Urban Tourism
esmaeel ghaderi; boshra mohajer
Abstract
HighlightsMeta-synthesis is a qualitative approach that enables the systematic integration, reinterpretation, and synthesis of findings from previous studies, thereby generating new theoretical insights beyond individual research results.Achieving low-carbon tourism, particularly in urban destinations, ...
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HighlightsMeta-synthesis is a qualitative approach that enables the systematic integration, reinterpretation, and synthesis of findings from previous studies, thereby generating new theoretical insights beyond individual research results.Achieving low-carbon tourism, particularly in urban destinations, requires multi-level coordination, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a systemic perspective that links macro-level governance and policies with micro-level behavioral and operational components.The proposed conceptual framework can enhance tourist satisfaction, reduce environmental footprints, strengthen destination competitiveness, and contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals in urban tourism systems. IntroductionLow-carbon tourism (LCT) has emerged as a central strategy in global sustainable development agendas, given the increasing contribution of tourism-related activities to greenhouse gas emissions. Within this broader context, low-carbon urban tourism (LCUT) holds particular significance, as cities represent complex and dense environments where large numbers of residents, tourists, services, and infrastructures interact. Urban destinations are major hubs of cultural exchange, mobility, accommodation, and consumption, making them both vulnerable to environmental pressures and well-positioned for transformative sustainability initiatives.Despite the rising recognition of LCUT as a vital pathway for reducing emissions and creating environmentally responsible tourism systems, existing research remains fragmented, often focusing narrowly on specific themes such as transportation, accommodation, or policy.Consequently, there is a notable absence of comprehensive, integrative frameworks capable of guiding policymakers, urban planners, and tourism managers toward coherent strategies.This study aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic meta-synthesis of research on LCUT. The objective is to identify the principal macro and micro dimensions shaping low-carbon tourism in urban settings and to develop a holistic conceptual framework that can support strategic planning and implementation.MethodologyThe research employs the meta-synthesis qualitative approach, chosen for its capacity to merge diverse qualitative findings into a unified conceptual structure. Following Erwin et al.’s (2011) six-step meta-synthesis protocol, the study initiated with an analytical review of existing research gaps concerning LCUT and established the overarching aim of designing an integrated conceptual framework.In the second step, a comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted using international databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, as well as Persian-language databases such as SID and Magiran. Keywords such as “low-carbon tourism,” “urban tourism,” “low-carbon strategies,” and “sustainable tourism development” were employed. The search included English and Persian publications produced up to the year 2023.The third step involved a rigorous quality assessment. Using the CASP checklist, 780 initially identified studies were screened for methodological robustness, conceptual relevance, and thematic alignment. Ultimately, 79 studies met the inclusion criteria and formed the basis of analysis.In the fourth step, data extraction and thematic coding were performed. Key concepts were identified and categorized into two overarching domains: macro-level factors and micro-level components. In the fifth step, these categorized findings were synthesized into a coherent conceptual framework. Visual schematics and tables were used to improve clarity and facilitate conceptual integration.Finally, step six involved reflection and validation. Through consultations with experts in tourism studies, sustainability, and urban planning, the internal coherence, applicability, and robustness of the framework were assessed. This iterative feedback process ensured that the resulting model captures the multifaceted dynamics of LCUT and addresses real-world needs in urban tourism management.Results and DiscussionThe findings reveal that the effective development of LCUT depends on the simultaneous integration of macro-level enabling conditions and micro-level operational and behavioral factors.At the macro level, six principal domains were identified:1. Political factors, including governance structures, inter-agency coordination, and strategic policy direction.2. Economic factors, such as incentives, investments, and market mechanisms supporting low-carbon transitions.3. Socio-cultural dimensions, involving public awareness, cultural norms, and societal readiness for sustainable practices.4. Environmental measures, including emission reduction targets, conservation policies, and ecological protection regulations.5. Legal frameworks, which enforce sustainability standards and regulate high-emission activities.6. Technological advancements, such as smart mobility systems, renewable energy technologies, and digital management tools.At the micro level, the LCUT system relies on three core pillars:Supply-side components, including green accommodations, low-emission transportation, eco-friendly attractions, sustainable food services, and education initiatives.Demand-side factors, encompassing tourist behavior, environmental