Assessment of Mountain Tourism Sustainability Using Integrated Fuzzy MCDM Model

Abstract

The sustainable development of mountain tourism is crucial for preserving the delicate ecosystems and resources found in these unique landscapes. This research paper investigates the sustainability of mountain lodges, which serve as essential facilities for delivering mountain tourism services. To assess sustainability, expert decision making involving eight selected experts was employed. A hybrid approach combining the IMF SWARA (IMproved Fuzzy Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method with Fuzzy Dombi Aggregation Operators was utilized to determine the weights of various sustainability criteria. The IMF SWARA method assigned initial weights based on expert input, which were subsequently adjusted using Fuzzy Dombi Aggregation Operators. The findings highlight the significance of two key criteria as per expert evaluations: the quality of the services offered (C21) and the preservation of natural resources (C15). To rank and evaluate the mountain lodges, the fuzzy CRADIS (Compromise Ranking of Alternatives from Distance to Ideal Solution) method was employed, ultimately identifying Zabrana (ML6) as the top-ranked mountain lodge. The validity of these results was confirmed through result validation and sensitivity analysis. This research contributes by providing insights into the current state of mountain tourism and offering guidelines for enhancing the overall mountain tourism experience through the integration of fuzzy methods.

Analyzing Primary Sector Selection for Economic Activity in Romania: An Interval-Valued Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Approach

“…The sector, encompassing agriculture and mining, generates valuable export revenue, with agricultural products like grains and sunflower oil contributing to foreign exchange earnings. Sustainable resource management practices are increasingly prioritized, emphasizing responsible agriculture, forestry, and mining for long-term viability [7]. Investment in the primary sector aligns with rural development initiatives, focusing on improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare to enhance living conditions and encourage community residency.…”

“…The country has fertile agricultural land and favorable climatic conditions for crop cultivation and livestock rearing [7]. The primary sector contributes to domestic food production, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing food self-sufficiency.…”

“…Employment opportunities: The primary sector is a significant source of employment in Romania, particularly in rural areas [7]. Understanding which sectors contribute most to job creation and income generation can inform policies aimed at promoting employment growth and improving livelihoods, especially in regions with high unemployment rates or limited economic opportunities.…”

“…Romania's transition from a centrally planned to a market economy has left a legacy of inefficiencies and structural challenges in its primary sectors [7]. The legacy of state-owned enterprises, outdated infrastructure, and bureaucratic barriers can hinder effective sector selection and impede the competitiveness of certain industries.…”

“…Computational efficiency: SAW, WPM, and WASPAS are computationally efficient and can be implemented using simple spreadsheet-based tools or software packages. They require minimal computational resources and are suitable for analyzing large datasets or conducting sensitivity analyses [6,7]. By contrast, methods like PROMETHEE and AHP may involve iterative calculations or complex algorithms, leading to longer processing times and potentially higher computational costs.…”