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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 October 2023

Josip Mikulić, Maja Šerić and Damir Krešić

This study aims to provide insight into the determinants of wellness tourism satisfaction, thereby taking a nonlinear approach regarding the relationships between attribute-level…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide insight into the determinants of wellness tourism satisfaction, thereby taking a nonlinear approach regarding the relationships between attribute-level performance of wellness facility attributes, on the one hand, and wellness destination attributes, on the other hand, and global wellness tourist satisfaction. In addition, scores of impact range are calculated to reveal the potentially most determinant wellness facility and destination attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from a survey-based study conducted among 1,331 wellness tourists who have engaged in wellness tourism activities at one of 28 hotels with wellness offerings and 10 spas in Croatia. Impact-asymmetry analysis and impact-range analysis are used to quantify the potential of individual wellness attributes to generate satisfaction and dissatisfaction among wellness tourists and to perform a classification of wellness attributes according to the three-factor theory of customer satisfaction.

Findings

Operators of wellness tourism facilities, as well as managers of wellness destinations, must not make any compromises in quality levels because most wellness attributes have significantly higher potential to frustrate than please tourists. Basic factors such as cleanliness, punctuality or safety turned out to have the strongest influence on global satisfaction levels. Moreover, in line with previous research, wellness tourists have large expectations from destinations to have a preserved and beautiful nature, which is by far the most influential destination attribute. In addition to a safe environment and high-quality accommodation, wellness tourists further prefer rich cultural offerings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to apply a nonlinear analysis approach to the quality–satisfaction relationship in a wellness tourism setting. Moreover, to the knowledge of the authors, this is the only study that used separate attribute models for wellness facilities, on the one hand, and wellness destinations, on the other hand, based on a nation-wide sample that covers multiple cases (i.e. multiple facilities and destinations).

目的

本研究旨在深入了解养生旅游满意度的决定因素, 从而采用非线性方法来研究(i)养生设施属性和 (ii)养生目的地属性对国际养生游客满意度的关系。此外, 本文还计算了影响范围的分数, 以揭示潜在的最具决定性的养生设施和目的地属性。

设计/方法/途径

本研究使用了基于对 1,331 名养生游客进行调查问卷的数据, 这些游客曾在克罗地亚 28 的酒店以及10个水疗中心进行了养生旅游活动。本文采用影响不对称分析(IAA)和影响范围分析(IRA)来量化个体养生属性在健康游客中产生满意度和不满意的潜力, 并根据顾客三因素满意度理论对健康属性进行分类。

调查结果

养生旅游设施的运营商以及养生目的地的管理者不能在质量水平上做出任何妥协, 因为大多数养生属性很可能使游客感到沮丧, 而不是取悦游客。事实证明, 清洁、准时及安全等基本因素对全球满意度影响最大。此外, 根据之前的研究, 健康游客对目的地抱有很大的期望, 希望拥有保存完好且美丽的自然风光, 这是最具影响力的目的地属性。除了安全的环境和高品质的住宿外, 养生游客更看重丰富的文化产品。

独创性

这是第一项将非线性分析方法应用于养生旅游环境中的质量与满意度关系的研究。此外, 据作者所知, 这是唯一一项基于涵盖多个案例(即多个设施及目的地)的国家样本, 一方面对养生设施使用单独的属性模型, 另一方面对养生目的地使用单独的属性模型的研究。

Propósito

Este estudio tiene como objetivo proporcionar información sobre los determinantes de la satisfacción del turismo de bienestar, adoptando así un enfoque no lineal con respecto a las relaciones entre el rendimiento a nivel de atributos de (i) atributos de instalaciones de bienestar, por un lado, y (ii) atributos de destino de bienestar, por otro lado, y la satisfacción del turista de bienestar global. Además, se calculan puntajes de rango de impacto para revelar las instalaciones de bienestar y los atributos de destino potencialmente más determinantes.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

este estudio utiliza datos de un estudio basado en encuestas realizado entre 1,331 turistas de bienestar que participaron en actividades de turismo de bienestar en uno de los 28 hoteles con ofertas de bienestar y diez spas en Croacia. El análisis de asimetría de impacto (IAA) y el análisis de rango de impacto (IRA) se utilizan para cuantificar el potencial de los atributos de bienestar individuales para generar satisfacción e insatisfacción entre los turistas de bienestar y para realizar una clasificación de los atributos de bienestar de acuerdo con la teoría de los tres factores del cliente. satisfacción.

