Tourism, environment and hotel management: an innovative perspective to address modern trends in contemporary tourism management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunhui Huo ◽  
Javaria Hameed ◽  
Muhammad Waqas Sadiq ◽  
Gadah Albasher ◽  
Wedad Alqahtani

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a valid insight into consumers' minds while considering word of mouth (WOM), brand image and uniqueness as independent variables while considering the tourism industry as the primary stakeholder.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts qualitative research methods and data collected from 1,033 respondents using convenience sampling methodology. The data are collected from different tourists spots in China and Pakistan. The PROCESS macro was utilized in this study using SPSS version 25.0 to inspect the impacts by using Model 4 and the conditional effects indirectly by utilizing Model 14.FindingsCustomer's intimacy, search for novel and unexplored destinations highlight WOM interactions and perceived service value. Service value, interactional justice and professional attitude of hotel management mediated all the given relationships significantly. The brand image does not mediate any significant associations. Perceived service value and brand image predict customer's loyalty, and WOM is the direct measure of their intentions, and these variables are market trend indicators. A tourist's response toward different destinations is described in this study with comparative analysis of Chinese and Pakistani tourists. The study results showed a significantly positive relationship between hotel management professional behavior, customer's loyalty, customer's intimacy and WOM.Research limitations/implicationsThe recruited population might not be represented as the broader and larger visitor population, resulting in restricting establishing tactics. Moreover, this study's results provide significant insight into a tourism industry, hence providing a chance to manage customer loyalty better.Social, managerial and theoretical implicationsThis study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge and provides remarkable insight from the managerial perspective. Interactional justice results in significant value for hotel management directors and top management, front desk staff and operatives and front level employees and managers. Consumer sensitivity of fairness in interpersonal dealings calls for behavioral changes in frontline employees, especially those directly dealing with hotel visitors. Hotel staff and management should formulate a system to deal with the demands and needs of visitors. It should describe the rights and obligations of visitors and ensure that each customer is treated equally and with respect. Customers should be motivated to read the survey questionnaires kept in their rooms and offer their views on the services provided. This strategy might increase the customers' sense of empowerment and leading to notions of fairness in individual encounters.Originality/valueThis study provides an insight into the customer's minds while considering essential variables that include WOM, brand image, perceived service value and uniqueness.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miyoung Jeong ◽  
Marketa Kubickova

PurposeCreating memorable experiences for customers at the individual property is one of the primary goals in hotel management across all segments. Adopting the concept of the ingredient branding, this study aims to attempt to identify the effects of bathroom amenity brands on customers' attitudes toward the hotel brand image and their behavior intentions toward a hotel brand. Specifically, this study assesses the importance of bathroom amenities on customer experience. It also examines the effects of bathroom amenity and their sustainable practices on hotel brand image and behavior intentions. Lastly, it provides suggestions for hoteliers in selecting right and appealing bathroom amenities while enhancing customers' hotel experience.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a 3 (hotel service level: economy, midscale, vs luxury) × 2 (bathroom amenity brand: luxury vs general) × 2 (bathroom amenity packaging: bottle vs dispenser) between-subjects experimental design. A total of 557 useable surveys were obtained to test the study's hypotheses.FindingsThe results reveal that customers had a better hotel image when high-end brand bathroom amenities in a bottle were offered. Specifically, when economy hotels provided high-end brand bathroom amenities, customers had a better hotel image, which lead to strong return intentions. Typically, bathroom amenities in the bottle were perceived better than those in the dispenser when it came to the hotel image.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study reconfirm that the level of hotel service, bathroom amenity brand and bathroom amenity packaging jointly affect hotels' overall image. Specifically, the generic bathroom amenity in the dispenser somewhat degrades the image of the hotel for economy hotels; however, the image of hotel is not significantly affected by the type of bathroom packaging when the hotel has luxury bathroom amenities. Thus, hotel management should pay more attention to selecting the bathroom amenity brand, which can offer more memorable experience for customers.Originality/valueLittle research has been documented on the effects of hotel bathroom amenity brands on customers' attitudes toward hotel brand image and their psychological behaviors in the hotel industry, lacking rigorous theoretical examinations. The current study provides several important contributions not only to the body of knowledge but to the hotel industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Moorefield-Lang

