Two decades of evolution in tourism competitiveness: a co-word analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda de Paula Aguiar-Barbosa ◽  
Adriana Fumi Chim-Miki ◽  
Metin Kozak
Keyword(s):  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consensus Analysis ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Models ◽  
Social Side ◽  
Integrative Concept

PurposeThe objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of tourism competitiveness over the years, ascertaining the state of the art and the degree of consensus among scholars on its constituent elements to propose an integrative and updated concept.Design/methodology/approachA set of 130 definitions on tourism competitiveness formulated between 1999–2018 was analyzed and segmented into three periods, allowing its historical evolution to be ascertained. It is a qualitative and quantitative exploratory research that uses a combination of techniques, namely, content analysis, analysis of co-words and consensus analysis.FindingsThe results indicated a low use of elements such as the quality of life and the environment in the authors' definitions during 1999–2018, although these elements were present in the first concept of tourism competitiveness by Crouch and Ritchie (1999, 2003). Another finding of this study shows a reduction in the analysis of tourism competitiveness based on the supply and demand side. Nowadays, the research tends to turn on the basis of the population directly affected. It also reveals the enrichment of the theoretical corpus with new lines of research arising and new groups of scholars of the subject, consequently a new frontier in tourism competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors recommend deepening the analysis in each category of conceptual elements of tourism competitiveness to identify the origins of the low consensus. The authors also suggest conducting further research on the largest invisible schools of thought on this subject to understand their relations and perspectives, and thus to advance in the theoretical streams of the field. Finally, it is imperative to develop research on new models and monitors of tourism competitiveness that meet its renewed concept and integrate dimensions to consider the perspective of supply, demand, tourists and residents, as well as not excluding the economic bias but including the social side.Practical implicationsOwing to the fact that monitors of tourism competitiveness have practically no variables related to the social, most of the surveys are carried out from the supply or demand perspective, leaving the resident distant from the process. In this way, the results allow authors to indicate that new models of competitiveness measurement should be formulated based on the vision of the community impacted by tourism, i.e. a new version of tourism competitiveness not based on productivity but rather on the social aspect.Originality/valueThe findings of this study contribute to the field literature by offering an integrative concept of tourism competitiveness based on the elements with a higher level of consensus among researchers. Furthermore, the results accentuate a worrying fact regarding the operationalization of this concept, as the theoretical basis is not expressed in the monitors of competitiveness. Thus, nor it is possible in the management of the tourism industry.

Exploring the social side of CrossFit: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelby C. Lautner ◽  
Megan S. Patterson ◽  
Mandy N. Spadine ◽  
Taylor Graves Boswell ◽  
Katie M. Heinrich
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Social Side

Purpose The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore and describe the social environment of CrossFit®. Design/methodology/approach A total of 6 focus groups (n = 48) and 16 interviews were held with CrossFit® participants, coaches and owners. Each focus group or interview was facilitated by trained members of the research team. After data collection was complete, four trained researchers analyzed transcriptions using an open coding method to derive themes from responses, followed by inter-rater reliability checks to ensure consistency in data analysis. Findings Five themes emerged including: support (the social capital community members received from others through CrossFit®, including encouragement, coaching and accountability); culture (describes how CrossFit® as a community embraces a variety of skill levels and members experience a sense of camaraderie, acceptance and shared goals); social aspect (ways CrossFit® incorporates and extends community through a welcoming environment and fostering relationships building); competition (competing with others and oneself at CrossFit® is key to motivation and success at the gym); and barriers to community (ways CrossFit® can at times be intimidating). Practical implications Although exploratory, this study suggests the importance of CrossFit®’s social environment for a participant’s experience. Future research could determine how relationships within CrossFit® relate to health outcomes. Originality/value This research is original and important to the field of mental health as it explores how CrossFit® can be leveraged as a strategy to promote social inclusion. CrossFit® provides an environment that promotes healthy habits such as community involvement and exercise.

