The use of green and renewable energies undeniably plays an essential role in today’s society. Energy from these sources plays a key role in transforming the energy sector and significantly impacts the way of life and the quality of life of different social groups. The main aspects of this study are to briefly describe the situation of clean and renewable energy in Hungary and to investigate the extent to which the younger generation of different social groups is involved in using renewable energy sources in their everyday lives and their attitudes towards environmental awareness. In our research, we also investigate whether there is a strong statistical correlation between environmental awareness, environmentally damaging activities and the perceptions of different environmental problems among the target groups and, if so, how these affect the research topic. Our primary research can be considered representative, as we surveyed all primary and secondary school students in the Gyöngyös micro-region of the North-Hungarian region and also included the opinion of university students in the mentioned micro-region. The questionnaire was asked in person, and 2180 students completed it. The research was carried out in several phases, the first occurring between 2017 and 2019 and the second between 2020 and 2021. Three research questions were formulated, and the main findings show that the students’ main goal in the research was not to protect or support the environment but to prefer material well-being and related factors. On the results of statistical correlation analyses, overall, the examination by educational level (primary, secondary and higher) does not show significant differences between student groups, i.e., students with higher education do not have higher levels of environmental awareness and attitudes. Another important finding is that using renewable energy sources is considered too expensive for low-income families to take advantage of this kind of energy.

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on visitor satisfaction, engagement, and recommendation intentions at World Heritage Sites in Chinese coastal cities. A survey-based quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from four hundred and two respondents across eight cities using systematic random sampling. structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze relationships among digital participation, perceived authenticity, visitor satisfaction, and recommendation behaviors. Results highlight that technologies such as VR and AR enhance satisfaction, engagement, and authenticity, driving recommendation behaviors. Extending Cultural Authenticity Theory and satisfaction–loyalty frameworks, the study emphasizes the dynamic interplay of digital tools and cultural narratives. Practical recommendations focus on implementing culturally sensitive, interactive digital strategies to strengthen heritage tourism’s sustainability. Future research is encouraged to explore emerging technologies like AI and the metaverse.

The current sustainability concerns affect visitors’ behavior and competitiveness of destinations. For these reasons, the destinations need sustainable and innovative branding to address sustainability concerns, stand out in a competitive market, meet changing visitor preferences, and ensure long-term competitiveness in a dynamic global environment. In this regard, identifying and understanding challenges, opportunities, and innovative strategies are critically important. An integrative literature review method was employed using the Scopus database. The study identified major challenges, such as growing environmental concerns, the dynamic advancement of new technologies and artificial intelligence, health and safety concerns, diversity and inclusion, economic and geopolitical uncertainties, local community engagement, and competitive markets. Conversely, responsible tourism, the digital landscape, wellness and health, cultural festivals and events, accessibility and inclusivity, creative industries, and authenticity have been identified as future tourism branding opportunities. Based on the literature insights, the paper provides readers with essential information and advances the field of tourism and hospitality as it identifies challenges, opportunities, and innovative branding strategies in the industry. Furthermore, this work contributes to existing literature and proposes future research agendas.

While technology is developing rapidly, natural resources are being exploited with more and more factories. Global environmental problems draw attention to the issue of sustainability as a warning sign. In this situation, encouraging the development of green innovative technologies and supporting green startups has become particularly important. Sustainable development is an important goal for every country, and it means a global competitive advantage if the given country supports the spread of green technologies. It is therefore the responsibility of leading politicians to create an enabling economic environment to encourage young people to become conscious, green-minded entrepreneurs. In this study, we delve into the driving factors compelling young individuals to venture into entrepreneurship. This exploration combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A cohort of 280 Hungarian university students participated in an online questionnaire survey as part of the quantitative segment, while the qualitative research component involved scrutinizing young people’s perspectives on enterprises and startups through focus group discussions. The research aims to unveil the motivations and primary concerns of Z-generation university students when contemplating entrepreneurship, as well as their perspectives on the significance of sustainability in this context. The outcomes of this study could serve as a catalyst for the establishment of more environmentally-conscious and sustainable businesses and startups.

Personal Branding (PB) has gained significant attention in recent years, especially in career advancement and business success. This study addresses the research gap in Personal Brand Equity (PBE) measurement by developing and validating a standardized framework. Using mixed-methods research combining interviews with 10 professionals and surveys of 396 individuals across diverse professional categories, the study identifies and validates three dimensions of PBE: Brand Appeal, Brand Differentiation, and Brand Recognition. Factor analysis revealed six critical attributes influencing PBE (visibility, credibility, differentiation, online presence, professional network, and reputation) and distinguished between external- and self-Personal Brand Equity components. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), with reliability assessed through Cronbach’s alpha (>0.7). Findings demonstrate significant correlations between high PBE scores and positive career outcomes including job satisfaction, salary progression, and advancement opportunities. The resulting Personal Brand Equity Scale (PBES) provides both a measurement tool for professionals seeking to enhance their personal brands and a validated framework for future academic research on personal branding effectiveness.