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There is an urgent need to redirect tourist policies and products towards a more economically and environmentally sustainable model. The main objectives of this paper were to identify the profile of hiking cultural tourists; to segment the hiker profile using the intensity of the sports activity undertaken, and according to the pursuit of various cultural activities during their stay; and finally, to model the factors of being a cultural tourist. Based on a sample study composed of hikers, four groups were distinguished based on their physical capabilities and propensity towards risk, as soft and hard hikers and soft and hard cultural tourists. The analysis reveals different characteristics and patterns of associated behaviour, justifying the development of differentiated commercial strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism based on cultural issues is growing fast in recent years. This type of tourism promotes the diversification of demand and supply at destinations, while keeping and valuing the local culture. Improving our knowledge on cultural tourism could help to foster the sustainability of destinations. Despite efforts devoted to define the “cultural tourist”, still little is known about her/his particular behaviour. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, identifying the profile of cultural tourists versus visitors not pursuing any cultural activity. Second, and building on econometric modelling, comparing the behaviour of these two groups in terms of factors influencing expenditure and trip satisfaction. All these findings are putted in context regarding the literature on tourism sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the relationships between tourism, migration, and peace in the context of the present refugee crisis. It focuses on the case of Lampedusa, an island that is not only an important tourist destination but also a major gateway for migrants trying to reach Europe. In 2016, it hosted the first exhibition of the “Museum of Trust and Dialogue for the Mediterranean.” Lampedusa is the only local community that was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2017, its mayor received the UNESCO Peace Prize. The research shows how the island is still in search of a balance between local identity and global processes, and discusses its possible role as a social laboratory for peace and mutual understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the relationships between tourism, migration, and peace in the context of the present refugee crisis. It focuses on the case of Lampedusa, an island that is not only an important tourist destination but also a major gateway for migrants trying to reach Europe. In 2016, it hosted the first exhibition of the “Museum of Trust and Dialogue for the Mediterranean.” Lampedusa is the only local community that was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2017, its mayor received the UNESCO Peace Prize. The research shows how the island is still in search of a balance between local identity and global processes, and discusses its possible role as a social laboratory for peace and mutual understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For developing nations affected by negative stereotypes, the question of whether a change in perceptions can be achieved through the tourism experience is important. This research aims to determine whether the perceptions of foreign tourists regarding a country and its people change as a result of the cultural tourism experience. The study examines the discrepancy between pre-travel and post-travel perceptions, matching the responses for every respondent. These changes are investigated from the comparative perspective of two sets of foreign tourists representing geographically different markets. Qualitative methodology is also used to enrich interpretation. The results determine that the perceptions of tourists regarding the host country and its people may positively change after the cultural tourism experience, although this effect is observed to be different for both samples. Implications are discussed, focusing on the role of tourism as benefiting other areas of the country such as trade and international relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]