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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2024

Chai Ching Tan, Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Rupa Sinha, Ali Elsayed Shehata and Kareem M. Selem

This paper addresses a crucial research need by examining the influence of compatibility, a pivotal design element for hotel concierge apps, on the socio-psychological dynamics of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses a crucial research need by examining the influence of compatibility, a pivotal design element for hotel concierge apps, on the socio-psychological dynamics of digital hotel guests. While prior research has examined the constructs, their application to digital concierge apps introduces a unique context. We posit that compatibility significantly influences central variables rooted in theory of planned behaviors (TPBs) and technology acceptance model (TAM), fostering positive usage intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing data from 668 four-star hotel guests through PLS-SEM substantiates compatibility’s role, endorsing the theoretical amalgamation of affordance, TPB, and TAM frameworks.

Findings

Compatibility positively affected perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward behavior. Besides, usage intention positively affected willingness to pay a price premium and revisit intention.

Originality/value

This paper adopts compatibility as a unifying force for integrating TPB and TAM; the predictive ability of digital concierges' usage intentions on revisit intentions to upscale hotels. Further, this paper is the first attempt to highlight employing compatibility as a pivotal design factor for digital concierge apps in the hospitality setting.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Ana Rita Gonçalves, Diego Costa Pinto, Saleh Shuqair, Anna Mattila and Anel Imanbay

This paper aims to bridge the extended reality framework and the luxury hospitality literature by providing insights into how immersive technologies using artificial intelligence…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to bridge the extended reality framework and the luxury hospitality literature by providing insights into how immersive technologies using artificial intelligence (AI) can shape luxury value and consumer differentiation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted three experimental studies comparing immersive AI versus traditional hospitality across luxury contexts (hotels, restaurants and spas). Study 1 investigates the effect of immersive AI (vs traditional hospitality) on customers’ behavioral intentions and the need for differentiation using virtual-assisted reality. Study 2 tests the underlying mechanism of the need for differentiation and luxury value in an augmented reality context. Study 3 provides additional support for the proposed underlying mechanism using virtual-assisted reality in luxury hospitality.

Findings

The findings reveal that immersive AI (vs traditional) luxury hospitality reduces customers’ behavioral intentions of using such services and perceived luxury value. Moreover, the findings indicate that the intention to use immersive AI (vs traditional) luxury hospitality services is contingent upon customers’ need for differentiation.

Originality/value

The findings have important theoretical and managerial implications for immersive technologies in luxury hospitality. They shed light on the dynamics between integrating immersive AI into luxury hospitality and its impact on customers’ differentiation motives and perceived luxury value. The findings reveal the detrimental effect of using immersive AI (vs traditional hospitality) within this context.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 May 2022

Rosanna Leung

This study investigates human behavior, specifically attitude and anxiety, toward humanoid service robots in a hotel business environment.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates human behavior, specifically attitude and anxiety, toward humanoid service robots in a hotel business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher adopted direct observations and interviews to complete the study. Visitors of Henn-na Hotel were observed and their spatial distance from the robots, along with verbal and non-verbal behavior, was recorded. The researcher then invited the observed hotel guests to participate in a short interview.

Findings

Most visitors showed a positive attitude towards the robot. More than half of the visitors offered compliments when they first saw the robot receptionists although they hesitated and maintained a distance from them. Hotel guests were also disappointed with the low human–robot interaction (HRI). As the role of robots in hotels currently remains at the presentation level, a comprehensive assessment of their interactive ability is lacking.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the HRI theory by confirming that people may treat robots as human strangers when they first see them. When a robot's face is more realistic, people expect it to behave like an actual human being. However, as the sample size of this study was small and all visitors were Asian, the researcher cannot generalize the results to the wider population.

Practical implications

Current robot receptionist has limited interaction ability. Hotel practitioners could learn about hotel guests' behavior and expectation towards android robots to enhance satisfaction and reduce disappointment.

