Vol. 7, no. 2/2025

Tourism between knowledge and territory: the Sapanca lesson

By Claudia-Elena Țuclea

Education, workforce integration, and social inclusion: how does Romania compare with the European Union?

By Alexandru Marian Petrisor Tanase, Emilia Titan, Iliana Caragea

Education and workforce integration are essential in the 21st century, particularly in discussions of sustainable economic growth and social cohesion. Furthermore, synergy between academic outcomes and labour market demands is crucial for fostering innovation, reducing unemployment, and maintaining competitiveness in the current economic landscape. Proper allocation of resources within the educational system not only enhances skill development but also improves the workforce’s ability to adapt rapidly to technological advancements. This paper examines the performance of European Union countries in a single year within this sector, using seven key variables related to education and the workforce. Principal Component Analysis was conducted to reduce dimensionality and identify three main components that summarise the variance observed in the data. The findings reveal considerable differences among EU countries regarding the coordination between education and workforce demands, largely due to inconsistent investment in education. Additionally, based on the three main components identified, cluster analysis was performed, revealing distinct groups of countries with similar outcomes, including high-performing countries with well-integrated education and employment systems, and low-performing countries where poor resource allocation has limited employment adaptability and economic engagement. Overall, the evidence highlights the importance of policies that reduce disparities, promote talent development, and strengthen the link between education and workforce demands, ensuring that future challenges are met with resilience and prosperity.

When leadership fails but CSR works: insights into sustainable business innovation in the hospitality industry

By Rita Puji Lestari, Asep Rokhyadi Permana Saputra

The rapid expansion of hotel construction in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia’s leading tourist destinations, has contributed to environmental degradation, including declining air and water quality, depletion of natural resources, land-use change, and poor environmental management. These issues collectively increase disaster risks and threaten community well-being. Grounded in Resource-Based View theory, this study examines how strategic organisational resources influence sustainability outcomes. Specifically, it analyses the effects of Transformational Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility on Sustainable Business Innovation, with Green Human Resource Management as a moderating variable. Data were collected from 380 hotel employees using non-probability purposive sampling and quota sampling based on the Slovin formula from a population of 5,445. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling, Partial Least Squares to evaluate the measurement model (validity, reliability, Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio) and structural model (fit and hypothesis testing). The results show that Transformational Leadership has no significant effect on Sustainable Business Innovation, while Corporate Social Responsibility has a positive and significant influence. Green Human Resource Management does not moderate the relationship between either Transformational Leadership or Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business Innovation. Theoretically, the study strengthens Resource-Based View by emphasising the strategic value of human resources as valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable assets. Practically, it highlights the importance of talent retention, fair reward systems, and authentic employee engagement in sustainability programmes. Overall, this research enriches the limited empirical evidence linking Resource-Based View, leadership, Corporate Social Responsibility, and human resource management practices within sustainable hospitality management.

Understanding cultural tourism through the themes of history and identity in postmodern novels: the white castle

By Ümit Şengel, Zeki Coşkun, Sena Uz

Cultural tourism emerges from various sources rooted in social life. Novels that explore social elements such as history, identity, and culture serve as important written sources of information, stimulating tourists’ interest in destinations. Although concepts like history and identity are abstract, they can become significant attractions when highlighted by authors’ descriptive abilities within the narrative, influencing readers and arousing their curiosity. In this context, the study aims to identify the roles of novels in cultural tourism by examining the themes of history and identity in postmodern novels. The study used the autoethnographic method and analysed Orhan Pamuk’s “The White Castle,” which compares East and West through cultural values such as history and identity, as it was considered suitable for the study’s purpose. The results indicate that the novel presents cultural differences through elements such as identity, history, religion, city, language, art, and gastronomy. The novel vividly conveys these cultural differences through the interplay of plot and description.

