Sustainable Mobility in Tourism Transportation Systems
Summary
Sustainable mobility in tourism transportation systems encompasses the planning, management and operation of transport services that balance environmental stewardship, social equity and economic viability. It involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by encouraging low-carbon modes—such as public transport, shared mobility, cycling and walking—while ensuring accessibility and convenience for visitors and local communities. Innovations in digital platforms, real-time data and integrated ticketing support seamless intermodal journeys, improving the visitor experience and reducing reliance on private vehicles. Effective governance frameworks unite public authorities, private operators and destination stakeholders to develop infrastructure, set regulatory standards and incentivise green transport solutions. Behavioural insights guide targeted campaigns and pricing schemes to shift travel habits, while strategic spatial planning integrates transport networks with accommodation, attractions and local economic activities. Achieving sustainable mobility in tourism requires a systems approach that addresses energy efficiency, resource conservation and inclusive access, thereby fostering destinations that are both attractive to travellers and resilient to environmental pressures.
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Sustainable Mobility in Tourism Transportation Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sustainable mobility in tourism transportation systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sustainable mobility: Transportation approach that minimises environmental impacts, enhances social inclusion and ensures economic efficiency within tourism contexts.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM): A collection of analytical methods for evaluating and ranking alternatives based on multiple, often conflicting criteria.
Geographic Information System (GIS): A platform for capturing, analysing and visualising spatial data to assess transport network performance and accessibility.
Destination City Sustainable Mobility Index (DCSM index): A composite measure reflecting the sustainability of urban transport systems for tourists, integrating modal shares and enabling factors.
References
- Sustainable cycle-tourism for society: Integrating multi-criteria decision-making and land use approaches for route selection. Sustainable Cities and Society (2023).
- What drives tourists’ sustainable mobility at city destinations? Insights from ten European capital cities. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management (2024).
- Intra-destination travel behavior of alpine tourists: a literature review on choice determinants and the survey work. Transportation (2022).
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