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Publications

Showing 21121 – 21140 of 30345 publications

Tourism water footprint: an empirical analysis of Mount Huangshan

Mount Huangshan — 2017 — WHEA3875EDB3C

A comprehensive analysis of the tourism water footprint (TWF) at Mount Huangshan reveals that tourists consume approximately 10.19 million cubic meters of water annually, equivalent to 3.39 m³ per tourist per day or 3387 liters. The study highlights that tourism sewage and food are the primary drivers of water consumption, with significant environmental spillover effects extending beyond Mount Huangshan to Huangshan City and even nationwide. Tourist flow and temperature show a highly significant positive correlation with TWF, indicating increased water demand during peak tourist seasons. This quantification provides critical insights for sustainable water resource management in tourism-driven regions.

Tourism, Wastewater, and Freshwater Conservation in Palenque National Park, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2017 — WHE325BEA486B

A study of Palenque National Park, Mexico, reveals that untreated wastewater from tourism and population growth is significantly impacting the park's freshwater ecosystems. Three of six study sites exhibited soluble reactive phosphorus levels exceeding 39 μg/L, a marker of sewage influence. Additionally, a strong positive correlation between δN15 values in grazing snails and phosphorus concentrations suggests that sewage effluent is altering trophic ecology within protected aquatic habitats. This finding underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies beyond riparian buffers to safeguard freshwater ecosystem integrity in tropical protected areas.

Tourist and Recreational Facilities of Geosites. Theory and Practice

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes — 2017 — WHE5720A81BB0

A comprehensive analysis of tourist and recreational facilities at Twyfelfontein/Ui-//aes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia, reveals a robust infrastructure supporting geotourism. The study identifies numerous service facilities, including hotels, campgrounds, roads, airstrips, and an ethnographic museum, highlighting the region's potential for sustainable geotourism development. The research employs the territorial recreational systems (TRS) approach to assess five key sub-systems: tourists, natural and cultural resources, technical infrastructure, staff, and governing institutions. This method provides a holistic framework for understanding and optimizing the geotourism experience at this significant geological site.

Tourists' Motivation to Visit and Perception of Visitor Attractions Illustrated on the Example of Hortobágy National Park

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2017 — WHE500A759E37

Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO Site and Biosphere Reserve, successfully balances tourism with biodiversity preservation and education. Research reveals that the majority of visitors are satisfied with the park's sustainable tourism offerings, which align with its core objectives. The study, using participant observation, questionnaires, and interviews, demonstrates how Hortobágy's tourism model supports sustainable development without compromising natural or cultural heritage protection. Findings highlight the importance of integrating tourists' ecological awareness into management strategies to maintain this equilibrium. This work is among the first to focus on Hortobágy, providing valuable insights for similar protected areas.

Tourists’ perceptions of crowding, attractiveness, and satisfaction: a second-order structural model

Mount Sanqingshan National Park — 2017 — WHE95BA9E3895

Tourists' perceptions of crowding at Mount Sanqingshan National Park negatively impact the attractiveness of the destination, though they do not directly affect satisfaction. This study introduces a multidimensional model of crowding—neutral, personal, and social—to refine how tourist experiences are evaluated beyond traditional metrics like satisfaction. Using a second-order structural equation model with survey data from 424 tourists, researchers found that while perceived crowding diminishes destination appeal, it does not directly influence overall visitor satisfaction. The findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate negative perceptions of crowding and enhance tourist experiences at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tourists’ preferences for ecotourism planning and development around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2017 — WHE5904204DE9

Tourists visiting Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, prioritize improved product quality, scenic viewpoints, and better infrastructure to enhance their ecotourism experience. A study revealed that while tourists are satisfied with current guiding services, they face constraints due to time and price, limiting longer stays. Key preferences include revising park pricing, upgrading service quality, and expanding information dissemination to attract more visitors and boost park revenues. Researchers used surveys, GPS tracking, and spatial mapping to analyze tourist behavior and preferences, providing actionable insights for ecotourism planning in Rwanda.

Toward anticipatory adaptation: Transforming social‐ecological vulnerabilities in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2017 — WHEE28E0A89F6

A study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that state-led adaptation strategies to flooding, while initially practical, can inadvertently reduce adaptive capacity for vulnerable groups like the Bayei tribe. The research highlights how increased regulation and encouragement to shift from wetland-based livelihoods may exacerbate social-ecological vulnerabilities, particularly for ethnic minorities with strong cultural ties to the Delta's waters. The findings underscore the need for anticipatory adaptation approaches that address structural vulnerability and adaptive capacity, considering historical marginalization and future environmental variability. The study used household interviews, participant observation, and surveys to assess the impacts of high floods (2009–2011) and local responses, situating them within broader political-ecological contexts.