Cinematic journeys: analysing the appeal of pop culture tourism through tourist perceptions

By Angelina Titeryakova

Pop culture tourism, particularly media-induced tourism, is an increasingly relevant phenomenon in which travel decisions are shaped by popular media such as films, TV series, literary works, and other forms of media. This paper explores the intersection of media consumption and tourist behaviour, focusing on how audiences engage with cinematic franchises through travel and how these experiences influence travellers’ decisions. Using quantitative data collected through a questionnaire with a sample size of 116 respondents, distributed during a pop culture event – London MegaCon 2024—the study investigates the impact of demographic variables such as age, gender, and country of residence on preferences for franchise-related destinations, guided tours, and trip duration. The data were analysed with IBM SPSS and show that gender and country of origin significantly impact travel motivations, while age has less influence. A strong interest in guided tours and visits to franchise-related locations was recorded, especially among frequent travellers. The data also revealed interest in multiple franchises, suggesting that tourism experiences can be multifaceted, encompassing various fan interests rather than being tailored to a single franchise. These findings have implications for destination marketers and tourism product developers. Strategies such as immersive storytelling, customisable tour packages, and product diversification can enhance the appeal of pop culture sites.

The role of tourism in the sustainability of cultural heritage: qualitative research on Turkish bath culture

By Kuzu Sinem, Sarı Çallı Didar

This research aims to examine Turkish bath culture in depth within the context of cultural heritage, assessing the contemporary continuity and transformation of traditional bathing practices, spatial and symbolic objects, and ritual-based practices using a holistic approach. A semi-structured interview technique was carefully selected for this study, based on a qualitative method. Interviews were conducted in 20 active baths in the Fatih district of Istanbul, which are considered spatially and functionally representative and possess a strong historical context. The data obtained were analysed in detail through a descriptive analysis process. The findings clearly demonstrate a high degree of continuity in traditional bathing practices and professional roles such as “tellaklık” and “natırlık”, while bath objects continue to be used largely in their authentic form. However, it has beenobserved that culturally meaningful ritual practices such as the bridal bath, the groom's bath, and the forty bath are becoming increasingly rare and, in some cases, have transformed into symbolic representations. This situation makes it urgently necessary to address Turkish bath culture comprehensively and to develop innovative strategies to ensure its sustainability.

Developing a value-responsive quality culture in Romanian hotel chains

By Cristina-Mirabela Malaia, Vlad Diaconescu, Daniela-Elena Mocanu

The hospitality sector has been profoundly reshaped by technological innovation, societal change, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These forces have redefined guest expectations, shifting focus from traditional service indicators to ethical conduct, personalization, and emotionally resonant experiences. This study explores how Romanian hotel chains address these evolving demands by fostering a value-responsive quality culture(VRQC). Using a qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews and content analysis, the paper identifies three key trends: (1) rising expectations for ethical, sustainable, and inclusive practices; (2) increased demand for personalization enabled by digital integration; and (3) greater emphasis on authenticity and emotional connection in guest experiences. Based on these findings, the article presents a VRQC framework that integrates these trends into a strategic model for improving service quality, providing practical guidance for hospitality managers and contributing to the academic discussion on quality culture in turbulent and rapidly changing environments.

The interaction of Generation Z with intangible cultural heritage through digital platforms and their participation intentions

By Tuğba Arıcı, Nuray Eker

Generation Z, born into the digital age, differs from previous generations in their perspectives on future generations, communication styles, and online consumption habits. They view technology as an essential part of daily life. Digital environments that transfer, preserve, and make cultural heritage values accessible encourage young people to engage with these values, enabling them to pass them on to future generations and reach a broader audience. Tourism is another factor that supports the sustainability of cultural heritage. Generation Z, whose consumer habits are shaped by digital technologies, has become a key segment in the tourism market. It is believed that transforming intangible cultural heritage elements into digital media could increase Generation Z's curiosity about and interest in cultural heritage tourism. As a result, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) values can be handed down to future generations, and conservation plans can be developed. This research conceptually explores the potential impact of Generation Z's interaction with digital intangible components on their intention to participate in cultural heritage tourism. The study's focus on Generation Z's digital engagement with intangible cultural heritage within the context of cultural heritage tourism makes it unique. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Theory of Planned Behavior model be used to examine how interactions with digital intangible cultural heritage influence Generation Z's intentions to engage in cultural heritage tourism. This study could serve as a foundation for further empirical research.

