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"Sustainable"
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 1-17

ESG uncertainty, economic growth, and tourism performance in the United States: A wavelet quantile mediation and moderation analysis

Abdul Qudus Adeniyi Abdul Azeez

The United States tourism sector faces growing exposure to sustainability-related uncertainty and shifting macroeconomic conditions. This study examines the direct effect of ESG uncertainty (ESGU) on tourist arrivals (TOR) and investigates whether economic growth (ECOG) moderates or mediates this relationship. Using quarterly data for 2002–2025, the analysis applies a wavelet quantile regression framework extended to mediation and moderation, allowing effects to vary across distributional states and short-, medium-, and long-term horizons. The direct effect of ESGU on TOR is nonlinear and horizon-specific: in the short term, ESGU reduces arrivals at the extreme lower quantile (τ = 0.01) but is associated with higher arrivals at the upper tail (τ = 0.95). In the medium term, a positive ESGU effect persists at upper quantiles (τ = 0.60–0.80). Economic growth does not significantly moderate the ESGU-tourism relationship at any quantile or horizon. As a mediator, ESGU affects economic growth positively only at the lower tail in the short term, but negatively at selected quantiles in the medium and long term. Since economic growth supports tourism at medium- and long-term upper and lower tails, the indirect effect of ESGU on tourism through growth is negative and significant in the medium and long term at distributional extremes, though absent in the short term. These findings point to the importance of horizon- and state-specific policy design for managing sustainability-related uncertainty in the U.S. tourism sector.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20613666
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 65-85

Smart destination applications in Türkiye and global examples: A comparative analysis

Hasene Nur Gök, Şule Aydın

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of smart city/destination applications in Türkiye and around the world and to identify areas where smart destination management can be further developed in Türkiye. The research was designed using a multiple-case study approach within the framework of qualitative research. Document review was utilized as the data collection technique, and secondary sources such as academic studies, institutional reports, municipal websites, strategy documents, project descriptions, and digital destination applications were evaluated. The study’s sample was determined using purposive sampling; a total of ten cities were included in the analysis: Benidorm, Singapore, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Valencia from around the world, and Konya, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Mugla from Türkiye. The global cities were treated as the global reference group, while the Turkish cities were treated as the local analysis group. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method that combined deductive and inductive approaches. As a result of the analysis, nine main themes were identified: smart governance and institutional capacity; smart transportation and mobility; digital services and local resident/visitor experience; data-driven management and digital infrastructure; smart tourism and cultural heritage management; environmental sustainability and resource management; accessibility, inclusivity, and visitor convenience; innovation ecosystem and experimental applications; and security, risk, and resilience management. The findings indicate that cities in Türkiye have advanced examples, particularly in transportation integration, mobile municipal services, digital payment systems, geographic information system (GIS)-based mapping, and tourist information applications. In contrast, it was determined that in cities around the world, data-driven decision support systems, digital twin applications, environmental sensor infrastructures, capacity management, living lab applications, institutional certification, and inclusive accessibility solutions have developed in a more comprehensive and measurable manner. In conclusion, the study highlights that smart destination applications in Türkiye should not remain limited to the level of digital service delivery but must be transformed into data-driven, sustainable, inclusive, measurable, and integrated destination management systems.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21759169
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 2 (2025) • pp. 67-85

Socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts of tourism from the perspective of local people: A field study in the context of sustainability

Gökhan Onat, Ramazan YAĞCI, Hümeyra KASAR, Ömer ERTAN, Hamza YILMAZ

The purpose of this study is to examine the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic perceptions of the local population living in the provinces of Rize and Trabzon in the Eastern Black Sea Region regarding sustainable tourism development within the framework of stakeholder theory and to reveal whether these perceptions differ according to demographic variables. A quantitative research design was adopted in the study; data were obtained from 360 participants reached through convenience sampling via a questionnaire prepared using a 5-point Likert scale. The construct validity of the scale was tested using exploratory factor analysis, and its reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In addition to descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis of the data. The research findings show that the local community's perceptions of the economic effects of tourism are highly positive, while they exhibit a more cautious attitude regarding environmental and socio-cultural effects. Furthermore, it was determined that perceptions of economic sustainability significantly strengthened with increasing education level and income; age, marital status, and monthly income variables created significant differences in some sustainability dimensions. In contrast, no significant differences in perceptions were found based on gender, income from tourism, and place of residence variables. The research highlights the decisive role of local community perceptions in the success of sustainable tourism policies; it contributes to the development of region-specific governance and planning strategies aimed at strengthening local participation within the stakeholder theory framework.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18115780
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 2 (2026) • pp. 87-99

Haute Cuisine, Cultural Capital, and Tourist Destination Image: A Qualitative Study from Türkiye

Osman Özer

This study approaches haute cuisine and fine dining not only as an area of gastronomic development but also as a strategic tool for the image building, international positioning, and competitive differentiation of tourist destinations. The primary objective of the research is to examine the role of the fine dining ecosystem in Turkey on destination image from a multi-stakeholder perspective and to reveal its contributions to the destination marketing and management literature. The research was designed within the qualitative research paradigm using a phenomenological approach; data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A total of 19 participants, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of Michelin-starred chefs, fine dining restaurant owners, young generation chefs, gastronomy academics, gastronomy writers, consumers who regularly experience fine dining, and international gastrotourists. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings show that fine dining experiences enhance the perceived prestige, cultural sophistication, and experiential value of destinations. Fine dining stands out as a symbolic tool that highlights the dimensions of exclusivity and quality in destination image, especially for tourist segments with high spending potential. It was determined that international guides such as the Michelin Guide play an important role in increasing the global visibility of Turkey's fine dining scene; however, this visibility has not yet been transformed into a comprehensive and sustainable strategy in the context of destination marketing and management. In conclusion, the study reveals that fine dining is not only a gastronomic value for Turkey but also a strategic asset in terms of destination image and international competitiveness; it offers important theoretical and practical insights in the context of destination management, gastronomic diplomacy, and brand positioning.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18118050
Review Paper Vol. 3, No. 2 (2026) • pp. 101-112