Couchsurfing: a new form of sustainable tourism and an exploratory study of its motivations and its effect on satisfaction with the stay

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar Zgolli ◽  
Imed Zaiem
Keyword(s):  
Critical Incident ◽  
Social Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Cultural Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study seeks to explore the motivations behind couchsurfers’ decision to go couchsurfing, and also to explore the influence of the couchsurfing experience on the satisfaction with the stay. Design/methodology/approach The exploratory research is based on a qualitative study using several methods: a netnography, two focus groups and the critical incident technique. Our exploratory research has enabled us to identify the main motivations behind the choice of the couchsurfing experience as a form of sustainable tourism. Findings The obtained results show six major motivations: Financial reasons, the cultural experience, the need for social interaction, professional reasons, the emotional entertainment and the social responsibility. Similarly, the influence of couchsurfing on the satisfaction with the stay manifests itself through the concept of love and family. Practical implications Managers would consider the social and friendly dimension of the touristic experience as a strategic decision. Once, this decision is taken, it is important to find out how the accommodation providers manage to deploy the values that couchsurfing promotes, which are sociability and the preoccupation with the environment and the society. Originality/value The research proved the importance of couchsurfing and its social aspect for the tourists. In fact, the obtained results show that the conviviality and the social relationship that is developed between couchsurfers and their hosts during their couchsurfing experience is what accounts for the tourist’s satisfaction.

scholarly journals TOURIST DESTINATION AS AN OBJECT OF RESEARCH OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 2058-2067
Author(s):  
Nilufar Kh. Komilova Et al.
Keyword(s):  
Economic Geography ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Geographical Region ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Regional Context ◽  
The Social ◽  
Tourist Demand

 This article describes the basic concept of "tourist destination" in the tourism system, its content and essence, the definition given by various scholars, that destination is a geographical region with a certain attractiveness for tourists. The definitions of the concept of "destination" proposed by the authors in scientific sources are based on the division into four groups according to their important aspects: territorial, economic, social, administrative. While the assessment of the concept of "tourist destination" in the regional context is based primarily on the criterion of "dependence" on the specific geographical location of the region, economically tourist destination is considered as a specific destination for tourists and is considered an economic category. one is that there is a tourist demand. While the social aspect is the interpretation of a tourist destination as a specific socio-geographical place, it is conceived that any system is governed by forces of a natural nature as a subject of management that characterizes the concept of a tourist destination. The article also touches on the concept of "tourism industry" and the work on the development of tourism in Uzbekistan today.

The Israeli travel and tourism industry faces COVID-19: developing guidelines for facilitating and maintaining a nuanced response and recovery to the pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Schmidt ◽  
Alex Altshuler
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper aims to discuss how the tourism industry is contending with the economic and interorganizational challenges wrought by the COVID-19 outbreak and heightened by a lack of communication between the government and local businesses in the state of Israel. The researchers examine the dependency of the tourism industry on the general preparation programs that were developed and are currently being deployed by the relevant national stakeholders and question whether instead, it should use the pandemic as a catalyst for formulating its own nuanced tourism-travel-and-hospitality-oriented strategies and procedures. Design/methodology/approach Applying an ethnographic-based mix-methods research approach, this paper draws on insights from data compiled by fusing existing theoretical and emerging practical knowledge with empirical research (qualitative and quantitative) conducted among numerous relevant macro (governmental/centralized industry) and micro (hotels, travel and tourism operators and service providers) stakeholders as well as potential consumers. Findings It is essential that national and local government bodies form collaborative interorganizational relationships with local stakeholders to jointly activate case-specific hospitality and travel-specific risk mitigation management strategies. Moreover, the pandemic laid bare the tentative and fragile nature of the globalized tourism industry supply and demand chains, a condition that may be remedied via a pivot toward using national or even regional supply chains and goods and service providers. Within Israel, such changes could lead to increased economic benefits that extend beyond the tourism industry to provide certain security-related benefits. Originality/value Relating to idiosyncratic factors relevant to an Israeli cultural context, this paper uses the ethnographic field-borne familiarity of the researchers with the tourism and travel industries in Eilat and the Dead Sea to offer applicable suggestions for leveraging certain industry resources to both meet the demands of the present-day circumstances and cultivate a multifaceted organizational web of macro and micro social, economic and environmental networks so as to foster a more diversified and therefore resilient local tourism and travel economy.

