Prelims

Greener Future

Greener Future: Building Sustainable Tourism Communities

Edited by

Andrea Edurne Jimenez Ruiz

Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMEX), Mexico

Volha Rudkouskaya

Belarus State Economic University, Belarus

And

Shivam Bhartiya

JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), India

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Emerald Publishing Limited

Emerald Publishing, Floor 5, Northspring, 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL

First edition 2025

Editorial matter and selection © 2025 Andrea Edurne Jimenez Ruiz, Volha Rudkouskaya, and Shivam Bhartiya.

Individual chapters © 2025 The authors.

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ISBN: 978-1-83608-989-6 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83608-988-9 (Online)

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In reverent homage to the indelible legacies of Late Mr. David Jimenez Pena and Late Mr. Trilok Prakash Bhartiya, whose unwavering wisdom, profound integrity, and boundless love have transcended the confines of time, leaving a monumental imprint upon the hearts and minds of all they touched. Their luminous spirits continue to guide, even as their presence lingers in cherished memories. May this humble work stand as a testament to the eternal gratitude I hold for their enduring influence.

Andrea Edurne Jimenez Ruiz holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with a specialty in Tourism Business Administration from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. She graduated from the Faculty of Tourism and Gastronomy from the same institution. She has also worked as a manager and trainer in companies and associations linked to tourism. She is currently a Research Professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Gastronomy of the U.A.E.M. and simultaneously develops Projects in the research line of rural tourism, sustainable tourism, and agrifood tourism. She supports the formulation and management of projects in rural areas. She has published various articles nationally and internationally and has participated as a speaker at national and international conferences related to rural and sustainable tourism. She is interested in the management of tourist experiences linked to natural and cultural resources that promote conservation and preservation under a sustainable approach.

Dr. Volha Rudkouskaya, Ph.D. in Economics, currently holds the position of Associate Professor and serves as the Head of Department at Belarus State Economic University, Belarus, Adjunct Professor at Lovely Professional University, India. With an impressive 17-year tenure as a seasoned Professor, her academic focus revolves around finance, financial management, and strategic development. Dr. Rudkouskaya has established herself as a leading expert in the fields of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Financial Planning. Her dedication to academia is evident through her extensive contribution to research, having authored and published over 50 papers. In addition to her teaching and research roles, she assumes the role of the Annual Chair for the “Finance and Accounting” session at the International Economic Business Congress, showcasing her leadership and commitment to advancing knowledge in the realm of economics and finance.

Dr. Shivam Bhartiya, Ph.D., at CDOE, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), is an esteemed professional working as an Assistant Professor in the field of tourism management, tourism sociology, and tourism psychology in the department of commerce and management. Data analysis, research and development, problem-solving, administrative and teaching expertise – Shivam's wide skill set makes him a vibrant contributor to the academic world. Publications of his important research papers in esteemed journals and his position as publisher of books indexed by Scopus attest to his dedication to research excellence. Shivam has not only made significant contributions to academia, but he has also been a sought-after speaker, giving guest lectures at prestigious universities and organizations throughout the world. His participation in scientific committees, along with his other notable accomplishments, has solidified his position as an invaluable resource to the field of academia and research.

Shyam Sunder Agrawal, Assistant Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. He is an Assistant Professor in Finance area at Mittal school of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. He has been associated with the education industry since 2015. He has presented papers in various reputed IIM conferences and published several research papers in UGC CARE, SCOPUS, and ABDC journals. He has done his Ph.D. in Management from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. His fields of interest are behavioral finance, sustainable finance, capital market, banking, and insurance. He has published and granted two patents from Govt of India. He got International Case Study award in 2022.

Anjusha P. P. is a Research Scholar at the School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University in India. Her research interests include studying host–host relations, host–guest relations, and inclusive tourism.

Chirra Baburao is a renowned academic and researcher with expertise in public policy, entrepreneurship, start-ups, and AI impact. With Master’s degrees in Commerce, Management, and Psychology, he provides technical support for various industries under Bobby Computers & Communications. Baburao is a dedicated Doctoral candidate at GITAM School of Business and has extensive experience in research methods, publishing, and presenting at conferences. His research contributes to understanding the role of MSMEs in shaping public policy and AI in various sectors.