An examination of the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik tradition as an element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH)

Aslı Sultan Eren, Özgenur Şeker

The aim of this study is to examine the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik traditions, which are specific to Regaip Kandili and practiced in Konya, at a conceptual and theoretical level within the framework of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) approach. The study is based on the assumption that these rituals should be evaluated not only as religious practices but also as multidimensional cultural practices in the context of building social belonging, maintaining cultural identity, keeping collective memory alive, and intergenerational cultural transmission processes. The research does not rely on empirical data collection techniques from qualitative research methods; it is a conceptual study designed using a traditional (narrative) literature review approach. The theoretical framework is structured based on UNESCO's ICH classification and Turner's theory of rites of passage and collective memory approaches. The literature review determined that the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik traditions highly correspond to the categories of "social practices, rituals, and festive events" and "oral traditions and expressions" in UNESCO's ICH classification. The findings reveal that these rituals play a decisive role in children's culture and socialization processes, strengthen community solidarity at the neighborhood level, and contribute to the reproduction of local cultural identity. The study emphasizes that evaluating the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik traditions as elements of SOKÜM offers significant potential for the preservation, documentation, and perpetuation of these practices within the framework of sustainable cultural policies.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18118770
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 11-16

Accessible tourism in Cappadocia: a qualitative study from the perspective of tourism stakeholders

Fatmagül Hanbal, Koray Çamlıca

This study aims to examine the current state of accessible tourism in the Cappadocia region through the perceptions of tourism stakeholders. Adopting a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 tourism professionals, and thematic analysis was applied. The findings reveal that despite the region's natural and historical appeal, accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited due to physical infrastructure deficiencies, inadequate staff training, and geographical challenges. Participants made recommendations emphasizing infrastructure improvements, training programs, and the role of local authorities. The research highlights the need for systemic interventions to make Cappadocia an inclusive destination, contributing to sustainable tourism policies.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16951209
Theoretical paper Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 17-23

Digital revitalization of cultural and historical experiences in the Van Lake Basin with augmented reality: A conceptual approach

Ali Bozbey, Ali İnanır

Augmented reality (AR) applications can support tourism through the reconstruction of historical structures in their original forms, interactive tour guides, and digital information systems. The aim of this study is to explore how the cultural and historical heritage of the  Van Lake Basin can be digitized using AR technology and how a more interactive experience can be offered to visitors. Creating a conceptual framework in this research was conducted by reviewing the literature and considering the resources available in the region evaluates the impacts and feasibility of augmented reality in the regional tourism sector. The findings reveal that implementing AR applications at historical and touristic sites in the Van Lake Basin can contribute both to the local economy and to the region's potential to become a sustainable tourism destination. However, it has also been observed that certain infrastructure and technical requirements must be met in order to effectively implement such applications. It is anticipated that this study will increase academic interest in the region within the context of augmented reality and provide guidance for local authorities and the tourism sector, making AR applications a more attractive option.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17100614
Theoretical paper Vol. 2, No. 1 (2024) • pp. 13-23

The role of destination carrying capacity within the framework of flow theory

Yusuf Karakuş, Eren Erkılıç

This study addresses the critical relationship between tourist destination carrying capacity and flow theory. In this way, a framework has been drawn by focusing on its complex impact on sustainable destination management. Tourism carrying capacity, defined as the maximum number of tourists that a destination can accommodate without compromising environmental integrity, the well-being of local people or visitor satisfaction, is of central importance in ensuring long-term sustainability. At the same time, flow theory, which defines the state of commitment and satisfaction experienced by individuals, provides an important framework for improving the quality of tourist experiences. This article argues that balancing the carrying capacity of a destination with the principles of flow theory is vital for both environmental sustainability and high-quality visitor experiences. Although issues related to carrying capacity are frequently studied, providing a perspective within the framework of flow theory can provide a better understanding of the existing realities of destination management mechanisms. In this context, the originality of this study is that the literature is examined from a theoretical perspective and the problems related to carrying capacity management are explained from different perspectives. As a result of the theoretical findings, managerial and theoretical suggestions are presented.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13331419
Theoretical paper Vol. 1, No. 1 (2023) • pp. 25-32

The role of contingency theory for tourist destinations management

Eda Kaya, Muhammet Caner Kaya

Contingency theory, known for its ability to adapt to dynamic conditions in an environment, has increasingly come to the fore as an agent of change in the ever-changing environment of the tourism industry. This study looks at the application of contingency theory in the tourism industry, with a particular focus on crisis management, community engagement, technological integration and the promotion of sustainable practices. The potential of the theory to be effective in managing uncertainties and promoting resilience in tourism destinations is presented in its ability to provide perspective. Furthermore, the paper recommends the application of the studies presented to investigate the enduring effects of contingency-oriented strategies on the long-term viability of tourism destinations. This paper emphasizes the interaction between contingency theory and new paradigms such as ecotourism, sustainable development and heritage conservation. It also suggests using contingency theory as a framework for understanding visitor behavior to increase the resilience, sustainability, and resilience of tourism destinations that are dynamic and complex.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10251165