International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

Aston, Joshua; Wen, Jun; Goh, Edmund; Maurer, Oswin

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-01-2020-0032

This cutting-edge short commentary is intended to raise awareness of sex trafficking in the tourism and hospitality industry. The purpose of this paper is to also advocate for further research to identify and hopefully prevent sex trafficking in related settings.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a descriptive overview of the current knowledge base on sex trafficking in tourism and hospitality. Based on gaps in the literature, future research agendas and directions are suggested.FindingsAcademic research on sex trafficking in tourism and hospitality remains limited. More scholarly attention is needed to this matter. The tourism industry is directly and indirectly associated with sex trafficking (e.g. hotel accommodations and direct consumption of sexual services, such as through sex tourism). Despite legislative efforts by international government agencies to eradicate sex trafficking, the problem remains pervasive. Broader practice- and research-based intervention efforts are needed.Originality/valueThis short commentary advocates for tourism and hospitality researchers to make practical and theoretical industry contributions that may help prevent sex trafficking.

Petry, Tanja; Pikkemaat, Birgit; Chan, Chung-Shing; Scholl-Grissemann, Ursula

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-09-2020-0215

Neither visitors of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel nor hosts are homogeneous segments (Griffin & Guttenberg, 2020). For this reason, this study aims to address students as hosts of VFR travel and analyzes differences in the visitor and the host segment. As a result, marketing implications for destination marketing organizations that seek to realize the potential of the student VFR segment arise.Design/methodology/approachThis research project adopts a multi-method approach to derive a deeper empirical understanding of visitors’ behaviors and the role of students hosting friends and relatives (SHFR). The quantitative study aims to reveal the relevance and differences between visits to friends (VF) and visits to relatives (VR), whereas the qualitative study elaborates on the findings of the quantitative study and seeks to understand the role and experiences of students as hosts.FindingsThe findings reveal that VR and VF travelers vary in terms of their expenditure. Hosts’ spending depends on visitors’ budgets; in general, both their direct and indirect (when relatives pay) spending increases when they have visitors. Furthermore, the data identify two distinct hosting styles: functional hosting is concerned with providing outstanding hospitality based on a more traditional, guest-oriented understanding of the role, whereas integrative hosting blurs the lines between hospitality and lifestyle based on a more modern, host-oriented understanding of the role.Research limitations/implicationsRegarding limitations, this study did not differentiate between students who were simultaneously locals and students who resided in the city only for study purposes. In a similar vein, the cultural background of the students was not considered in the research. Finally, the differences between VF and VR could further be explored in a quantitative follow-up study and in testing for significant differences in SHFR spending behaviors. Further research could examine whether domestic travelers, travelers with cultural proximity and/or short-distance VFR travelers are more likely to visit after COVID-19 as suggested by Backer and Ritchie (2017) in the case of crises and disaster.Practical implicationsStudents as hosts differ from other hosts in VFR travel in their reluctance to embrace conventional tourism products. This study found that place attachment makes hosts of VFR travelers passionate ambassadors and advertisers for the destinations; destination marketing organizations (DMOs) could support this already positive image by providing and supporting students with more detailed information about their cities and the opportunities they offer. Results are of particular relevance because the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing DMOs to develop destination strategies that incorporate social-distancing and avoid crowded places.Social implicationsWhen students take their friends out to events and nightclubs, they contribute significantly to experiences that go beyond typical tourism activities such as sightseeing and shopping. By offering special discounts to visitors who come with their hosts, DMOs could help visitors delve more deeply into city life and thereby reduce the likeliness of crowded city centers. Considering the findings relating to the social and emotional qualities of VFR travel, DMO marketing to VFR travelers could benefit from promoting socio-cultural spaces and offerings that value groups’ social ties (e.g. family prices for families with adult children) or alumni status.Originality/valueAccording to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first which analyzes both, visitors and hosts of VFR travel using a two methods approach. Very recently, Griffin and Guttenberg (2020) miss VFR research focusing on the heterogeneity of the segment, and Backer et al. (2020) claim for more VFR research on the role of hosts carried out outside of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and the USA. To the authors’ best knowledge, this study is the first which delivers empirical insights on SHFR in Central Europe.