Originality/value

Prior robot research has used questionnaires to investigate perceptions and usage intention, but this study collected on-site data and directly observed people's attitude toward robot staff in an actual business environment.

Details

International Hospitality Review, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-8142

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Vaishali Kaushal and Rajan Yadav

Despite the severe impact of the COVID-19, Maldives was one of the top destinations which witnessed decent tourist arrival amid the pandemic. This study aims to analyze luxury…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the severe impact of the COVID-19, Maldives was one of the top destinations which witnessed decent tourist arrival amid the pandemic. This study aims to analyze luxury hospitality experiences of guests amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is exploratory in nature. This study analyses 4,302 real-time customer reviews using sentiment and thematic analysis with the help of NVIVO 12 plus and Leximancer.

Findings

The findings suggest travel products as well as services associated with luxury resorts needs to be revisited. Staff needs to be more professional and must be proactive while redesigning services specially in situations like pandemic. While redesigning services in situations like pandemic, staff needs to be proactive, professional and must follow all protocols. Major negative experiences included long waiting time to avail frill services, privacy intrusion by bloggers and influencers, service quality issues. We recommend enhancing service quality followed by investing more in training and development, increasing the number of foreign languages spoken by staff and disseminating localized culinary experiences will enhance the experience quality with guests.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations: first, this study limited itself to 15 luxury resorts of Maldives, which may not serve as a true representation of all luxury resorts of Maldives. The next limitation of this study is that the authors have collected customer reviews from TripAdvisor only, and the reviews were only in English language.

Practical implications

The findings of the research can be beneficial for the policymakers, hospitality practitioners and academicians who study luxury tourism industry to carve appropriate strategies for enhancing the customers’ luxury experience like leveraging customization in all areas and enhancing service quality, food quality, training and development of employees.

Originality/value

Maldives has become one of the most expensive traveler destinations and is home to world’s most expensive resorts. This study is original in nature and has a forward-looking approach which studies the disruptive effect of pandemic, intangible nature of luxury as a concept can be used by hospitality industry to redesign the luxury customer experience which can improve marketing strategies aiming to potentiate this niche. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study will be the first one to capture the real customer experiences of luxury resorts of Maldives.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Laura Hedin, Lydia Gerzel-Short, Lisa Liberty and Jason Pope

District-university partners increasingly rely on “grow-your-own” licensure programs to address teacher shortages. Because vacancies in special education represent a chronic…

Abstract

Purpose

District-university partners increasingly rely on “grow-your-own” licensure programs to address teacher shortages. Because vacancies in special education represent a chronic issue, our district-university partnership developed LEAP – the Licensed Educators’ Accelerated Pathway, successfully preparing 26 paraprofessionals as special education teachers (SEs). We describe a model university-district partnership in which we collaborated to design and implement paraprofessionals’ SE licensure program.

Design/methodology/approach

In this general review, we describe a district-university partnership collaboration that resolved barriers experienced by paraprofessionals working toward licensure in special education (Essential #4, Reflection and Innovation). The specialized design and partnership solutions were grounded in SE preparation research literature.

Findings

25 (28 entered the program and 25 completed) paraprofessionals from one large urban and several regional districts completed special education licensure through LEAP. Slightly more than half of LEAP participants were Black or Hispanic (see Table 1), contributing to the diversification of SE workforce. University-district partnership was successful in designing and delivering a program that allowed participants: a) to remain employed, b) attend evening classes in their geographic region or online, c) complete all field experiences in sponsoring districts (Essential #2) and d) receive concierge advising from a “completion coach.” We describe solutions to barriers experienced by paraprofessionals and advocate for district-university collaboration to address chronic teacher shortages.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include lack of data on success of program completers during their first year of teaching as they began this work in Fall 2023. Further, because the participating district was large and urban, generalization of program details for small and rural districts is difficult.