Purpose What happens when a librarian outgrows their maker learning location or transfers to a new library? The purpose of this study is to explore the planning process for second and/or new library makerspaces. Is the planning more intentional? Is there more focus on how the makerspace should be put together for the community served? Is the community further involved? This study will explore those questions and more. Design/methodology/approach Using content analysis, the perspectives of practicing librarians in the achievement of subsequent makerspaces are examined. Data include librarian interviews, an analysis using NVivo 11 through the lens of design thinking, and a final review using member checking by each research participant. Findings Makerspaces continue to grow in popularity in school and public/community libraries. What is unexplored is the moving from a first makerspace to the implementation of a second and/or new maker learning location. More intentional planning is involved. The community served by the library is further engaged in the planning. Study results illustrate the value that community insight and intentional planning play in the design and implementation of makerspaces. Originality/value Makerspaces in libraries continue to grow in popularity; in turn, the body of peer-reviewed, scholarly publications also continues to grow. Librarians in the field are beginning to move from their first to second makerspaces. This study investigates those perspectives. Much can be gained from the experiences of those who have implemented their second or third makerspace.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsuju Teng ◽  
Chi-Feng Lo ◽  
Hsin-Hui Lee

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how Internet memes affect brand image.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first used the Delphi method to refine Internet memes' constructs and dimensions and developed a scale for Internet memes. Second, the authors used a questionnaire to collect data from 348 valid Internet consumers.FindingsThe authors proposed four significant characteristics of Internet memes: humour, high positive emotional intensity, brand interactions and prestige, and high spreadability to prompt consumers to remake, share and spread memes. The study results indicate that Internet memes positively influence the brand image. However, not all meme characteristics were correlated with the brand image; only brand prestige, interaction and humour enhanced brand image.Originality/valueFor scholars in online marketing communication research, this study shifts the current paradigm of brand-generated and customer-passive to user-generated and customer-active. It also addresses the importance of pandemic effects of Internet memes on brand image. To be specific, this study presents the important symbolic values that Internet memes need to include to affect consumers' behaviour in response to perceived brand image by applying both mind infection and symbolic value perspectives. Finally, this study redefines the dimensions and measurements of Internet memes to address the lack of consensus and concrete scales regarding meme transmission characteristics and extending into online marketing communication strategies.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2019-0364


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Balvinder Shukla ◽  
Tahir Sufi ◽  
Manoj Joshi ◽  
R. Sujatha

