Spatial Variation of Plastic Pollution at Event and Festival Sites and Its Impact on Urban Tourism Sustainability in Al-Hillah City
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Abstract
This research aims to analyze the spatial variation of plastic pollution at event and festival sites in the city of Hillah and to examine its impact on the sustainability of urban tourism during 2026. The research adopted a descriptive approach, along with spatial and statistical analyses, to examine the levels, quantities, and sources of plastic pollution. It also employed a set of environmental and tourism indicators. The research covered 18 sites for tourism, recreational, and event activities. The results revealed clear spatial variation in the levels of plastic pollution among the sites. Open recreational spaces and squares recorded the highest level of pollution, at 94%, followed by religious tourism sites at 91%, while some sites recorded lower levels ranging between 47% and 51%. The results also showed that water and beverage bottles were the most widespread type of plastic pollutant, with a spatial prevalence of 100% and a contribution of 24.8% of the total pollution. Correlation analysis indicated strong and statistically significant relationships between plastic pollution indicators and the dimensions of urban tourism, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.81. Regression analysis showed that plastic pollution explained significant proportions of the variance in environmental quality, tourism landscape, tourism experience, tourism attractiveness, and continuity of tourism activity. The findings emphasize the importance of improving waste management, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and promoting sustainable environmental practices to ensure the sustainability of urban tourism in the city of Hillah.
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