Distribution channel in hospitality and tourism

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Law ◽  
Rosanna Leung ◽  
Ada Lo ◽  
Daniel Leung ◽  
Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Product ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Travel Agencies ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reexamine several issues about disintermediation from the perspectives of tourism product/service suppliers (hotels) and traditional intermediaries (travel agencies), considering the move of the current distribution landscape toward disintermediation. Internet and mobile technologies offer various tools for consumers to search and purchase products/services from suppliers directly. Consequently, the necessity and role of traditional intermediaries in the industry become questionable. Design/methodology/approach – In all, six focus group interviews were conducted to collect primary data from ten managers of three traditional travel agencies and 11 managers from three business hotels in Hong Kong, which is a major travel destination in Asia with many world-class hotels and tourism facilities. Findings – Despite their different business backgrounds, the interviewees agreed on the increasing importance of Internet technology in the distribution of tourism products. The interviewees also posited that traditional travel agencies are still needed to serve certain customer groups, albeit their role may have little importance. Practical implications – Practitioners should adapt to technologically induced changes to remain competitive in the e-business era. Originality/value – This paper provides several original contributions. First, this paper supplements the extant literature by revealing how modern practitioners perceive disintermediation in the tourism and hospitality industry. Second, this paper is the first to investigate the disintermediation issue from the perspectives of tourism product/service suppliers and intermediaries. Finally, this paper provides a reference for industry practitioners to establish adequate strategies that take advantage of Internet technology.

Mobile technologies and applications towards smart tourism – state of the art

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Dorcic ◽  
Jelena Komsic ◽  
Suzana Markovic
Keyword(s):  
Conference Proceedings ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Perspective ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Ebsco Host ◽  
Smart Tourism

Purpose The popularity of mobile technologies and applications is constantly growing and undoubtedly changing consumers’ and providers’ behavior. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive systematic literature review of academic research related to mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism published between 2012 and June 2017. Design/methodology/approach Published peer-reviewed articles were gathered from the three largest and most popular online databases and search engines – EBSCO host, Science Direct and Google Scholar and ENTER conference proceedings. Based on a keyword-driven search and content analysis, 126 articles were determined to be relevant to this study. Findings Selected publications were analyzed in accordance with the proposed research questions and thematically classified into three main categories: consumer perspective, technological perspective and provider perspective. The findings contribute to a better overall understanding of recent research into mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism by presenting the main results, methods, trends and other insights of relevant publications. Research limitations/implications Although the researchers used two databases, one search engine and ENTER conference proceedings to collect articles, there is the possibility that some studies connected to the topic were not included. The study did not include books, other conference proceedings, literature reviews, theses, business reports and other possibly relevant publications. Originality/value This study provides a systematic review of the most recent published academic research (2012-June 2017; also including “Online First” articles) on mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism. The results of this study provide an agenda for future research in tourism and hospitality industry by identifying major trends and developments in smart tourism.

Exploring customers’ attitudes to the adoption of robots in tourism and hospitality

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abou-Shouk ◽  
Hesham Ezzat Gad ◽  
Ayman Abdelhakim
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Robots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Travel Agencies ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Acceptance Model

Purpose This study aims to explore the factors affecting customers’ attitudes to the adoption of robots in hotels and travel agencies. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modelling was used to test the extended technology acceptance model based on data collected from 570 customers of hotels and travel agencies. Findings The findings revealed that hotel customers have more positive attitudes to service robots than their peers in travel agencies. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature on robots in tourism and responds to the call to investigate customers’ attitudes to the adoption of robots in developing countries.

Examining effectiveness of online and offline channel integration

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung Heon Oh
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Brown Seaweed ◽  
Graphic User Interface ◽  
Market Penetration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Channel Integration ◽  
Product Service

Purpose Channel conflicts between initial providers (IPs) and independent middlemen (IMM) can hinder the market penetration of IPs, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises with low brand awareness. Design/methodology/approach A case study is used to describe the introduction of an agent-friendly graphic user interface (AFGUI) as a compromise for the basic needs of the IP and IMM, both for the successful market entry of IPs and to encourage the IMM to accept original brand manufacturing (OBM), which can maximize the benefits of IPs after a successful product/service launch. Findings This case study shows that the AFGUI significantly contributes to increasing the IMM’s OBM selection. Comparing the “before AFGUI introduction” group to the group of IMMs who have been SeaHerb’s – a manufacturer of brown seaweed extract – IMM for fewer than three years shows that the latter group’s OBM selection can positively affect the order amount. Originality/value The AFGUI can integrate traditional offline distribution channel systems into online distribution systems. Regarding the AFGUI’s functional effectiveness for preventing fake sellers and fake products, further research on its adoption by online platform providers (e.g. Amazon and eBay) is recommended.

scholarly journals Big data and analytics in tourism and hospitality: opportunities and risks

