Tourism Review

Farmaki, Anna; Antoniou, Katerina; Christou, Prokopis

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-11-2018-0159

This study aims to examine the factors shaping the intentions of people to visit a hostile outgroup.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory, qualitative research approach was followed. Specifically, 77 semi-structured interviews with citizens of the divided island of Cyprus were conducted.FindingsThis study identifies several categories of visitors and non-visitors, depicted along a continuum, and concludes that there is a multiplicity of factors in the socio-political environment which influence the travel intentions of people.Originality/valueThis study not only imparts insights into the way travel decision-making evolves in politically unstable situations but also serves as a stepping stone towards understanding the conditions under which reconciliation between hostile nations may be encouraged by travel.

Brochado, Ana

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-10-2017-0162

This study aims to examine nature-based tourists’ experiences in tree houses using user-generated content in Web reviews. The research objectives were to identify the main dimensions of tree house experiences and test whether these dimensions vary according to different traveller-type market segments.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 722 Web reviews was analysed using mixed content analysis methods. Leximancer software provided computer-assisted qualitative data analysis that identified the main themes, after which further qualitative analysis identified the key narratives associated with experiences.FindingsThe results reveal that tourists are extremely satisfied with their stays in tree houses. The main themes that encompass the dominant narratives are tree house, Costa Rica, staff, morning, walk, wildlife, rainforest, opportunity to learn, trip, experience and recommendation. The narratives vary according to type of traveller.Originality/valueThe valuable insights gained emphasise the advantages of using user-generated content in tourism studies. The results also offer a better understanding of the key dimensions of this type of nature-based tourism, including a graphic representation of the main themes and concepts in guests’ narratives. In addition, the findings emphasise that nature-based tourists are not a homogeneous group and that they can be segmented according to type of traveller.

McLoughlin, Emmet; Hanrahan, James

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-12-2017-0198

Sustainability is an essential word in the vocabulary of modern planning; it is the key principle that underpins the Irish planning process. Yet, despite decades of academic and practical debate on sustainable planning and its application to tourism, there still exist many gaps, especially when it comes to its implementation. The purpose of this paper is to highlight, over a 10-year period, how Local Authorities in Ireland have responded to the increasing tourism arrivals, which is having major implications for tourism planning.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a multi-method approach to determine the level of sustainable planning for tourism as evident from all legally required Local Authority County Development Plans (CDPs) in Ireland.FindingsWhile findings have identified a slight increase in the provision for sustainable planning for tourism over the decade, there continues to be poor levels of policy provision in key areas. Despite the responsibilities placed on Local Authorities to sustainably plan for tourism, findings continue to question the ability of Local Authorities in Ireland to plan sustainably for tourism and protect the tourism product.Originality/valueThis research provides the first longitudinal study on the level of sustainable planning for tourism by Local Authorities in Ireland. It provides an assessment of the current state of sustainable planning as evident from CDPs in 2016 compared to the original study of 2006, while developing new knowledge on Local Authority sustainable planning for tourism and the incorporation of tourism indicators.

Ahmad, Syed Zamberi; Ahmad, Norita; Papastathopoulos, Avraam

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-10-2017-0160

This study aims to delve upon customer satisfaction and service quality within small- and medium-sized hotels (SMSHs) by using a modified SERVQUAL model.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were collected from a sample of 253 guests of varying nationalities who stayed at SMSHs of one-to-three-star ratings in the UAE. Moreover, 15 face-to-face interviews were conducted. The influence of the five dimensions of the SERVQUAL model on visitors’ satisfaction was explored using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results indicated that three out of the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely, tangible, responsiveness and assurance, have significant positive impact on visitors’ satisfaction of the SMSHs Industry. The remaining two dimensions of SERVQUAL, reliability and empathy, have no significant impact on visitors’ satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study provides a major contribution in that it offers the potential to examine a vastly under researched area of customer satisfaction and service quality of SMSHs in a developing country.

Nicely, Annmarie; Mohd Ghazali, Raslinda

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/TR-11-2017-0174

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use a study conducted on the Caribbean island of Jamaica to make the case that music might be a plausible suppressant of negative visitor harassment (VH). The goal of the study in question was to determine the genres of songs and music likely to have a positive effect on emotions the antithesis of the ones associated with VH but would have positive effect on visitors’ shopping behaviors as well.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method pre-experimental design was used for the study. Forty-two craft traders from a single craft market in Jamaica participated in seven music experiments and the data gathered were analyzed using predominantly paired and independent t-test analyses.FindingsThe researchers found that music likely to result in positive shopper behaviors also resulted in positive trader emotions, in particular in emotions the antithesis of those associated with trader harassment. In addition, the researchers discovered that old non-instrumental local songs had a significantly greater positive effect on these emotions than local contemporary songs and instrumental music.Originality/valueThe study discussed was original as it was the first known that looked at music as a possible treatment for negative VH.

