Key Drivers of Sustainable Tourism Destination Attractiveness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37385/msej.v6i3.7695Keywords:
Sustainable Tourism, Destination Attractiveness, Systematic Literature Review, Tourist Satisfaction; Destination BrandingAbstract
The attractiveness of sustainable tourism destinations plays a crucial role in promoting responsible travel behaviors and supporting long-term destination development. This study aims to systematically identify and analyze the key determinants contributing to the attractiveness of sustainable tourism destinations. Employing a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, this research analyzes peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2010 and 2024, retrieved from the Scopus database. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a rigorous screening, data extraction, and synthesis process was conducted, resulting in a final sample of 126 relevant studies. The findings reveal six major factors influencing sustainable tourism destination attractiveness: tourist satisfaction, destination image and branding, crisis management, perceived quality and visitor experience, environmental and climate change concerns, and research, evaluation, and planning efforts. These insights offer practical implications for policymakers, tourism planners, and destination marketers seeking to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism destinations in a rapidly evolving global context.
References
Acharya, S., Mekker, M., & De Vos, J. (2023). Linking travel behavior and tourism literature: Investigating the impacts of travel satisfaction on destination satisfaction and revisit intention. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 17, 100745.
Ahmed, H., & Riaz, H. (2024). The potential of accessible tourism for sustainable development of local communities in northern Pakistan. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, 20(3), 104-125.
Alam, S. H., Ahmed, R. R., Hashem, E., Rami, A., Salleh, N. Z. M., Vasa, L., ... & Abrham, J. (2022). Destination environmental branding and sustainable eco-conscious consumer. Transformations in Business & Economics, 21(2).
Almeida-Santana, A., & Moreno-Gil, S. (2019). Perceived sustainable destination image: Implications for marketing strategies in Europe. Sustainability, 11(22), 6466.
Amloy, A., Wonglangka, W., Ounchanum, P., Ruangwitthayanusorn, S., Siriphon, A., & Oranratmanee, R. (2024). Agroecology, tourism, and community adaptability under UNESCO biosphere reserve: A case study of smallholders in northern Thailand. Sustainable Development, 32(5), 4428-4439.
Conti, S., Dias, Á., & Pereira, L. (2023). Perceived city sustainability and tourist behavioural intentions. Smart Cities, 6(2), 692-708.
de Araújo, A. F., Andrés-Marques, I., & López Moreno, L. (2025). No Planet-B Attitudes: The Main Driver of Gen Z Travelers’ Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Tourism Destinations. Sustainability, 17(3), 847.
De Vos, J., Waygood, E. O. D., Letarte, L., & Cao, M. (2022). Do frequent satisfying trips by public transport impact its intended use in later life?. Transportation, 49(4), 1245-1263.
Eusébio, C., Carneiro, M. J., Rodrigues, V., Robaina, M., Madaleno, M., Gama, C., ... & Monteiro, A. (2022). Factors influencing the relevance of air quality in the attractiveness of a tourism destination: Differences between nature-based and urban destinations. Tourism Management Perspectives, 44, 101045.
Flyen, A. C., Flyen, C., & Hegnes, A. W. (2023). Exploring vulnerability indicators: tourist impact on cultural heritage sites in High Arctic Svalbard. Heritage, 6(12), 7706-7726.
Galuppo, L., Anselmi, P., & De Paoli, I. (2020). The challenge of generating sustainable value: narratives about sustainability in the italian tourism sector. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 577612.
Gao, Y., Rasouli, S., Timmermans, H., & Wang, Y. (2017). Effects of traveller’s mood and personality on ratings of satisfaction with daily trip stages. Travel behaviour and society, 7, 1-11.
Garanti, Z., Ilkhanizadeh, S., & Liasidou, S. (2024). Sustainable Place Branding and Visitors’ Responses: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainability, 16(8), 3312.
Guan, X., Israel, F., Heinen, E., & Ettema, D. (2024). Satisfaction-induced travel: Do satisfying trips trigger more shared micro-mobility use?. Transportation research part D: transport and environment, 130, 104185.
Guerra, R. J. D. C., & Gonçalves, E. C. C. (2024). Co-creation of sustainable tourism and hospitality experiences: education and organizations in search of new business models. Sustainability, 16(1), 321.
Hazel Xu, Y., Wong, I. A., & Tan, X. (2022). Events as destination image maker: The role of event type and implications for event portfolio development. Event Management, 26(2), 207-222.
Hermawan, D., & Hutagalung, S. S. (2024). Sustainable Tourism Development: A Model of Adaptive Destination Management in Lampung Province, Indonesia. International Journal of Sustainable Development & Planning, 19(9).
Inaray, A. C. P., Soewignyo, F., Sumanti, E. R., & Mandagi, D. W. (2024). Exploring the nexus between service quality, patient satisfaction, and recommendation intentions in faith-based hospital settings. EKUITAS (Jurnal Ekonomi dan Keuangan), 8(3), 398-417.