Practical implications

Practical tips for developing grow-your-own special education licensure programs are providing. Detailed descriptions of barriers candidates experienced and ways the district-university partners resolved these issues are included. Programs like the one described has the potential to positively impact teacher pipeline issues.

Social implications

The program described provided highly-trained teachers to fill chronic vacancies in special education in three participating districts/agencies. Because students receiving special education services are at risk for school failure and are disproportionately impacted by teacher turnover, addressing this area through grow-your-own licensure programs represents a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Further, upskilling diverse paraprofessionals to licensed teacher roles represent an economic boost, which they might not otherwise have achieved.

Originality/value

Available research literature signals alarm over persistent teacher shortages in hard-to-staff districts and lack of diversity in the teacher workforce, but few published accounts describe successful programs. Partner collaboration fostered a re-imagining of course formatting and delivery to accommodate adult learners, avoiding problems often reported with alternative programs.

Details

PDS Partners: Bridging Research to Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2833-2040

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Marcya Stefany Gonzáles-Santiago, Sandra Maria Correira Loureiro, Daniela Langaro and Faizan Ali

The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyze existing studies related to the adoption of smart technologies in cruise tourism services, particularly robots, artificial…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyze existing studies related to the adoption of smart technologies in cruise tourism services, particularly robots, artificial intelligence, service automation and virtual reality. More specifically, the authors intend to highlight the current state of research on this topic, present the findings within a conceptual framework and propose a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant literature was extracted using two major electronic databases, web of science (WoS) and Scopus. The authors identified 31 articles from high-quality journals and used a systematic review and the VOSviewer software to analyze them.

Findings

Since 2014, there has been an increase in the number of studies related to smart technologies in cruise tourism services. At first, researchers focused on Royal Caribbean’s robotic bartender arm, whereas other technologies such as digital signage, self-service options, facial recognition and virtual culinary experiences received less attention. However, the interest in exploring these last smart technologies has grown significantly since 2019. The adoption of RAISA in the cruise tourism service (ASCT) framework was proposed, identifying five major domains: cruise robotic technology, technology innovation, cruise passengers’ engagement behavior, cruise passengers’ technology readiness and privacy perception and knowledge expertise. These domains provide valuable guidance for future research in this field.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically analyze literature on the adoption of new technologies in cruise tourism services, specifically focusing on the major technologies available on cruise ships.

研究目的

本文的主要目标是系统地分析与邮轮旅游服务中智能技术采用(RAISA)相关的现有研究, 特别是关于机器人、人工智能、服务自动化和虚拟现实等方面。具体而言, 我们意图突出此主题的当前研究现状, 将研究结果呈现在一个概念框架中, 并提出一个研究议程。

研究方法

我们使用了两个主要的电子数据库 WoS 和 Scopus 提取相关文献。我们从高质量期刊中找到了 31 篇文章, 并采用系统综述和 VOSviewer 软件对它们进行了分析。

研究发现

自 2014 年以来, 与邮轮旅游服务中智能技术相关的研究数量不断增加。最初, 研究人员着重关注皇家加勒比邮轮公司的机器人调酒师臂, 而其他技术, 如数字标识、自助选项、面部识别和虚拟烹饪体验等, 得到的关注较少。然而, 自 2019 年以来, 探索这些智能技术的兴趣显著增长。提出了 ASCT 框架, 识别了五个主要领域:邮轮机器人技术; 技术创新; 邮轮旅客参与行为; 邮轮旅客技术准备度; 以及隐私感知和专业知识。这些领域为该领域的未来研究提供了有价值的指导。

研究创新

这是第一篇系统分析邮轮旅游服务中新技术采用文献的研究, 特别聚焦于邮轮上的主要技术。

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2024

Lisa Nicole Cain, Trishna G. Mistry, Shenee Douglas, Imran Rahman and Andrew Moreo

This study aims to analyze the importance and performance of customer-facing technologies in luxury hotels. The study also assessed differences between and within the four…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the importance and performance of customer-facing technologies in luxury hotels. The study also assessed differences between and within the four generations in the importance-performance analysis (IPA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a Qualtrics panel of recent luxury hotel customers in the USA belonging to all four generations. The cross-generational IPA was conducted using t-tests and (ANAOVA).