Towards the De-secularisation of Heritage

Venice and its Lagoon — 2017 — WHEF16A5A58F6

Modern conservation practices, particularly those outlined in the Venice Charter, have inadvertently led to the 'secularisation' of built heritage, prioritizing material preservation over human connection. This shift, rooted in Western secular values, has distanced heritage from people and society. However, recent changes—particularly over the past two decades—signify a paradigm shift toward de-secularisation, focusing on the well-being of both heritage and society. The paper argues that this shift is essential for heritage to remain meaningful and culturally motivating. It explores resistance to change, the dominance of secular conservation philosophy, and provides sources that could sustain this necessary evolution.

Towns in Plantation Societies in Eighteenth-Century British America

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison — 2017 — WHEBE08B96A5A

Eighteenth-century British American towns, particularly those in the Lower South and West Indies, were central to plantation development rather than peripheral, challenging long-held assumptions about urbanization in plantation societies. The slave trade played a pivotal role by fostering entrepreneurial activity and deep economic linkages, transforming towns like Kingston, Charleston, and Bridgetown into dynamic hubs of wealth creation and pleasure. This study shifts the focus from the Chesapeake region to highlight how these towns exhibited endogenous growth and autonomous development, serving as more than mere shipping points.

Tracking dispersal: auction sales from the Yuanmingyuan loot in Paris in the 1860s

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2017 — WHE2A68FFF9F8

A systematic analysis of Parisian auction sales between 1861 and 1869 reveals the dispersal pathways of artefacts looted from the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) during the Second Opium War. The study, leveraging French auction records and catalogues, identifies key sellers, buyers, and prices, providing unprecedented insights into the market mechanisms and trajectories of these objects in Europe. Despite challenges in tracing dealer sales due to limited archives, this research offers a comprehensive dataset on the provenance and current whereabouts of looted artefacts, contributing significantly to the understanding of cultural heritage loss during conflict.

Tracking rapid landscape change with repeated photography, Gros Morne National Park, Canada

Gros Morne National Park — 2017 — WHE2652FF054E

A long-term photographic study of Gros Morne National Park, Canada, reveals that most high-risk landslide sites along Western Brook Pond remain stable, while thin-skinned landslides near Winter House Brook have persisted for over a century. The research used repeated imagery to document landscape changes—such as stone rings, coastal dynamics, and river modifications—driven primarily by natural forces like gravity, precipitation, and frost heaving rather than human activity. This non-invasive method offers valuable insights into ecological integrity, public safety, and landscape processes, with minimal cost or environmental impact.

Trajectories of Hellenism at Tadmor-Palmyra and Dura-Europos

Site of Palmyra — 2017 — WHE3D9A29D1D3

Hellenistic influences at Tadmor-Palmyra and Dura-Europos exhibited complex, contradictory trajectories shaped by interactions between Greek culture and indigenous elements. The study reveals that while both sites shared Hellenistic features, their development diverged significantly due to distinct local cultural contexts. At Palmyra, a major caravan city in the Syrian steppe, Hellenism blended with indigenous traditions, creating a unique hybrid culture. In contrast, Dura-Europos, a smaller town on the Middle Euphrates, maintained a more distinct Greek identity while still engaging with local customs. The research employs comparative analysis of archaeological and textual evidence to trace these trajectories, highlighting the dynamic nature of cultural exchange in the ancient Near East.

Transformation of Protected Urban Landscapes

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2017 — WHE9FAA647199

Protected urban landscapes, often perceived as historical hubs, undergo inevitable transformation over time. This study highlights the challenges and impacts of modern architectural development on UNESCO-listed sites like Vilnius's historic center. It reveals that while these areas retain their cultural significance, they must adapt to contemporary needs through rebuilding, reconstruction, or regeneration. The research focuses on how new architecture integrates with historical environments, affecting the valuable properties of old towns. By analyzing urban transformation processes, the study underscores the need for balanced development that preserves heritage while accommodating modern life.

Transformation of the ‘Sacred’ Image of a Byzantine Cappadocian Settlement (Chapter 6)

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2017 — WHE1212178275

A recent study challenges long-held assumptions about Byzantine Cappadocia, revealing that the region was not exclusively a monastic center and its history extended beyond the Seljuk period. The research focuses on Aciksaray, a settlement previously misclassified as a Christian monastery due to generalized scholarly beliefs. Through analysis of architectural elements and historical legends, the study demonstrates Aciksaray's dual Christian-Islamic identity, shaped by its strategic location between these two worlds. This adaptability has allowed the site's 'sacred' image to persist through medieval transitions and into modern times, offering new insights into the fluidity of cultural identities in border regions.

