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Article
Publication date: 5 December 2016

Margarida Custódio Santos, Célia Veiga and Paulo Águas

This paper sought to examine the pertinent literature to identify trends that lead to the emergence of new tourist profiles. The study simultaneously focused on analysing the…

17137

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sought to examine the pertinent literature to identify trends that lead to the emergence of new tourist profiles. The study simultaneously focused on analysing the implications of these new tourist segments for service providers. In a time characterised by constant and accelerated change, the tourism market environment must be systematically and proactively monitored to define more carefully adjusted marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examined the academic, institutional and trade literature to provide an overview of the main trends and profiles of the main market segments.

Findings

The most relevant segments identified and profiled are the seniors and millennials. The importance of this two generational segments for tourism derives from their large dimensions and strong interest in travelling. Empirical evidence has been found that the senior segment comprises two distinct sub-segments: “younger at heart” and “older at heart”. Therefore, seniors cannot be targeted as a homogeneous segment. Regarding the millennials, they are considered digital natives, who look for authentic experiences and see themselves as travellers rather than tourists. They are expected to be the largest market segment by 2020. The implications of each segment profile for service providers are discussed.

Originality/value

The profiling of the two most important tourist segments allows managers to design more effective marketing-mix strategies to implement along the different stages of the tourism consumption process, which include the pre-travel, during-travel and post-travel phases.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 8 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 December 2022

José António C. Santos, Manuel Ángel Fernández-Gámez, Antonio Guevara-Plaza, Margarida Custódio Santos and Maria Helena Pestana

This study aimed to assess whether sociodemographic variables explain significant differences in attitudes towards transforming academic conferences into more sustainable events.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to assess whether sociodemographic variables explain significant differences in attitudes towards transforming academic conferences into more sustainable events.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model of participants' attitudes towards sustainable conferences based on literature review as well as the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour was developed and applied to a sample of 532 surveyed individuals from 68 countries who regularly attended academic conferences in the last five years prior to 2020. The results were refined using statistical and computational techniques to achieve more empirically robust conclusions.

Findings

Results reveal that sociodemographic variables such as attendees' gender and age explain differences in attitudes. Women and older adults have stronger pro-environmental attitudes regarding event sustainability. On the other hand, attitudes towards more sustainable academic conferences are quite strong and positive overall. More sustainable events' venues, catering, conference materials and accommodations strongly influence attendees' attitudes towards more sustainable conferences. The strength of attitudes was weaker towards transportation.

Research limitations/implications

First, the analyses focused on only aspects related to the attendees' attitudes. Assessing their real behaviour would complete this research. The geographical areas defined by the U.N. and used in this study have the limitation of combining highly developed countries and developing countries in the same geographical area, for example, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific.

Practical implications

Specific socio-demographic variables' effects on attitudes towards sustainable academic conferences can indicate how organisers can best promote these events according to attendees' characteristics and develop differentiated marketing campaigns. For women and older adults, event sustainability should be emphasised as a competitive strategy to promote events and attract these audiences. Marketing strategies for younger attendees (under 30 years old) could focus on technology, networking or attractive social programmes. Sustainable venues, catering, conference materials and accommodations are easier to promote. Event organisers should encourage participants to make more environmentally friendly decisions regarding more sustainable event transport.

Social implications

A strategy based on promoting the event as contributing to sustainable development could educate attendees and put them on the path to developing stronger positive attitudes regarding sustainability and more sustainable behaviours. Sustainable academic conferences can educate students, organisers, service providers and delegates through their involvement in sustainable practices.

Originality/value

To our best knowledge, this research is the first to assess whether sociodemographic variables explain significant differences in attitudes towards the sustainable transformation of academic conferences.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2020

José António C. Santos, Margarida Custódio Santos, Luis Nobre Pereira, Greg Richards and Luis Caiado

Little is known about how tourists’ eating habits change between everyday life and holidays. This study aims to identify market segments based on changes in food consumption and…

1650

Abstract

Purpose

Little is known about how tourists’ eating habits change between everyday life and holidays. This study aims to identify market segments based on changes in food consumption and experiences of a sun-and-sea destination’s local food. The authors evaluate to what extent tourists consume local food and assess the contribution of local food experiences to the tourists’ overall experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population was all tourists visiting the Algarve in the Summer 2018 and included both domestic and international sun-and-sea tourists. A sample of 378 valid questionnaires was collected. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, statistical tests and cluster analysis.

