Submit a Manuscript to the Journal

Journal of Ecotourism

For a Special Issue on

Reviving Ecotourism Through Green Investments: A Sustainable Path to Recovery

Abstract deadline
30 November 2023

Manuscript deadline
31 May 2024

Cover image - Journal of Ecotourism

Special Issue Editor(s)

Lenny Yusrini, Universitas Asa Indonesia
[email protected]

Arzyana Sunkar, IPB University Indonesia
[email protected]

Ong Yi Xuan, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
[email protected]

Daryl Ace V Connell, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
[email protected]

Aaron Tham, University of the Sunshine Coast Australia
[email protected]

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Reviving Ecotourism Through Green Investments: A Sustainable Path to Recovery

Tourism is a vital industry that has faced significant challenges in recent times, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Shang et al., 2022). As the world emerges from the crisis, it is essential to develop strategies that not only revive tourism but also promote sustainability and environmental responsibility (Mach & Vahradian, 2021; Sharma et al., 2021). Green investments, encompassing sustainable practices, renewable energy, conservation efforts, and eco-friendly initiatives, offer a promising approach to reinvigorating the tourism sector (Adnan & Omar, 2022; Shang et al., 2022).

Implementing renewable resources and emissions regulations can set a new benchmark for ecotourism options (Tasci et al., 2022) that appeal to ethically-aware consumers (Xie et al., 2019). These environmental initiatives also have the potential to create jobs and get local communities engaged in tourism opportunities within nature-based or wildlife settings (Cabral & Dhar, 2020; Ozili & Arun, 2020). By making smart investments, countries around the globe can transition their tourist hotspots towards a more eco-friendly approach while ensuring visitors have memorable experiences that contribute positively to nature and people's livelihoods (Vada et al., 2023).

The theme of reviving tourism through green investments is also relevant in the current climate (Hailiang et al., 2023). Climate change has had a major impact on how we travel and conduct business, resulting in massive losses for the global economy (Jamaliah et al., 2021; Reddy et al., 2020). Investing in green initiatives helps to keep costs down while preserving or enhancing our experience as ecotourists (Yuen, Koh, Tan & Wang, 2023). It also goes towards helping maintain ecological balance and supports local communities that are dependent upon ecotourism revenues in nature-based, and wildlife settings (De Zoysa, 2022; Dolezal & Novelli, 2020). Additionally, it sends a positive signal to environmental guardians around the world that their efforts are valued, creating incentives for industry stakeholders to adopt more ecotourism-centric practices (Ferreira et al., 2023).

By examining the potential of green investments in reviving the tourism industry, this special issue aims to explore the intersection of green investments and tourism and bridge the gap between ecotourism readiness, and consumer adoption of such innovations (Ganapathy, Othman & Yahya, 2023; Xia et al., 2022). In addition, the special issue aims to promote projects that demonstrate tangible results of green investments within ecotourism through case studies from different parts of the world, to address gaps in knowledge as argued by Sana, Chakraborty, Adil & Sadiq (2023). It is our aspiration that the scholarly collection in this special issue will contribute to the knowledge base and inform policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers on the opportunities and challenges associated with reviving tourism through green investments.

We invite contributions from researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to present their original research, case studies, theoretical frameworks, and practical insights on the following areas:

 

· Ecotourism practices and policies: Assessments of policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks that encourage environmentally responsible green development and investment.

· Green investments and infrastructure development: Analysis of green investments in ecotourism-related infrastructure such as energy-efficient hotels, eco-lodges, sustainable transportation, waste management systems, and smart city technologies.

· Renewable energy integration: Exploration of renewable energy solutions in ecotourism activities, including solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower, and their implications for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.

· Biodiversity conservation and ecotourism: Studies highlighting successful models and strategies for conserving biodiversity, managing protected areas, and harnessing the power of ecotourism to promote green investments for environmental sustainability.

· Sustainable transportation and mobility: Examination of sustainable transportation options, including electric vehicles, cycling infrastructure, public transit systems, and their impact on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing ecotourism visitor experiences.

· Circular economy and waste management: Research focusing on circular economy models, waste reduction strategies, recycling initiatives, and green supply chains within the ecotourism sector.

· Community involvement and empowerment: Analysis of the transformative power of engaging communities in environmental initiatives and empowering them to actively participate in shaping a greener future and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards ecological preservation.

· Technology 4.0 for sustainable tourism: Studies examining the leverage of tourism 4.0 technology to advance green practices and investments in the ecotourism sector (see for instance Burns & Benz-Schwarzburg, 2023).

· Climate change and ecotourism: Minimizing the impact on the environment and contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts through innovation and entrepreneurship in nature-based, and wildlife encounters.

· The greening of ecotourism consumption, such as via technology and innovation (e.g. Clark & Nyaupane, 2023; Go, Kang & Nam, 2020), and on future generations (Chai-Arayalert, 2020).

Submission Instructions

Authors should select "Reviving Ecotourism Through Green Investments: A Sustainable Path to Recovery" when submitting their paper to ScholarOne.

This special issue welcomes a variety of methodological approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and interdisciplinary studies. Contributions may include but are not limited to empirical research papers, literature reviews, conceptual frameworks, policy analyses, and best practice case studies.

Submission of abstracts: 30 November 2023

Response to authors: 31 January 2024

Submission of full papers: 31 May 2024

First round of reviews completed: 30 September 2024

Authors responses to reviews: 30 November 2024

Final acceptances: 28 February 2025

Publication: Second half of 2025

Instructions for AuthorsSubmit an Article