Almeida, Sofia; Campos, Ana Cláudia

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-12-2020-0285

This paper aims to better understand community of practice (CoP)’s dynamics with a focus on the hotel sector and perceived benefits to members and business performance.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study research focusing on a successful experience within a CoP found in the hotel sector. The study reports in detail how a CoP was created and how it evolved to a digital platform to give birth to a fully co-designed tourism product. It analyzes this CoP’s social dynamics, processes of communication and interaction, as well as digital evolution. To collect rich data, method triangulation was applied by mixing quantitative and qualitative analyses.FindingsThe community is highly participated and valued because it is perceived as a dynamic system contributing to rapid information exchange and diffusion, efficient context for knowledge transfer and individual responsiveness to daily professional activities and challenges. The reasons why members perceive Amigas do Trade as a distinctive community include shared values and attitudes; professional area and position; and group composition. The majority of members acknowledged that belonging to this CoP has helped in making an informed decision with impact on business practice. The sub-theme more intensely participated and discussed concentrated on human resources issues.Research limitations/implicationsA case study brings useful insights into the understanding of CoP members’ behaviour; however, findings are not generalizable to other communities.Practical implicationsThis study contributes in several ways to business practice and management. Hotel businesses pertain to a sector in which CoPs easily thrive. This seems to happen because businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry are highly dependent on networks, people, communication channels and technologies. Engagement with technological platforms is stimulated because of the unproblematic integration of these digital platforms into other technologies members already use in their daily work and life. Moreover, digital platforms are not expensive and potentially increase motivation levels within CoP, and consequently in companies. This example inspires the use of digital platforms to exchange knowledge in other CoPs in the hotel sector.Social implicationsCoPs are contexts of good interaction within a group of people by nurturing a good value system (comprehending trust, cohesion and good communication climate). Thus, a non-hierarchical and non-biased approach to CoP by managers could be accomplished by fostering an organizational culture based on joint innovation, coopetition and open communication principles. Expectedly, in this respect, intensive use of digital technologies in the business arena will keep playing a key role.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on CoP applied to the hotel sector. Additionally, it is also the first time a CoP composed only by women working in the hotel sector was analyzed. One other element of novelty links to the fact that a CoP with physical and virtual dimensions was studied, introducing the use of digital platforms to the analysis of CoP dynamics.

Nazarian, Alireza; Atkinson, Peter; Foroudi, Pantea; Velayati, Rezvan; Edirisinghe, Dilini; Hosseini Tabaghdehi, Asieh

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-10-2020-0229

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that managers in independent hotels can influence to improve organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) by examining the relationship between leadership style and OCB through newly developed balanced organisational culture and trust variables. Unlike most studies, which have been on chain hotels, this study investigates these relationships in independent hotels in Iran. Additionally, organisational size was also included in the study.Design/methodology/approachUsing information from Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, 160 independent hotels were identified and approached. A survey was assembled using well-known instruments. In total, 392 usable questionnaires out of 1,150 distributed were collected from employees and analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsContrary to previous studies, it was found that in this context, neither transformational nor transactional leadership affects trust directly but only through balanced organisational culture, and only transactional leadership had a direct relationship with OCB. Also, organisational size had a moderating effect on the relationship between trust and OCB.Originality/valueThe authors add to the theoretical literature dealing with the different behaviour of constructs developed in a Western context in other contexts and suggests that hotel managers in a collectivist culture, like Iran, who want to build OCB can do so by creating organisational culture conditions (Balanced Organisational Culture) that foster trust between managers and their subordinates.

Algassim, Ali Ahmad; Saufi, Akhmad; Diswandi, Diswandi; Scott, Noel

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-01-2021-0023

Al-Juhfa is a small village located near Rabigh City, between Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia, with significant archaeological and religious resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine residents’ attitudes toward tourism development at Al-Juhfa.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative study uses purposive interviewing to recruit informants. Data was collected using semi-structured interview and open-ended questions. Eight semi-structured interviews were made and a list of open-ended questions was distributed to 134 informants. All data were analysed and no new codes were found after the answer of the first 49 informants analysed.FindingsThe results show that residents’ attitudes toward tourism development in general were positive with residents expecting to receive economic, social and environmental benefits. Residents were aware of potential positive and negative impacts of tourism development and appeared to balance these in developing their attitudes. Tourism was seen to empower residents and the religiosity of the community influenced their perception of tourism development.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by supporting the use of social exchange theory in this context and by recommending the inclusion of religiosity in further studies.

Sthapit, Erose; Björk, Peter; Coudounaris, Dafnis N.; Stone, Matthew J.

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-01-2021-0002

This qualitative study aims to explore the activities that guests perform while staying in Airbnbs, emotions associated with these experiences and the components of memorable Airbnb experiences.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study of a qualitative nature was conducted using a self-administered open-ended questionnaire among tourists who had stayed in an Airbnb in the past three years. Data were collected using two different sources for triangulation purposes, referred to as Studies 1 and 2.FindingsMany respondents reported conducting similar activities while at home and while staying in an Airbnb, supporting Burch’s (1969) spill-over theory. Travellers mostly recalled mundane activities, such as cooking. The results suggest that the spill-over effect is more prevalent in the Airbnb context than in other accommodation types, as one often travels from one’s own home to another’s home. Respondents associated their Airbnb experience with the positive emotion of joy. Respondents mentioned numerous reasons for having felt joy during their Airbnb experiences, such as sharing the trip with travel companions and spending time with friends.Practical implicationsAirbnb should clearly define host’s tasks and responsibilities, hosts should treat guests in a friendly manner, which includes resolving any problems they face in relation to the rental property.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a new conceptual framework for a memorable Airbnb experience, which comprises several components: socialising and bonding with friends and family members, location, the host’s hospitality, a homely feeling, home amenities and negative experiences (the poor condition of the room and a dishonest host).