Belaya D. A., Master's degree in “World Economics” of the Faculty of International Relations at the Belarusian State University. Belaya D.A. has practical experience in the sphere of foreign economic activity. Belaya D.A. defended her dissertation “Combating counterfeiting on the customs territory of the EAEU: challenges and prospects.” Today, Belaya D.A. teaches practical classes for students of the specialty “Customs Affairs.” The author of more than 20 scientific publications.

Devansh Bhardwaj is an Assistant Lecturer at DIMS Institute of Hotel Management, Affiliation with Gujarat University, currently pursuing Ph.D. in hospitality management. He holds a Master's degree in Hospitality Administration (specialization in Sales and Marketing) from IHM Lucknow and Bachelor's Hospitality Management from SIHM Rohtak. He started his academic career in 2019 at DIMS Institute of Hotel Management. He is also an expert in hospitality subjects.

Elif Bilginoğlu completed her Ph.D. in Management and Organization at Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey. She is currently an Associate Professor who teaches in the Master's and Bachelor's degree programs at Istanbul Bilgi University and Beykoz University. Her primary research interests include organizational behavior and management. She has numerous publications on leadership training and development.

Komal Budhiraja has an MBA from MDU, Rohtak in 1998 after a B.Com from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra along with a Diploma in Business Finance. He started his research journey with FIIB after enrolling in the EFPM program in 2020. After his enrollment in the EFPM program, he attended two international workshops and has two chapters in peer-reviewed books. He is a seasoned leader with 26+ years of proven track record of establishing stronger team leaders, developing competencies, and driving business growth through strong analytics and people connect. His unique combination of education, skills, and work experience has allowed him to develop his strengths in developing multiple solutions to even the most complex problems.

Ipek Itir CAN is a Research Assistant at Anadolu University, Faculty of Tourism, Department of Tourism Management. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Istanbul University, Department of Tourism Management. She continues her Ph.D. at Anadolu University, Department of Tourism Management. She was in the United States for seven months under the sponsorship of the University of Wyoming to conduct research for her doctoral thesis. Her research areas include recreation, destination marketing, tourism technologies, and sustainability.

Ana Rita Conde has a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minho. Since 2014, she has been an Assistant Professor at Lusófona University. She has several publications in clinical psychology and forensic psychology, highlighting research with particularly vulnerable populations or those at risk of social exclusion. Since 2020, she has worked on combining the field of psychology with the field of tourism, particularly within the scope of inclusive tourism. She was a researcher at the Tourism and Autism Project, working on developing and evaluating inclusive tourism products aimed at families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Her current research interests are exploring the psychological processes that may underlie the consumption of tourism products. Furthermore, she is an integrated researcher at the Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-Lab).

Shikha Dhakad is a Ph.D. candidate in Tourism Management at the School of Studies in Tourism and Travel Management, Jiwaji University. Her research focuses on sustainability, climate change, and resilience within the tourism industry. Shikha is dedicated to exploring how tourism can be developed and managed to minimize environmental impact, promote resilience against climate change, and ensure the long-term sustainability of destinations. Through her work, she aims to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector that benefits both local communities and the environment.

Neha Dhingra, Assistant Professor, Delhi Institute of Higher Education, Greater Noida, West, India. Ms. Neha Dhingra holds both a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Master of Commerce (M.Com), having also successfully cleared the prestigious National Eligibility Test (NET) in Commerce. Currently in the final stages of completing her Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification, she demonstrates exceptional expertise in financial and managerial accounting. She is the author of the book Financial Accounting: Bridging Concepts with Real World Applications, published by Chyren Publications, further emphasizing her academic and professional dedication.

Enakshi Dutta is a dedicated Ph.D. scholar at Lovely Professional University, India, with a profound interest in culinary tourism, tourism marketing, community development, and sustainability studies. She has actively contributed to the academic community, having presented her research at three international conferences and one national conference. Her commitment to advancing tourism studies is further evidenced by her publication in a Scopus-indexed journal. Her research focuses on the integration of the tea and tourism sector, the relationship between communities and tourism, and advocating for sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. Her work aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications in the tourism industry, encouraging development that benefits both local communities and the broader tourism sector.