Beyond borders: assessing the educational value of the metaverse in tourism

By Anton-Liviu Petrica

This pilot study explores the educational value of the metaverse in tourism through the lens of Constructivist Learning Theory. A survey-based methodology was used to examine the influence of four key constructs – Active Learning (AL), Knowledge Construction, Reflection and Adaptation (KC), Personalized Learning (PL), and Learning by Social Interaction (LSI)—on the learning efficiency of the metaverse in tourism. Thirty participants, 43.33% male and 56.67% female, from Generations X, Y, and Z, completed the questionnaire. The survey demonstrated good reliability and validity, providing insights into the metaverse's role in tourism education. The findings highlight the importance of knowledge construction, reflection and adaptation, and learning by social interaction in improving learning efficiency through collaborative and reflective processes. In contrast, active learning and personalized learning did not show statistically significant effects on learning efficiency, suggesting that factors such as instructional design, learner motivation, or digital literacy in the metaverse may mediate their effectiveness. This research enhances the understanding of the metaverse not merely as a platform for entertainment or simulation, but as a revolutionary medium for experiential learning and the development of knowledge about touristic destinations.

From farm to fine dining: the impact of local sourcing on the competitiveness of Romanian luxury restaurants

By Noémi Tordai (Pál), Beáta Tatár, Alexis-Monica Moga, Flavia Dana Oltean

Sustainability has become a defining axis of innovation and competitiveness in the global fine dining sector, yet its translation into operational and managerial practices remains uneven, particularly in emerging markets. This study examines how sustainable gastronomy practices are integrated within a high-end rural hospitality context, using Bethlen Estates Transylvania as a single embedded case study. The research adopts a convergent mixed-methods design, combining semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (executive chef, operations coordinator, garden manager, and a local supplier) and a complementary pilot survey (N = 140) assessing consumer awareness and willingness to pay for sustainability in fine dining. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic coding, while quantitative responses were processed descriptively, with internal consistency verified (Cronbach’s α > 0.70).Findings indicate that sustainable fine dining in a post-socialist, rural context requires not only ecological and ethical commitment, but also creative adaptation to infrastructural and perceptual constraints. In this case, sustainability functions both as a competitive strategy and as a narrative the restaurant constructs about itself – one that connects authenticity, locality, and value creation. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable gastronomy by offering a contextualised model of integration between environmental responsibility, luxury experience, and community-based sourcing. Limitations include the single-case design and non-probabilistic sampling. Future research should consider comparative multi-case analyses across the Central and Eastern European region.

Turbocharged: automating quality analysis in trust & safety

By Alexandra Bianca Tîrnăcop

Trust and Safety (T&S) is a key framework for online platforms, aiming to protect users from harm such as misinformation, harassment, and exploitation, while also supporting free expression. Although policies, AI tools, and cross-platform collaboration (e.g., GIFCT, StopNCII.org) enhance moderation, significant challenges remain. This study uses a demo dataset of 15 social media posts, reviewed by 9 moderators and checked by a single analyst. Each ticket has been reviewed by three raters to ensure agreement. The model achieved a precision, recall, and F1 score of 70.37%, with an overall accuracy of 64.44%. Automation improves efficiency but requires bias moderation, transparency, and human intervention to address challenging content. However, outsourcing and underinvestment in moderators raise ethical concerns, as human reviewers face psychological risks without adequate support. To address these issues, this paper proposes a decision matrix for use in both machine learning training and moderator and quality analyst training.

Transforming tourism education: four years of innovation at the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL)

By Isabelle Frank

For over twenty years, the École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) has placed tourism at the heart of its institutional identity. In the wake of COVID-19, the tourism sector has experienced structural changes, with greater emphasis on artificial intelligence, local immersion, and social inclusion. In response, EHTL has redesigned its tourism programme to meet evolving market needs while maintaining educational quality and employability. The revised curriculum features historical and cultural literacy, integration of digital tools and AI, sustainability-focused storytelling, and a shift from passive observation to active local engagement. Excellence in hospitality remains a core component. A rigorous methodological framework guided curriculum development, including professional consultation, literature review, participation in industry events, and reflective pedagogical practice. Outcomes include a region-specific curriculum for EMHTR in Cotonou, Benin, aligned with global standards, and the planned launch of a new BTS in Tourism and Communication. This curriculum fosters immersive, digitally enhanced learning and incorporates communication strategies to support meaningful, inclusive tourism. EHTL thus distinguishes itself as a leader in tourism education innovation.