaches, they mainly include the level of scientific knowledge and general education in the given geopark, as well as level of knowledge management and networking with another UNESCO global geoparks. The more experienced Muroto Geopark interpretation exhibits a comparatively higher level of visible ABC application, while the Colca and Volcanoes Andagua Geopark can benefit in the future from the natural inclination and ability of the local people to integrate the cultural aspects into their Earth heritage interpretation.
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