Iniesta-Bonillo, M. A., Sánchez-Fernández, R., & Jiménez-Castillo, D. (2016). Sustainability, value, and satisfaction: Model testing and cross-validation in tourist destinations. Journal of Business Research, 69(11), 5002-5007.
Javdan, M., Ghalehteimouri, K. J., Ghasemi, M., & Riazi, A. (2023). A novel framework for social life cycle assessment to achieve sustainable cultural tourism destinations. Turyzm/tourism, 33(2), 7-18.
Kainde, S. J., & Mandagi, D. (2023). A systematic review of servant leadership outcomes in education context. EDUKASIA: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran, 4(2), 2563-2574.
Kowaas, R., Syamsia, J. C., & Mandagi, D. W. (2023). The antecedents of an effective city branding: A comprehensive systematic review. Jurnal Ekonomi, 12(04), 2178-2186.
Lampreia, F., Almeida, H., & Cesário, M. (2024). Past behaviour intentions, present normative beliefs, and future customer loyalty. International Journal of Tourism Research, 26(4), e2716.
Lima Santos, L., Cardoso, L., Araújo-Vila, N., & Fraiz-Brea, J. A. (2020). Sustainability perceptions in tourism and hospitality: A mixed-method bibliometric approach. Sustainability, 12(21), 8852.
Madeira, A., Rodrigues, R., Lopes, S., & Palrão, T. (2025). Exploring Positive and Negative Emotions Through Motivational Factors: Before, During, and After the Pandemic Crisis with a Sustainability Perspective. Sustainability, 17(5), 2246.
Mandagi, D. W., & Aseng, A. C. (2021). Millennials and Gen Z’s perception of social media marketing effectiveness on the festival’s branding: The mediating effect of brand gestalt. Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 21(3), 9.
Mandagi, D. W., & Centeno, D. (2024). Destination brand gestalt: Dimensionalizing co-created tourism destination branding. International Journal of Tourism Cities.
Mandagi, D. W., & Sondakh, D. K. (2022). Exploring the multi-dimensionality of tourism destination brand story. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 11(6), 2128-2142.
Mandagi, D. W., & Tappy, Y. P. (2023). Determinants of Health Tourism Destination Attractiveness: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Jurnal Studi Perhotelan dan Pariwisata, 2(2), 57-69.
Mandagi, D. W., & Tappy, Y. P. (2023). Determinants of Health Tourism Destination Attractiveness: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Jurnal Studi Perhotelan dan Pariwisata, 2(2), 57-69.
Mandagi, D. W., Centeno, D. D., & Indrajit (2021). Brand gestalt scale development and validation: A takeoff from tourism destination branding. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 19, 100539.
Mandagi, D. W., Centeno, D. D., & Indrajit. (2022). Destination brand gestalt and its effects on brand attachment and brand loyalty. Philippine Management Review, 29(1), 1-24.
Mandagi, D. W., Indrajit, I., & Wulyatiningsih, T. (2024). Navigating digital horizons: A systematic review of social media’s role in destination branding. Journal of Enterprise and Development (JED), 6(2), 373-389.
Mandagi, D. W., Pasuhuk, L. S., & Kainde, S. J. (2024). The Combined Effect of Brand Gestalt, Brand Awareness, and Brand Image on Ecotourism WOM Intention. Jurnal Akuntansi, Keuangan, dan Manajemen, 5(3), 161-175.
Mandagi, D. W., Soewignyo, T., Kelejan, D. F., & Walone, D. C. (2024). From a hidden gem to a tourist spot: Examining brand gestalt, tourist attitude, satisfaction and loyalty in Bitung city. International Journal of Tourism Cities.
Mohd Shariff, N. (2022). Adaptation strategies for impacts of climate change on sustainable tourism in Malaysia. GeoJournal of Tourism & Geosites, 45.
Moon, H., & Han, H. (2019). Tourist experience quality and loyalty to an island destination: The moderating impact of destination image. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 36(1), 43-59.
Palazzo, M., Vollero, A., Vitale, P., & Siano, A. (2021). Urban and rural destinations on Instagram: Exploring the influencers’ role in# sustainabletourism. Land use policy, 100, 104915.
Poluan, M. S., Pasuhuk, L. S., & Mandagi, D. W. (2022). The role of social media marketing in local government institution to enhance public atitude and satisfaction. Jurnal Ekonomi, 11(03), 1268-1279.
Pongoh, H. M., & Mandagi, D. W. (2025). Linking destination brand gestalt and brand equity: insights from Bali. Anatolia, 1-15.
Qi, M., Abdullah, Z., & Rahman, S. N. A. (2024). Navigating the Digital Landscape: Evaluating the Impacts of Digital IMC on Building and Maintaining Destination Brand Equity. Sustainability, 16(20), 8914.
