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1 – 10 of 265
Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Janarthanan Balakrishnan, Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Anubhav Mishra, F. Tegwen Malik and Mihalis Giannakis

Given the growth of virtual reality (VR)-based tourism experiences in the past five years, this study aims to investigate the impact of VR-based interactions (ergonomics and…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the growth of virtual reality (VR)-based tourism experiences in the past five years, this study aims to investigate the impact of VR-based interactions (ergonomics and embodiment) on memorable experiences and revisit intention mediated by cognitive and emotional responses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used an exploratory sequential mixed methodology research design to operationalise this research. Study 1 uses qualitative in-depth interviews to explore the proposed research questions, and Study 2 uses a 3 × 3 factorial experimental research design to test the proposed hypothetical model with 355 samples.

Findings

The results indicate that embodiment plays a more crucial role than VR ergonomics. Also, the cognitive response in the virtual tour indirectly generates a more memorable experience than the emotional response.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses the theory of technological mediation as an overarching framework to conceptualise the research. Also, the research has applied the tenets of cognitive embodiment theory, metacognitive theory and other related theories to develop the arguments. Thus, the results of this research will extend the holistic understanding of these theories.

Practical implications

This research will guide VR tourism developers in understanding the requirements and expectations of tourists. It also serves as a manual to understand how tourists process the VR tour psychologically.

Originality/value

Very minimal focus was given to understanding the tourists’ interaction with technology in VR tours. The concept of ergonomics and embodiment investigated as an experimental variable is a novel approach in technology-based tourism research.

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 April 2024

Erose Sthapit, Brian Garrod, Dafnis N. Coudounaris, Siamak Seyfi, Ibrahim Cifci and Tan Vo-Thanh

Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to develop and tests a model of memorable heritage tourism experience (MHTE). The model proposes that experiencescape…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to develop and tests a model of memorable heritage tourism experience (MHTE). The model proposes that experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography are important antecedents of MHTE, which is then a driver of place attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected using a Web-based questionnaire of people aged 18 years and over who had a heritage tourism experience during the previous three months (February–April 2023). The survey was distributed in May 2023 using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). A survey link was posted on MTurk, which remained active for the first week of May 2023. Out of the 283 responses received, 272 were valid responses from individuals who met the participation criteria.

Findings

Experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography were found to be positive drivers of the MHTE, with a positive relationship between MHTE and place attachment.

Originality/value

Many studies linked to memorable tourism experience (MTE) mainly replicate Kim, Ritchie, & McCormick’s (2012) MTE scale, regardless of the specific study context. This study offers an alternative framework through which alternative antecedents and outcomes of tourists’ MTE can be identified.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Xue Zhou, Siew Imm Ng and Weiwei Deng

Building upon the cognition-affect-behavior (CAB) model and script theory, this research aims to enrich the existing literature on historic town tourism consumption by offering…

Abstract

Purpose

Building upon the cognition-affect-behavior (CAB) model and script theory, this research aims to enrich the existing literature on historic town tourism consumption by offering empirical evidence of how the cognitive and affective images of historic towns contributes to tourists' memorable tourism experiences (MTE) and revisit intention, while identifying the cognitive image dimensions that are relevant for evaluating historic towns.

Design/methodology/approach

An on-site survey was conducted with 486 local tourists who visited the historic towns in Chengdu. partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to assess both the measurement and structural models.

Findings

(1) Cognitive image emerged as a significant predictor of affective image; (2) Both cognitive image and affective image had a positive influence on MTE, in which cognitive image played a more dominant role in shaping MTE; (3) MTE was found to strongly predict revisit intention among tourists; (4) MTE and affective image mediated the relationship between cognitive image and revisit intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights the value of incorporating cognitive and affective constructs in predicting MTE, and the proposed integrated framework of the CAB model and script theory exhibits superior predictive power in understanding tourists' revisit intention.