Transitional justice and memory

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2017 — WHEB1DD7A0AB0

Recent decades have witnessed a proliferation of memorial sites, reflecting diverse and evolving approaches to memory and transitional justice. This study examines the shifting dynamics of collective memory in Cambodia, highlighting the emergence of critically self-reflexive 'counter-memorials' and even calls for forgetting or 'anti-memorials.' It builds upon Maurice Halbwachs's seminal work on collective memory, emphasizing its practical reproduction process. The research also explores how specific sites of memory are bound to broader systems of social and political regulation, offering insights into the complex interplay between memory, justice, and societal transformation.

Transport Infrastructure and Systems

The Dolomites — 2017 — WHE06A76A92EB

A proposed 45 km single-track railway line from Calalzo to Cortina d’Ampezzo, designed to serve the Dolomites region, could significantly enhance mobility and economic development while reducing environmental impact. This new infrastructure aims to connect key areas, including historical, natural, and tourist sites, by integrating rail with road transport systems. Preliminary designs suggest noise levels could be halved compared to road alternatives, eliminating level crossings and offering a sustainable solution for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proposed line would accommodate two passenger trains per hour at speeds of up to 80 km/h, with a total estimated cost of 500 million euros. However, further environmental impact assessments are necessary due to the region's complex morphology and geology.

Transport properties of soil particles in Sakiyamawan–Amitoriwan nature conservation area, Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHE66E601B3E1

Seasonal shifts in wind patterns significantly influence the movement of soil particles between Sakiyama and Amitori bays on Iriomote Island, Japan. During summer, large particles remain near river mouths while smaller ones are transported eastward, whereas winter reverses this trend with large particles moving toward bay centers and small particles westward. Particle flow also shifts seasonally: from Sakiyama to Amitori Bay in summer but the opposite in winter. These dynamics, driven by wind speed, direction, and coastal topography, are critical for understanding sediment impacts on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass beds (Enhalus acoroides). The study combines field observations with numerical simulations to provide insights essential for conservation efforts in these UNESCO-recognized natural areas.

Tras las huellas del príncipe Ahmose-Sapair

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2017 — WHE353BC7253A

A new examination of ancient records and recent archaeological discoveries suggests that the tomb of Prince Ahmose-Sapair, a revered member of Egypt's 18th Dynasty royal family, may be located in Dra Abu el-Naga North, near Thebes. This finding sheds light on his posthumous cult, which endured for five centuries after his death around 1550 BC. The study reanalyzes past excavation data alongside the Spanish mission's recent findings in the necropolis, focusing on the significance of his tomb's potential location in understanding his legacy and worship.

Travel and Hospitality in Late Antiquity: A Case Study from Umm el-Jimal in Eastern Jordan

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2017 — WHEA17680E5E8

Umm el-Jimal, a late-antique site in eastern Jordan, offers a unique glimpse into the travel and hospitality industry of over 1,700 years ago. This study reveals that the city was strategically designed to accommodate travelers along the Petra-Damascus trade route, with its architecture—featuring courtyard houses—and pioneering water infrastructure supporting a thriving subsistence economy in an otherwise resource-scarce region. The presence of eighteen churches in a small area suggests they also served as waystations for visitors, highlighting the site's dual role in both hospitality and religious function. The research combines architectural analysis, ethnography, and archaeological synthesis to reconstruct this aspect of late-antique life.

Travellers and ruins in the Spartan landscape

Archaeological Site of Mystras — 2017 — WHE2DE9344971

The painting 'At Leonidas&s Tomb' by Jan Styka captures the mystical experience of encountering ancient Spartan ghosts within the ruins, blending realism with supernatural elements. This study reveals how modern travellers—archaeologists, writers, and artists—perceive these spectral figures in contemporary times, drawing on Sparta's enduring literary legacy. The research explores the transformation of Mystras from a thriving city to a 'ghost-city' as modern Sparta was resurrected, while Mystras fell into ruin by the 20th century. It examines how tourist narratives and historical accounts depict Mystras as a monumental necropolis, emphasizing its haunting allure. The study employs qualitative analysis of literary and visual sources to uncover the interplay between history, memory, and imagination in shaping perceptions of ancient landscapes.