Gonçalo Poeta Fernandes, Professor at Polytechnic Institute of Guarda – School of Tourism and Hospitality Management/Dept. Tourism and Hotel Industry. Ph.D. in Geography and Regional Planning, specializing in Planning and Territorial Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, New University of Lisbon. Research areas: Tourism and Development, Planning and Territorial Management, Public Policy and Border Areas, Rural Entrepreneurship, Territory and Tourist Destinations, Mountains and Geotourism. Researcher at Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation – CITUR and Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences – CICS:NOVA. Member of the Scientific Council of the Douro International Natural Park and Strategic Council of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Member of the Scientific Committee Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, Member of the Executive Board of the National Mountain Research Network of FCT and Scientific Council of the Iberian Mountain Research Network (RIIM). Publisher of books in the area of Tourism and Heritage with publications in several international books and journals in the area of tourism, destination and heritage management.

Ricardo Jorge da Costa Guerra holds a Ph.D. in Tourism, Leisure, and Culture from the University of Coimbra, under health and wellness tourism and local development strategies. He completed an MSc in Tourism Management and Development and a degree in Tourism Management and Planning at the University of Aveiro. Recently, he obtained the title of Specialist in Hospitality and Catering. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Higher School of Tourism and Hospitality of the Polytechnic University of Guarda, where he coordinates the degree in Hotel Management. He is also the representative of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda in the Network of Higher Education Institutions for the Preservation of the Mediterranean Diet. He is an integrated researcher at Techn&Art and collaborates with CiTUR, CEGOT, and UDI/IPG. Furthermore, he has published several peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters.

Nitin Gupta is an accomplished academician with international exposure and research interests in international business and strategy, sustainability of economic development in emerging economies and innovation and entrepreneurship. He specializes in Finance and Accounting, and as a result-oriented professional, he has the tenacity to manage complex obstacles and be known as a troubleshooter. Having obtained his doctorate with a fellowship from Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), MHRD, Government of India, he has been associated with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) as an editor. His serving on various academic committees, related to accreditation, recruitment of faculty, admissions, examinations, and conferences etc., is evidence of his versatility. Currently, as Professor and Head of Finance at Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University (Punjab), Dr. Gupta is providing leadership to a team in a fast-paced environment.

Rohail Hassan, Speaker, is a Senior Lecturer of Corporate Governance and Finance/Director of Ph.D. and DMgmt Program at Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Universiti Utara Malaysia, and Chartered Fellow: FCMI by CMI, UK. Besides, Rohail works as an Adjunct Professor of Management at the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Poland. Rohail is working as an Expert at the European Commission for the Evaluation of Proposals in the HORIZON-MSCA-2023 Call. Rohail received his Doctor of Philosophy in Management with a concentration on Corporate Governance/Board Diversity in 2019 from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in Malaysia. His research interests include corporate governance, board diversity, women empowerment, gender-related issues, diversity and inclusion, gender diversity, ESG, sustainability, blockchain and artificial intelligence in business, big data and analytics, firm performance, and strategy.

Nurhayat IFLAZOGLU works at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University's School of Tourism and Hotel Management, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts. She teaches both theoretical and practical courses. Dr. İflazoğlu holds a Ph.D. in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University. She has conducted studies and research in a number of areas, including culinary culture, culinary history, olive oil, geographical marking, gastronomy 4.0, gastronomy tourism, local cuisines, food neophobia, food and beverage business, behavioral intention, and iconic foods.

Robinet Jacob is a Dean and a Professor at the School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University in India. His research interests include medical tourism, health tourism, innovation and change, and entrepreneurship.

Tajinder Jassal is currently an Assistant Professor at Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab (India). Dr. Tajinder Jassal is UGC NET qualified and awarded with junior and senior research fellowship by the University Grant Commission of India. He is experienced in working with various portals like NISP, AICTE, ATAL Ranking, IIC, and Parakh Portals. He has presented research papers at national and international conferences. He attended several national workshops on research methodology. He organized one workshop on research methodology. He also acted as a resource person in areas like basic and advanced research methodological techniques at various colleges.