Findings

The IPA matrix concentrated most technology items in either low importance – low performance or high importance – high performance quadrants. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between generations on the importance ratings of all technology items except wireless charging power solutions and on the performance ratings of all technology items. Furthermore, post hoc tests indicated that millennials rated luxury technology most favorably among the four cohorts, followed by generations Z, X and Baby Boomers. In addition, significant differences between the importance and performance of many technology items within each generational cohort were observed. Overall, Wi-Fi was unanimously ranked across generations as the most important technology among luxury guests, but it was the only one that scored lower in performance than importance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study contribute to hospitality scholarship in two primary ways: the importance and performance of technology and generational differences. The results advance the understanding of the impact of generational factors on customer-facing technological adoptions in the luxury hotel sector.

Practical implications

Technologies that are pervasive in the home also become vital offerings for hotels. The more pervasive technology, the more a luxury hotel must work to ensure that it performs at optimal levels. Additionally, which technologies are most important to targeted generations are provided so practitioners may budget for their implementation.

Originality/value

This research is a pivotal step forward in unraveling the intricate interplay between generational factors and technological evaluations, providing a foundation for future research and practical applications in a rapidly evolving technological landscape in the hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2023

Dimitrios Buhalis and Janelle Chan

Pet-friendly hotels are growing rapidly. The prevalence of pet adoption has largely resulted from the loneliness due to social distancing that happened during the Coronavirus…

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Abstract

Purpose

Pet-friendly hotels are growing rapidly. The prevalence of pet adoption has largely resulted from the loneliness due to social distancing that happened during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Many hotels around the world aim to become pet-friendly to satisfy the growing demand. Hoteliers believe that the popularity of pet-friendly hotels will continue, as pet owners often treat pets as their kids. This study aims to investigate how pet-friendly hotels need to design and manage pet-friendly services and policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using grounded theory methodology, this research conducts interviews with 25 pet-friendly hotel managers from Hong Kong (HK). The study includes hotels from different hotel categories and classifications. It examines the conceptualization of pet-friendly service design, drawing on a service blueprint.

Findings

Building on the service marketing and service blueprint literature, this research provides a synthesis that reflects how pet-friendly hotels can serve both guests with and without pets. The findings reveal that pet-owner’s service expectations are formed on anthropomorphism, that is, an inclination of attributing human features to nonhuman entity. Hotel managers, and particular those who have pets personally understand better how pet-friendly service can be adapted to meet the expectations and requirements of pet owners while accommodating guests without pets. The market of pet-friendly hospitality is growing, with high profit potential from pet owners who are willing to spend generously.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from selected pet-friendly hotels in HK through interviews with pet-friendly service providers. The research is qualitative and exploratory in nature. It aims to explore and examine the multilevel pet-friendly hospitality service design from a managerial perspective. This research enriches the literature on anthropomorphism theory, the design of pet-friendly services and the application of service blueprint.

Practical implications

The research offers explicit suggestions for the design of pet-friendly hospitality services. A pet-friendly hotel service blueprint is developed. This can help managers to develop essential pet-friendly policies and service collaborations between internal departments and with external specialist organizations, maximizing the value for all stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study explores a rapidly emerging market and scrutinizes its specific design requirements. It extends theoretical insights by enriching the anthropomorphism theory and broadening the conceptualizations of service blueprint based on anthropomorphism theory.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 35 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Tevfik Demirciftci, Anil Bilgihan, Mehmet Erdem and Seyhmus Baloglu

This study aimed to identify distinctive characteristics of hotel guests and understand their perception of guestroom technologies (GRTs) in hotels by utilizing the theory of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to identify distinctive characteristics of hotel guests and understand their perception of guestroom technologies (GRTs) in hotels by utilizing the theory of consumer innovativeness and the social influence theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 268 hotel guests. The K-means clustering algorithm was employed to identify participants based on their views on the significance of technologies provided in guest rooms. A multivariate analysis of variance was applied to investigate if there were significant differences among clusters regarding social influence on hotel bookings, technology innovativeness and technology expertise and knowledge.