Vargas-Sánchez, Alfonso; Moral-Moral, María

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-01-2018-0015

Halal tourism is a growing segment that represents a potentially attractive niche. However, although increasing, it is still a young and residual area of academic research. This paper aims to explore its concept, boundaries and various streams to offer a clarifying vision for researchers and tourism managers.Design/methodology/approachA systematization of the state of the art was carried out based on the papers contained in Web of Science and Scopus databases. Moreover, papers not indexed in these repositories (conference papers, book chapters, etc.) were searched through scientific social networks mainly.FindingsIn spite of recent efforts, halal tourism is a field of study still in a very early stage; however, on a practical level, the number of halal products and services is starting to increase worldwide. Nevertheless, there are challenges for the tourist industry in moving towards the authentication of the halal tourism offer, including among them the role of new technologies and the digital economy.Originality/valueThis paper offers a comprehensive analysis of halal tourism research. It highlights its main areas, gaps and questions for debate. In this line, a research agenda is proposed.

Bahja, Frida; Cobanoglu, Cihan; Berezina, Katerina; Lusby, Carolin

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-12-2017-0207

The purpose of the study was to discover the relative importance of influencing factors toward booking a cruise vacation. Based on a review of literature, this study focused on exploring the relative importance of six influential factors in cruise customers’ decision-making process: cruise vacation price, cruise duration, distance from the cruise port, itineraries, environmental friendliness of cruise line and cruise online reviews.Design/methodology/approachThe complexity of cruise customers’ decision-making process for involving these six attributes with several levels was examined with choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis. CBC was selected due to its realistic approach to purchase decisions, in the form of trade-offs. The online survey collected data anonymously. The survey was distributed through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (Mturk) platform. The sample consisted of 450 cruise customers, who had experienced a cruise vacation before.FindingsThe findings of the study showed that online reviews were the most influential attribute for cruise customers in their cruise decision, followed very closely by the environmental friendliness of the cruise line. The next influential factor was the duration of the cruise vacation, which was followed by distance from the cruise port, cruise itinerary and cruise vacation price. The best and the worst cruise vacation profiles were generated based on the CBC analysis.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide some insights with regard to cruise customers’ importance about influencing factors when deciding on a cruise vacation.Originality/valueThe research provides insides in understanding the influential factors at the last stage of cruise customers’ decision-making process. In this regard, cruise industry can pay more attention in promoting the attributes of a cruise offer as influential factors. Additionally, the findings of this study contribute to the general knowledge about cruise customers’ decision-making process.

Cohen, Erik

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-06-2018-0089

This study aims to raises the question of the potential impact of posthumanism, a stream in contemporary postmodernist philosophy, on current tourism practices and tourism studies. The author discusses its denial of some basic positions of enlightenment humanism: human exceptionalism, anthropocentrism and transcendentalism. The author then seeks to infer the implications of posthumanist thought for the basic concepts and categorical distinctions on which modern tourism and modernist tourist studies are based.Design/methodology/approachThis paper raises the question of the potential impact of posthumanism, a stream in contemporary postmodernist philosophy, on current tourism practices and tourism studies. The author discusses its denial of some basic positions of Enlightenment humanism: human exceptionalism, anthropocentrism and transcendentalism. The author then seeks to infer the implications of posthumanist thought for the basic concepts and categorical distinctions on which modern tourism and modernist tourist studies are based. This paper raises the question of the potential impact of posthumanism, a stream in contemporary postmodernist philosophy, on current tourism practices and tourism studies. The author discusses its denial of some basic positions of Enlightenment humanism: human exceptionalism, anthropocentrism and transcendentalism. The author then seeks to infer the implications of posthumanist thought for the basic concepts and categorical distinctions on which modern tourism and modernist tourist studies are based. The author then discusses some inconsistencies in posthumanist philosophy, which stand in the way of its applicability to touristic practices, and end up with an appraisal of the significance of posthumanism for tourism studies.FindingsThe author pays specific attention to the implications of the effort of posthumanism to erase the human-animal divide for tourist-animal interaction, and of the possible impact of the adoption of posthumanist practices on the tourist industry and the ecological balance of wilderness areas. The author then discusses some inconsistencies in posthumanist philosophy, which stand in the way of its applicability to touristic practices, and end up with a brief appraisal of the significance of posthumanism for tourism studies.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to confront tourism studies with the radical implications of posthumanist thought. It will hopefully open a new line of discourse in the field.