Suja John is a Professor of Tourism Studies at the School of Business Studies and Social Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), with over 17 years of service. She holds an MPhil and Ph.D. in Tourism from Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal. Dr. Suja has authored two books, Community-Based Decentralized Waste Management for Sustainable Tourism and Tourist Behaviour in the Age of Climate Change, and has published numerous research articles in national and international journals. She is a subject expert for the Tourism E-Content Development Project by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, developing key papers on Hygiene and Sanitation, and Geography for Tourism. Dr. Suja chairs the Board of Question Paper Setters for several universities and is currently conducting a major research project on Karnataka State Tourism Policy at Christ University. She is also an IATA-qualified instructor, co-author of an IGI publication, and co-inventor of a patent and copyright.

Sukhmeet Kaur holds the position of Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia. Her core areas of research expertise include the hospitality industry, employee engagement, and human resources management. She holds 6 years of teaching experience in Human Resource Management and organizational behavior.

Luísa Lopes has been, since 1999, an Assistant Professor at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança. She holds a Ph.D. in Business and Management Studies with a focus on Marketing and Strategic Management awarded by the University of Porto. She held several management and marketing positions in industry and services. Her research interests include relationship marketing, public and nonprofit marketing, services marketing, higher education teaching, sustainable tourism and marketing, crisis management, and retail and consumer marketing. At the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, she holds various organizational positions and has promoted numerous academic events. She attends national and international scientific conferences as a speaker. As a researcher, she serves as a reviewer in several scientific journals and integrates the Center of Tourism Research, Development and Innovation (CiTUR) and the Applied Management Research Unit (UNIAG).

Nimisha Maheshwari is a tourism researcher and a research enthusiast in tourism, pursuing Ph.D. in Tourism Management and a Master's degree in Tourism. She has qualified UGC NET in Tourism Management four times with AIR 7. Her motivation for working in tourism is to explore and learn new things in the tourism field. She holds a Research Assistant position at Vellore Institute of Technology in Vellore. She has published book chapters in reputed publications and working on many more. Her areas of interest are artificial intelligence, heritage tourism, religious tourism, sustainability, rural tourism, cultural tourism, and over-tourism.

Paruchuru Manjushree, a renowned Economist and Professor, has a Ph.D. in Economics and a Gold Medal from Sri Venkateswara University. She has published five books, presented papers at conferences, and contributed to 14 book chapters. She has mentored start-ups, facilitated MDPs for women employees, and co-investigated projects under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Program. Currently, four scholars are pursuing Ph.D. under her supervision, and one has been awarded a degree.

Marco Martins began his academic studies with a BA in Marketing and Advertising at the Higher Institute of Business and Tourism (ISCET). In 2012, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Tourism Sciences by the Université de Perpignan Via Domitia (France). Now an integrated researcher at CiTUR – Coimbra, Portugal, and before an integrated researcher at the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar/CGEO and invited Lecturer in several higher education institutions in Portugal, of which ESACT of the Polytechnical Institute of Bragança, ESTH of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda; ISCET – Higher Institute of Business and Tourism – ISCET, among others. He is an editorial board member in some known journals and a published author and reviewer for several leading journals.

Smitha Amarail Mohanan is a dedicated Research Scholar at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India, specializing in Ecotourism and Women Empowerment. Currently pursuing her Ph.D., she is recognized for her innovative research on sustainable tourism. Smitha holds a copyright for a model integrating Bamboo with Tourism and SDGs and has published a chapter in IGI Global titled “Surveying the Role of Bamboo in Tourism Industry: A Conceptual Analysis for Mitigating Climate Change Issues.” Her expertise has earned her a keynote speaker invitation by PATA and presentations at four international conferences. Additionally, she holds a patent for “Assessing Tribal Women's Empowerment: A Tailored Approach for Community-Based Ecotourism.” Smitha's work exemplifies her commitment to academic excellence and practical applications, driving positive change through sustainable tourism initiatives.

