Measuring Hospitality and Tourism Management Students’ Satisfaction with Work Related Learning Using Partial Least Squares in Zimbabwe

Purpose: The study assessed Tourism and Hospitality Students’ satisfaction with work-related learning (WRL) attachment using a two-stage extended model proposed by Taylor and Geldenhuys (2019). It also intends to determine if there are significant student satisfaction differences between males and females and between the students pursuing bachelor or diploma in Tourism and hospitality. Also, the study assessed if there is a moderation effect of a third variable (intermediate) on expectation and perception to students’ satisfaction. Method: Data were collected from 488 students using a survey instrument at the onset and at the end of the attachment. Analysis of results was done using both SPSS 23 and R 4.0.3. The study also applied the Multi-Group Analysis-Partial Least Squares (MGA-PLS) analysis permutation to test students’ satisfaction. Results: The research found no significant differences between males and females, and the students’ category (bachelor and diploma) on both Expectation-Satisfaction and Perception-Satisfaction relationship in model A. However, the study found significant differences between males and females in the perception-satisfaction relationship in Model B. The MGSA-PLS results revealed that male students have a positive and significant effect on the perception-satisfaction relationship as opposed to a negative and insignificant effect for females. The moderating effect test revealed that a third construct, INTER - Intermediate variable (a product of construct Perceptions and Expectation) has a positive impact on student satisfaction. Implications: There is a need for collaboration between hospitality industry players and academics in curriculum design, so as to meet the demands of the industry.

The Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic and Recovery Strategies for the Travel and Tourism Sector in Bangladesh

Purpose: This study's purpose is twofold: first, to examine the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bangladesh's travel and tourism sector and second, to suggest some recovery strategies to reduce the negative effects of this pandemic so that the travel and tourism sector of Bangladesh can bounce back. Methods: This study is qualitative in nature, applying secondary data analysis technique to collect data from various sources, which includes academic journals, news articles, and websites of different professional bodies like the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Travel Owners Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), etc. Results: The findings indicate that Bangladesh's travel and tourism sector has been impacted considerably by the pandemic due to travel restrictions, movement control order, apprehension of Covid-19 contamination, etc. Some recovery strategies are also suggested to minimize the pandemic's detrimental consequences. Implications: This research provides guidelines for tourism marketers, which will help them to revise their strategies so that they will be able to remove anxiety from travelers’ minds and influence their visit intention. Originality: Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on the travel and tourism sector have been an emergent research area since travel and tourism is one of the severely affected sectors during the pandemic. However, so far insufficient studies related to this area in the context of Bangladesh are available. Hence, this research is an attempt to bridge this gap in the literature.

Profiling The Needs and Wants of Millennials in The Tourism Industry: Implications for Zimbabwe

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to profile the needs and wants of millennials in the tourism industry and their implications for tourism operators in Zimbabwe. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative design approach with document analysis being the data collection method. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: The major finding was that millennials desire authentic and memorable experiences, they are highly knowledgeable, have strong digital skills, they are social media creatures and are permanently connected online, they are particular and question everything, they prefer leisure and recreational activities, they prefer hotel facilities with health-oriented facilities like fitness centers and they practice volunteer tourism. Millennials are different, they think and act differently, and their travel choices and preferences are different from the generations before them. Implications: Tourism operators including hotels should adapt their service delivery systems to the needs and wants of millennials to achieve superior business performance. There is a need for the adoption of proactive marketing strategies as well as taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by millennials in the tourism industry in Zimbabwe.

Perceived Economic Impact of Religious Tourism: The Case of Zimbabwe

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the perceived economic impact of religious tourism in Zimbabwe. The research objectives were (1) to determine the nature of religious tourism in Zimbabwe, (2) to determine the key success factor for economically viable religious tourism in Zimbabwe, (3) to ascertain the perceived economic contribution of religious tourism, and finally (4) to propose strategies for economically sustainable religious tourism in Zimbabwe. Methods: The research adopted a qualitative approach and was descriptive in nature. The study focused on Harare and the study population was made up of a cross-section of tourism service providers in Harare, religious leaders, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Purposive sampling was used for service providers and as well as religious leaders. Results: The research findings revealed that there are a lot of religious tourism activities that take place in Zimbabwe, particularly Harare, and normally take the form of pilgrimages, religious conferencing, healing and deliverance nights, and worship. The perceived economic value derived includes employment creation for the locals, an increase in foreign currency generation, and an increase in sales revenue. The research findings also show that for religious tourism to be economically sustainable there is a need for government involvement, re-packaging of the product, and investment in local infrastructure. Implications: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the private sector need to take the religious tourism market seriously and make deliberate efforts to harness this growing market.

A Tourism Planning of Zimbabwe for 1980-2018: A Critical Assessment

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess how far the government of Zimbabwe’s tourism policies and strategies have affected the development of the tourism and hospitality sector. Methods: The study was based on a review of the literature on tourism development in Zimbabwe. A range of peer-reviewed papers, reports from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). reports from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), and those of the Ministry of Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry were consulted. The information offered a clear picture of how far the government had contributed to influencing the development of the tourism and hospitality industry during the period. Results: The results of the study showed that for the period up to 2000 the government played only a facilitating role in the development of the sector. The results further showed that the government took a more proactive role in planning the development of the industry only when the persistent negative image of the country threatened the collapse of the sector. Implications: It is recommended that the country effectively implements the National Tourism Master Plan and the National Tourism Sector Strategy which were launched in 2016 and 2018 respectively. A constant review of the National Tourism Sector Strategy will ensure an effective response to the global and national macro-economic, social and political changes that will occur during the plan period.