PurposeThe COVID-19 crisis has affected almost all the global sectors. The hotel industry, however, was hit hardest challenging the leadership. This study, therefore, attempts to explore the challenges hospitality leadership in India face to navigate the crisis. The study additionally addresses how leaders manage the expectations of key stakeholders; communicate hard decisions with employees, pursue strategies for revival and explores the role of technology to survive the crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a qualitative approach involving structured interviews with 16 senior hospitality leaders consisting of CEO, vice president, general managers, directors, entrepreneur and general managers from various organisations like hotels, restaurant chains, food services and facilities management services. Data were content analysed involving coding techniques.FindingsThe leadership challenges included making customers and employees feel safe, optimising operations, agility and resilience of leaders, maintaining a balance between stakeholders, managing employee stress and ensuring cash reserves. The study found that leaders manage the expectation of various stakeholders by maintaining balance, demonstrating empathy and agility. The hard decisions are communicated with the employees through involvement, empathy and alleviating stress.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes by identifying twelve themes from the participants' responses under five major themes-labelled as leadership challenges, managing stakeholders, communicating with the employees, the role of technology and best practices of surviving the crisis. Future research can be conducted on such sub-themes in different countries.Practical implicationsAs the tourism industry in India is recovering after the second wave, the governments along with all stakeholders, must launch special events for promoting the tourism sector. Safety measures like making vaccination certificates for all tourists and employees of the tourism sector should be made mandatory. Further, special certification following the COVID-19 protocol needs to be introduced for hotels and catering establishments. A fund generated from the sector's direct tax contribution needs to be established to support the employees.Social implicationsThe study has several social implications. The study results can unite all industry stakeholders to shape the post-pandemic era through collaboration. Empathetic leadership can take the industry out of chaos by balancing the interests of the various stakeholders of society. The pandemic has proven that we all are vulnerable to risks and challenges; leaders have a vital role in taking proactive steps to ensure that such uncertainties do not cause unprecedented damage.Originality/valueThis study expanded the research on the hospitality leadership challenges in managing crises in the backdrop of the crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The conceptual model, variables, themes and sub-themes utilised are original contributions to the hospitality literature.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung-Che Wu ◽  
Chi-Han Ai ◽  
Ya-Yuan Chang ◽  
De-Quan Wang ◽  
Tsung-Pao Wu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use the Macau gaming industry as a case study to discuss the multifaceted relationships involving experiential quality, experiential relationship quality and future experiential intentions. Design/methodology/approach In this study, 566 usable responses were collected from casino gamblers who had gaming experience in one casino of Macau. Findings According to the study results, the dimensions of experiential quality (hedonics, involvement, surprise, fun, gambler contact and physical environment) had a positive effect on experiential satisfaction, which in turn led to experiential trust. Both experiential trust and experiential satisfaction positively influenced experiential commitment. Moreover, experiential trust, experiential satisfaction and experiential commitment positively affected future experiential intentions. Originality/value The main contribution of this research is that it has added to the body of knowledge about the interplay between the dimensions of experiential quality, the dimension of experiential relationship quality and future experiential intentions, which can be fruitful for the gaming industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-916
Author(s):  
Aishath Muneeza ◽  
Zakariya Mustapha ◽  
Fathimath Nashwa Badeeu ◽  
Aminath Reesha Nafiz

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to formulate ways in which Maldives could pioneer Islamic tourism on a befitting framework and financing structure as a leverage to develop its tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach The research uses qualitative approach whereby primary and empirical data on tourism practices as well as relevant laws and guidelines, issued in Maldives and in other Muslim jurisdictions of the Muslim, are analyzed. Doctrinal approach is used in analyzing secondary data on the subject. Findings The research reveals the potential of Islamic tourism in Maldives as well as the challenges that have constrained its development in the country. Certainty is needed in halal products, services and conducts. Codifying extant Maldives Halal Tourism Standards will establish legal framework for a standard Shariah-compliant tourism industry. Islamic financing structure enables mobilizing required funds and address financing constraints. Practical implications This research presents an insight into establishing and developing Islamic tourism industry in the Maldives. Harmonizing tourism regulations with Shariah shall bring about the required consciousness on Shariah compliance in target tourists and their desires. Private individuals can contribute in mobilizing the much needed Shariah-compliant resources to finance Islamic model resorts befitting an Islamic tourism industry. Originality/value The research puts forward proposal that identifies and recognizes a more viable Islamic financing alternative as well as Shariah-compliant regulations to pioneer the development of Islamic tourism in Maldives. The research recommends how to overcome related challenges helps government understand the proposed strategies for establishing Islamic tourism industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellis Urquhart

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the role that technology may play in the future of experiential tourism. This viewpoint paper begins to question future developments in technological mediation and how these may challenge the author’ view of experiences and their construction in a period of immense and rapid technological development. Design/methodology/approach This is a short viewpoint paper driven by theoretical perspectives in the existing academic literature and the author’s personal stance on the future of experiential tourism. Findings This paper suggests that while there is considerable research into the role and application of technology within tourism, there is a lack of future-orientated debate. The views expressed within the paper argue that three potential directions exist for the future of technological mediation in experiential tourism: mass acceptance and customisation; experiential convergence or “rewinding the clock”, each with significant implications for the management of technological mediation in experiential tourism. Originality/value The paper provides an initial insight into future directions of the tourism industry in a period of immense technological development. Based on existing theoretical perspectives, these viewpoints indicate three potential routes for the industry and act as a catalyst for further dialogue within tourism scholarship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita Zobnina ◽  
Aleksandr Rozhkov