Anurag Pahuja is currently working as a Professor at Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara. She is acting as the Chief Editor of International Journal of Business Ethics in Developing Economies. With a rich experience of more than 24 years in academics, she has served as Visiting Professor in Delhi-NCR region. Prior to this, she had been working as an Associate Professor at IMS Ghaziabad and an Assistant Professor at AIMTC, Jalandhar. Her contribution in the field of academics has been recognized, and she was awarded the Certificate of Excellence for Faculty for Exemplary Research in Corporate Governance and Financial Management by The Education Post and CIAC-Goal along with CIHF on August 22, 2016. She is associated with various professional bodies like AIMA as a member and MTC Global as the chapter head. She has authored two and edited one book and attended various national and international conferences/seminars, presented around 45 research papers (including the ones in Pattaya and Dubai). She has conducted more than 16 FDPs/EDPs/workshops as a resource person and has published more than 45 research papers/articles in international and national journals of repute (ABDC-indexed).

Saloni Raheja is an Associate Professor in Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. Her research is focused on the areas of Behavioral Finance, Investment Decisions, Accounting and Management, and the Stock Market. She has presented papers in various national and international conferences and has published a plethora of research papers in journals of national and international repute (Including SCOPUS indexed, Emerald, THOMSON REUTERS, and SAGE journals). She is also a reviewer of Springer, Emerald, and Elsevier Journals.

Indukuri Bangar Raju, with a doctorate in Agricultural Entrepreneurship, began his corporate journey in 1993 at Deccan Poly Packs Ltd, DCL Group, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. After various roles until 2000, his zeal for teaching and research led him to academia. With 30 years of service – 7 in industry and 23 in academics – he has been a teacher, researcher, consultant, trainer, and mentor. Since 2008, he has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship at GITAM School of Business, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam. He has published 22 articles, including four in Scopus-indexed journals, presented 24 papers internationally, authored two books, participated in eight faculty development programs, attended 19 seminars, delivered 11 guest lectures, organized two entrepreneurship training programs, trained 3,000 entrepreneurs, published training modules, and mentored five start-ups in three years. Currently, he guides five Ph.D. candidates and serves on various academic boards. He is also a resource person for several organizations, providing entrepreneurship training. He completed seven consultancy projects in Needs Assessment, Social Impact, and Social Perception under the Corporate Social Responsibility Community Development programs of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited.

Dannya Sadanandhan is a Research Scholar at the School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University in India. Her areas of research include tourism and demography, children in tourism, and family holidays.

Lara Santos holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and Strategy (2019) awarded by a consortium formed by the University of Minho, the University of Aveiro and the University of Beira Interior, a Master's in Social Economy (2009) awarded by the University of Minho, and a degree in Social Service (2006) awarded by the Portuguese Catholic University. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor and the Coordinator of the degree in Commercial Management at the Faculty of Economic, Social, and Business Sciences of Lusófona University. She is also an invited Assistant Professor at the School of Communication, Administration, and Tourism of the Bragança Polytechnic University. Furthermore, she is a researcher at the Intrepid Lab, a hub of CETRAD – Center for Transdisciplinary Studies for Development. She has published some peer-reviewed articles, participated in research projects, and is a Cross Cultural and Strategic Management Journal reviewer.

Serkan Şengül is a Professor and full-time researcher at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences. He is a graduate of Balikesir University, Hospitality Management (2007). He received his Master's (2010) and Ph.D. degrees (2016) from Sakarya University, Department of Tourism Management. His expertise includes Local Food Studies, Turkish Cuisine, Destination Marketing, Gastronomy, and Media Studies.

Tara Kumar Sharma is a Research Scholar at Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor, the ICFAI University, Sikkim. His research interests include sustainable finance, tourism financing, impact investing, and sustainable development goals.

Kushal Singh is an Assistant Professor at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, with a Ph.D. in Tourism Management from Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya and an MBA in Tourism Administration and B.Com. He has over a decade of experience in academia and three years in the tourism and hospitality industry. Dr. Singh is a prolific researcher, author, and writer, with 3 patents, 47 articles in reputed journals, 11 books, 50 research papers at national and international conferences, and 52 articles in newspapers. He is a dedicated mentor, guiding several Ph.D. candidates, and teaching topics such as the business of tourism, tourism resources, destination planning, airlines management and airport operation, introduction to cabin crew, hospitality law, and event management.

