Showing papers by "Andreas Muhar published in 2019"

Rural tourism in Georgia in transition: challenges for regional sustainability.

Abstract: Tourism in rural regions of Georgia has a long tradition; however, many structures had been developed during Soviet times under the framework of a centrally planned economy and forced collectivism. Today, Rural Tourism is widely discussed by the national government and international cooperation partners as a means for regional development and as an alternative source of employment in agricultural areas and mountain regions. The purpose of this study is to develop suggestions for the institutionalization of Rural Tourism in the country and to propose relevant actions. Research methods comprised a document analysis, qualitative interviews with various stakeholders, and focus group discussions. We analyzed recent tendencies and challenges of rural tourism development in Georgia with a focus on the concept of community-based tourism and integrated rural development. We also review the challenges of the current structure of tourism marketing on the national level with regard to Rural Tourism products. The key findings of the research include recommendations to create a central leading structure for rural tourism at the national level, which will work on strategic issues and general norms of Rural Tourism. At the same time, we propose the development of destination management organizations, which will integrate general provisions in regional legislation and marketing in close cooperation with local stakeholders.

Nature-based Tourism or Mass Tourism in Nature? Segmentation of Mountain Protected Area Visitors Using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM)

Abstract: Mountain protected areas play a fundamental role in the conservation of natural environment and at the same time provide the population with social benefits such as offering space for leisure and recreation. Understanding motivations and behavior of protected area visitors is crucial to effectively manage vulnerable areas. Our objective was to identify the profiles of visitors to a heavily used tourist destination—Kasprowy Wierch within the Tatra National Park (Poland), using the self-organizing maps (SOM) analytical method. In order to explore the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the visitors a total sample of 2488 respondents were interviewed on site. Self-organizing map analysis is based on cerebral processes for managing and storing information in order to classify subjects and/or find relationships among variables. As a result, four heterogeneous tourist profiles were identified. Interestingly, two of these groups (Cluster 1 and Cluster 3), which were found to be the most challenging groups for management purposes, visited the national park for reasons other than its natural attractions. Especially, one sub-segment of Cluster 3 was mainly motivated by the possibility to use a cable car, admiring views and stayed within close proximity of the upper cable car station. Less than a half of visitors to Kasprowy Wierch (42%) were seeking a nature experience during their trip (Cluster 2 and Cluster 4). The results bring a new point of view in the discussion on visitor management within Kasprowy Wierch region, in particular by overlapping presented visitor segmentation with trip types and/or purchased cable car tickets. Within international context, we highlight the SOM technique as a valuable tool in profiling of tourists and underline the problem of the existence of mass tourism destinations within protected areas.

Evaluating the management effectiveness of protected areas in Mongolia using the management effectiveness tracking tool

Abstract: The importance of management increases in the context of numerous and intensive inner and outer pressures on Protected Areas (PAs). The need to assess the management effectiveness (ME) in protected areas is increasing around the world. The ME assessment helps to improve the management of PAs and to develop a rational, long-term action plan. This study was conducted using the World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools methodology (METT) to evaluate the ME of six PAs in central and eastern regions of Mongolia. The main purpose of this study was to assess ME and identify common threats of PAs across different natural zones and administrative areas in Mongolia. The results of this evaluation indicate that, the main threats faced by PAs in Mongolia are: (i) degradation of ecosystems, (ii) environmental pollution, and (iii) habitat fragmentation, resulting from over-exploitation and inappropriate use of natural resources. All six PAs examined have clear management goals and management decision-making systems however, their ME scores differ significantly. This research suggests that the administrative features of the individual PA influence management effectiveness and problems in the efficient implementation of management still need to be resolved.

The 2030 Agenda as a challenge to life sciences universities

Abstract: Life sciences universities (LSUs) play a specific role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A number of SDGs address topics that have been focal points for LSUs throughout their history of research, teaching and societal mission. Furthermore, LSUs traditionally have strong links to stakeholders central to the transformative process, such as the food sector, forestry and renewable energies. However, life sciences universities and the university system will have to undergo transformations if they want to contribute to a profound shift in societies.

Access to and use of the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve by Turkish and Chinese people living in Austria – implications for planning

Abstract: Peri-urban protected areas such as the UNESCO Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve (WWBR) offer important recreational opportunities. However, access has been shown to be restricted for certain groups, and immigrants from non-western countries especially are found to be under-represented as user groups. This paper presents research findings from a transdisciplinary pilot study undertaken in Vienna and Lower Austria investigating the importance of the WWBR in the leisure lives of immigrants (focusing on Turkish and Chinese immigrants), and barriers that hinder people from using the WWBR. A qualitative research design was adopted, and in total 80 interviews (40 from each community) were obtained. Results show a strong appreciation for natural areas and a high awareness among all participants of the positive impacts for health and well-being. The social environment has a strong influence on outdoor recreation participation, and ethnic-cultural and community-related aspects affecting access were identified. The study shows that planning authorities face challenges in providing adequate information, especially concerning access and on-site use. Gatekeepers are needed to remove access barriers based on fears and insecurities. Other challenges for planning authorities are also addressed, and recommendations for managerial action are presented. Profile