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Authors: Kushal Tamang, Dr Sanmoy Mallick

Abstract: Overtourism is a phenomenon that negatively affects a tourist destination’s economic, social, and environmental aspects. The problems overtourism reflects are overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, and stress on transportation infrastructure. This leads our study to understand the overtourism phenomenon through the residents’ perception in a tourist destination of a Himalayan hill station. A descriptive research design is used to explore the problems of overtourism from the residents’ perspective. The data was collected from 148 residents using Google Forms. The study was conducted in Darjeeling, a prominent Himalayan Heritage hill station situated in the northernmost part of the State of West Bengal, India. The study finds that overtourism is a concerning phenomenon, with its effects highly felt by the residents. The results further presented a strong agreement among locals regarding the region’s high economic dependency on tourism. Recognising the need for an economically sound and socially acceptable solution. The study proposes a 3R strategic overtourism management model to address overtourism, where 3R stands for Reduce, Replace, and Regenerate. Rather than a strictly linear or sequential strategy, the 3R model for overtourism is conceptualised as a cross-sectional framework in which all three components may co-exist in an integrated manner within a destination’s policy environment. This model proposes three key solutions to mitigating tourism pressure, diversifying tourism as a source of income, and regenerating tourism in a more sustainable manner.

Keywords: Economic, Environmental, transportation, Overtourism, Perception, Residents, sustainability.

DOI:10.5937/turizam29-61208

Article info: 166-179

Received: September 2025 | Accepted: November 2025

 

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Authors: Tahmeed Ahmad Badam, Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar

Abstract: Indigenous herbal medicine, despite its deep cultural roots, remains undervalued in the development of wellness tourism. Kashmir, a biodiversity hotspot of India, possesses a rich heritage of medicinal herbs with traditional therapeutic uses recorded in folklore since ancient times. The Valley’s floral diversity presents considerable potential for promoting herbal wellness tourism. This study was undertaken with three objectives: to examine the potential of indigenous bio-herbal heritage for wellness tourism in Kashmir; to highlight the traditional medical significance of herbs in treating various ailments; and to analyze the economic benefits of medicinal plants within the emerging herbal wellness tourism industry and its contribution to host communities. One-Way ANOVA and pooled interval plots has been executed to assess variance (StDev) among wellness market segments, while regression analysis with fitted line plots was employed to explore tourist arrival trends. Analytical evaluation was conducted through MINITAB-18 to ensure reliability. Findings reveal dynamic shifts in wellness travel behavior, with beauty care and nutritional care dominating market shares, followed by alternative therapy, fitness centers, and rejuvenation practices. The study concludes that indigenous herbal wellness traditions significantly influence tourist behavior and present opportunities for local economic development. Furthermore, the revival of traditional herbal healing practices not only strengthens cultural identity but also introduces a new research dimension in wellness tourism scholarship.

Keywords: Herbal-Plants; Economic-boon; Healthcare; Indigenous; Tourism; Wellness.

DOI:10.5937/turizam29-52246

Article info: 180-208

Received: July 2025 | Accepted: December 2025

 

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Authors: Ashokkumar Palaniyandi, Sangeetha C.P

Abstract: In an era where sustainable development is paramount, tea tourism has emerged as a dynamic convergence of cultural heritage, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation. This study examines sustainable tea tourism practices in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India, by integrating quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. A structured questionnaire was administered to 126 tea growers, tea manufacturers and other key stakeholders, while in-depth interviews and focus group sessions enriched the data, particularly in understanding the operational challenges associated with eco-friendly initiatives. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that community collaboration, economic empowerment, and technological/infrastructural support each exert a significantly positive impact on sustainable tea tourism practices. Conversely, eco-friendly practices were found to have a negative coefficient, a finding that was further clarified through qualitative insights— highlighting issues such as high initial capital outlay, insufficient training, and policy limitations. The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach in which technological investments and enhanced community participation mitigate the challenges tied to sustainable environmental practices. These findings provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, tea estate managers, and tourism professionals aimed at reinforcing sustainable practices within the tea tourism ecosystem. Additionally, the study discusses its limitations and suggests potential directions for future research.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Economic Empowerment, Eco-friendly Practices, Sustainable Tea Tourism, Technological Integration

DOI:10.5937/turizam29-60021

Article info: 209-229

Received: July 2025 | Accepted: December 2025

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Authors: Apostolos Tsiakalos, Anastasios Tsiakalos

Abstract: This paper introduces and tests the Security-Experience Alignment Model (SEAM), a framework that explores how real cybersecurity conditions influence the link between digital trust and tourist satisfaction in smart destinations. A sequential mixed-method design was applied. Quantitative survey data were collected from 210 thematic travelers to measure satisfaction, trust, and cybersecurity awareness. In parallel, a technical audit of smart tourism infrastructures— public Wi-Fi networks and mobile applications—was performed using standard penetration-testing tools. Data were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine direct and mediating effects. The analysis shows a clear gap between perceived digital trust and the actual security level of tourism infrastructures. While personalization and smart services improve satisfaction, hidden vulnerabilities weaken digital trust and may affect long-term loyalty. The SEAM model identifies cybersecurity resilience as an underlying factor that connects secure infrastructure with sustainable tourist experiences. The study extends smart-tourism research by integrating cybersecurity resilience into satisfaction and trust models. It offers both theoretical and managerial insights, emphasizing that secure digital environments are essential for reliable and satisfying experiences in smart destinations.

Keywords: smart tourism, cybersecurity resilience, digital trust, tourist satisfaction, smart destinations

DOI: 10.5937/turizam29-60329

Article info: 230-238

Received: July 2025 | Accepted: December 2025