A critical review of smart hospitality and tourism research

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Law ◽  
Huiyue Ye ◽  
Irene Cheng Chu Chan
Keyword(s):  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Tourism Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Balanced Development ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism Industry ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to build a comprehensive knowledge structure of smart hospitality and tourism research. Design/methodology/approach Content analysis is carried out on the themes of pertinent research from the perspectives of customers, suppliers, technology and policymakers. Findings Results show that over half of the reviewed articles are carried out from the perspective of customers, while those of suppliers, technology and policymakers are less discussed. The unbalanced number of articles reveals an evident mismatch between the supply and demand. Practical implications Findings provide theoretical and practical implications from different perspectives. Collaboration among various stakeholders is also advocated to achieve sustainable and balanced development of the smart hospitality and tourism industry. Originality/value This study contributes to smart hospitality and tourism research through an in-depth review of relevant literature. Based on the findings, the identified research gaps provide potential directions for future knowledge development.

The information concept of Nicholas Belkin revisited – some semeiotic comments

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torkild Thellefsen ◽  
Bent Sørensen ◽  
Martin Thellefsen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Communication Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Models ◽  
The Social ◽  
Concept Of Information ◽  
Information Concept

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine and compare Nicholas Belkin's information concept and his concept of communication with the authors' semeiotic inspired communication model – the Dynacom. Design/methodology/approach – The authors compare the two communication models by comparing the requirements given by Belkin and the conditions of the Dynacom. Findings – The authors conclude that Belkin's idea of information and his idea of communication lack the social aspect. Based on his theory, he is unable to point out how information becomes knowledge. These are two major issues the authors believe they can elaborate on by introducing the Dynacom and their semeiotic inspired concept of information. Originality/value – No one has previously specifically analyzed Nicholas Belkin's concept of information and compared it to a semeiotic ditto.

A design studio experience: impacts of social sustainability

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salih Ceylan ◽  
Murat Deniz Soygeniş
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Architectural Education ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Design Studio ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Holistic Understanding

Purpose Sustainability, especially in terms of development and growth, has been in the agenda of the world community for several decades. However, apparently not all the aspects of sustainability are given equal importance. Ecologic and economic components of sustainability have been in the focal point of many theoretical and practical works, as the social aspect has been mostly left out of emphasis. The purpose of this paper is to examine the social aspects of sustainability and its relation to architecture, with respect to the strong connection between the society and the built environment. Design/methodology/approach The core of the paper consists of a case study conducted at a design studio course for third-year architecture students whereas the outcomes of the student works on the design problem are evaluated as examples for design approaches to reflect the effects of the built environment on social sustainability. The case study is supported with a literature review and examination of existing approaches to similar subjects regarding social sustainability. Findings The findings resulted in a better understanding of social sustainability in architectural education which is reflected on the built environment through several architectural strategies. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing a holistic understanding of sustainability including its social aspects and creating an awareness for the importance of social sustainability in architectural education.

scholarly journals Encountering UFOs and aliens in the tourism industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel William Mackenzie Wright
Keyword(s):  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Consumer Participation ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Philosophical Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Tourism Attractions