Yu, Chung-En; Ngan, Henrique F. Boyol

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-07-2018-0097

The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptual differences toward smiling behaviors with head inclinations displaying by the human-like robot staff and human staff in a service setting.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a 2 (staff: robot/human personal personnel) × 3 (head tilt: left/right/straight) full factorial design, while cross-examining participants’ cultural dimensions 2 (power distance: high/lower) × 2 (gender: male/female) during the service encounter.FindingsOverall, it was found that male and female customers with different cultural background would perceive robot and human personnel with varying degrees of head tilt very differently, namely, regarding interpersonal warmth but not customer satisfaction.Originality/valueNonverbal cues serve as important elements in the interaction. This paper provides new directions on the design of anthropomorphic robot and gives insight to people’s perceptual differences. All in all, the present study is useful in facilitating human–robot interactions.

Cakici, A. Celil; Akgunduz, Yilmaz; Yildirim, Oya

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-02-2018-0025

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived price justice, satisfaction, revisit intention and loyalty among restaurant customers, specially the mediating effect of revisit intention in the relationship between perceived price justice, satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a questionnaire distributed to customer of restaurants in Turkey. A total of 304 restaurant customers participated.FindingsResults from structural equation modeling show that price justice and satisfaction positively influence their revisit intention of restaurant customers, also revisit intention positively influences loyalty of restaurant customers. Also, the empirical results indicate that while revisit intention fully mediates the effect of price justice and loyalty, it partially mediates the effect of satisfaction and loyalty.Originality/valueWhen the studies in the literature are examined, it is seen that there are various studies that deal with perceived price justice, customer satisfaction, revisit intention and loyalty variables from a different viewpoint. However, no study has been found on restaurants that investigate the relationship between these four variables and the mediating role of revisit intention. Furthermore, the authors’ study contributes to the hospitality and service management literature in two ways. First, the authors follow recent calls for studies on antecedents of revisit intention, with the aim of providing empirical support to uncover factor that shape customers’ revisit intentions. Second, the authors investigate the attitudinal mechanism that explains how customers’ perception of price justice and satisfaction in their loyalty by exploring the mediation effect of revisit intention. On the other hand, it is foreseen that the study will shed light on restaurant managers and provide healthy data for strategic planning. Additionally, that the results obtained are the practical purpose of the study is to contribute to the determination of product development and promotional strategies for restaurant managements.

Collins, Ayse; Medhekar, Anita; Wong, Ho Yin; Cobanoglu, Cihan

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-06-2018-0083

The purpose of this paper is to explore how Americans choose a country and medical facility to travel abroad for medical treatment based on the following factors country environment, tourism destination, medical tourism costs and medical facilities and services.Design/methodology/approachOnline survey with the help of Amazon Mechanical Turk website was used for data collection, and 541 valid cases were used of American residents who had travelled abroad for medical tourism. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were undertaken to validate the scales.FindingsFindings indicated four major factors that can influence American medical tourists’ choices of medical tourism destinations. These factors are overseas’ country factors, attractiveness of tourism destination, medical tourism costs and facilities and services. Both the convergent and discriminant validities for the constructs were established. The results of the measurement-model-fit based on various measures were within the suggested cut-off values.Research limitations/implicationsOut of the 541 responses of post-travel experienced medical tourists, it is hard to tell how similar/dissimilar the participants are in terms of ranking the four factors. To be competitive to attract global medical tourists, research suggests that the five popular countries of treatment, India, China, Thailand, Mexico and Turkey, identified in this study should provide high quality of medical and tourism facilities to patients.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of the underlying factors, which influence American medical tourists’ choice of destinations, with validated scales. For this exploratory research, 25 new items together with 34 items from other studies were adapted.