Rampen, D. C., Pangemanan, A. S., & Mandagi, D. W. (2023). The X-factors behind Gen Z employee performance: A systematic review. Jurnal Mantik, 7(2), 668-680.
Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Chee, S. Y., & Ari Ragavan, N. (2025). Tourists’ perceptions of the sustainability of destination, satisfaction, and revisit intention. Tourism Recreation Research, 50(1), 106-125.
Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Chee, S. Y., & Ari Ragavan, N. (2025). Tourists’ perceptions of the sustainability of destination, satisfaction, and revisit intention. Tourism Recreation Research, 50(1), 106-125.
Rondonuwu, B. F., & Mandagi, D. W. (2023). Brand gestalt as a key determinant of tourist satisfaction and loyalty: Empirical study of super-priority destination Likupang. Jurnal Ekonomi, 12(02), 452-464.
Satta, G., Spinelli, R., & Parola, F. (2019). Is tourism going green? A literature review on green innovation for sustainable tourism. Tourism Analysis, 24(3), 265-280.
Saxena, S. K., Gupta, V., Priyalakshmi, W., & Ferdaus, M. (2024). Impact of Climate Change on Himalayan Tourism Destinations. In Mountain Tourism and Ecological Impacts: Himalayan Region and Beyond (pp. 106-114). IGI Global.
Scuttari, A., Windegger, F., Wallnöfer, V., & Pechlaner, H. (2023). Bridging the science-policy gap in sustainable tourism: evidence from a multiple case study analysis of UNWTO INSTO sustainable tourism observatories. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1-25.
Šeri?, M., Patrizi, M., Ceccotti, F., & Vernuccio, M. (2024). Resident perspectives unveiled: The role of a sustainable destination image in shaping pro-sustainable responses. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 81, 103985
Shoukat, M. H., Shah, S. A., Ali, R., & Ramkissoon, H. (2023). Mapping stakeholder role in building destination image and destination brand: Mediating role of stakeholder brand engagement. Tourism Analysis, 28(1), 29-46.
Sijabat, L., Rantung, D. I., & Mandagi, D. W. (2022). The role of social media influencers in shaping customer brand engagement and brand perception. Jurnal Manajemen Bisnis, 9(2), 280-288.
Talukder, M. B., Khan, M. R., & Kumar, S. (2024). Socioeconomic Gaps and Foster Inclusive Growth: Sustainable Tourism Initiatives. In Building Community Resiliency and Sustainability With Tourism Development (pp. 56-82). IGI Global.
Tanrisever, C., Pamukçu, H., & Baydeniz, E. (2024). Climate change in tourism: Understanding the impacts and opportunities for sustainability. In Future tourism trends volume 1: Tourism in the changing world (pp. 33-45). Emerald Publishing Limited.
Tappy, Y. P., & Mandagi, D. W. (2023). Evaluating the Brand Gestalt of Emerging Health Tourism Destinations. Jurnal Studi Perhotelan dan Pariwisata (JSPP), 2(2), 71-85.
Torres-Delgado, A., López Palomeque, F., Elorrieta Sanz, B., & Font Urgell, X. (2023). Monitoring sustainable management in local tourist destinations: performance, drivers and barriers. Journal of sustainable tourism, 31(7), 1672-1693.
Torres-Moraga, E. I., Alonso-Dos-Santos, M., Arboleda, D. Q., & Carvajal-Trujillo, E. (2021). The role of experience and trustworthiness on perception sustainable touristic destinations. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 49, 471-480.
Tulbure, I., & Eduard, E. M. (2024). Opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainable tourism on regional level. International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: SGEM, 2024(5.1), 165-172.
Tumober, N. C., Langelo, C. G., Rantung, D. I., & Mandagi, D. W. (2024). Brand harmony: Exploring how destination brand gestalt influences tourist attitudes, satisfaction, and loyalty. Jurnal Ekonomi, 13(02), 404-421.
Walean, R. H., Pongoh, H., & Mandagi, D. (2024). Integrating brand gestalt and customer loyalty in telecommunication sector: The mediating role of customer satisfaction. International Review of Management and Marketing, 14(6), 409-423.
Walean, R. H., Wullur, L., & Mandagi, D. W. (2023). Constructing a destination gestalt model: brand gestalt, brand attitude, and revisit intention. Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 23(1), 9.
Waworuntu, E. C., Mandagi, D. W., & Pangemanan, A. S. (2022). ‘I See It, I Want It, I Buy It’: The Role of Social Media Marketing in Shaping Brand Image and Gen Z’s Intention to Purchase Local Product. Society, 10(2), 351-369.
Yadav, S. J. (2025). Double Jeopardy: Unveiling the Synergistic Impacts of Climate Change and Tourism on Biodiversity Loss. In Harnessing Biodiversity Tourism for Regenerative Conservation Management (pp. 463-482). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.