Student Research

This study examines the cultural ecosystem services (CES) that attract recreational visitors to Kasteel Groeneveld, by analyzing visitor motivations and stakeholder practices. Using surveys and interviews, the research identifies key CES such as aesthetic value, recreational opportunities, and emotional well-being. The findings emphasize the need to integrate visitor perspectives into management strategies for improved CES delivery, sustainable tourism, and conservation efforts.

This research examines how cognitive appraisal theory predicts emotional experiences in the gradual setting of a heritage site, using the Cathedral of Valencia as a case study. A survey of 266 visitors found that appraisal theory explained 15% of the variance in emotions, significantly less than in fast-paced contexts. Factors like personal control, expectations, and satisfaction influenced emotions, with the theory being more accurate for residents than non-residents.

This thesis examines how Lisbon city tours can raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, comparing inclusive LGBTQ+ tours with conventional ones, as LGBTQ+ tours foster empathy and diverse narratives. The study suggests integrating LGBTQ+ elements into traditional tours to create inclusive, educational, and socially just experiences.

This study examines how tourism stakeholders on Texel, a Wadden Island in the Netherlands, can support a circular economy (CE) by reusing and recycling to minimize waste. Key barriers include fears of higher costs, lack of policy guidance, and poor collaboration, though opportunities like innovation and an island-focused approach could help. Future research should expand to include inhabitants, tourists, and demand-side perspectives.

This study examined whether olfactory cues, such as perfumes, could mitigate the fade-out effect—the decline in positive emotions and life satisfaction after vacations. While no statistically significant differences were found between the control and experimental groups, the experimental group showed a slight positive trend in life satisfaction and emotions. These findings suggest potential for further research into olfactory cues as a method for enhancing post-vacation well-being, requiring larger and more diverse samples.

This study investigates the impact of climate litigation on an airline’s climate discourse, focusing on KLM during a lawsuit by Fossielvrij NL over sustainability claims. The analysis revealed that KLM's discourse centered on deflecting responsibility, while maintaining a pretext of environmental action, though critique led to increased transparency in its sustainability communications. The findings highlight the growing scrutiny on the aviation industry regarding climate change.

This study examines the overlooked relationship between mobility and the tourist experience, emphasizing its critical role in shaping visitor satisfaction and fostering repeat visits. The paper identifies factors influencing this relationship, including mobility-related characteristics, sensory experiences, and individual tourist preferences. While the research highlights significant insights, it also underscores the need for further exploration of gaps in the existing literature.

This bachelor’s thesis examines the push and pull motives, activities, and amenities preferred by Dutch agritourism campsite visitors and their impact on visitation decisions. The study found that pull motives such as local foods, positively influence agritourism intention, while activity and amenity preferences showed a negative impact. The findings aim to guide agritourism site owners to a better understanding of visitor needs to attract tourists and diversifying income sources.

This thesis investigates how allyship initiatives on Amsterdam hotel websites influence the wellbeing and safety perceptions of LGBTQI+ travelers before their stay. The findings indicate that travelers feel safer and experience enhanced wellbeing when hotels present clear and authentic allyship initiatives.

This study explores the research question: "How do Spanish and foreign residents in Jávea perceive tourism's impact on their local community differently?" Both groups see economic benefits but share concerns about cultural loss, environmental harm, and lifestyle disruptions. Foreign residents report higher concerns about organized crime and manage rising costs better than locals, who face more economic pressure. The study recommends sustainable tourism practices to protect resident well-being.