Leri, Ifigeneia; Theodoridis, Prokopis

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-07-2018-0092

This paper aims to explore the impact of the experience of a winery visit to the visitor’s emotions and the effect of these emotions on visitor’s intention to revisit and recommend a winery as consequences of visitor satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a multi approach of customer experience, suggesting that visitors base their experience perception on the servicescape attributes, other visitors’ suitable behaviours and their own yearn for cognitive learning and fun. Path analysis is adopted to measure the impact of these constructs on visitor’s emotions and the role of these emotions in predicting visitor’s satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Data are collected through a self-administered highly structured questionnaire, self-completed by respondents at each winery. A total of 615 usable responses are obtained from eight wineries.FindingsThe results indicate that emotions are arisen – in a context of wine tourism – as a result of visitor’s evaluation of winery environment (especially Atmospherics, Signage and Facilities), other visitors’ appropriate behaviour and visitor’s desire to learn something new and to have fun during the winery experience. Also, it is revealed that visitor’s emotions positively impact on his/her satisfaction, which in turn seems to be a significant predictor of his/her intention to revisit the winery and give positive word-of-mouth.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings broaden the knowledge on visitor’s winery experience and its impact on visitor’s satisfaction and future behavioural intentions. However, because the study focuses only on winery visitors in Greece, the research results may lack generalizability. The application of the study to other wineries would allow for wider generalisations to be made from the results obtained.Practical implicationsThe overall findings may have significant implications for wine tourism industries. Also, it might be beneficial for wineries in their effort to provide a more valuable experience to wine tourists and in increasing wine tourists’ loyalty.Originality/valueThe paper’s originality lies in providing information to clarify the relationships between the constructs of experience, visitor’s emotions, satisfaction and future behavioural intentions in a winery setting. Also, this study provides new and practical insights of winery experience in the Greek context, an area where very limited research has been conducted. Finally, this is one of the few studies that focus on more than two servicescape elements and their impact on visitor’s emotions.

Tanana, Ariadna Belen; Rodriguez, Cecilia Alejandra; Gil, Verónica

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-04-2018-0047

The integral approach to risk is currently an important background for the local development processes within the sustaintability framework. Given the greater frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events in the period 2005-2015, whose inventory shows a total of 78 extreme climate events in the four thermal stations, the purpose of this paper is to analyze risk situations and their corresponding management in the tourist destinations (TD) of the Atlantic coast of Buenos Aires, Argentina.Design/methodology/approachRisk management in TDs has not been addressed in depth in the study area. Because of that, this study is exploratory and descriptive, and it was conducted by quantitative and qualitative methods. The occurrence of extreme weather events was the trigger of this study. Thereafter, the existence of risk situations was analyzed from the combination of natural hazards and material and human damage. The actions taken by the public sector were identified to make a diagnosis of the current management of coastal destinations in the province of Buenos Aires.FindingsThe result of this study shows that TDs do not apply integral models of risk management, as only 16% of the total registered events were attended by public management from reactive measures to the event. It is believed possible to replicate this study in other TDs, regardless of its main tourism modality, as the analysis carried out in the coastal destinations of Buenos Aires shows that it is necessary to plan and manage risk to avoid and/or mitigate material, social and economic damages of the resident and tourist population.Practical implicationsThe main implication of the study, in practical terms, is associated with the incorporation of specific equipment for the detection of storms and other meteorological phenomena. In addition, it should start, from the management, with a process of awareness of the resident and tourist population about the risk and its consequences.Social implicationsKnowing the existence of natural hazards is a strategic resource for public management. From the identification of the hazards, exposure and vulnerability of the population, it is possible to begin to take measures to mitigate the risk and conduct awareness campaigns about the risk situations that may arise from the occurrence of meteorological phenomena. in beach areas. In this sense, the development of a culture of risk is very important.Originality/valueThe relationship between the occurrence of extreme weather events and tourism has not been addressed in depth in Argentina. Therefore, this work provides an interdisciplinary vision (from tourism and physical geography) about the hazards that extreme phenomena represent in TDs, the situations of risk that they detaches there and the weakness of public management in coastal destinations of Buenos Aires. This case study shows that the absence of planning and risk management has serious implications for the continuity of the development processes of the destinations.