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the customer satisfaction drivers of Russian tourists choosing hotels in Europe. Design/methodology/approach The study is focused on tangible aspects of the hotel service product adopted from the European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index by J.D. Power. Research methodology is based on the Kano model that enables satisfaction driver classification based on the level of their impact. Data collection was conducted via online panel representative for 1 million+ Russian cities, totaling 1,238 respondents. Findings This paper reveals groups of customer satisfaction drivers by their impact from attractive to expected and indifferent, as well as customer preference profile by age, overall travel experience and trip purpose (recreational, sightseeing or active tourism). Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on the tangible attributes of hotel experience; the survey sample composed of Russian tourists that evaluated their satisfaction with hotels in Europe. Practical implications As a result of the study, the authors test Kano model application in the hospitality and tourism industry, providing hotel managers with an advanced yet easy to use customer satisfaction measurement tool. Also, the authors demonstrate substantial differences in customer satisfaction drivers by groups that can be used to plan product development. “Expected” and “one-dimensional” groups of product features would cause customer dissatisfaction if missing and should be the first priority of management. Interestingly after a certain level, “expected” factors have no marginal value, so their improvement by the hotel management should be limited. On the other hand, “attractive” factors boost customer satisfaction while present but with no negative impact if they are absent; that makes this group the second priority for hotel management. Factor distribution by group is different for various customer segments that can also be taken into consideration when designing the marketing communications of a hotel. Originality/value In this research, the authors use the Kano model to identify customer satisfaction drivers in the hospitality and tourism industry. This methodology enables in-depth analysis of the factors’ impact and provides understanding of the accommodation product improvement potential based on customer perception. The authors suggest several groups of factors and demonstrate that certain high-impact satisfaction drivers have zero incremental value for customers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubem Ikediashi ◽  
Onuwa Okwuashi

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and conceptualise significant factors influencing decision to outsource facilities management (FM) services in Nigeria’s public hospitals. Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. A total of 85 responses were received from the six states comprising the study area while 11 of them were discarded due to missing data resulting in 74 usable responses. This gave an overall response rate of 61 per cent. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as principal component analysis. Findings – Findings revealed that 25 of the 31 factors were significant in explaining the decision to outsource FM service in Nigeria’s public hospitals; while 15 of them grouped into six broad categories were selected based on their factor loadings during further analysis. Besides, it was also established from the study that “to improve performance standard”, “to improve quality of services” and “to improve timely delivery of services” are the top three rated factors. Research limitations/implications – The study complements the body of knowledge on “make or buy” decision theory by provided empirical insight into key attributes of outsourcing decision motives for FM services from the point of view of Nigeria’s public sector spectrum that can serve as benchmark for deciding on whether to outsource or not. Practical implications – The study also has practical implications. More is now known as a result of this research about what factors constitute drivers for outsourcing FM services within the context of Nigeria’s public hospitals. With an aggregate opinion from 74 public hospitals, the study provides hospital administrators and public managers with a list of prioritised factors for making rational informed decision about outsourcing of services in the hospitals. Originality/value – The study complements the body of knowledge on “make or buy” decision theory by providing empirical insight into key attributes of outsourcing decision motives for FM services from the point of view of Nigeria’s public healthcare.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariyoush Jamshidi ◽  
Nazimah Hussin

PurposeOne challenge when launching new banking services is to overcome resistance to change so as to accelerate market acceptance. This is the case of Islamic credit card (ICC). In response, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework that combines the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) with religious obligation and customer awareness to explain behavior intention and usage behavior of ICC. Design/methodology/approachTo test the conceptual model, the data are collected from 649 bank customers in Malaysia, and the structural equation modeling technique is used to test the forecasting model. FindingsThe study results support some relationships of IDT and TRA, such as relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, observability, attitude and also the customer awareness as a stronger predictor of intention of ICC. Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, there have not been any attempt to develop a conceptual model for identifying the factors that influence the adoption of ICC by integrating IDT and TRA and other added measures. Therefore, this study adds to the body of knowledge regarding ICC adoption studies by extending the IDT in this domain and integrating it with TRA as two well-established models in the area of acceptance and usage behavior studies.


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