Vipin Singh is a highly experienced professional with a Ph.D. in Hotel Management and a Master's degree in Tourism. His academic journey, spanning over 12 years, reflects a strong commitment to the hospitality industry and academia. He holds the esteemed position of Assistant Professor at Vellore Institute of Technology University in Vellore. He has published over 20 research papers including Scopus-indexed journals and 10 book chapters in reputed journals including Scopus and Emerald publication. His career is characterized by an unwavering dedication to education and the development of future hospitality professionals. He is enthusiastic about embracing learning opportunities and staying updated with industry trends and academic advancements. His core expertise revolves around training and education in the realm of hospitality academics, where he is deeply committed to fostering the growth and excellence of the next generation of professionals in the field.

Vishal Soodan is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Studies, JAIN (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru, India. Dr. Vishal is UGC NET qualified and has more than 8 years of teaching and research experience. His area of specialization is Consumer Psychology and Social Media Marketing. He has conducted workshops on Digital Marketing/Business Analytics and has publications in National and International journals. He is on the editorial board of journals and is a reviewer for several marketing journals. He holds an Australian Innovation Patent and has won several best paper awards at National/International conferences.

Tararyshkina L. I., Ph.D. in Economics, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Eurasian Studies of the Faculty of International Relations at the Belarusian State University. Tararyshkina L. I. has practical experience in industrial enterprise and financial system, participated in the development of contractual and legal basis of integration associations in the post-soviet space. Tararyshkina L. I. defended her thesis on “Customs payments and their role in the regulation of foreign economic activity in modern conditions.” Tararyshkina L. I. teaches academic disciplines for undergraduate and graduate students of specialties “World Economy” and “Customs affairs.” Today, Tararyshkina L. I. is studying in a doctoral program on specialty “Finance, Money Circulation and Credit.” Moreover, acts as a supervisor of students' and Master’s theses, including foreign citizens from China, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. The author of more than 200 scientific articles, 29 books, and manuals.

Toney K. Thomas is an Assistant Professor at the School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University in India. His research interests include Asian tourism studies, tourist behavior, and destination benchmarking.

Merve Uçkan Çakır is a Research Assistant at Van Yuzuncu Yil University. She graduated from Trakya University, Tourism and Hotel Management (2016). She received her Master's degree from Sakarya Applied Sciences University, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (2020). She is studying for her Ph.D. in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Sakarya Applied Sciences University (2020–). Her interests include media and food studies, food sociology and culture, marketing, and brand management.

Sevim Usta Dişsiz is a Sakarya University of Applied Sciences Research Assistant Professor. She graduated from Gazi University, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (2017), received her Master's degree from Gazi University, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (2020), and received her Ph.D. degree from Sakarya Applied Sciences University, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (2024). Her interests include media and food studies, food sociology and culture, food and digitalization, and brand management.

The 21st century finds itself grappling with environmental, economic, and social challenges that require an urgent shift in how humanity approaches the interconnectedness of development, sustainability, and community-building. Tourism, as one of the most influential global industries, plays a significant role in these dynamics. While it is often viewed through the lens of economic opportunity and cultural exchange, the impact of tourism extends far beyond these traditional perspectives. Tourism, particularly in its most unregulated and mass-oriented forms, has become a primary contributor to environmental degradation, loss of cultural authenticity, and the marginalization of local populations. Against this backdrop, Greener Future: Building Sustainable Tourism Communities emerges as a crucial academic and practical resource.

The aim of this volume is to critically examine the evolving landscape of tourism through the lens of sustainability. Sustainable tourism, as a concept, extends beyond the immediate protection of natural resources. It calls for an approach that harmonizes the needs of tourists, local communities, and ecosystems, ensuring that tourism activities do not jeopardize the very environments and cultures upon which they rely. This volume seeks to address the complexity of this challenge by bringing together a diverse range of scholarly contributions, each offering a unique perspective on the future of tourism.

