Emerging Dimensions of Sustainability in Tourism: A Contemporary Perspective

Abstract

The landscape of global tourism is rapidly transforming under the pressure of environmental fragility, cultural erosion, climate volatility, and socio-economic inequities. This paper investigates the emergent, multifaceted dimensions of sustainability in tourism by framing a contemporary perspective that transcends traditional eco-centric approaches. Drawing on a mixed-method primary research design, this study explores how local communities, digital innovations, governance frameworks, and regenerative philosophies are reshaping sustainable tourism practices in both developed and developing contexts. Based on empirical data collected from 362 stakeholders across diverse tourism destinations, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to validate the relationships among five key constructs: community co-creation, technological mediation, cultural continuity, climate-responsive design, and regenerative impact. The results confirmed that regenerative practices significantly mediate the effect of these sustainability drivers on destination trust. The findings reveal that cultural continuity and local empowerment strongly predict net-positive sustainability outcomes, while ethically governed digital platforms and climate-adaptive infrastructure further amplify destination resilience and visitor satisfaction. The research identifies five evolving pillars of sustainable tourism: community co-creation, climate-adaptive infrastructure, heritage-conscious development, platform accountability, and immersive low-impact experiences. Additionally, the study illustrates how digital technologies can either foster or fragment sustainable practices depending on the governance context and algorithmic design. The paper proposes a revised framework for sustainable tourism that integrates technological realism, cultural pluralism, and circular economic strategies. Ultimately, this research advocates for a paradigm shift in tourism sustainability discourse—from conservation-focused rhetoric to a multi-dimensional, equity-driven, and innovation-enabled narrative that respects both place and people. Such a shift is essential not only for sustaining tourism but for allowing tourism to become a force that sustains