Articles

The water-tourism nexus in the island of Crete, Greece

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The island of Crete, Greece is located in eastern Mediterranean region which is characterized by limited water resources. It hosts more than 6 million of tourists every year who consume large quantities of water during their vacations. The study of the interdependence between water and tourism industry in Mediterranean islands with limited water resources is important for their prosperity. Their nexus in Crete has been investigated based on existing data regarding water consumption and the local tourism industry. The share of direct water use in tourism in the total water consumption in Crete has been estimated and compared with other tourism destinations. Tourism industry affects water resources in Crete while water is a basic resource in tourism industry. The share of direct water demand in tourism to total water consumption in the island, at 3.06%, is above the global average, at 0.6%. The high share of direct water demand in tourism industry to total water consumption in Crete, the expected future increase in tourists’ arrivals and the future reduction of water resources due to climate change indicates that improved management of water resources is necessary to avoid water shortages and water-related conflicts. Our results could be useful to public authorities and private bodies related to tourism industry and water use in the island.

Tax Incentive Policy for National Economic Recovery in the Tourism Industry Sector in Indonesia

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The national economy dynamics are influenced by various factors, including the global pandemic such as Covid-19. Indonesian tourism industry sector as the third largest source of foreign exchange (after the oil and gas sector, and palm oil exports) experienced a very significant decline as a result of the pandemic. The government, through relevant ministries, created various policies and took concrete steps to save the Indonesian tourism sector. Using socio-legal methods, this study aims to explain the urgency of tax incentive policies and their implementation for the economic recovery of the tourism sector after the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of the study are: 1) The urgency of tax incentive policies is for the economic recovery of the tourism industry sector considering that the tourism sector is a pillar industry in Indonesia that has great value and benefits for local and global economic development; and 2) The implementation of tax incentives for the economic recovery of the tourism sector is the implementation of fiscal stimulus policies in the form of tourism grants and tax incentives for the tourism sector. Fiscal stimulus policies I to III are mitigation and anticipatory measures by the Government which are expected to be able to support the national economic recovery due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a recommendation, the researcher considers the need for: 1) transparent and accountable accountability for the implementation of tax incentives for national economic recovery; 2) supervision by independent institutions and community initiatives regarding accountability for the implementation of tax incentive policies; and 3) evaluation of the implementation of tax incentive policies for more optimal disaster mitigation and anticipation.

Analysis of the Connectivity Parameters of the Proposed Trilateral Highway (TH) between India, Myanmar and Thailand (IMT), The Industrial Corridor and its Impact on the Economic Development of Southeast Asia

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The proposed Trilateral Expressway passing between India, Myanmar and Thailand (IMT) is regarded as a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing smooth connectivity in the region of South Asia and Southeast Asia. This paper examines the multidimensional impact of the IMT expressway on trade, commerce and cultural ties in the region. It reviews the financial prospects of the participating nations as a result of implementation of the proposed project. Even though the IMT expressway claims high cut-offs in the time and costs of logistics, creation of new markets and stronger cultural exchanges in the region, it is susceptible to several adverse conditions and obstacles.  The political unrest and security issues in Myanmar, a major participant of the project raise serious concerns in reaping the complete benefits of the of the project. Discrepancies in the regulatory mechanisms and lack of synchronization in allocation of funds for the project are few other impediments of this venture. The paper views that despite several impediments and adversities, the IMT expressway would become a turning point in the history of the three nations and the whole region. It can largely contribute to the long-term cooperation and economic progress of the region.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism on Local Community in Afghanistan (Case Study in Aryoub Zazi District)

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Tourism is recognized as the best source of income generation and employment. Afghanistan has excellent tourist destinations that have the potential to generate income. By this reason this study attempted to investigate the economic, cultural, social, and environmental impacts of sustainable tourism industry. Tourism is based on the natural and cultural resources in the study area which make that place unique, with people as the main drivers. Nowadays, tourism industry known a crucial source for income generation and economic growth. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to research and achieve the aim of this study. Primary data were collected through questionnaire and observation, and secondary data were achieved from published resources. Collected data were calculated using SPSS version 24 of descriptive statistics. The results illustrate that tourism industry is great source for economic growth, but environment was affected by tourism activity in the study area. In addition, tourism activities lead to strengthening of social relations.

