Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Scientists explore privilege and consequences of recreation for people and wildlife

The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.

SourceColorado State University·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateOct 23, 2024

Coral reef destruction a threat to human rights

A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeNews article·DateSep 30, 2024

Travel could be the best defense against ageing

Researchers from Edith Cowan University suggest that travel could have positive health benefits, including slowing down the signs of ageing. Positive travel experiences enhance individuals' physical and mental wellness through exposure to novel environments, engagement in physical activities, and fostering of positive emotions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2024

From empowering women to being empowered by women: A gendered social innovation framework for tourism-led development initiatives

The study explores gendered social innovation in tourism, revealing transformative trajectories of female entrepreneurs in Ecuador and Mexico. Relational empowerment is found to arise from interactions with family members, community leaders, and colleagues, while structural limitations such as sexism and limited access to resources res...

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalTourism Management·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

Is the end of the package holiday provider near? Blockchain technology could revolutionize our travel experiences

A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that blockchain technology could eliminate traditional package holiday providers, slashing costs and giving property owners direct income. Customers would also benefit from greater control over their personal data thanks to enhanced security and privacy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTourism Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Out of the park: New research tallies total carbon impact of tourism at Yellowstone

Researchers estimated that recreation visits to Yellowstone produce over one megaton of carbon emissions per year, with an average of 479 kilograms attributable to each visitor. Despite this, the park's ecosystems still pull in around 1.5 megatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year.

Tourism planning as a social practice in times of change and uncertainty: views from a troubled Latin American country

This study examines tourism planning practices in Ecuador using social practice theory, revealing traditional and emerging approaches. The findings highlight the importance of considering the knowledge, experience, and context of consultants in shaping tourism planning processes.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalCurrent Issues in Tourism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024

Artificial reefs help preserve coral reefs by shifting divers away from the natural ones, according to new long-term study of one in Eilat

A long-term study in Eilat found that artificial reefs reduce diving pressure on natural reefs, allowing for the preservation of both dive tourism and coral reefs. The reef has attracted many species of fish and invertebrates, making it a successful alternative to natural reefs.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalOceans·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Black summer bushfires in Australia wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain

The 2019-2020 'Black Summer' bushfires in Australia resulted in a $2.8 billion loss to the tourism industry, with almost 7300 jobs disappearing nationwide. The study found that the impact of the fires was felt across the entire economy, with the Australian tourism industry being particularly vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

UCF Rosen College study reveals economic impact of Florida’s red tide on tourism

A new UCF study found that the 2018 Florida red tide bloom caused $2.7 billion in losses to tourism-related businesses, with low concentrations having a significant economic impact. The research highlights the importance of risk management tools for individuals and businesses affected by harmful algae blooms.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Alaskan allies: Communities unite to protect the areas they love

The University of Illinois initiative brings Denali neighbors together in an online discussion forum to share views on protected area conservation and land management. The study finds that engaging diverse stakeholders leads to collaborative dialogue and thoughtful discussions, despite differing priorities.

Experts uncover the water and emissions footprint of snowmaking: Can we rely on it in an era of climate change?

A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Issues in Tourism·DateJun 7, 2023

Significant citizen participation: Study examines the fate of plastic particles

A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

More woodlands will not impact tourism

A new study has found that increasing woodland cover in UK uplands will not deter tourists from visiting. The research, conducted by Aarhus University, involved over 500 tourists and showed that most would still visit even with 75% or 100% forest cover. However, the majority preferred a view from the mountain top.

SourceAarhus University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeCase study·DateMay 3, 2023

‘Typography as image’ gets results on trailside signs

A new study published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism found that a 'typography as image' approach was most effective for grabbing attention and conveying messages on trailside signs. The design strategy combines attention capture and elaboration to prompt users to provide more information.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

A pool at Yellowstone is a thumping thermometer

The study of Doublet Pool reveals that the interval between episodes of thumping reflects the amount of energy heating the pool, while also indicating heat loss through the surface. The researchers found that wind speed over the pools was correlated with silence intervals, suggesting that blowing wind removes heat energy from the water.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

Travellers as sentinels: what are the most common vector-borne diseases among European travellers arriving from Africa?

Researchers analyzed data on European travellers arriving from Africa between 2015 and 2019, finding malaria as the most common arthropod-borne disease. The study highlights the importance of using travellers' health data to complement local surveillance systems in Africa.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

Can I come, too? How tourism can include people whose health conditions usually keep them at home

A research project from Edith Cowan University highlights the impact of excluding people with chronic diseases on tourism and proposes strategies for accessible travel. The industry can accommodate vulnerable travelers by implementing initiatives such as caregiver support, education, and technological advancements.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 7, 2023

Social media and aerial mapping of sea floor reveal that tourists love Hawaiian coral reefs just a little too much

A new study reveals that high-quality coral reefs in Hawaii are popular tourist sites, but also at risk from tourism-related development and pollution. The research used social media and aerial mapping to analyze the impact of tourist visitation on live coral cover across hundreds of coastal sites.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023

Roadkill reality check: Ground squirrel population takes a hit due to increasing tourist traffic

A study by Colorado State University found that over 10% of adult female golden-mantled ground squirrels are killed annually along rural roads in the Gunnison Valley. The researchers suggest reducing personal vehicle numbers and using digital signs to alert drivers, as males are also vulnerable during mating season.

SourceColorado State University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2023

Rhino conservation in Nepal creates a burden for communities, infrastructure and other species, study warns

A new study by Michelle Szydlowski from the University of Exeter warns that rhino conservation efforts in Nepal are putting a burden on communities, infrastructure, and other species. The study found that successful anti-poaching campaigns have increased tourist numbers and rhino populations, but also led to human and animal casualties.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Ecotourism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Beneficial and beautiful: Biodiversity of meadows and pastures can be an asset for nature, agriculture, and tourism

A large-scale study found that high plant diversity in meadows and pastures supports numerous ecosystem services, including pollination, soil quality and cultural experiences. Various stakeholder groups, from local residents to the tourism industry, can benefit from increased biodiversity.

Tiger sharks that interact with tourists are larger and have higher hormone levels, study shows

Researchers found that female tiger sharks that frequently visit Tiger Beach in the Bahamas are larger and have higher hormone levels than other individuals. The study suggests possible effects of mass tourism on these sharks, with females having better nutritional states and more omega-3 in their blood.

How does Airbnb contribute to projecting the image of tourist destinations?

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya reveals how Airbnb creates and projects the image of tourist destinations, reproducing stereotyped forms of tourism and contributing to overcrowding. The platform's user-generated guides aim to convince tourists to visit a city as if they were residents, but ignore the needs of local communities.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022