Challenges of Kyushu Olle as a sustainable tourism resource : A questionnaire-based survey in Japan

Extensive research has been conducted on Jeju Olle in South Korea; however, studies on Kyushu Olle in Japan, which was launched as a sister trail course to Jeju Olle in 2012, are relatively scarce. This study aimed to examine the challenges facing Kyushu Olle as a sustainable tourism resource. At present, around 18 walking trails are operated across Kyushu. However, compared with Jeju Olle, Kyushu Olle is facing several challenges, such as course management, sluggish growth in the number of visitors, and collaboration with local stakeholders, including residents. We analyzed the data from a questionnaire survey conducted at the Olle Festival in March 2023. Findings revealed that certain facilities, such as toilets, course preparation, and festival management, need to be improved. Study findings are contributive in that they offer insight into the challenges faced by Kyushu Olle as a sustainable tourism resource and provide future research direction.