The Degrowth of Tourism Industry in the Island of Crete, Greece. Is it Desirable and Feasible?

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The concept of degrowth has been developed recently as an alternative paradigm to continuous and unlimited growth which prevails nowadays. The degrowth of tourism industry has been proposed in overcrowded tourism destinations balancing the satisfaction of tourists and local residents with the sustainability of the natural ecosystems. The island of Crete, Greece is located in eastern Mediterranean basin hosting an increasing number of visitors every year. The tourism industry in the island is well developed having a high economic impact. The prosperous tourism industry in Crete has surpassed the carrying capacity of the island threatening its fragile ecosystems causing phenomena of overtourism with undesired and harmful impacts in the local societies. The degrowth of the local tourism industry can be conceived as an alternative paradigm of the current growth model of tourism which threatens its long-term sustainability. It rejects the current model of continuous and unlimited growth of tourism promoting the values of locality, development of small-scale enterprises, quality of life, environmental sustainability, reduction of carbon emissions, decommodification of tourism activities and smaller production and consumption. The adoption of tourism degrowth in Crete requires the mobilization and the active participation of the multiple stakeholders of the tourism industry in the island while it promotes their long-term interests which are currently threatened by overtourism, climate crisis and overconsumption of the limited natural resources.

The Use of Chat GPT in Assessing the Tourism Industry in the Island of Crete, Greece. A PESTEL Analysis

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The tourism industry in Crete, Greece is well developed nowadays hosting an increasing number of visitors every year. However, it is affected from various external factors which might reduce its attractiveness as a popular tourism destination worldwide. PESTEL analysis can facilitate the development of a strategic management plan for the local tourism industry. The PESTEL methodology analyzes the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors which affect the hospitality industry in the island.  Instead of using the opinion of tourism experts and tourism stakeholders the opinion of Chat GPT was used in the current study. The language model responded promptly and rapidly and its answers were further analyzed. Chat GPT identified four to five factors in each PESTEL category affecting the tourism industry in Crete. Its answers were almost similar with the opinion of several stakeholders regarding the external factors influencing the tourism in the island. The results of our study are innovative and useful while they could be used for the development of a strategic management plan for tourism in the island. This is necessary for the promotion of its sustainability and attractiveness as a global tourism destination. Our study could be useful to several stakeholders and policy makers of the tourism industry in the island in order to develop a strategic management plan for the hospitality industry in Crete.

Cultural Differences in Tourist Behavior: A Cross-Cultural Psychological Study

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Tourism is a global phenomenon that bridges cultural divides, yet it is also shaped profoundly by the diverse cultural identities of those who travel. This study examines the psychological and behavioral differences in tourist behavior across cultures, drawing on cross-cultural psychology and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions as key theoretical frameworks. The study highlights significant variations in tourist preferences and behaviours by analyzing how cultural norms, values, and practices influence decision-making, social interactions, and experiences. Data from 500 tourists representing diverse cultural backgrounds reveal distinct patterns in travel planning, risk-taking, and leisure activities, shaped by factors such as individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and indulgence.

The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive tourism management and service delivery approaches. This research provides actionable insights for tourism operators, governments, and policymakers to enhance intercultural understanding, improve tourist satisfaction, and promote sustainable tourism practices. By fostering a deeper appreciation of cultural differences, the study contributes to the broader discourse on how globalization and cultural diversity intersect in the tourism industry.