Hallazgos

Los operadores de instalaciones de turismo de bienestar, así como los administradores de destinos de bienestar, no deben comprometer los niveles de calidad porque la mayoría de los atributos de bienestar tienen un potencial significativamente mayor para frustrar que para complacer a los turistas. Los factores básicos, como la limpieza, la puntualidad o la seguridad, resultaron ser los que más influyeron en los niveles de satisfacción global. En consecuencia, estos atributos no deben verse como fuentes potenciales de satisfacción y deleite del cliente, sino que deben otorgarse altos niveles de desempeño para evitar una fuerte insatisfacción. Además, en línea con investigaciones anteriores, los turistas de bienestar tienen grandes expectativas de que los destinos tengan una naturaleza preservada y hermosa, que es, con mucho, el atributo de destino más influyente. Además de un entorno seguro y un alojamiento de alta calidad, los turistas de bienestar prefieren una rica oferta cultural. Aplicando la teoría de los tres factores, una visión más matizada de la formación de la satisfacción del turista de bienestar mostró que estos atributos del destino tienen un potencial mucho mayor para crear una fuerte insatisfacción que satisfacción.

Originalidad

Este es el primer estudio que aplica un enfoque de análisis no lineal a la relación calidad-satisfacción en un entorno de turismo de bienestar. Además, según el conocimiento de los autores, este es el único estudio que utilizó modelos de atributos separados para instalaciones de bienestar, por un lado, y destinos de bienestar, por el otro, en base a una muestra nacional que cubre múltiples casos (es decir, múltiples instalaciones y destinos).

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 September 2021

Roozbeh Mirzaei, Maryam Sadin and Motahareh Pedram

This paper aims to investigate the changes in travel patterns and tourist behavior due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This study realizes these changes and reports them to help restore…

9887

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the changes in travel patterns and tourist behavior due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This study realizes these changes and reports them to help restore tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This applied study used library sources and a survey conducted through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated data from previous studies and the most recent online databases. Items were exploratory factors analyzed using the principal component method and varimax rotation. The interpretation of the data collected was consistent with the attributes the questionnaire was designed to measure.

Findings

The research findings show that health and safety have come to the forefront of travelers' needs. The hygiene and disinfection of tourism facilities have changed from hygiene factors to motivator factors. The extended length of trips is perceived as a risk to their health; hence travelers prefer to take shorter trips. They also rather get help from professionals to book their trips.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted only in Iran, where travel restrictions were periodically put on and removed. If this study could be conducted in countries with no domestic travel restrictions, other valuable findings such as changes in consumer spending and preferences toward travelling and safety could be found.

Practical implications

This paper provides information on the latest changes to travel patterns and tourists' behavior which can be implied by DMOs (Destination Marketing Organization), governments and private tour operators to understand and consider travelers emerging needs.

Originality/value

This paper enables better planning and organization for the future and restart of tourism post-COVID-19.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Fabio Forlani, Mauro Dini and Tonino Pencarelli

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role that food and beverage (F&B) sensory stimuli play in building non-food-themed touristic experiences, such as wellness tourism…

2388

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role that food and beverage (F&B) sensory stimuli play in building non-food-themed touristic experiences, such as wellness tourism experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an asynchronous netnographic approach supported by software (T-Lab, 2021). The study was conducted on a database consisting of 3,141 reviews in English, left by customers of 38 wellness facilities (Spa Retreats) spread across 5 continents.

Findings

The analysis reveals that F&B stimuli contribute significantly to the tourist's perception of the wellness experience in a two-fold manner: on the one hand, they support the wellness experience, and on the other, through specific proposals (e.g. wine, vegan, detox, etc.), they qualify and differentiate the wellness experience in a hedonic rather than eudaimonic way.

Research limitations/implications

The present study contributes to managerial literature on the topic of gastronomic tourism and wellness tourism by providing, on an international scale, empirical evidence of (a) the importance and role of F&B touchpoints in hybrid gastronomic experiences; and (b) the presence of a variety of “wellness experiencescapes”.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to measure the role of F&B in tourists' perceptions of non-food-themed experiences. The research not only provides new data on the wellness experience through a cross-continental analysis but also offers useful theoretical and managerial insights for the design of wellness tourism experiences.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 October 2018

Lalita A. Manrai, Ajay K. Manrai and Stefanie Friedeborn

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and develop a model of the determinants, indicators and effects of destination competitiveness…

8018

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and develop a model of the determinants, indicators and effects of destination competitiveness (DC), as well as several propositions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study thoroughly reviewed extant literature to develop a conceptual model and propositions.

Findings

Two key findings are listed below. First, 12 different environmental factors are identified and 12 propositions are developed linking these environmental factors to DC. Second, a new indicator of DC is developed, namely, Tourism Attractions-Basics-Context (TABC) model. The TABC model is simple and directly taps into the benefits tourists seek in a destination.

Research limitations/implications

Directions for future research are discussed in detail in the paper.

