Sustainable Tourism Development in Mountain Regions: A Case Study of Peștera Village, Brasov County, Applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Alina Emilia Maria Gherdan, Ramona Vasilica Bacter (), Cristina Maria Maerescu, Tiberiu Iancu, Ramona Ciolac () and Alexandra Ungureanu
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Alina Emilia Maria Gherdan: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Ramona Vasilica Bacter: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Cristina Maria Maerescu: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Tiberiu Iancu: Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Science “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Ramona Ciolac: Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Science “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Alexandra Ungureanu: Department of Economics, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava, University Street 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-33

Abstract: This study applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the priority criteria for sustainable tourism development in Peștera Village, focusing on six essential areas: Environmental Sustainability, Economic Benefits, Cultural and Social Preservation, Infrastructure and Accessibility, Tourism Experience and Satisfaction, and Policy and Regulation Compliance. The AHP analysis demonstrated that Environmental Sustainability emerged as the top priority, emphasizing the need for tourism practices that preserve the village’s natural environment and ecosystems. Economic Benefits closely followed, highlighting the community’s recognition of tourism as a crucial driver for local economic growth, job creation, and income generation. The combination of these two criteria indicates a clear alignment between ecological preservation and the village’s economic aspirations, which are both fundamental to achieving long-term sustainable development. This research contributes to an improved understanding of sustainable practices in mountain tourism, offering insights applicable to similar tourism regions. By aligning environmental, economic, and cultural priorities, this study supports the development of comprehensive policies aimed at fostering resilience and sustainability in mountain tourism destinations worldwide.

Keywords: sustainable tourism; analytic hierarchy process (AHP); mountain regions; economic development; Pe?tera village; Bra?ov County; accommodation structures; hostel owners (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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