Type of Tourism Attraction and Revisit Intention of Female Traveller

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This research was conducted with the aim of gathering information on the motivations of female tourists to make repeat visits to Yogyakarta. Women were chosen as respondents because women are considered to have maturity and make better decisions in their families, as well in tourism activities. The research was conducted using a non-probability sampling model on 100 respondents who had finished their trip. The survey was carried out at tourist entry points such as at tourist attraction locations, railway stations and airports. There are three variables tested, namely Perceived Satisfaction of Cultural Attraction (CUL), Perceived Satisfaction of Natural Attraction (NAT), and Perceived Satisfaction of Shopping and Culinary Attraction (ShoC). Using the classic assumption test and multiple linear regression, the results show that female travellers have the intention of making a return visit (RI) because of the satisfaction factor on cultural tourist attraction (CUL) and the satisfaction factor on shopping and culinary attraction (ShoC). The attractiveness of Natural Attraction (NAT) does not significantly influence female travellers having intention to revisit.

From an ‘Imagined Landscape’ to Iconic Destination: Bollywood Film and Its Impact on Tourism

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Tourism destinations are a product of the ‘brand personality’ of the space and depend on the cultural influence and collective consciousness. The tourists look for the emotional connection with the destination and re-imagine the self as part of larger community. Thus people’s choice of travelling gets influenced by the representation of the landscape on the screen enveloped in symbolic connotation, narrative emotion and cultural nostalgia. Being one of the biggest film industries all over the world Bollywood, has its own impact over the audience of India and also cater to the global market with specific agenda. The constant construction, reconstruction and representation of space in Bollywood films through its production promote ideology of consumption. With its ever growing market Bollywood film makes an impact over Indian Diaspora. The search for root and identity inspire the NRIs to travel back to the ‘Homeland’. Their journey back to new modern India is a voyage from West to East, Modern to Tradition, ‘Others’ to ‘Self’. Each space on screen put forward interpretations, specific to the character, local and identity. Travelling to a geographical landscape gets attached with the process of self discovery. The onscreen emotion engages in a conversation with the off screen domain as tourist destination. The Bollywood stars become the face of tourism industry. This paper critically examines the impact of film on tourism.  How the Bollywood promotes tourism, plays a huge role in constructing the collective identity and influence the economic and social development.

Transforming NGO Projects into Social Enterprise

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Introduction: Non-Government Organization (NGO) is Non-Profit Organization founded to create social impact without looking for profit. NGOs are generally funded through charitable donations, however, many of those sources of funds have dried up. For sustainability, NGOs need to find ways to enhance their sustainability, diversify their income source and become less dependent on donors. This research will study Global Peace Foundation Indonesia using Gap Analysis to find how to transform an NGO into a Social Enterprise and the innovation of the business model needed.

Literature Review: This research benchmarks Fowler’s steps of social enterprise, Ann Mei Chang’s hybrid organization, and Burkett’s social business model.

Research Methodology: This research collects primary and secondary data through interviews, FGD, and desk research. The data obtained data from the collection methods will be processed and analyzed with a qualitative approach: logic model, PESTEL Analysis, and SWOT Analysis.

Result and Discussion: From the logic model of Global Peace Foundation Indonesia, can be seen that some projects can potentially be transformed into a social enterprise, and the nearest industry to those projects are Tourism Industry. Continuing the logic model analysis, PESTEL Analysis was done, and the result showed some positive opportunity in the tourism industry that relate to what Global Peace Foundation Indonesia value. As there’s a positive opportunity, SWOT Analysis was used to find the strategies to implement. Those Analyses were used to produce the Value Proposition Canvas and Social Business Model of Global Peace Foundation Indonesia.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Fowler’s steps of Social Enterprise are slightly different from the transforming steps of Global Peace Foundation Indonesia. This research can be used by other field affiliates of the Global Peace Foundation and other NGOs who want to transform into social enterprises too. Future research can focus on the assigning human resource and leadership to the transformation process.