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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Luis Pedro Martins and Susana Ribeiro

The objective of this paper is to examine the ways in which tourism can be regarded as a catalyst for positive change, benefiting both people and the planet. The authors consider…

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine the ways in which tourism can be regarded as a catalyst for positive change, benefiting both people and the planet. The authors consider the integral role of community engagement as a tangible component within the governance frameworks of destination management organizations (DMOs).

Design/methodology/approach

Originating from the authors' professional experience and academic expertise in managing and marketing tourist destinations, both at the local and regional levels, the article explores the pressing requirement for reevaluating policies and strategies. It aims to emphatically underscore and reiterate the role of tourism as a pivotal driver for enhancing peoples' quality of life and ensuring the sustainability of tourist destinations. This effort involves not only maintaining equilibrium among the four widely recognized pillars of sustainability but also pondering the significance of an equally crucial aspect of destination management – the political sustainability of the governance framework of tourist destinations.

Findings

Current realities encourage the authors to contemplate and act, guided by the unfolding of tourism's swift regenerative influence. It is anticipated that people have gleaned vital lessons from the collective pause people underwent during the pandemic, coupled with the stark realization of being unable to partake in the favourable contributions of tourism in everyday life. This article highlights the urgency of implementing DMO models that are capable of conceptualizing and operationalizing a human-centred tourism development policy and the resulting sustainability strategies, enhancing representation and guidance for the satisfaction of stakeholders.

Originality/value

It is neither a widespread practice, nor are there many prior studies that tackle the potential of forecasting the comprehensiveness of governance and management models for tourist destinations that encompass stakeholders who represent the direct interests of local communities within the tourism system. Supported by a literature review, analysis of secondary data and the first-hand experience of the authors, it becomes apparent that the operational landscape of most organizations functioning as tourist destination managers is predominantly at the regional and local tiers. These very organizations are the ones that have been progressively evolving, displaying a readiness to introduce innovation in this realm. Implementing these models would represent an approach to governance more inclined towards a bottom-up style, thereby posing a challenge to the more rigid and commonly employed strategies that emanate from a centrally structured national framework.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Zanete Garanti

This study aims to describe the concept of smart tourism, placing emphasis on the smart tourism ecosystem and value co-creation concept within the system at a destination level…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe the concept of smart tourism, placing emphasis on the smart tourism ecosystem and value co-creation concept within the system at a destination level. The work also summarizes the key challenges associated with smart tourism implementation and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a critical literature review, discussing the outcomes of a wide range and scope of relevant academic literature on the chosen concepts.

Findings

Smart tourism can be described as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) technologies to facilitate and enrich tourism products, services and experiences. Within the smart tourism ecosystem, all stakeholders – customers, suppliers, intermediates, the public sector, service providers, destination management organizations and others –participate in the synergies and value co-creation, also share the benefits from it. The ultimate aim of a smart tourism ecosystem is to create sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits for all and promote destination competitiveness. Smart tourism implementation is also associated with several challenges, of which the most important are participation, an overwhelming amount of data, data privacy and technology adoption.

Originality/value

The paper provides a critical review of the recent and relevant literature in order to define and discuss the mechanisms of value co-creation in a smart tourism ecosystem and the challenges associated with it.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2014

Mónica Montenegro, Jorge Costa, Daniela Rodrigues and João Gomes

This article aims to identify the image of Portugal as a tourist destination in international markets and the impacts of the economic crisis on that image. As the basis for the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to identify the image of Portugal as a tourist destination in international markets and the impacts of the economic crisis on that image. As the basis for the analysis, the results from the past three years of an ongoing research by IPDT – Institute of Tourism on this topic were used. The findings were used to support a discussion on the need for social and political stability and a climate of creativity and innovation in the tourism sector to foster growth and success.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on official tourism information, research by IPDT on the tourists’ profile in Portugal and an ongoing research on “the image of Portugal as a tourist destination” carried out using as population the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Members directory.

Findings

The international tourism market recognizes and appreciates the destination – Portugal, recognizing that the present context of crisis does not negatively affect Portugal’s touristic image. The results presented and discussed indicate a preference by respondents for “Wine” as the main touristic product that should be associated to Portugal in its international tourism promotion. This perception is clearly aligned with the prominence that Portuguese wines have been taking internationally and a perspective that indicates alternative products to the traditional “sun and sea” associated with the country’s tourism image.

Practical implications

The research results presented and the supporting discussion allow for a better understanding on the present image of Portugal as a tourist destination and the alternative attributes to traditional “sun and sea” that may be used in its international promotion. These results may indicate the need for a repositioning of the destination by the introduction of new elements in the promotional messages. The reflexions presented may be of great use for decision-makers in-charge of international tourism promotion.