Leung, Xi Yu; Sun, Jie; Bai, Billy

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-05-2018-0058

The unprecedented growth of social media in the past decade has resulted in an increasing interest on social media research. The purpose of this study is to examine the state-of-the-art developments in social media research and to develop a thematic research framework.Design/methodology/approachThe study reviewed 262 social media-related articles published in eight top hospitality and tourism journals between 2007 and 2017. Content analysis was used to code data from the selected articles, and correspondence analysis was then used to compare the characteristics of research conducted on different social media platforms.FindingsA thematic framework of social media research was developed based on a thorough review and systematic examination of the articles. The thematic framework consisted of the three key players – hospitality and tourism businesses, social media platforms and consumers – along with four categories of topical areas – marketing, managerial implication, user-generated content and impact – and 19 research topics. Three platform groups were identified to share similar article characteristics and research attributes.Originality/valueThis study offers a systematic overview of social media research in hospitality and tourism and is the first one to identify triadic relationships of social media platforms in thematic research framework. The innovative findings of correspondence analysis offer insights on future social media research from a platform perspective.

Baghirov, Fakhri; Zhang, Ye; Hashim, Noor Hazarina

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-03-2018-0045

This study aims to investigate the adoption and performance of Facebook fan pages (FFPs) among global airline companies in developed, least developed and developing countries.Design/methodology/approachDiffusion of innovations theory has been applied as the underlying theory in this study. By using content analysis, data were collected from the official FFPs of global airlines.FindingsResults show no significant difference in FFP adoption among global airline companies in developed, least developed and developing countries. However, there is a significant difference in performance and timing of adoption of FFP between the countries. Airlines from developed countries adopted FFP three years earlier than developing countries and performed better than airlines from developing and least developed countries.Research limitations/implicationsBecause FFP is studied with limited variables, future studies can expand to other social networking sites and explore more variables to get reliable results.Practical implicationsAcademically, this study adds to internet and technology implementation literature. Finding of poor performance on FFP implementation among airlines in developing and least developed countries could draw attention to increased engagement with fans and improve FFP performance in the future. To successfully use Facebook, airline companies should establish a two-way communication and respond to their fans.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study the difference in using FFPs among global airline companies in developed, least developed and developing countries.

Ahmad, Rozila; Scott, Noel

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-03-2018-0038

Hotel labour costs in Malaysia are increasing. This paper aims to explore Langkawi hotel managers’ perceptions about reducing labour costs using various information and communication technology (ICT) innovations.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from 19 budget and boutique resorts on Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and content analysed using latent coding.FindingsAll hotel managers reported using some form of ICT. The purpose for ICT adoption found was to increase productivity and efficiency. A hotel’s customer mix, the need of the organization and the technology budget available influenced the outcome of technological innovation. Langkawi hotels had successfully implemented Property Management Systems (PMSs), but self-check-in/out kiosks were not seen as important as they do not meet their customers’ service expectations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study identifies some factors influencing uptake by hotels of technological innovations. This initial qualitative exploration of the technology adoption feasibility in Langkawi suggests that implementation to reduce labour cost is more likely for employee-operated devices rather than customer-operated devices.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the human resource (HR) management literature by providing insight into the reasons hotel managers introduce technology in a developing country context. Results suggests that hotels face challenges in reducing labour costs through technology. These insights may serve to guide policymakers and hotel managers in other developing countries that are planning to use technology to solve their HR issues. Luxury hotels can consider adopting ICT for back-of-the-house operations such as using a HR information system within the HR department and PMS for the hotel overall operation.Social implicationsThese findings can increase the Malaysians awareness of ICT importance, especially in the hotel industry.Originality/valueThe Malaysian national minimum wage order policy was introduced in 2012. This policy has resulted in increased labour costs and suggests a need to adopt ICT. This paper is the first to examine the viewpoints of hotel practitioners as to the viability of this strategy. Whilst many studies on the adoption of ICT in the hotel industry focus on its impact on productivity and firm’s performance using quantitative methods, this study used qualitative methods to explore hotel managers’ perceptions on its feasibility to reduce dependence on labour.

Malik, Pooja; Lenka, Usha

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-04-2018-0048

In a world of fast-changing markets, corporate brand is the heart and soul of a company. A company’s employees are crucial in nourishing a successful corporate image. Eventually, organizations require committed employees who orient their energy and drive the company toward a shared vision. However, employees’ deviant behavior can cripple the organization’s brand image. Given this fact, the purpose of this study is to offer strategies that can play a vital role in overcoming destructive deviance and in turn fostering the pavement for building a strong corporate brand image.Design/methodology/approachGiven the purpose, this study used systematic review of literature to analyze the newspaper articles that reported the cases of deviant behaviors exhibited by employees of “Air India” and were published between 2015 and 2017. Further, this study used document analysis to identify and categorize the various forms of deviant behaviors exhibited by employees of Air India.FindingsThe current study asserted four chief interventions, namely, talent management strategies, resilience, workplace spirituality and mindfulness to overcome destructive deviance and promote constructive behavior among employees of Air India.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study offers vital implications for organizations to curb the escalating deviant behavior among employees in the hospitality industry. These interventions might lay a significant pavement for fostering positive emotions among employees, which in turn could play a crucial role in enhancing service quality and building a strong brand image.Originality/valueGiven the mounting cases of deviant behavior among employees, the present study draws attention to the necessity for a shift in the generic organizational strategies and instigates organizations to integrate the study’s strategies to curb deviant behavior and in turn build a strong corporate image.