Purpose Human fascination in the unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alien paranormal phenomenon is rich in history, explored widely in popular culture and many personal beliefs exist across society. The tourism industry offers a range of places where consumers can encounter such a phenomenon. Reports continue to highlight the growth in consumers participating at UFO and alien tourism attractions and locations. Significantly, the purpose of this paper is to shine a light on the relationship between UFOs, aliens and the tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes a pragmatic philosophical approach by embracing a multi-disciplinary analysis. This study examines a range of secondary data information, statistics, reports and research studies. Findings By identifying the current impotence of the UFO and alien tourism markets and the growing consumer participation in it, this paper presents a theoretical starting point in the form of a model, which maps the current landscape of the industry from supply and demand perspectives. This study should be seen as a stepping stone towards further research into the UFO and alien tourism industry and provide researchers with a theoretical platform and novel ideas through which to explore the subject. Originality/value The phenomenon includes an established eclectic mix of attractions and likewise tourist motivations for visiting are wide and diverse. However, the subject lacks academic consideration. Thus, this paper presents original research and timely discussions on the topic.

scholarly journals Inciting tourist accommodation managers to make their establishments accessible to people with disabilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginie Capitaine
Keyword(s):  
Economic Value ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
Tourist Accommodation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on the research carried out in Québec as part of a master’s degree for the IÉSEG School of Management on behalf of Kéroul, an organization whose mission is to make tourism and culture accessible to people with disabilities. Established over 30 years ago and active largely in Québec, Kéroul has observed a lingering reluctance on the part of tourism industry operators to meeting the needs of disabled visitors. In the research, we set out to answer the following question: how can Kéroul encourage tourism establishments to develop accessibility? In light of the hotel industry’s key role in tourism, exploratory research was conducted with 30 Québec hotel managers through extensive individual interviews. Design/methodology/approach The exploratory research took the form of in-depth interviews with hotel managers. The sample was selected after conferring with Kéroul and a Québec hotel association. As a first step, a jointly written letter was sent to managers who were association members, inviting them to be interviewed. Findings Some respondents showed an interest in accessibility, seen as a means of attracting group bookings; others confirmed that accessible rooms rented well to guests from all categories. Nonetheless, most were skeptical about the economic value of the disabled market. They were also poorly informed about this type of clientele, the concept of accessibility and the facilities “barrier-free” tourism requires. Originality/value Until now, the literature on accessible tourism has generally accentuated the needs of disabled consumers and analyzed their behavior with regard to tourism. Arguments to demonstrate the market potential of tourists with disabilities have ensued. The need to meet this demand was expressed while highlighting the low degree of consideration given to the disabled market by tourism professionals at present. However, few publications treat accessibility as a viable business opportunity. The study reveals the concerns and views of tourism industry professionals vis-à-vis accessibility and is all the more relevant, given the current context in Québec.

scholarly journals Formulation of the Concept for Social Tourism Development Strategy in Ukraine: European Experience and National Realities

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (46) ◽  
pp. 58-66
Author(s):  
L. V. Obolentseva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Main Function ◽  
European Experience ◽  
The Social ◽  
Qualitative Level

The article aims at formulating a concept for the social tourism development strategy in Ukraine, taking into account the European experience and national realities. The article proves that the main function of social tourism is to create and maintain appropriate conditions that allow people to participate in the tourism process, i.e. provide them with access to recreation and the effective recovery of physical, emotional and spiritual strength. The study presents a generalized structure of the social tourism system in Europe, enumerating the supply and demand factors together with their key elements. Based on foreign experience, the work identifies three main systems of social tourism services, such as: specialized accommodation; holiday checks; charitable donations. The article suggests a concept for social tourism development strategy in Ukraine, providing for a number of measures to form social tourism in Ukraine. To specify the measures needed, it is necessary to use the SWOT-analysis data and results. It has been found out that these measures comprise several groups, such as: organizational measures; measure related to participants’ work in social tourism; specific steps for social tourism promotion. The author comes to conclusion that social tourism can be considered the basis for domestic tourism development in a country, because a high development rate of domestic tourist flows will provide a new qualitative level of development for the national tourism industry, which, in turn, will contribute to placing the focus of tourism on tourists, both domestic and foreign ones.

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