Practical implications

This research provides empirical insights about how historic towns improve their marketing strategies as short day-trip destinations.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel insight on the applicability of an integrated model combining the CAB model and script theory in explaining the revisit behavior of local tourists within the context of historic towns.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2024

Ermias Kifle Gedecho and Seongseop (Sam) Kim

This study aims to assess extant research streams to delineate new research directions for tourism stakeholders’ mental health and well-being.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess extant research streams to delineate new research directions for tourism stakeholders’ mental health and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of the literature on various topics related to mental health, well-being, memorable experiences, emotions, community well-being, wellness tourism and sustainable development was conducted.

Findings

Several research directions for different research subjects were identified: tourists employees, and the community. For tourists, the research topics included mental health, well-being, memorable experiences and wellness tourism. For research on employees, the focus included their mental health, psychological well-being and negative emotions. In studying the role of tourism in community mental health and well-being, research has explored community well-being and emotional solidarity and used a capital approach. This study discusses several new research directions based on past research trends, global trends and other relevant factors.

Originality/value

This conceptual study can help understand the new holistic research landscape of mental health and well-being.

目的

本研究的目标是评估当前的研究现状, 为旅游相关的心理健康和幸福感确定新的研究方向。

设计/方法论/途径

对关于心理健康、幸福感、难忘体验、情绪、社区幸福感、健康旅游和可持续发展等多个主题的文献进行了全面审阅。

发现

确定了针对不同研究对象的若干研究方向:游客、员工和社区。对于游客, 研究主题包括心理健康、幸福感、难忘体验和健康旅游。对于员工的研究, 重点包括他们的心理健康、心理幸福感和负面情绪。在研究旅游对社区心理健康和幸福感的影响时, 探讨了社区幸福感、情感团结以及资本方法的运用。本研究根据过去的研究趋势、全球动态和其他相关因素, 提出了若干新的研究方向。

原创性/价值

这项概念性研究有助于全面理解心理健康和幸福感的新研究格局。

Propósito

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las corrientes de investigación existentes para delinear nuevas direcciones de investigación para la salud mental y el bienestar de los actores turísticos.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura sobre diversos temas relacionados con la salud mental, el bienestar, las experiencias memorables, las emociones, el bienestar comunitario, el turismo de bienestar y el desarrollo sostenible.

Hallazgos

Se identificaron varias direcciones de investigación para diferentes sujetos de investigación: turistas, empleados y la comunidad. Para los turistas, los temas de investigación incluyeron la salud mental, el bienestar, las experiencias memorables y el turismo de bienestar. Para la investigación sobre los empleados, el enfoque incluyó su salud mental, bienestar psicológico y emociones negativas. Al estudiar el papel del turismo en la salud mental y el bienestar comunitario, la investigación ha explorado el bienestar comunitario y la solidaridad emocional, y ha utilizado un enfoque de capital. Este estudio discute varias nuevas direcciones de investigación basadas en tendencias de investigación pasadas, tendencias globales y otros factores relevantes.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio conceptual puede ayudar a comprender el nuevo panorama holístico de investigación en salud mental y bienestar.

Article
Publication date: 27 October 2023

Thamaraiselvan Natarajan and Deepak Ramanan Veera Raghavan

The online brand advocacy behaviors of omnichannel shoppers, who mainly rely on integrated brick-and-mortar stores (recognized as a vital channel for delivering a seamless…

Abstract

Purpose

The online brand advocacy behaviors of omnichannel shoppers, who mainly rely on integrated brick-and-mortar stores (recognized as a vital channel for delivering a seamless shopping experience and meeting the dynamic needs of the shoppers), are still understudied. This study aims to investigate how integrated store service quality (ISSQ) may elicit both positive and negative emotions that contribute to a memorable omnichannel shopping experience and have an impact on shoppers' attachment to the store, leading to their exhibition of online brand advocacy behaviors (brand defense, brand positivity, brand knowledge sharing and virtual positive expression).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative investigation. The research participants were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. Using a validated self-administered questionnaire, data were gathered from 886 Indian omnichannel shoppers who often purchase at the integrated brick-and-mortar store. The proposed conceptual model was tested using Smart PLS software for partial least squares-structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that positive and negative emotions mediate the relationship between ISSQ and memorable omnichannel shopping experiences, subsequently impacting omnichannel shoppers' attachment to the store and leading to online brand advocacy behaviors. The relationship strength perceived by shoppers significantly positively moderated the relationship between store attachment and different online brand advocacy behaviors (brand defense, brand positivity, brand knowledge sharing and virtual positive expression).