Findings

Cluster analysis identified three segments: non-foodies, selective foodies and local gastronomy foodies. Results indicate that tourists change their eating habits during holidays, eating significantly more seafood and fish and less legumes, meat, fast food and cereals and their derivatives. International and domestic sun-and-sea tourists reported that eating local food contributes significantly to their overall tourism experience.

Practical implications

Sun-and-sea destinations should promote the offer of local dishes, especially those that include locally produced fish and seafood, to improve the tourist experience, differentiate the destination and increase sustainability.

Originality/value

The authors address three identified research gaps: a posteriori segmentation based on tourists’ food consumption behaviour; measurement of changes in eating practices between home and in a sun-and-sea destination; and assessment of the role of food experiences to overall tourism experience of tourists visiting a sun-and-sea destination.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 32 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Margarida Custódio Santos, Célia Veiga, Samara Santiago Dantas, Paulo Águas and José António C. Santos

This article assesses the degree of adoption of the circular economy model in the tourist accommodation sector. Additionally, the study aims to understand whether the type of…

Abstract

Purpose

This article assesses the degree of adoption of the circular economy model in the tourist accommodation sector. Additionally, the study aims to understand whether the type of accommodation, size and year of construction or remodelling have an impact on the adoption of circular economy practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey administered to directors and owners of tourist accommodation facilities in Portugal. The questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review of circular economy practices in the accommodation sector.

Findings

Accommodation companies currently operate in a linear economy model and are still in the early stages of transitioning to a more circular economic model. Among the most commonly implemented practices are those that represent expenditure savings for accommodation companies. The findings also suggest a growing awareness and commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices in the tourist accommodation sector, particularly in more recently constructed or renovated accommodation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the accommodation characteristics that impact the adoption of sustainability and circular economy practices in the tourist accommodation sector. It contributes to the literature by providing primary quantitative data supporting the adoption of such practices.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Célia Veiga, Margarida Custódio Santos, Paulo Águas and José António C. Santos

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of the millennials segment that is most likely to cause a significant disruption in the way the tourism sector is…

4971

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of the millennials segment that is most likely to cause a significant disruption in the way the tourism sector is currently structured. A profile of this segment has been developed along with an analysis of the marketing implications for destinations and tourism providers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved examining academic, institutional and trade literature to provide an overview of the millennials profile and the related developments causing disruptive changes in the tourism sector.

Findings

The characteristics of the millennials with the greatest potential to disrupt the tourism sector are their strong digital skills, high degree of permanent connectivity, search for outstanding experiences and altruistic behaviours. The results already present from these characteristics – with a high probability of intensifying in the future – are the practice of volunteer tourism, search for places not connected with tourism and adoption of new, disruptive technologies. Even though volunteer tourism is an act of altruism, it can have harmful implications for tourist destinations in which it occurs. In addition, tourist invasions of places traditionally occupied only by residents can lead to the removal of locals from these places, manifestations of “tourismphobia” and ultimately degradation of these tourists’ experiences. Finally, the adoption of disruptive technologies by tourism agents to fulfil the millennials’ demands for immediate responses reduces human interactions highly valued by millennials and, therefore, requires close monitoring.

Originality/value

This study’s value arises from its systematic identification of the millennials characteristics that are most likely to disrupt the tourism sector’s functioning, allowing the relevant stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies, minimise potential negative impacts and maximise opportunities.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 9 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 December 2019

Margarida Custódio Santos, Célia Veiga, Paulo Águas and José António C. Santos

The purpose of this study posited that tourism companies and more especially hotels located in tourist destinations dependent on air transportation, need to commit more strongly…

1203

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study posited that tourism companies and more especially hotels located in tourist destinations dependent on air transportation, need to commit more strongly to sustainability because of their greater distance from the main outbound markets. The research focused on determining whether hotels’ star rating, location, age and size influence their sustainability communication and on identifying the characteristics of the messages used in hotels’ sustainability communication.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish these objectives, a sequential mixed methods design with three interconnected phases was used, including quantitative data and content analysis.

Findings

Less than 10% of hotels located in a tourist destination strongly dependent on air transportation and peripheral to the main outbound markets actually communicate about sustainable practices on their websites. Communication practices are dependent on hotels’ star rating, location, size and age.

Research limitations/implications

The study limitations are that it was conducted in only one destination and that the hotel websites’ layouts are heterogeneous, which means that the analysis and comparison of the relevant information is extremely challenging. In addition, the research only considered hotels or similar lodgings, leaving out other types of accommodation.