Originality/value

This article analysis the impact of the economic crisis on the image of Portugal as a tourist destination, based on an international study carried out over a 3-year period. The results alert for possible discrepancies between the destinations positioning and the perceptions and desires of the markets.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

Zhansaya Turgambekova, Metin Kozak and Antonia Correia

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a practical model to identify a developing destination’s assets. Using the existing destination branding concepts and theories in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a practical model to identify a developing destination’s assets. Using the existing destination branding concepts and theories in the research, this study aims to identify how the assets of a developing destination differ from those of a developed destination.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed the “practical model for determining destination assets” proposed in the article. The first stage includes collecting the information on the tourism potential of the destination. In the second stage, in-depth interviews were carried out with information carriers of a developing destination and analyzed by highlighting keywords in the responses. The following stages include the questionnaire survey, factor analysis and segmentation analysis.

Findings

The following conclusions can be drawn from the results of the study. First, the assets of a developing destination, recreation areas, attractive visitor facilities and obligatory additional services are rational. Second, the assets used for destination branding are based on their unique character. According to the analysis results, the Almaty region’s unique character is associated with natural resources. The direction of recreation in the Almaty region boils down to two components: cognitive tourism and sports tourism.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, given that external tourism faced significant constraints during the pandemic, we must acknowledge that a study of destination branding may be more appropriate before or after the pandemic. Second, the survey was conducted online in connection with the introduction of quarantine measures. Third, the assets of a developing destination were selected based on the results of the interviews. In future studies, including other attributes may allow the identification of new assets for branding.

Practical implications

The practical destination branding model presented in the study has practical implications for destination authorities. Using the proposed model, assets of other destinations can be identified. In addition, the results of the analysis of the Almaty region as a developing destination will be effective for destination authorities in developing their tourism programs. Recreation areas, attractive tourism facilities and obligatory additional services can be used in destination branding.

Social implications

This study drew on the experience of the population’s ambassador activity. The in-depth interview was obtained from the destination’s tourism informants, and the survey aimed to identify public opinion. The residents who participated in the interview and survey perform an ambassadorial function in strengthening the identified assets of the destination and implementing tourism programs. Accordingly, there is a growing sense of pride in being a resident of the destination.

Originality/value

The study has both theoretical and practical significance with the following results. First, it provides insights on enhancing public participation from the beginning of the destination branding process and respecting the continuation of its ambassadorial activities, provided that the identified destination assets are rational. Second, destination asset associations for developing destinations are presented. Third, the study creates a realistic picture of the Almaty region as a destination for visitors and destination authorities.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2023

Abdulla Al-Towfiq Hasan

This study aims to investigate factors and their impacts on halal tourism destinations revisit intentions among Muslim travelers, and explore the mediating effects of emotional…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate factors and their impacts on halal tourism destinations revisit intentions among Muslim travelers, and explore the mediating effects of emotional attachments between halal social environments, halal food and beverages, halal services and halal tourism destinations revisit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on review of literatures, and by distributing 500 questionnaires to Muslim respondents and subsequently collecting 387 usable responses, the study is conducted through partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart PLS3.3.3.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that halal social environment, halal food and beverages, halal entertainments, halal staff clothing and emotional attachments significantly influence halal tourism destinations revisit intentions, whereas halal services has insignificant impact on halal tourism destinations revisit intentions, and halal social environment, halal food and beverages and halal services have positive significant impacts on emotional attachments toward halal tourism destinations. Moreover, emotional attachments partially mediate in the relationship between halal social environment, halal food and beverages, halal services and halal tourism destinations revisit intentions.

Practical implications

The current study findings uniquely contribute to the development of halal tourism destinations in Bangladesh by revealing the impactful factors and formulating marketing strategies that can increase Muslim travelers’ revisit intentions toward halal tourism destinations.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the pioneer research studies of halal tourism revisit intentions, providing new and unique theoretical and practical contributions to the enhancement of halal tourism industry in the world as well as Bangladesh. The findings could contribute to the halal tourism literature by identifying and evaluating factors influencing Muslim travelers’ revisit intentions toward halal tourism destinations. Moreover, the findings could help halal tourism operators in introducing halal attributes for creating Muslim travelers’ revisit intentions toward halal tourism destinations.