Beck, Julia; Rainoldi, Mattia; Egger, Roman

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-03-2017-0049

Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), have been influencing both the tourism supply side and tourists alike. The purpose of this study is to analyse VR research in tourism and to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art review. As the technological connotation of the term VR has been changing and encompasses various VR systems with different capabilities, this paper aims to provide a systematic and structured overview. The overall objective of this paper is to contribute to a thorough understanding of VR research in tourism.Design/methodology/approachThis paper comprehensively reviews and analyses existing literature on VR in tourism, published from 1994 to February 2018. Using a wide variety of sources, these papers were examined so as to give a state-of-the-art literature review and to deepen one’s understanding of the diverse applications of VR in a tourism context. This paper also presents a novel classification of different VR systems according to the level of immersion and depicts their respective technological capabilities.FindingsThe advent of new VR hardware necessitates a distinction for different VR systems applied in the tourism sector. Research conducted during the past three years has been focussing on the application of head-mounted displays, which reflects the temporal development of VR technology. Regardless of the VR system, most studies examine VR as a marketing tool for promotion and communication purposes during the pre-travel phase, focussing on behavioural aspects. Advances in technology will yield new opportunities and application possibilities for the tourism industry.Originality/valueThe key contribution of this paper lies in its structural approach, which differentiates between non-, semi- and fully immersive VR systems in tourism, as well as the proposition of respective definitions. The concluding part of the paper proposes practical implications for tourism businesses together with directions for future studies.

Laesser, Christian; Luo, Jieqing; Beritelli, Pietro

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-06-2018-0069

Most state-of-the-art approaches for the analysis of the process of travel decision-making follow Woodworth’s neo-behaviouristic S–R (stimulus–response) or S–O–R (stimulus–organism–response) model. However, within this model, scholars primarily focus on the S–R relationship, investigating specific decisions by describing or explaining an outcome as the result of an input of several stimuli. There is a lack of investigation into the “O” dimension of the S–O–R model. This paper aims to contribute towards closing of this gap by conceptually and holistically expanding existing models with new perspectives and components.Design/methodology/approachThe authors base the conceptual process on a subjective/interpretative research paradigm, by combining outcomes from different theories and concepts into a new, more holistic approach; and challenging this approach by seeking counterarguments as well as supportive arguments at three conferences and workshops.FindingsThe paper expands the body of literature by positing a generic conceptual operationalization model focusing on the organism (“O”) domain of decision-making. To achieve this, and further to operationalize the S–O–R model, the paper proposes to integrate an M–O–A (motivation–opportunity–ability) approach.Originality/valueThe analysis of the body literature reveals that there is still a lack of analytical and especially workable models/approaches for the analysis of the process of tourist decision-making. The paper contributes to that discussion by offering an alternative and generic operationalization of the tourist decision-making process by inducing a theoretical framework from the deductions gleaned from a number of existing theories.

Gyulavári, Tamás; Malota, Erzsébet

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-02-2018-0026

This study aims to determine cultures as personalities and investigates whether similarities or dissimilarities compared to the respondent’s own personality (actual self) are more attractive. The objectives are to identify the culture personality dimensions relevant for destination choice and to investigate the effect of congruity between perceived actual self and perceived culture personality on the evaluation of the examined cultures as ideal destinations. In this manner, numerous participants in the tourism industry may gain more specific insights into certain segments, while communication related to the specific culture can be targeted more efficiently.Design/methodology/approachA culture personality scale was developed by identifying the five relevant dimensions (three items in each). To measure actual self, the same 15 scale items were used. In the framework of the current research, 238 respondents evaluated the Turkish and French culture personality and their own personality.FindingsResults show that for both cultures highly similar personality structures can be observed; incorporating dimensions such as competence, interpersonal approach, aura, life approach and rectitude. In relation to congruity theory, the authors found that the effect of the similarity between perceived culture personality and actual self is marginal. Instead, results show that the more positively culture personality is perceived relative to perceived actual self, the more positive the attitude respondents have towards cultures as destinations.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the results is subject to some limitations due to the student sample.Originality/valueBoth the developed scale and the revealed effects contribute to the research field.