Research limitations/implications

The study relied upon single cross-sectional data from the Indian population, where omnichannel retailing is still nascent.

Originality/value

This study addresses the need to investigate the different emotions that arise while evaluating service quality in omnichannel retail purchase journeys leading to memorable shopping experiences. Emphasizing post-purchase behaviors like different online brand advocacy behaviors (brand defense, brand positivity, brand knowledge sharing and virtual positive expression), this study is the first to show that ISSQ might affect four different OBAs through memorable omnichannel shopping experience and the shopper's sense of attachment to the store. The moderating effect of relationship strength perceived by shoppers with the retailer on a few proposed hypotheses was also tested to give managerial recommendations.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Deske W. Mandagi and Dave Centeno

Anchored in the theories of brand gestalt and stakeholder perspectives, this study aims to undertake a comprehensive examination of the brand gestalt concept, emphasizing its…

Abstract

Purpose

Anchored in the theories of brand gestalt and stakeholder perspectives, this study aims to undertake a comprehensive examination of the brand gestalt concept, emphasizing its multidimensional nature and the process of co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Focused within the context of the Wonderful Indonesia brand, the research draws upon a rich qualitative data set derived from in-depth interviews conducted with 18 international tourists, supplemented by netnography (or internet ethnography) of websites, social media and online articles related to Wonderful Indonesia. Using grounded theory methodology, the qualitative data undergo rigorous analysis to identify emergent themes and patterns.

Findings

The research elucidates the four dimensions (4S) comprising brand gestalt: storyscapes, sensescapes, servicescapes and stakeholderscapes. Each dimension is further delineated into essential categories, providing a comprehensive understanding of brand gestalt. This study highlights the collaborative nature of brand gestalt, emphasizing the involvement of multiple stakeholders in shaping the brand's identity and perception. Consumer perceptions of co-creation are identified as significant contributors to brand gestalt, enhancing the brand's value proposition.

Practical implications

Destination management and practitioners can use the insights from the research to refine their brand management and marketing strategies by leveraging the dimensions of brand gestalt. Recognizing the collaborative construct of brand gestalt can guide businesses in fostering meaningful relationships with stakeholders and aligning branding efforts with collective visions. Understanding the role of consumer co-creation in brand development can inform strategies aimed at enhancing brand equity and fostering consumer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study extends existing literature on brand gestalt by providing a comprehensive examination of its four dimensions and essential categories. By emphasizing the collaborative nature of brand gestalt, this study contributes to advancing the understanding of brand co-creation paradigms. The identification of consumer perceptions of co-creation as a significant factor in brand gestalt adds novel insights to the literature, offering valuable implications for brand management and marketing strategies.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 June 2024

Urooj Zulfiqar, Alhamzah F. Abbas, Attia Aman-Ullah and Waqas Mehmood

One of the issues currently being discussed around the globe, and especially in the tourism industry, is revisit intention. This study uses a bibliometric analysis strategy based…

Abstract

Purpose

One of the issues currently being discussed around the globe, and especially in the tourism industry, is revisit intention. This study uses a bibliometric analysis strategy based on the Web of Science (WOS) database to examine the literature on revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a sample of 482 articles was analyzed. The R programming language was used to process the data and graph the results.

Findings

The results found the occurrence of publications by year, publication source information and authors, journals, countries, institutions, thematic maps, current trends of topics in hospitality and tourism toward revisiting intention, and the most cited papers in revisit intention. This study highlights the importance of revisiting intention in the hospitality and tourism industry. The bibliometric analysis helps to set the research agenda on revisit intention.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to present an empirical evaluation of revisit intention using inclusive mapping.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2024

Vishal Shukla, Sudhir Rana and Sanjeev Prashar

This paper aims to explore the capabilities of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in enhancing the tourism experience and addressing physical travel constraints.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the capabilities of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in enhancing the tourism experience and addressing physical travel constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 412 tourists who had used VR and AR technologies for tourism purposes. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multidimensional scaling, multiple regression analysis, structural equation modelling and mediation and moderation analysis.