Developing a Model for Packaging and Popularizing Township Tourism in Zimbabwe

Purpose: There is tremendous potential for vibrant township tourism in Zimbabwe. The country boasts an abundance of township tourism resources such as monuments of colonial history, administrative centers, informal sector activities, co-existence of traditional and modern cuisine, art and craft centers, community markets, iconic personalities and buildings, and others. Despite this rich heritage of tourism resources, township tourism has failed to attract a critical mass of clients to make it viable thereby depriving the country of potential revenue of this form of alternative tourism. Keeping this in mind, the main objective of the study was to develop a model for packaging and popularising township tourism in Zimbabwe. Method: The study adopted a qualitative methodology. Data were collected from Tour operators, residents, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority through participant observations and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: The study revealed key challenges to the growth of township tourism being lack of finance, lack of support from authorities, illegal operators, and limited access to markets, stringent operational laws, and poor understanding of the concept. Furthermore, tour operators and residents were of the view that information should be disseminated through publicity associations, using brochures and travel shows to aid in popularising township tourism. Respondents highlighted the need for educating all stakeholders on township tourism and creating mutual relationships. Implications: Recommendations included stakeholder involvement and tour operators’ in-depth knowledge of iconic tourism resources in the township. It further recommends a strategic partnership with international tour operators offering township tourism.

Analysis of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Tourism Industry in Tanzania

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the commercial sexual exploitation of children in the tourism industry in Tanzania and to propose mitigation measures. Methods: This study was based on the desk review of published materials. Critical analysis of commercial sex exploitation of children in the Tourism (CSECT) industry in Tanzania was conducted. Results: According to the findings, children in Tanzania are involved in commercial sex trade with tourists and residents. This perception was also supported by the studies which were conducted by End Child Prostitution and Trafficking International (ECPAT International) in Tanzania in 2013 and in Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa in 2015. Implications: The problem of commercial sex exploitation of children in Tourism is aggravated by poverty and the trafficking of children for child labor engagement. The study serves as an early wake-up call for the policymakers in Tanzania. The study recommends prevention, protection, prosecution, policy, and mobilize coordinated national action to end the problem.

Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction in the Tourism Sector of Bangladesh

Purpose: The tourism sector is a very potential sector for Bangladesh in terms of growth and employment. Analyzing the literature, it can be observed that most of the researchers studied the tourist market and the degree of satisfaction of tourists. But job satisfaction as a human resource management concept, in the tourism sector has not been sufficiently investigated. Job satisfaction is particularly important in tourism sector as it is service oriented and people intensive. This study identified the antecedents of job satisfaction in tourism sector and their relative importance to the employees. Methods: The study is quantitative in nature. A number of hypotheses were tested for relationships between job satisfaction and related facets like payment and benefits, advancement and growth, the work itself, leadership, communication, performance feedback and recognition, rewards, colleagues, and employee stress. Data were collected through a survey method and structured questionnaire from employees of different tourism-related businesses. With 81.8% response rate, a total of 409 error-free response sheets containing a total of 38 independent variables were considered for the analysis through Smart PLS 3.01 software. The hypotheses were tested by following the path coefficients of the factors where job satisfaction was the dependent variable. The model of the satisfaction of employees for Bangladesh was established by using the coefficients of relationship with all nine facets and job satisfaction. Results: The standardized regression weights are shown with the nine factors Payment and Benefit (PB), Advancement and Growth (AG), Work Itself (WI), Work Itself (WI), Leadership (LE), Communication (COM), Performance feedback and Recognition (PFR), Rewards (RE), Colleague (COL) and Stress (STR). It was found that five factors (PB, AG, WI, LE, COM) are relatively more significantly responsible for job satisfaction or dissatisfaction, than other four factors (PFR, RE, COL, STR). It also found that the managerial and non-managerial employees show considerable differences in their job satisfaction across the organizations. Implications: The results found in the study may act as a basis for future research in the HR issues of the tourism sector. The owners and managers of tourism companies should appreciate the necessity of employees being satisfied, because this will lead to greater commitment, loyalty, and quality service to the customers. Originality: Due to the dominance of other factors like machines, materials, and other technologies, there is weak evidence in some cases whether there is always a positive and strong relationship between job satisfaction and firm performance. But in a human intensive service industry like tourism, job satisfaction of employees who are directly responsible for consumer experience, is bound to be a dominant factor. This paper is expected to be cited in that particular idea or context.

Factors affecting tourists’ satisfaction: An empirical study on Rangamati as a tourism destination

This study aims to unearth the determining factors of tourist satisfaction in the Rangamati District and explores the degree of interdependence. Data were collected from 140 tourists who visited Rangamati from 2019 to onward were selected based on convenience using a survey questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that two factors among five such as natural factors, cultural factors were found to have a positive influence in determining tourists’ satisfaction however the other three such as tourism product, destination support services, and financial factors do not influence tourists satisfaction. SPSS-2020 was used for analysis where descriptive statistics were used to express the demographic profile of the respondent and to rank the individual factors to find out which factors are most important for determining the dependent variable. Then, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis has been used to judge the degree of relationship among independent and dependent variables. A set of recommendations was provided which will help to improve the performance of the agencies as well as tourist services and it will gradually bring satisfaction to the local and international tourists.