Sharma, Pramod; Nayak, Jogendra Kumar

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-05-2018-0060

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of tourists’ emotional experiences on predicting behavioral intentions via cognitive, affective and overall image in yoga tourism.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted using data collected from 398 tourists visiting a yoga tourism destination in India. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used in analyzing the collected data.FindingsThe study confirmed that specific tourists’ emotions act as a predictor of cognitive, affective and overall image. This in turn influenced the behavioral intentions of tourists. The effect of specific emotions on affective image was stronger than on cognitive image in yoga tourism.Practical implicationsThe marketing campaign of yoga tourism should highlight the special benefits of yoga to activate, stimulate and influence tourists toward yoga tourism, thereby improving the flow of future tourists. It would also help in better positioning and promoting yoga tourism as a unique and distinct niche tourism market.Originality/valueThis study contributed to the literature by understanding the predictive power of specific emotions on behavioral intentions via, cognitive, affective and overall image in yoga tourism. As far as the authors’ knowledge is concerned, this study is first known attempt to investigate such relationships in tourism literature.

Abad, Pilar; De la Fuente-Cabrero, Concepción; González-Serrano, Lydia; Talón-Ballestero, Pilar

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-07-2018-0091

The aim of this paper is to define which characteristics of a hotel and staff organization determine successful revenue management (RM) implementation in urban hotels.Design/methodology/approachMultiple linear regression analysis was used to determine whether the characteristics of the hotel and the staff member in charge of RM are explanatory variables for the degree of RM implementation.FindingsThe findings show that hotel category, chain affiliation and the existence of qualified full-time staff are the determinants for successful RM implementation. The creation of the revenue manager position alone is not determinant in the degree of RM implementation, but his/her qualification and dedication are fundamental variables.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that this survey was confined to the region of Madrid, it would be interesting to carry out similar research nationwide.Practical implicationsThis study provides researchers and professionals guidance for the satisfactory implementation and use of RM, tailored to the characteristics of any given establishment. Therefore, this paper states that the creation of a qualified, on-site, full-time revenue manager position is crucial.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to conduct a formal statistical analysis of the relationship between hotel characteristics, staff organization and the degree of RM implementation. The greatest contribution of this research is the empirical demonstration that having a qualified full-time staff in charge of RM leads to better results in terms of RM implementation as opposed to not having one, having one part-time or having one at the corporate level. Therefore, this paper states that the creation of the professional revenue manager position within hotels is fundamental. Thus, the reported results provide a significant contribution to the literature related to the characteristics and organization of RM in hotels.

Romero-García, Leticia Elizabeth; Aguilar-Gallegos, Norman; Morales-Matamoros, Oswaldo; Badillo-Piña, Isaías; Tejeida-Padilla, Ricardo

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-06-2018-0085

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of the urban tourism literature that uses the systems approach to outline its research trajectory and detect its trends. Urban tourism is a complex phenomenon whose complexity increases at the very moment it interacts with complex environments. To deal with this kind of issues, urban tourism-related authors have used different approaches, with the systems approach being one of the best alternatives for its understanding and study.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted using two sets of keywords related to urban tourism and systems approach. Scopus, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases were used for the peer-reviewed literature search. After filtering processes were applied, 29 publications were retained for the analysis.FindingsThis paper provides a significant overview of the existing publications regarding this topic. A theme of common interest and trends for future investigations were detected. Based on the findings, future works to be developed with the use of the systems approach, and its tools are proposed.Originality/valueThis review gives promising evidence on that the use of the systems approach for future urban tourism studies is a viable alternative to the application of other dominant approaches, to manage the complexity, diversity and dynamism of the urban tourism and of its environment, which is nowadays addressed as Smart. Then, the paper seeks to foster the use of systems approach and its systemic tools for the understanding and study of urban tourism as a complex system.