Findings

VR and AR enhance tourism via immersive experiences. They overcome traditional travel barriers, but accessibility concerns, like cost, persist. The perceived potential of these technologies strongly predicts future adoption, emphasising the need to highlight their immersive benefits.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers ground-breaking insights into VR and AR in tourism. It acknowledges inherent limitations in accessibility, with VR and AR technologies not being universally adoptable due to costs and complexity. Theoretically, the research enriches academic discourse by highlighting the pivotal role of perceived potential in technology adoption. It also delineates the intricate relationship between VR/AR experience, satisfaction, destination image and revisit intention.

Practical implications

The findings emphasise crafting immersive VR and AR experiences for differentiation. By integrating these technologies into strategic marketing, organisations can enhance customer satisfaction and provide richer destination experiences.

Social implications

The research underscores VR and AR’s potential to foster inclusive tourism, benefitting those with limitations. Additionally, promoting cultural exchange and sustainability, these technologies can drive societal harmony and contribute to economic growth through enriched tourism experiences.

Originality/value

This study stands out in its distinctive exploration of VR and AR in the tourism domain. The innovation lies in its comprehensive examination of the technologies’ immersive capabilities and their accessibility challenges. The value is accentuated by its insights, which bridge the gap between technological potential and its practical application in tourism.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2024

Shekhar and Marco Valeri

The study aims to review how the use of technology enhances the authentic tourist experience. Technology and digitalization have enhanced tourist experiences. However, critiques…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to review how the use of technology enhances the authentic tourist experience. Technology and digitalization have enhanced tourist experiences. However, critiques comment on its ability to over-commercialize activity and lack of authenticity. Thus, there is a need to synthesize knowledge of technology usage to increase authentic tourist experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study carries out a bibliometric review of the studies focusing on the use of technology in enhancing tourist experiences. Two hundred journal articles, published between 1997 and 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database to carry out descriptive and network analysis using the Gephi, VOSviewer and Science of Science (Sci2) software. The components of authentic tourism experience are identified from the literature through a content analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study are broadly classified into two: first, the most frequently used keywords in the study include tourist experience and satisfaction, co-creation, virtual reality, smart tourism, technology, authenticity and heritage tourism. Second, the five major themes studied in the topic include virtual reality and tourist experience; media, tourist experience and encounters; technology, smart tourism and tourist experience; digital transformation, social media and tourist experience; and virtual reality and tourist experience which are still relevant in the literature because of the presence of study gaps.

Originality/value

The findings are used to develop a conceptual framework for the role of technology in enhancing authenticity in tourism typologies where authenticity is critical.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Lina Zhong, Zongqi Xu, Alastair M. Morrison, Yunpeng Li and Mengyao Zhu

This study aims to examine the use of the metaverse in tourism and hospitality to comprehend better how the technology might shape customer journey management, especially relative…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the use of the metaverse in tourism and hospitality to comprehend better how the technology might shape customer journey management, especially relative to information provision, experiences and customer benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This explanatory research used a two-stage approach of media analysis and practitioner interviews to analyse the interactions among tourism information provision, customer experiences and customer benefits in the metaverse. It conceptualized and mapped the consumer journey of the emerging metaverse experience, focusing on the ideas and practices of metaverse design pioneers in tourism and hospitality.

Findings

Based on the media analysis and interviews with 27 designers, the metaverse – information – experiences – benefits (MIEB) model was proposed, containing three parts (information characteristics, customer experiences and customer benefits) and 31 supporting items grouped into nine components.

Originality/value

One of the unique contributions of this research is the MIEB model for applying the metaverse in customer journey management (pre-, during- and post-trip). The findings contribute to the current literature with this model based on the practical perspectives of metaverse designers and provide insights on how to incorporate the MIEB model in applying the metaverse in tourism and hospitality management. The findings also address existing literature gaps of insufficient research on metaverse management and design through all stages of the customer travel journey and by paying attention to stakeholders’ viewpoints, including the media and designers of metaverse applications. Engaging in semi-structured interviews with pioneers of the metaverse to gain insights into the design of tourism experiences was also different from other metaverse tourism research, although this is not claimed as a significant point of innovation.

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