Gardiner, Sarah; Bec, Alexandra

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-08-2020-0160

This study aims to explore the evolution of the culture agapic (personal) gift-giving with the advent of new online gifting platforms that provide the opportunity to gift tourism experiences. This study investigates this well-established cultural behavior in view of this new form of social exchange.Design/methodology/approachFocus group interviews with two key target markets – mothers and couples/singles – were conducted (N = 39). Interview questions focused on understanding gifting using online platforms, sharing the experience and the role of various parties in the exchange.FindingsThis study reveals that experiential tourism gifts differ from physical gifts because they offer novelty and symbolic value, heighten positive emotions and have the potential to create lifelong memories for recipients. However, giving an experiential gift can also be a risky option because of the uncertainty of getting the gift–recipient identity match correct, particularly for adventure tourism gifts. The identity of the gift-giver is also considered in gift selection as the experience selected is a reflection of self.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that online experiential gifting platforms pay attention to both the identity of the gift-giver and gift-recipient. Sharing the experience through social media posts can reinforce both parties’ social identity, create a positive social exchange and may motivate repeat purchase.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to uncover the motivational factors of online tourism experiential gifting as part of the culture of gift-giving and the parties in this exchange. The findings advance theoretical understanding of this new form of social exchange.

Outreville, J. François

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-05-2020-0112

The purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology to estimate the migration of grades of top rated restaurant and the default rate over time.Design/methodology/approachTo demonstrate how to develop migration matrices the empirical results are based on the real number of top-rated French restaurants in Gault-Millau in a specific year and how they migrate from one grade to another over the period 1974–2010.FindingsThe purpose of the empirical analysis is only to illustrate the methodology. It is shown that migration rates are relatively stable over time.Research limitations/implicationsResults are presented only to illustrate the methodology. Further analysis could provide a sound basis to compare the rating systems from one guide to another.Originality/valueThis research note explores the notion of migration rate by developing an alternative way of measuring how restaurants survive over time.

Schuhbauer, Sarah Lisa; Hausmann, Andrea

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-08-2020-0171

This study aims to identify pitfalls in the use of cooperation for the implementation of digital applications in rural cultural tourism marketing and derive practical implications for avoiding them.Design/methodology/approachA total of 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants of the cooperation project around the Web app “The Legend of the Call of the Mountain” in the Zugspitz Region in Germany.FindingsThe study has identified four key pitfalls: challenges in the long-term financing, destination-specific characteristics of rural areas, doubts about the use of evaluations and the limited horizon of many cultural institutions.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the qualitative approach and the single case study, the results may lack generalisability. Therefore, future research should place the results to a larger scale, for example, with a mixed methods approach.Practical implicationsPractical implications can be derived from the study for avoiding pitfalls and thus for a successful use of such cooperation projects. The implications draw attention to the different possibilities of long-term financing, the important role of a central tourism organisation, the special possibilities of evaluations and the important role of general awareness raising for the added values of such cooperation.Originality/valueBy examining an exemplary cooperation project, the paper fills an existing research gap, as there has been little knowledge in empirical cultural tourism research about the special conditions for using cooperation to implement digital applications in rural cultural tourism marketing.

Cenni, Irene; Vásquez, Camilla

2022 International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research

doi: 10.1108/ijcthr-12-2020-0289

In April 2020, Airbnb launched “Online Experiences,” (OE) a virtual tourism product responding to pandemic-related restrictions on physical travel. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of this innovative product that were most salient to consumers and in so doing, to provide preliminary insights into the factors related to its success.Design/methodology/approachUsing a grounded theory approach in this qualitative study, the authors investigated a sample of 500 online consumer reviews of 100 different Airbnb OE. The analysis identified five major themes associated with reviewers’ positive evaluations of OEs.FindingsThe study’s findings corroborate prior research on peer-to-peer businesses regarding the centrality of the host and the social appeal of such services, yet they also reveal newer, multifaceted expectations for OEs’ hosts. Further, consumers reacted positively to both the entertaining and educational aspects of OEs. Finally, reviewers’ comments reflect factors related to pandemic-related conditions such as seeking social interaction and virtual escape, yet they also identify factors that suggest the durative appeal of OEs as a tourism product (e.g. “repeatability” of OEs; OEs as sites for virtual connection with family/friends; OEs as a marketing tool for future travel).Originality/valueTo the best of my knowledge, this is one of the first studies investigating this recently launched virtual tourism product. The findings, thus, represent an important empirical baseline for future research on this topic.