What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-473
Author(s):  
Gunjan M. Sanjeev

Purpose This paper aims to summarize and review the key areas of importance that will drive a paradigm shift over the next decade in the Indian tourism and hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper identifies important issues from the findings and managerial implications as identified by the contributors to the theme issue: What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade? Findings This theme issue has brought to light some interesting factors that are going to dominate the industry in the near future. These factors are: the role of social media in how businesses will operate in the near future; information technology applications as influencers of profitability; the evolution of risk management techniques; differentiated valuation models; innovative ways to retain talent; and remodelling education at higher educational institutions offering hospitality education. Practical implications In an era of tough completion and disruptive innovations, the tourism and hospitality industry will need to be proactive rather than reactive to the anticipated changes that are going to take place over next ten years. These changes will be very useful to domestic and foreign operators, as they consider the key issues that will impact on the Indian context over the next ten years. Originality/value This theme issue and, in particular, this concluding paper bring together important findings related to the issues of importance that are shaping a paradigm shift in the way tourism and hospitality businesses operate. Building upon viewpoints and perspectives of practitioners in the tourism and hospitality industry, these findings are unique and contemporary as compared to any other published source. This will be a significant contribution to the field of research relating to the Indian hospitality and tourism industry.

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-479
Author(s):  
Gunjan M. Sanjeev ◽  
Richard Teare

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to profile the experiences of the theme editor and the writing team of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade?” Design/methodology/approach This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings This paper identifies key issues shaping the Indian tourism and hospitality industry and some of the implications for managers. It also identifies ways of improving competitiveness and some of the ways in which the Indian Government (at national and state levels) is investing in and facilitating community-focussed tourism development. Practical implications The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing. Originality/value This paper draws on discussion and applied research with industry to identify and assess the likely impact of innovation, information technology, social media and related developments on tourism and hospitality industry development in India. The theme issue collection of this paper provides a rich picture of the occurring changes and prospects for the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunjan M. Sanjeev ◽  
Arvind K. Birdie

Purpose This paper aims to introduce the theme issue and strategic question: What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade? It also presents an overview of recent developments in the tourism and hospitality industry and presents some statistics and trends relating to prospects for the tourism and hospitality industry in India. Design/methodology/approach Emerging trends emanate from various official reports and expert views. The paper also highlights key issues and areas for investigation by the theme issue contributors. Findings Strong growth is predicted for the tourism and hospitality industry and some of the underpinning issues that will influence competitiveness are the role of social media, business model innovations, risk management, talent management, valuation models, the influence of information technology, employee loyalty and design thinking in hospitality higher education. Practical implications Given the expansion occurring in the domestic market in India and the involvement of international operators in the Indian environment, this paper will be of interest to practitioners with an interest in the emerging opportunities and challenging issues related in this dynamic marketplace. Originality/value This introductory paper captures the essence of the prevailing trends in the tourism and hospitality industry as a starting point for this theme issue.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Wen ◽  
Metin Kozak ◽  
Shaohua Yang ◽  
Fang Liu

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-402
Author(s):  
Marina Sheresheva ◽  
John Kopiski ◽  
Richard Teare

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly S. Carty

Purpose This paper aims to provide a framework to guide tourism and hospitality businesses, tourism organizations and their communities to collaboratively develop a proactive, capabilities-based continuity plan for disaster or crisis. The framework provided incorporates the existing research and existing business continuity standards to provide actionable steps building community resilience and disaster preparedness. This plan offers the stakeholders a roadmap to adapt when faced with disaster and persist in the pursuit of a strong tourism and hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach A summary of the key literature is presented alongside international guidance for developing business continuity plans. Incorporating the literature and business continuity standards, this framework offers actionable steps that stakeholders can take to develop preparedness plans for their business, organization and/or community that support disaster resilience for the tourism and hospitality industry. Findings The majority of tourism and hospitality businesses are micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses that often lack the capabilities and resources to dedicate to disaster preparedness planning. The available research offers important and meaningful data, yet also finds that businesses fail to plan. The available literature that guides tourism and hospitality businesses to move to action in preparing for disaster is sparse. Originality/value This paper brings together theoretical research literature with existing business continuity best practices to create a new framework specifically designed for the tourism and hospitality industry. The result is a practical roadmap to guide stakeholders to build community resilience that benefits tourism and hospitality businesses, tourism organizations and the wider community to build resilience, shorten recovery times and sustain a strong industry/community despite disaster. It will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders involved in the travel and tourism industry.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 471-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena

Purpose This paper aims to provide practical solutions to the strategic question: “The hospitality and tourism industry in Canada: what are the main challenges and solutions?”. It aims to capture the essence of scholarly contributions made by 25 Canadian experts and provide a conclusion to the Worldwide Hospitality Themes (WHATT) theme issue (v.9, n.4) dedicated to Canada. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws from key concepts, suggestions and solutions written by 25 Canadian authors in the previous papers of this theme issue. It is worth noting that these authors together have more than 700 years of experience in managing, operating and teaching all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry. The paper presents nine summaries in the following order: the state of the industry (introductory article); finding innovative solutions for HR challenges (four articles); and new trends and innovation (four articles) Findings In conclusion, 20 recommendations relating to human capital enhancement, as well as general suggestions, are made to embrace useful trends and innovative thinking for future progress in Canada’s hospitality and tourism industry. Practical implications As this paper is a combination of many perspectives from nine co-authored articles, there is no single focus to draw common conclusions. For further information and analysis, it is recommended that the relevant articles from this theme issue be reviewed. Originality/value Readers interested in the Canadian hospitality and tourism industry will find this paper to be of interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Altshuler ◽  
Joshua Schmidt

Purpose This paper aims to explore the concept of resilience both through conceptual lenses and an applied relevance and importance to the tourism and hospitality industry in the context of identifying the most effective approaches to cope with the worldwide epidemic of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is based on a comprehensive literature review and strategic interdisciplinary analysis as a basis for comprehensive policy recommendations. Findings This paper suggests five clusters of globally applicable measures and approaches aimed to enhance the resilience of the tourism and hospitality industry in the face of COVID-19 and more broadly in the face of other regional and global large-scale disasters: fostering adaptive and creative leadership; humility and cautious navigating through a deep uncertainty; flexibility in building on the unknown; enhancing social capital; and developing mutual respect and positive interconnectivity among the various stakeholders. Originality/value Through policy-driven applied conceptual analysis, this paper provides the various audiences in the travel and hospitality sector across the globe with an original, flexible and strategic approach to effectively respond to the multiple cascading effects of COVID-19.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 2110-2131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Ram ◽  
John Tribe ◽  
Avital Biran

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the gap between the very high prevalence of sexual harassment in the tourism and hospitality industry (the phenomenon) and the limited academic discussion about it (academic knowledge), and suggests ways to bridge this gap. Design/methodology/approach The gap between phenomenon and knowledge is identified by comparing official data regarding sexual harassment in the tourism and hospitality industry with a content analysis of the academic literature. Tribe’s (2006) knowledge force-field model is used to analyze this gap. Findings The five truth barriers identified by Tribe (2006), namely, person, rules, position, ends and ideology, are confirmed by the data. Five counter-forces – triangulation, interdisciplinary, collaboration, humanism and critical praxis – are developed to counter these truth barriers. Practical implications The five counter-forces offer practical solutions for research, higher education programs and the tourism industry. They demonstrate ways to reduce the high prevalence of sexual harassment in the industry and improve the working conditions of employees. Originality/value Underpinned by Tribe’s conceptual model, the paper identifies and analyzes a relative silence regarding sexual harassment in the tourism and hospitality academy in contrast to its prevalence in the industry. Additionally, it advances Tribe’s model by identifying five truth-facilitating forces. Further, it offers a research agenda for revealing hidden topics and/or biased knowledge by understanding the relationship between tourism and hospitality phenomena and academic knowledge.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Jauncey ◽  
Sanjay Nadkarni

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight and summarize the main findings of the theme issue: “Expo 2020: How is Dubai’s hospitality and tourism industry preparing?” by drawing on the discussion and recommendations across the collection of articles to identify the key success factors associated with hosting Expo 2020 in Dubai. Design/methodology/approach – The paper profiles the key methodological elements in developing the research agenda for the theme issue “Expo 2020: How is Dubai’s hospitality and tourism industry preparing?” Findings – The paper provides a concise summary of recommendations for the various stakeholder groups involved in hosting Dubai’s Expo 2020 mega event. Originality/value – Dubai’s successful bid to host Expo 2020 was announced in early 2014. Written by industry practitioners, analysts and educators with local knowledge and experience of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality industry, the theme issue provides an authoritative review of the main opportunities and challenges facing the industry in Dubai as it prepares to host Expo 2020.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zanete Garanti ◽  
Galina Berjozkina

PurposeThis concluding paper aims to summarise the main points and outcomes related to the theme issue question what are the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus?Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on the findings of the theme issue articles summarising key points on how sustainability can be achieved in different tourism and hospitality industry areas in Cyprus.FindingsThe overall findings highlight the challenges the tourism and hospitality industry face in Cyprus to implement sustainable tourism measures while significantly depending on the income industry generates. Articles in this thematic issue also explore the opportunities that stakeholders, support measures, education, advanced technology and rural thematic tourism activities can provide.Originality/valueThe articles in this issue address sustainability challenges and opportunities for a small island state Cyprus that heavily depends on sun and sea tourism activity. The articles in this theme issue provide academic and practical insight through thematic literature reviews, field visits, case studies, interactions and interviews with practitioners, residents and policymakers.


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