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Yallop ◽  
Hugues Seraphin
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Management ◽  
Data Governance ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Ethics ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
International Tourist ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine and provide insights into one of the most influential technologies impacting the tourism and hospitality industry over the next five years, i.e. big data and analytics. It reflects on both opportunities and risks that such technological advances create for both consumers and tourism organisations, highlighting the importance of data governance and processes for effective and ethical data management in both tourism and hospitality. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a review of academic and industry literature and access to trends data and information from a series of academic and industry databases and reports to examine how big data and analytics shape the future of the industry and the associated risks and opportunities. Findings This paper identifies and examines key opportunities and risks posed by the rising technological trend of big data and analytics in tourism and hospitality. While big data is generally regarded as beneficial to tourism and hospitality organisations, there are extensively held ethical, privacy and security concerns about it. Therefore, the paper is making the case for more research on data governance and data ethics in tourism and hospitality and posits that to successfully use data for competitive advantage, tourism and hospitality organisations need to solely expand compliance-based data governance frameworks to frameworks that include more effective privacy and ethics data solutions. Originality/value This paper provides useful insights into the use of big data and analytics for both researchers and practitioners and offers new perspectives on the debate on data governance and ethical data management in both tourism and hospitality. Because forecasts from the UNWTO indicate a significant increase in international tourist arrivals (1.8 billion tourist arrivals by 2030), the ways tourism and hospitality organisations manage customers’ data become important.

Co-creation of a food marketing offer by final purchasers in the context of their lifestyles

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Izabela Baruk
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Food Marketing ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Service ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
A Company

PurposeThis article is theoretical and empirical in nature. Its purpose is to determine whether a lifestyle resulting from a particular personality type is significant for elements of a food marketing offer, which final purchasers would like to co-create with offerors.Design/methodology/approachA cognitive-critical analysis of the world literature on the subject was used to prepare the theoretical section. The results of the analysis indicate a cognitive and research gap in analyzing the above aspects. In order to reduce the gap, empirical studies were conducted in which a questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The data were subjected to quantitative analysis using statistical analysis including exploratory factor analysis, Pearson chi-square independence test, V-Cramer coefficient analysis, Kruskal–Wallis test and cluster analysis.FindingsThe results of the statistical analysis allowed three research hypotheses to be verified. It was found that there is dependence between respondents' lifestyles and elements of a marketing offer which they would like to co-create with offerors. It was also found that a lifestyle is a feature differentiating both material and non-material elements of a marketing offer which respondents would like to co-create with offerors. Such dependence was identified for, respectively, a material product, service and brand, regardless of whether these considered a company or a product. Thus, research hypotheses were proved to be valid for respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThe results obtained from the research have a cognitive and applicability value. They contribute to the theory, including marketing and customer behavior. They can also facilitate the shaping of good mutual relationships between offerors and final purchasers as important partners cooperating in the process of creating marketing values.Originality/valueThe originality of the approach presented is confirmed by the fact that until now elements of a marketing offer which purchasers would like to co-create with offerors have not been analyzed in the context of a lifestyle either in theory or in practice.

Unraveling the fuzzy predictors of stress at work

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanaz Vatankhah ◽  
Mona Bouzari ◽  
Homayoun Pasha Safavi
Keyword(s):  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Fuzzy Theory ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Workplace Stressors ◽  
Mental Demand ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose This study aims to identify and rank the significant determinants of stress among tourism and hospitality employees. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach is used to identify and rank workplace stressors. Particularly, the synthesis of relative literature and interview with the panel of experts resulted in the preliminary identification of workplace stressors. Underpinned by fuzzy theory, in addition, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is used to rank identified criteria and relative sub-criteria. Findings Results of three-wave investigation lead to an index comprising key components and weighted ranking of workplace stressors in the tourism and hospitality industry with job characteristics as the most important criteria and mental demand as the most salient sub-criteria influencing stress at work. Research limitations/implications The pattern of findings enhances the current knowledge regarding significant workplace stressors in the tourism and hospitality industry. Practical implications Compositional framework and the weight-based ranking of identified components may act as a source of strategic solution for managers to reduce and manage stress among employees. Originality/value Workplace stressors have attracted considerable research attention, however, no general consensus yet exists among scholars and practitioners conferring to the key composition and relative importance of workplace stressors.

scholarly journals Employees’ evaluative repertoires of tourism and hospitality jobs

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schneider ◽  
Corinna Treisch
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Attributes ◽  
Hierarchical Bayesian Analysis ◽  
Job Preferences ◽  
Flexible Working Hours ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose This paper aims to examine employees’ evaluative repertoires of tourism and hospitality jobs and segments them based on a set of job attribute preferences. Understanding the social–cultural underpinnings of employees’ job preferences is vital if employers are to overcome the challenging task of finding and retaining talented employees in the tourism and hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach A discrete-choice experiment with waiters, barkeepers, cooks and front-desk employees working in the Tyrolean tourism industry was conducted. Employees were categorized into distinct segments using a hierarchical Bayesian analysis and a cluster analysis. Findings Results show that flexible working hours and the ability to balance professional and private aspirations are the most important job attributes for employees. Overall, the evaluative repertoires of the “green” and “domestic (family)” conventions are most prevalent. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to literature on talent management by providing insights into employees’ evaluations of jobs and their evaluative repertoires embedded in the broader social–cultural context. Practical implications Industry representatives and employers can adapt their recruiting and retention strategies based on employees’ job preferences. Social implications Adapting job attributes according to employees’ evaluative repertoires helps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry workforce. Originality/value Applying the Economics of Convention (EC) perspective, combining organizational job attributes and socially embedded evaluative repertoires provides a new approach to analysing and understanding employees’ job preferences.