awareness, value perception, and willingness to engage in sustainable activities.Destination management, covering managerial structures, environmental stewardship, infrastructure development, investment planning, and sustainable marketing strategies.The interaction between these macro and micro factors illustrates that LCUT must be viewed as an integrated socio-ecological system rather than a set of isolated actions.ConclusionThis study underscores the necessity of multi-layered, collaborative, and systemic approaches to advance low-carbon urban tourism. Governments must spearhead initiatives by establishing supportive regulatory environments and investing in green infrastructure such as renewable energy networks, sustainable mobility systems, and urban green spaces. Simultaneously, tourism businesses, residents, and visitors must adopt environmentally responsible practices.The conceptual framework developed through this meta-synthesis provides a comprehensive roadmap for scholars and practitioners. It clarifies the structural and operational dimensions required for LCUT and offers a foundation for future empirical research. Future studies should focus on developing measurable indicators to assess LCUT performance, evaluating the model’s applicability across diverse urban contexts, and exploring climate change implications for tourism sustainability.Acknowledgment This research was conducted with the financial and moral support of the Kurdistan Province Gas Department. The author expresses sincere gratitude to this institution for its invaluable contributions to the advancement of this doctoral study.
Urban Planning
boshra mohajer; zahed shafiee; alireza khaje ahmad attari; mohammad taghi toghraee
Abstract
Tourism is an inclusive, public industry that needs to consider all the sectors of the society regardless of age, race, or gender. Tourism and travel must be accessible to all people, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Therefore, it must be an intrinsic part of any responsible, ...
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Tourism is an inclusive, public industry that needs to consider all the sectors of the society regardless of age, race, or gender. Tourism and travel must be accessible to all people, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Therefore, it must be an intrinsic part of any responsible, sustainable tourism policy or strategy. Children are the present and future tourists, who play an important role in destination management. Since they are an important part of the society, it is a requirement to pay attention to the promotion of their creativity, where art can play an important role. Art is a means for creative self-expression. For children, art can be a wonderful emotional outlet that promotes personal reflection, communication skills, and self-esteem. Promotion of creativity and engagement in artistic activities has been shown to stimulate growth in important cognitive areas. On the other hand, tourism has been redirected from cultural tourism, as the second generation, towards creative tourism, as the third generation. Creative tourism has turned away from tangible heritage and sightseeing towards more intangible cultural and authentic experiences. Therefore, it has attracted more attention, as tourists are looking for more authentic, meaningful experiences. Tourist destinations compete to introduce themselves as creative ones in order to meet the needs of travelers, accelerate their economy, and restructure themselves through cultural regeneration. The present paper sought to identify children as emerging markets for creative tourism and specify its key components and to examine the factors effective on child-based creative tourism. Creative tourists are the creators of their own experiences; therefore, they must act as a homogeneous group of producers with creative ideas about their creative experiences. A creative city in the field of crafts, the city of Isfahan, Iran has the potential to become a creative tourism destination based on handicrafts and folk arts, which also seeks to join child-friendly cities. Local authorities believe that tailoring the notion of child-friendly cities with arts and crafts will help Isfahan improve its image, turning the city into an attractive creative destination for children. As playing games and learning are children’s basic expectations from a child-friendly city, they prefer places that afford them opportunities to play and learn actively. Therefore, crafts and folk arts could play an important role in meeting children’s expectations from Isfahan as a creative destination, because the city is a point of reference in Iran and around the world, also nominated the “World City of Handicraft” by the World Crafts Council. As interaction with crafts is acknowledged as an appropriate tool for playing, it can boost children’s creativity, and provide an opportunity for active learning. The main purpose of this study was to obtain a single definition of child-centered creative tourism. The data were collected using snowball sampling and in-depth interviews with 31 tourism, art and handicraft, and children experts. The research used a qualitative method and the thematic theory approach for the identification of the components. The data were categorized based on open, axial, and selective coding. As a result, five distinct components were identified: travel content, children’s needs, creativity, environment, and stakeholders. Each component included several factors that could provide new information on creative tourism for children. This notion and the findings can help destinations to attract children as creative tourists, and their product update will lead to experience and creativity.