Findings

Two clusters were identified: technology compassionates and casual users of technology. Findings revealed that technology compassionates are more influenced by their friends when booking a hotel compared to casual users of technology. The ability to link up multiple wireless mobile devices, accessible outlets and mobile websites were the most critical GRTs for technology compassionates.

Practical implications

Technology should be considered a crucial part of the hotel guest experience. Hoteliers ought to continue investing in smart technologies to improve their guests' experiences. GRTs can reduce overhead staff costs while giving guests more control over their stay by utilizing everyday items like smartphones and offering them more power over their lodging experience.

Originality/value

This study advances the existing literature on GRTs by identifying which GRTs produce the most customer satisfaction. Moreover, this study explores the impact of social influence, innovativeness as a personality trait and having expert knowledge of technologies on preferences for GRTs.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Juhyun Kang, Hakseung Shin and Changseong Kang

This study aims to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on job insecurity and its subsequent effect on turnover intentions within the hotel industry. It…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption on job insecurity and its subsequent effect on turnover intentions within the hotel industry. It investigated how AI-induced job insecurity affects the likelihood of employees considering leaving their current hotel jobs for other hotels or for opportunities outside the hotel sector, mediated by feelings of job stress and insecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data analysis used 259 responses from frontline hotel employees. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to explore the factor structure and assess model fit indices. Structural equation modeling was then applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Findings reveal that AI awareness has a positive impact on job stress and insecurity. Moreover, job insecurity is found to positively affect turnover intentions, with a notably stronger effect observed for turnover intentions toward non-hotel companies. Additionally, the influence of social capital as a moderator on the relationship between job insecurity and turnover intention varies depending on the specific dimensions of turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to enhancing both theoretical frameworks and empirical insights into turnover dynamics within the hotel sector. However, future research should take into account employees’ positions, roles, organizations and career levels by examining these factors in relation to technology awareness, job stress, job insecurity and turnover intention.

Originality/value

This study initially focuses on the phenomenon of dynamic turnover issues within the hospitality sector, offering empirical and practical perspectives on effectively integrating new technologies and managing human resources amidst the automation and AI era.

研究目的

本研究探讨了人工智能(AI)应用对酒店业工作不安全感的影响, 以及其对员工流失意向的后续影响。研究调查了AI引发的工作不安全感如何通过工作压力和不安全感的感受影响员工考虑离开当前酒店工作、转投其他酒店或者寻求酒店行业外的机会。

研究方法

本研究采用了259名一线酒店员工的定量数据分析。采用验证性因子分析(CFA)探索因子结构并评估模型拟合指标。随后, 应用结构方程模型(SEM)来检验假设。

研究发现

研究结果显示, AI意识对工作压力和不安全感有积极影响。此外, 工作不安全感被发现对员工流失意向产生正向影响, 尤其是对转投非酒店公司的流失意向影响更为显著。此外, 社会资本作为调节变量对工作不安全感与流失意向之间的关系的影响取决于流失意向的具体维度。

研究局限性

本研究有助于加强酒店业人才流失动态的理论框架和实证见解。然而, 未来研究应考虑员工的职位、角色、组织和职业水平, 通过研究这些因素与技术意识、工作压力、工作不安全感和流失意向之间的关系。

研究创新

本研究首次聚焦于酒店业中动态人才流失问题的现象, 提供了在自动化和人工智能时代有效整合新技术并管理人力资源的实证和实践观点。

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

1 – 10 of 69