EMERGING INFLUENCERS PROMOTING TRAVEL: THE CASE OF LOCAL TOURISM IN LATVIA

The presence of social networks has given a chance for social media influencers to emerge. Social media influencers creating and sharing content, endorsed or not, has become a growing marketing trend used by companies, as well as destinations. This article focuses on travel influencers who, with a help of social networks, particularly Instagram, are promoting local travel in Latvia. In this study, four emerging travel influencers and their posts were retrieved and analysed. The study results show that emerging travel influencers are trying to attract their followers by mostly sharing posts with landscapes and nature, art objects/statues, and nature activities/facilities. However, traditional artwork/objects, religious buildings/objects, and traditional or historic buildings are the pictures achieving the highest engagement rates. Finally, the study also relieved that influencers with a lower number of followers have a higher level of engagement. It is concluded that authenticity and individuality of account, as well as its organic, rather than paid growth, are the key aspects in creating a travel account that followers would engage (like, share and comment on the content). The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

3D printing in tourism : an answer to sustainability challenges?

Purpose: The paper aims to explore the potential for using 3D printing technology as a more sustainable tool in various areas of the tourism and hospitality industry in Cyprus. Design/methodology/approach: For the purpose of this study, qualitative research was conducted to explore the potential for 3D printing technology deployment in Cyprus and specifically in tourism and hospitality settings. Interviews were conducted with industry professionals and practitioners using a snowball sampling method. Findings: The tourism and hospitality industry currently uses 3D printing technology mainly to assist with the restoration of cultural heritage, sites but there is significant potential to implement 3D printing more widely in support of other building work, souvenirs and food items. Originality/value: The paper explores current applications and the wider potential for using 3D technology in building, restoration of cultural heritage, souvenirs and food-related printing that together could contribute to a more sustainable tourism and hospitality industry in Cyprus

Is tourism and hospitality education supporting sustainability?

Purpose: Education can provide learners with the necessary awareness, values and skills to understand the complexity of sustainability. This study aims to analyse the extent to which sustainability concepts have been implemented in higher education programmes in the tourism and hospitality fields. Design/methodology/approach: For the purpose of the current study, data on all tourism and hospitality programmes offered in Cyprus higher education institutions (HEIs) at the Bachelor level was obtained. Analysis was conducted on publicly available programme descriptions, learning outcomes, program content and syllabi and course descriptions. Findings: The study finds that sustainability concept implementation in undergraduate hospitality and tourism degree programmes is at a developing stage. The majority of the HEI follow trends and offer sustainability courses either as compulsory or elective courses, but concept implementation in programme learning outcomes and programme descriptions is relatively limited. Originality/value: This paper presents a review of data and evidence on sustainability concept implementation in tourism and hospitality education in Cyprus

Introduction : what are the challenges and opportunities for tourism sustainability in Cyprus?

Purpose: This paper provides an overview and explains the context of this theme issue. The paper outlines the theme issue approach and profiles the articles written in response to the strategic question that aims to explore the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus. Design/methodology/approach: The paper outlines the theme issue approach to exploring challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus. The strategic question is tackled in a series of articles that contain literature reviews, reviews of data and evidence, interactions with practitioners and practical solutions. Findings: The findings of the theme issue focus on sustainability challenges and opportunities in Cyprus and provide insights into the history, current state of development and progress made in implementing sustainable development in its tourism and hospitality industry. Originality/value: This theme issue outlines the challenges that the tourism industry faces in a small island state that is highly dependent on income generated by conventional tourism activity. In turbulent times where all stakeholders actively demand more sustainable, balanced tourism activity, the articles in this theme issue provide insights on stakeholder involvement, support availability, residents' perceptions of tourism activity, opportunities to develop innovative, technologically advanced solutions, themed tourism activities in remote regions and destinations and the implementation of sustainability concepts in tourism and hospitality education

Conclusion : how to achieve tourism sustainability in Cyprus? How to achieve tourism sustainability in Cyprus?

Purpose: This concluding paper aims to summarise the main points and outcomes related to the theme issue question what are the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus? Design/methodology/approach: This paper draws on the findings of the theme issue articles summarising key points on how sustainability can be achieved in different tourism and hospitality industry areas in Cyprus. Findings: The overall findings highlight the challenges the tourism and hospitality industry face in Cyprus to implement sustainable tourism measures while significantly depending on the income industry generates. Articles in this thematic issue also explore the opportunities that stakeholders, support measures, education, advanced technology and rural thematic tourism activities can provide. Originality/value: The articles in this issue address sustainability challenges and opportunities for a small island state Cyprus that heavily depends on sun and sea tourism activity. The articles in this theme issue provide academic and practical insight through thematic literature reviews, field visits, case studies, interactions and interviews with practitioners, residents and policymakers

3D printing

3D printing [or Additive Manufacturing (AM)] allows the construction of three-dimensional objects on demand. 3D printing technologies is now widely used in healthcare, aerospace, design, and the automotive industry. Additive Manufacturing (AM) had first been launched over three decades ago as Charles Hull's first introduced the SLA (Stereolithography) patent in 1986. This technological innovation requires a variety of stages which shift from the definition of the simulated CAD (computer aided design) to the physical component arising from it. Additive manufacturing inserting layers of raw materials upon layer. Each layer is composed of a thin cross-section of the portion obtained directly from the CAD files. This allows the production of materials on demand that can be easily printed where the 3D printer allowing the production of artifacts at tourism facilities. For example, a 3D printer can print materials on board a cruise ship on demand, rather than wait for reaching a port and order them through suppliers

Mitigating seasonality in tourism by attracting young travellers: evidence from Cyprus

Purpose – Generation Z, Millennials, young travellers or iGeneration represent the age range from 18 to 29 with uniquely different characteristics and tourism preferences. This study aims to understand the travel behaviour of young travellers in terms of the travel decisions they make and their involvement in tourism activity. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data collection was facilitated by a focus group discussion with 12 participants from this age group. Findings – Study results suggest that young travellers are attracted to technologically advanced destinations that provide multi-purpose experiences. Competitive tourism destinations are those adjusted to the needs of this cohort of travellers’ propensity to embrace change and innovation. Considering the needs and expectations of young travellers is key to a destination’s long-term survival and sustainability, as the market share of young travellers is rapidly growing. Originality/value – The study looks at the trends in this emerging market segment and discusses new generational behaviour. Furthermore, the study provides insight into ways to make destinations attractive as year-round experiences and thereby control the problem of seasonality

Residents' perceptions of the environmental and social impact of tourism in rural areas

Purpose This paper aims to provide an understanding of residents' perceptions of how tourism activity in a rural area impacts their environment as well as their economic and social lives individually and as a community. Design/methodology/approach As a primary method of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 residents in the rural areas of Cyprus. Findings The study's findings suggest that tourism activity in the rural areas provides a plethora of opportunities to residents, but comes with challenges and threats. Both social and environmental impacts are mainly for the benefit of the local communities as the engine of development. Emphasis is given to the revival of the local culture with the emergence of small and medium enterprises, along with the motivation of younger populations and women to become active entrepreneurs. However, a more holistic approach should be taken to sustainable tourism development in Cyprus, ensuring that all local communities have an opportunity to develop small-scale niche tourism products that enhance the image of rural destinations and which become a source of pride for the residents. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature by enhancing knowledge of the relationship between tourism and local rural communities. Shedding light on residents' perceptions by evaluating social and environmental impacts can guide government policy making and implementation