Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being

Tourism 4.0: Unveiling the Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development of the Tourism Industry

2025-09-30T15:50:31+00:00

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Tourism 4.0, a concept that enhances the value of the tourism industry through innovation, technology, knowledge, and creativity. Using a systematic review approach, the research analyses selected scholarly articles to clarify definitions, explore related digital technologies, and examine the concept’s potential to support sustainable tourism development. A total of 26 articles were chosen from an initial pool of 148 based on defined quality criteria. The analysis, supported by NVivo and VOSviewer software, reveals the major themes and drivers behind Tourism 4.0, emphasising its transformative role in the tourism sector. The findings demonstrate that Tourism 4.0 can meaningfully contribute to the sustainable growth of tourism destinations by enabling digital transformation and innovation. The study identifies key research gaps and provides insights to guide future academic efforts and policymaking. By synthesising existing literature, this research offers a solid foundation for understanding Tourism 4.0 and supports informed decision-making in shaping the future of tourism through digital advancements.

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism for Persons with Hidden Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

2025-09-30T15:50:32+00:00

Tourism plays a pivotal role in the global economy and significantly contributes to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. Its swift rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic underscores its resilience and interconnection with various sectors, such as construction, agriculture, and telecommunications, amplifying its economic impact. Tourism has traditionally been concerned with the people who participate. However, studies are increasing with the implementation of accessible tourism programs that aim to reduce barriers, enabling persons with disabilities (PWD) access to more leisure activities and addressing the need for access by PWD, thereby ensuring equitable access. This paper identifies available literature on accessible and inclusive tourism for persons with hidden disabilities (PwHD) to determine processes put in place by the tourism industry to manage PwHD. This conceptual paper used a systematic literature review methodology to identify relevant literature on hidden/invisible disabilities using Google Scholar and an academic university’s database. The finding of the paper aims to synthesize the tourism industry and the barriers related to travel for PwHD.

Innovating Destination Planning: The Role of Local Development in Sustainable Tourism

2025-09-30T15:50:32+00:00

As tourism continues to grow worldwide, traditional destination planning models have faced criticism for neglecting environmental sustainability, socio-cultural preservation, and equitable economic distribution. This article examines how sustainable local development can be integrated into destination planning, offering a more balanced approach that benefits both local communities and the tourism industry. Through a comprehensive literature review of studies published from 2014 onwards, the article explores key concepts such as community-based tourism, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural preservation. Case studies from the European Union, including Slovenia, the Azores, and the Balearic Islands, are used to illustrate successful applications of sustainable destination planning. The article also highlights the challenges faced in balancing growth and sustainability and provides policy recommendations for stakeholder collaboration, responsible tourism, and long-term development strategies. By rethinking destination planning through the lens of sustainable local development, this article offers insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners seeking to promote responsible and resilient tourism.

Sustainability Practices in Accommodation Facilities Across Czech Tourism Destinations

2025-09-30T15:50:33+00:00

This study aims to investigate the existence of statistically significant variations in sustainability practices among accommodation facilities in different tourism destinations in the Czech Republic. Data was collected from 429 collective facilities listed on Booking.com, selected in proportion to the most frequently visited regions. The analysis involved Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA. The research revealed notable variations in sustainability practices among different tourism destinations, with mountainous areas prioritising nature conservation and urban settings focusing more on water preservation. The findings contribute to understanding the destination-specific sustainability approaches and the importance of considering environmental and cultural resources in developing tourism destinations.