Holden, Andrew

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-03-2017-0066

Environmental ethics has become an established subject of philosophy in recent decades in response to the contemporary environmental crisis. This paper aims to provide an overview of the key theories and concepts and critically evaluate the extent of their application in tourism studies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a systematic literature review of published academic papers that link environmental ethics to tourism. It subsequently attempts to provide a comprehensive review of what is currently a nascent field of research enquiry to comprehend and evaluate the relevance and implications of environmental ethics for tourism. Using a theoretical ethical framework of libertarian extensionism, eco-holism and the conservation ethic, moral debates that arise from their use in tourism are analysed. As a field of academic study that presently lacks research enquiry areas for future research investigation are subsequently identified.FindingsThe paper forms a part of the “State of the Art” series and subsequently does not present empirical findings. However, through critical evaluation, it demonstrates the complexity of the application of environmental ethics to tourism through differing perspectives within the subject and when nature’s interests are juxtaposed to concerns of anthropic ethics. To develop a stronger environmental ethics amongst tourism stakeholders that recognises the intrinsic value of nature, it is recommended that ecological virtue and literacy are key elements in this process.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper rests in providing a comprehensive overview of the existing level of application of the theories of environmental ethics to tourism; the appliance of theory to debates of tourism’s environmental challenges; and identifying research directions to help fill knowledge gaps.

Tran, Vinh Trung; Nguyen, Nguyen Phuc; Tran, Phuong Thi Kim; Tran, Tuan Nien; Huynh, Thuan Thi Phuong

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-08-2017-0130

This paper aims to propose and investigate the relationships among the components of brand equity, and examining the effects of these components on overall destination brand equity in Hoi An tourism destination, Vietnam, from the perspective of domestic tourists.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire data were collected from 319 domestic tourists who have visited Hoi An city. The results of empirical tests using a structural equation model support the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that destination brand awareness has significant, positive effects on destination brand image and destination perceived quality; destination brand image has positive influences on destination perceived quality and destination brand loyalty; destination perceived quality has significant, positive impacts on destination brand loyalty; except for destination brand image, the remaining dimensions have positive and direct impacts on overall destination brand equity.Originality/valueAn integrated model of destination brand equity dimensions and overall destination brand equity was tested in a tourism city in the context of a developing economy. Moreover, relevant implications are provided for destination marketers as to how to improve destination brand equity in the tourism industry.

Khan, Mohammad Jamal; Chelliah, Shankar; Khan, Firoz; Amin, Saba

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-08-2018-0116

This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of travel motivation on the relationship between perceived risks, travel constraints and visit intention of young women travelers.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study was performed, and data were collected from 416 female university students using convenience sampling. Structural equation modeling with partial least square approach was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings revealed that travel motivation has a moderating effect by weakening the negative relationships between physical risk, structural constraints and visit intention.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide useful insights for destination managers about the influence of travel motivation on the behavioral intention of young women travelers in the case of higher perceptions of travel risks and constraints.Originality/valueLiterature has discussed the intervening role of travel motivations in different contexts. However, studies are scarce in examining the effect of travel motivation in weakening the negative influence of high perceptions of risks and constraints on intention to visit.

Rahman, Muhammad Khalilur

2019 Tourism Review

doi: 10.1108/tr-01-2018-0006

The medical tourism industry has become one of the most profitable industries around the world wherein most of the countries exploit every effort to attract medical tourists to take advantage of its medical care benefits. The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of medical tourists’ perceived services and their satisfaction for medical care in hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative method was conducted to examine the three groups of foreign travellers such as medical tourists, expats and normative medial tourists’ perceived medical services quality and satisfaction. Data from a survey of 266 respondents were analyzed using the structural equation modelling technique.FindingsThe findings of this study provide evidence that hospital accessibility and interpersonal behaviour are the most critical constructs that influence medical tourists’ attributes. Additionally, medical costs and health-care technicality have a significant relationship with the perceived services of medical tourists. The study also demonstrated that medical tourists’ satisfaction highly attributed to their perceived services towards the quality of medical care they received and experienced in the hospitals.Practical implicationsThe results have important implications for managerial considerations at hospitals. Hospital accessibility is a crucial dimension to be measured at hospitals when measuring service quality. Service providers need to be mindful that all aspects of medical services are essential and need to be delivered satisfactorily to ensure customer satisfaction. Patients’ perceived services and their satisfaction is a crucial bridge in determining the likelihood of future return among patients to the hospitals.Originality/valueThis study has managed to convincingly secure findings to provide useful information and understanding of the hospital accessibility and interpersonal manner of health-care professionals at hospitals in Malaysia. Particularly, when any hospital offers quality services, they must consider the reasonable medical expenses that can be affordable by the average people and update their medical equipment that are necessary for technical and diagnostic purposes. By ensuring these, they can attract the medical tourists.