The editorial team, comprising Dr. Andrea Edurne Jimenez Ruiz, Dr. Volha Rudkouskaya, and Dr. Shivam Bhartiya, has worked diligently to curate this volume, ensuring that it represents both theoretical and practical approaches to sustainable tourism. We have invited scholars, researchers, and practitioners from various regions and disciplines to contribute their insights, recognizing that a global industry such as tourism demands equally global solutions. It is only through this multiplicity of perspectives that a truly comprehensive understanding of sustainable tourism can be achieved.

We are particularly mindful of the need to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the ethical imperative to protect the integrity of local cultures and natural environments. This volume's chapters, therefore, explore a wide range of topics – from gastro-ethnography and heritage conservation to ecotourism and ethical concerns in dark tourism. What unites these disparate themes is a shared commitment to fostering tourism practices that contribute positively to local communities and ecosystems, ensuring that tourism serves as a vehicle for sustainability rather than exploitation.

The decision to compile this volume is also grounded in the recognition that tourism has the power to transform societies. It can foster cross-cultural understanding, promote local economies, and provide platforms for marginalized communities to share their stories. However, these positive outcomes can only be realized if tourism is managed in a way that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term profits. As the global tourism industry continues to expand, it is imperative that we critically evaluate its practices and implement strategies that ensure tourism is a force for good.

This preface serves not only as an introduction to the themes and objectives of the volume but also as a call to action. We encourage readers – whether they are academics, policymakers, practitioners, or tourists themselves – to reflect on the role they play in shaping the future of tourism. By adopting a more sustainable approach, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism while fostering more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible practices.

The task ahead is not without its challenges. Sustainable tourism requires significant shifts in both mindset and practice. It demands that governments enforce policies that protect natural and cultural resources that industry leaders prioritize sustainability in their business models, and that tourists make more conscious choices about how and where they travel. It also requires that local communities be empowered to take control of their own tourism development, ensuring that their needs and voices are prioritized in the decision-making process.

As editors, we are acutely aware of the urgency of this task. The environmental crises we face – ranging from climate change to biodiversity loss – underscore the need for immediate action. Similarly, the social inequalities perpetuated by unsustainable tourism models highlight the need for more inclusive and equitable approaches to tourism development. In compiling this volume, we hope to contribute to the growing body of literature that seeks to address these issues and offer practical solutions.

It is our belief that this volume will serve as both an academic resource and a practical guide for those committed to fostering sustainable tourism practices. We have strived to ensure that the insights presented in these chapters are both theoretically robust and grounded in real-world experiences. Each contribution offers valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable tourism, and together, they provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of this field.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the authors who contributed to this volume. Their scholarly rigor, creativity, and commitment to sustainability have made this volume possible. We also wish to thank our peer reviewers, whose feedback has helped to refine and strengthen the work. Finally, we are grateful to our families, colleagues, and institutions for their unwavering support throughout the process of bringing this volume to fruition.

Andrea Edurne Jimenez Ruiz

Volha Rudkouskaya

Shivam Bhartiya

This volume is a testament to the tireless efforts, invaluable contributions, and boundless enthusiasm of numerous individuals and institutions, all of whom deserve profound gratitude. We extend our deepest appreciation to the authors who, through their scholarly rigor, have produced chapters that encapsulate the multifaceted dimensions of sustainable tourism, offering fresh perspectives on building greener, more resilient communities. Their intellectual contributions form the backbone of this work, and their commitment to the ideals of sustainable tourism is deeply inspiring.

We are particularly indebted to the peer reviewers whose critical insights and constructive feedback have been instrumental in refining the scholarly content of this volume. Their dedication to academic excellence has elevated the quality of the contributions and ensured the rigor and relevance of the discussions herein.

Special thanks must also be extended to our institutional affiliations, which have provided unwavering support throughout the development of this work. Their encouragement and logistical backing have been indispensable in bringing this volume to fruition.

Finally, to our families and friends, whose patience and understanding have sustained us during the long hours spent on this project – your love and support have been our constant source of strength. This volume is as much a testament to your belief in us as it is to the academic community it seeks to serve.