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

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.