Geographical Factors Influencing Economic Growth in Emerging Tourist Destinations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/portuni.26040014Keywords:
Geography, economic growth, tourism, emerging destinations, natural resources, regional development, sustainabilityAbstract
The rapid expansion of global tourism has positioned emerging tourist destinations as significant contributors to regional and national economic growth. However, the pace and sustainability of such development are deeply influenced by a variety of geographical factors. This study explores how key geographical elements—including natural landscapes, climate, accessibility, and resource distribution—shape the economic trajectories of emerging tourist areas. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of case studies from different continents with quantitative assessments of tourism-related economic indicators.
The findings reveal that destinations endowed with unique or attractive natural features, such as mountains, coastlines, forests, and biodiversity hotspots, tend to attract greater tourist flows, which in turn fosters job creation, infrastructure development, and increased investment. Climate and seasonality play a crucial role, as favorable weather conditions can extend the tourist season and stabilize local economies. Accessibility, determined by the quality of transport infrastructure and proximity to major markets, emerges as another critical factor, often distinguishing thriving destinations from those struggling to reach their potential. The study also highlights the interplay between geography and cultural assets, noting that regions with rich historical and cultural heritage can leverage these resources for economic gain, provided they are supported by sustainable management practices.
References
Abbasov, F. (2018). The role of natural resources in tourism development. Journal of Economic Research, 5(2), 67–78.
Abdullayev, A. E., Asgerova, M. R., Abbasova, M. M., & Humbat, E. (2024). Global challenges of regional management in the modern world: The main factors shaping the infrastructure base of regional management. International Journal, 5(11), 4639–4644.
Abdullayev, A., & Alakbarov, A. (2025). Human capital and digital skills as drivers of firm-level competitiveness in Azerbaijan’s transition economy. Luminis Applied Science and Engineering, 2(3), 27–34.
Askerov, A. (2020). Geographical factors in the development of tourism in Azerbaijan. Elm Press.
Bababayli, N., Zeynalov, H., Maharramova, K., & Isgenderova, U. (2025). Assessment of the geographic and tourism potential of the mountainous areas of Nakhchivan in the context of landscape ecology. Journal of Geology, Geography and Geoecology, 34(4), 721–732.
Bianchi, R. V. (2018). Tourism, governance and development: A critical review. Tourism Management, 66, 315–326.
Butler, R. W. (2006). The tourism area life cycle: Applications and modifications. Channel View Publications.
Dwyer, L., Forsyth, P., & Dwyer, W. (2010). Tourism economics and policy. Channel View Publications.
Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (2015). Tourism and water. Channel View Publications.
Guliyev, I., & Aliyeva, S. (2017). Infrastructure and accessibility in tourism growth: Azerbaijan case study. Caspian Economic Review, 3(2), 92–104.
Hall, C. M., & Page, S. J. (2014). The geography of tourism and recreation: Environment, place, and space. Routledge.
Hall, D., & Richards, G. (2002). Tourism and sustainable community development. Routledge.
Imanova, M. (2021). Application of strategic management tools in business growth. Management and Economics Review.
Ismayilov, T. (2021). Sustainable tourism practices in the Caucasus region. Eurasian Geography Journal, 8(3), 120–135.
Jafarov, E. (2022). Rural tourism as a driver of local economic growth in Azerbaijan. Rural Development Review, 4(1), 33–41.
Karimova, F. B., Shabanov, M. S., & Mammadli, G. A. (2025). Duzdagh – Nakhchivan’s health paradise: Integration of natural therapy and tourism. Revista Universidad y Sociedad, 17(4).
Mammadov, R., & Mahmudov, M. (2019). Tourism geography in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan Geographical Society Journal, 2(1), 45–57.
Mammadova, E., & Abdullayev, A. (2025). Cultural industries and national economic competitiveness: A global perspective. Porta Universorum, 1(3), 322–344.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan. (2019). National tourism strategy. Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Prideaux, B. (2000). The role of the transport system in destination development. Tourism Management, 21(1), 53–63.
Sharpley, R., & Telfer, D. J. (2015). Tourism and development: Concepts and issues. Channel View Publications.
State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (2021). Annual tourism report. State Tourism Agency.
UNWTO. (2022). Tourism highlights. United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Williams, A. M., & Shaw, G. (1998). Tourism and economic development: European experiences. Wiley.
World Bank. (2018). Tourism for development. World Bank Group.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which allows others to share, adapt, and build upon the work for any purpose, provided appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and source. Authors are permitted to enter into separate agreements for non-exclusive distribution of the published version (e.g., post to a repository or publish in a book), with acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
