Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Academic Cities of the Silesian Voivodeship

Abstract

This study aims to explore sustainable tourism management strategies by integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The main objective of the study is to develop and verify an innovative system of sustainable tourism indicators for academic cities in the Silesian Voivodeship based on the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) and the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach. The study involves three main stakeholder groups: local residents, tourists, and experts representing travel agencies and academia. The research was conducted between April and September 2024 in selected academic cities of the Silesian Voivodeship, combining survey-based quantitative data and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders.The research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder perceptions and behaviors, assess the effectiveness of sustainable tourism policies, and identify emerging trends in tourist behavior and preferences. The study is grounded in the principles of sustainable tourism, emphasizing the balance between economic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. It builds on integrated destination management and community-based tourism theories, highlighting the role of stakeholder collaboration, policy coherence and adaptive management. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and surveys. Qualitative data undergo thematic analysis to extract key insights, while quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modeling to identify relationships and trends. Findings indicate that integrated destination management is a critical strategy for sustainable tourism, requiring coordinated stakeholder efforts. Community-based tourism enhances social equity, cultural authenticity, and environmental stewardship. Additionally, policy integration, innovation, technology adoption, and capacity-building initiatives significantly contribute to sustainable tourism practices. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and local communities by identifying effective strategies for sustainable tourism management. This research contributes to the existing literature by integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide a multidimensional analysis of sustainable tourism strategies. By highlighting best practices and emerging trends, it advances knowledge on how to balance tourism development with long-term sustainability goals.