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2023

Ezgi Karakas and Lutfi Atay

This study assesses the impact of smart destination implementations in Malaga. Thus, this study aims to guide the transformation of destinations into smart destinations as well as…

Abstract

Purpose

This study assesses the impact of smart destination implementations in Malaga. Thus, this study aims to guide the transformation of destinations into smart destinations as well as the introduction of smart destination concept in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Malaga was selected because it was one of the two winners of 2020 European Capital of Smart Tourism competition as well as the winner in the accessibility category of the 2019. The research population lives in Malaga and has been professionally involved in smart destination implementations. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview of 14 smart-tourism experts in different career fields. Content analysis was applied to the findings.

Findings

Malaga has become a successful smart destination while it has had a great success in improving its attractiveness and competitiveness due to the developments in the past 20 years. Now, its citizens and tourists are very satisfied and have a higher and more attractive quality of life. Moreover, Malaga has become a leading destination, especially in accessibility and mobility.

Originality/value

Although smart destination is becoming popular topic day by day, almost all the studies are created to introduce the approach with secondary data. There are still only limited research studies conducted by primary data on a real smart destination case. Furthermore, Malaga is a quite good example to understand the importance of smart destination approach since the city has achieved to become an attractive and popular destination for both tourists and local residents.

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2023

Daria Soldatenko, Elisa Zentveld and Damian Morgan

To succeed in a competitive tourist market and attract more foreign tourists, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what travellers are seeking and endeavour to meet…

Abstract

Purpose

To succeed in a competitive tourist market and attract more foreign tourists, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what travellers are seeking and endeavour to meet those needs, as well as key influential factors in their travel decision-making process. The purpose of the study is to develop and examine tourists’ pre-trip motivational model using the push–pull theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A tourists’ pre-trip motivational model was developed and then tested based on a sample of 320 Chinese and non-Chinese visitors to Melbourne, Australia, to assess the suitability of the new model. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, such as principal component analysis and independent T-tests.

Findings

The analysis revealed statistically significant differences between studied samples in terms of the push and pull factors. In comparison with non-Chinese tourists, Chinese visitors to Melbourne assigned higher importance to resting and relaxing opportunities, family-oriented activities, as well as safety and a high level of service. The identified differences should be reflected in marketing and promotional activities provided to Chinese and non-Chinese travellers.

Practical implications

The study provides useful information for Destination Marketing Organisations in tourism cities wanting to develop specifically customised tourist products, services and promotion programs tailored to each market.

Originality/value

The proposed extended push–pull model represents a holistic and complex model of the travel decision-making process with the multiple linkages between motivations for travelling, preferences of destination attributes, information source usage, trip expectations, possible constraints for travelling and evaluation of destination choice criteria. Understanding all these factors, their relationship and their influence on the final destination choice is a prerequisite for effective and successful actions on attraction and retention of visitors for all tourist destinations. The developed tourists’ pre-trip motivational model may be used as a conceptual framework to guide subsequent motivational studies in tourism.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Gefen Zhou and Wenkuan Chen

Value cocreation has become an important way to enhance the brand equity of a tourism destination. Different from common tourism contexts, agritourism has strong participatory and…

Abstract

Purpose

Value cocreation has become an important way to enhance the brand equity of a tourism destination. Different from common tourism contexts, agritourism has strong participatory and productive characteristics and is regarded as a critical platform of value cocreation. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relationship between agritourism experience value cocreation and brand equity of rural tourism destinations from the perspective of tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted, and 602 valid questionnaires were collected by a random sample in 2021. Structural equation modeling was used to empirically analyze the data.

Findings

The results revealed that tourists’ participation, interaction and citizenship behaviors play a critical role in brand equity of rural tourism destinations. Meanwhile, tourists’ interaction and citizenship behaviors influenced brand equity of rural tourism destinations, via hedonic enjoyment and eudaimonia experience, and perceived experience value. Tourists’ participation behavior influenced brand equity of rural tourism destinations via hedonic enjoyment experience and perceived experience value.

Originality/value

This study focusing on agritourism as a critical platform of value cocreation explores the impact of agritourism experience value cocreation on brand equity of rural tourism destinations from the perspective of tourists. It enriches the existing literature on the relationship between value cocreation and brand equity of tourism destination, expands the research on value cocreation and happiness experience and also provides management basis for promoting brand equity of rural tourism destinations.