scholarly journals COVID-19: potential effects on Chinese citizens’ lifestyle and travel

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Wen ◽  
Metin Kozak ◽  
Shaohua Yang ◽  
Fang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Travel Behaviour ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Chinese Travellers

Purpose The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is projected to have adverse consequences on the global tourism and hospitality industry. This paper aims to examine how the outbreak may alter Chinese tourists’ lifestyle choices, travel behaviour and tourism preferences in the short and long term. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the synthesis of news broadcasted by several media outlets to be supported by an overview of the related literature on tourism marketing, tourism management and tourist behaviour. The authors’ experiences investigating trends in tourism and hospitality at the local and international level have also contributed to the study. Findings This paper predicts that COVID-19 will likely affect Chinese travellers’ consumption patterns, such as the growing popularity of free and independent travel, luxury trips and health and wellness tourism. New forms of tourism including slow tourism and smart tourism may also drive future tourism activities. Such changes are likely to force businesses to reconsider their service designs and distribution channels. Research limitations/implications While Chinese and other potential visitors rethink how they travel, professionals, too, should reflect upon how to bring positive or negative changes to the tourism industry following this pandemic. Subsequent research should also consider how to mitigate the effects of similar public health crises in the future. Practical implications Recommendations for industry practitioners and policymakers focus on tailoring travel arrangements to tourists’ backgrounds. The suggestions may help to alleviate outbreak-related stress, offer travellers newly enriching experiences and partially mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the tourism and hospitality industry. These recommendations can also apply more broadly to global tourist markets. Social implications The COVID-19 outbreak has already brought significant impacts to nearly every society and industry. Tourism scholars and practitioners should carefully consider this tragedy and how it may inform industry and social practices. This and other public health crises represent sterling opportunities to view the industry holistically in terms of its effects on the environment, climate and travellers themselves. Originality/value This paper presumably represents a frontier study, critically examining the possible impacts of COVID-19 on Chinese travellers’ consumption patterns and how the tourism and hospitality industry may respond to such changes in the future.

Reflections on the theme issue outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-402
Author(s):  
Marina Sheresheva ◽  
John Kopiski ◽  
Richard Teare
Keyword(s):  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Experience Economy ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Detailed Assessment ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose This study aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) issue “What are the main trends, challenges and success factors in the Russian hospitality and tourism market in the experience economy era?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors, contributors from industry and academia and the theme issue outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This study uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for their theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings This study provides a framework to facilitate discussion between all stakeholders in Russia’s tourism and hospitality industry; it identifies ways of improving competitiveness as a tourist destination and contributes to thinking about sustainable development. Practical implications Reports on dialogue between Russian academics and industry practitioners related to the challenges, opportunities and success factors that are important for the development of the tourism and hospitality industry in Russia. Originality/value This is the first detailed assessment of the opportunities and mechanisms for creating memorable tourist experiences in Russia. The theme issue also identifies the main problems relating to the development of tourism and hospitality, the implications for industry and the solutions needed to address them.

The importance of employee brand understanding, brand identification, and brand commitment in realizing brand citizenship behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1575-1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rico Piehler ◽  
Ceridwyn King ◽  
Christoph Burmann ◽  
Lina Xiong
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Brand Commitment ◽  
Brand Identification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Brand Understanding ◽  
Brand Citizenship Behaviour

Purpose This study aims to develop comprehensive definitions, conceptualizations and measures of four internal brand management (IBM) outcomes, namely, brand understanding, brand identification, brand commitment and brand citizenship behaviour (BCB). In doing so, it also aims to propose a model, which considers the relationships across these outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via an online survey of 375 employees who work in service organizations, sourced from an Australian, Web-based market research list. Findings In addition to the indirect effect of brand understanding on BCB via affective IBM outcomes (i.e. brand identification and brand commitment), the study exposes a direct effect of brand understanding on BCB. Therefore, the study shows that BCB is affected by cognitive and affective antecedents. Research limitations/implications Because this study focuses on IBM outcomes, future studies could propose and test relevant antecedents and moderators. As the empirical basis of this study comes primarily from the tourism and hospitality industry in one domestic market, the study should be replicated in other industries and countries to ensure the generalizability of the identified relationships. Practical implications This study not only delivers IBM outcome measures but also empirically validates that employees’ understanding of the brand is a foundation for affective and behavioural IBM outcomes. Therefore, managers, especially in service organizations, should provide sufficient IBM practices to enable such brand understanding. Originality/value This study contributes to IBM literature by developing comprehensive definitions, conceptualizations and measures of four important IBM outcomes. This study is the first to include brand understanding, brand identification, brand commitment and BCB simultaneously.

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