Practical implications

Hotels in tourist destinations dependent on air transportation need to adjust their sustainability communication in response to the trend among tourists toward greater consciousness about the environmental impacts of their individual tourism-related choices. Hotels also need to provide more accurate and detailed information on sustainable practices, with both affective and rational appeals that focus on tourists’ experiences.

Originality/value

The study was conducted in a destination dependent on air transportation and peripheral to the primary outbound markets.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 11 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 December 2018

Célia Veiga, Margarida Custódio Santos, Paulo Águas and José António C. Santos

This study aims to address the paradigm changes currently affecting tourism: the increasingly recognisable signs of irreversible climate change and the consequences of this and…

1639

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the paradigm changes currently affecting tourism: the increasingly recognisable signs of irreversible climate change and the consequences of this and overtourism for service providers, destinations and tourists’ experiences. A more specific objective was to identify good practices carried out by destinations and companies in different tourism sectors to increase sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved examining the academic, institutional and trade literature to develop an overview of the most important challenges and an accurate portrayal of how innovative and proactive companies and destination managers are addressing these issues.

Findings

Increased tourism demand has contributed to social and environmental unsustainability in tourism. Although the tourism sector has already implemented sustainable initiatives, an accurate quantification and measurement of these practices’ real impacts on global tourism’s sustainability is not yet possible.

Originality/value

This study’s value arises from the systematic identification of the implications of climate change and overtourism as major features of a paradigm shift in tourism. This paper also presents a set of good practices to provide tourism stakeholders with more sustainable strategies and inspire these entities to adopt appropriate measures.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2022

Margarida Custódio Santos, Célia Veiga, José António C. Santos and Paulo Águas

This study sought to assess the extent to which tourism research has considered sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations. It also aims to identify the relevance…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study sought to assess the extent to which tourism research has considered sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations. It also aims to identify the relevance of the economic, environmental and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability for tourist destination success, identify gaps in the literature and draw theoretical and practical implications and make recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology consists of a systematic literature review on sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations.

Findings

Research interest in the topic is recent and mostly focused on environmental sustainability. Developing a sustainable tourism policy and performing adequate destination management are crucial for tourism destination success. It is also acknowledged that perceiving a destination as sustainable has a significant positive impact on tourists' experiences, purchasing behaviour and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study's value arises from the fact that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic literature review was yet been performed on the topic of sustainability as a success factor for tourism destinations.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 May 2021

P. P. Mohanty and Niharranjan Mishra

Overtourism is an emerging concept and a perennial process every destination is going through. It is a cyclic phenomenon derived from the destination, retained in the destination…

Abstract

Overtourism is an emerging concept and a perennial process every destination is going through. It is a cyclic phenomenon derived from the destination, retained in the destination and at last demised by the destination. It's a kind of ‘tourism illness’ spreading rapidly in every destination in the present scenario. The status of overtourism in every destination has been caused by the tourist, of the tourist and for the tourist. In the context of religious places in Odisha, overtourism is a ‘disorder’ that cannot be mitigated, as religiosity, faith and spiritualism have propelled and governed people's sentiment and emotion. Hence ambiguity arises out of making an intrigue situation between a myth or a spiritual sojourn bounded by faith and belief. This chapter significantly contributes by unfolding the existing literature by providing the origin and evolution of overtourism, various stated definitions by the different authors, causes and consequences, and overtourism in religious destinations by adopting an exploratory study, particularly in case of the Golden triangle of Odisha.

Details

Overtourism as Destination Risk
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-707-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 March 2024

Alfonso Vargas-Sánchez, Juan José Albendín-Moya, Fernando Perna, Maria João Custódio, Luís Nobre Pereira, Maria Margarida Santos and Vanessa Oliveira

The Spain–Portugal Cross-Border Cooperation Program launched the “Espomar” project in 2017, with the aim of designing a sustainable and transboundary maritime transport system in…

Abstract

The Spain–Portugal Cross-Border Cooperation Program launched the “Espomar” project in 2017, with the aim of designing a sustainable and transboundary maritime transport system in the Gulf of Cádiz, which includes the Spanish provinces of Cádiz (its Atlantic coast) and Huelva, together with the Portuguese region of the Algarve. This chapter limits the scope to the Algarve-Huelva connection and the resident population demand. The findings suggest a maritime connection defined and marketed as part of leisure activities. The demand for potential tourism packages created around boat trips appears to be promising. The sun beach, gastronomy wine and culture landscape vectors are the main attractors.

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