目的

价值共创已成为提升旅游目的地品牌资产的重要途径。与一般的旅游情境不同, 农业旅游具有强烈的参与性和生产性特征, 被视为价值共创的重要平台。因此, 本文基于游 客视角探讨了农业旅游体验价值共创与乡村旅游目的地品牌资产之间的内在关系。

设计/方法/步骤

本文于2021 年实施问卷调查, 随机抽取602 份有效问卷。结构方程模 型用于实证分析数据。

研究结果

游客参与、互动和公民行为对乡村旅游目的地品牌资产具有关键作用。同时, 游客互动和公民行为通过享乐型和实现型体验以及感知体验价值影响乡村旅游目的地品牌 资产。游客参与行为通过享乐型体验和感知体验价值影响乡村旅游目的地品牌资产。

独创性/价值

本研究将农业旅游作为价值共创的重要平台, 基于游客视角探讨了农业旅游 体验价值共创对乡村旅游目的地品牌资产的影响, 丰富了价值共创与旅游目的地品牌资产 关系的文献, 拓展了价值共创与快乐体验的研究, 为促进乡村旅游目的地品牌资产提供了 管理依据。

Propositus

La cocreación se ha convertido en una forma importante de mejorar el valor de marca de un destino turístico. A diferencia de los entornos turísticos comunes, el agroturismo tiene fuertes características participativas y productivas, y se considera una plataforma indispensable de cocreación de valor. Este artículo explora la relación entre la cocreación de valor de la experiencia de agroturismo y el valor de marca de los destinos de turismo rural desde la perspectiva de los turistas.

Diseño/metodología/método

Se realizó una encuesta y se recogieron 602 cuestionarios válidos mediante un muestreo aleatorioa en 2021. Se utilizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para analizar empíricamente los datos.

Resultados

Los resultados revelaron que la participación e interacción de los turistas y los comportamientos de la ciudadanía juegan un papel crítico en el valor de marca de destinos de turismo rural. La interacción de los turistas y los comportamientos de la ciudadanía impactaron el valor de marca de destinos de turismo rural a través del disfrute hedónico, la experiencia eudaimonia y el valor percibido de la experiencia. El comportamiento de participación de los turistas influyó en el valor de marca de los destinos de turismo rural a través de la experiencia hedónica de disfrute y el valor percibido de la experiencia.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio, centrado en el agroturismo como plataforma importante para la cocreación de valor, explora el impacto de la cocreación de valor de la experiencia de agroturismo en el valor de marca de destinos de turismo rural desde la perspectiva de los turistas. Enriquece la literatura existente sobre la relación entre la cocreación de valor y el valor de marca de los destinos turisticos, expande la investigación sobre la cocreación de valor y la experiencia de felicidad, y ofrece también bases de gestión para promover el valor de marca de destinos de turismo rural.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 June 2023

Anna Torres-Delgado, Francisco López Palomeque, Josep Ivars-Baidal and Fernando Vera-Rebollo

This study aims to identify the challenges faced by urban destinations in Spain in the current transitional stage towards a new reality of tourism, caused by the outbreak of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the challenges faced by urban destinations in Spain in the current transitional stage towards a new reality of tourism, caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 and the ongoing global changes in the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review and an analysis of current debates were conducted to identify the different factors that have influenced the recent tourism phenomenon and the development of destinations on a global, regional-national and local-urban scale.

Findings

Four main challenges are identified, including the new mobility patterns of the population; information and communication technologies and the digitalisation process in urban and tourism management; sustainability, as a factor of the competitiveness, stability and viability of urban destinations; and governance in urban destinations.

Originality/value

The study’s findings provide valuable insights for urban destination managers to make informed decisions and adapt to the new reality of tourism.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Fatya Alty Amalia and Arie Indra Gunawan

This paper aims to investigate potential Muslim tourists’ visit intentions to halal tourism destinations in Japan.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate potential Muslim tourists’ visit intentions to halal tourism destinations in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were acquired from 397 respondents of potential Muslim tourists in Indonesia. These data were analyzed with variance-based structural modeling to assess the relationships between religiosity, halal awareness, destination image, destination trust and visit intention.

Findings

This study disclosed that halal awareness and destination trust could directly affect visit intention. Meanwhile, destination image could influence visit intention after mediated by destination trust. Religiosity was proven to be the antecedent of halal awareness and destination image.

Practical implications

This study exhibits the ways to optimize the development of halal tourism, especially in Muslim minority countries, by shaping the visit intention of potential Muslim tourists. The providers should concentrate on building the destination trust of potential Muslim tourists. They should innovatively exhibit their sincere commitment to fulfilling halal needs of potential tourists, and having a favorable destination image is only one of the ways. Besides that, the providers can promote halal tourism to potential Muslim tourists with more vital halal awareness.

Originality/value

This is an initial study to examine the visit intention of potential Muslim tourist for halal tourism destination in a Muslim minority country.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 14 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

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