1 Title:
Application of the Theory of Affinities to the sustainability of tourist destinations: the case of Ljubljana.
2 Research objective:
The main objective of the research is to know the relationships of affinities between pro-environmental initiatives and the characteristics of the destination based on the perception of tourists who visit the city.
3 Abstract:
Sustainability has become the central issue in several destinations regarding how to resume tourist activity. Despite the progress, knowledge gaps have been identified that need to be strengthened in the tourism sector. In the same direction, managers and policy makers lack data to formulate strategies based on sustainability, and at the same time, be able to reduce uncertainty in decision-making. In this context, the main motivation of the study lies in reducing these gaps and contributing to the sustainable development of tourism. The study is innovative in using the theory of affinities as a methodology applied to the urban sustainability of Ljubljana. Therefore, the main objective of the research is to know the relationships of affinities between pro-environmental initiatives and the characteristics of the destination based on the perception of tourists who visit the city. The authors carry out applied research, with an explanatory objective and a combined approach (quantitative-qualitative), through modeling and simulation and a case study. As practical contributions, managers and policymakers in various countries can strengthen the tourism sector by prioritizing actions in formulating strategies to resume tourism activity, increase the destination’s competitiveness, and contribute to the sustainable development of tourism based on relationships of affinities. These findings have direct implications for the future of sustainable tourism.