Practical implications

Managerial implications are discussed in detail in the paper.

Originality/value

The extant research on the topic of DC has been rather fragmented and incomplete in scope. The research presented in this paper addresses these limitations.

Details

Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science, vol. 25 no. 50
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2077-1886

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Xiaojuan Li, Yanping Feng, Cora Un In Wong and Lianping Ren

This paper aims to understand Chinese tourists’ changing shopping experience in Macao. In scrutinizing reviews posted in the pre-COVID and during COVID eras, the study has…

Abstract

This paper aims to understand Chinese tourists’ changing shopping experience in Macao. In scrutinizing reviews posted in the pre-COVID and during COVID eras, the study has identified changing patterns in Chinese tourists’ shopping experiences, including increased leisure components while shopping, decreased luxury pursuits and an improved overall leisure and shopping experience because of decreased prices in accommodation and a less crowded retail and leisure environment. An emergent opportunity to provide “retail-tainment” experience is discussed.

Details

Tourism Critiques: Practice and Theory, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-1225

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 September 2023

Emeka Austin Ndaguba and Cina van Zyl

This study aims to provide a cutting-edge evaluation of the sharing economy's impact within the realm of tourism and hospitality. The primary objectives guiding this research are…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a cutting-edge evaluation of the sharing economy's impact within the realm of tourism and hospitality. The primary objectives guiding this research are as follows: to uncover the prevalent discussions and debates within the tourism and hospitality sector concerning the implications and effects of the sharing economy on urban destinations; and to analyse how scholarly inquiries and empirical investigations have contributed to a comprehensive comprehension of the intricate theoretical foundations and practical intricacies inherent in the sharing economy. This exploration takes place within the extensive expanse of existing literature.

Methodology

The study used the non-conventional method for data mining. An artificial intelligence (AI) tool called www.dimensions.ai was used to mine data between the year 2002 and 2021. After which the data was analysed, using Citespace software that assisted in building themes for answering the research questions.

Findings

The sharing economy has multifaceted implications for rural and urban destinations. For instance, the findings demonstrated that emotional solidarity fosters community bonds between tourists and residents, enhancing authenticity. While, management firms optimise short-term rentals, boosting revenue and occupancy rates despite capped at 20%. It further demonstrated that the sharing economy disrupts traditional accommodations, especially hotels, impacting rural and urban destinations differently based on location and regulatory flexibility. Technological advancements would shape the digital future, transforming the resource in sharing and connectivity in urban settings.

Practical implications

Management firms or agents significantly enhance property facilities, revenue and occupancy rates. Properties managed by professionals perform better in terms of revenue and occupancy; furthermore, traditional accommodations need innovative strategies to compete with sharing economy platforms. Policymakers must consider location-specific regulations to balance sharing economy impacts. Embracing technological advancements ensures urban destinations stay relevant and competitive.

Social implications

Emotional solidarity fosters bonds between residents and tourists, contributing to a sense of community. Management firms contribute to local economies and stability. However, Airbnb's impact on traditional accommodations raises concerns about the effect on residents and communities.

Theoretical implications

The study incorporates classical sociology theory to understand emotional solidarity and extends the concept of moral economy to guide economic behaviour in the sharing economy. The analysis also underscores the influence of technological trends such as mobile technology, Internet of Things, AI and blockchain on sharing practices in reshaping existing theoretical frameworks in the sharing atmosphere. Furthermore, the co-creation of value theory highlights collaborative interactions between hosts and guests, shaping the sharing economy experience. Consumer segmentation and choice theories shed light on sharing economy dynamics. Institutional and location-based theories provide insights into regulatory and location-specific impacts.

Originality

This research contributes by comprehensively exploring the multifaceted implications of the sharing economy on a tourist destination. It delves into emotional solidarity, management firm roles and location-specific impacts, enriching the understanding of the sharing economy's effects. The application of co-creation of value theory and examination of platform technologies offer fresh perspectives on value creation and user engagement. The study's focus on practical dimensions guides stakeholders in optimising the benefits and addressing challenges posed by the sharing economy in urban contexts. The exploration of moral economy and its relevance to the sharing economy provides a novel perspective, while the examination of technological influences on sharing practices contributes to understanding the digital future of the sharing economy.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 March 2022

Bijoylaxmi Sarmah, Shampy Kamboj and Ravi Chatterjee

The present study examines the antecedents of learned helplessness, i.e. intrinsic and environmental constraints and consequences, i.e. intention to travel and expectation in the…

1654

Abstract

Purpose

The present study examines the antecedents of learned helplessness, i.e. intrinsic and environmental constraints and consequences, i.e. intention to travel and expectation in the context of people with disability (PwD) tourism context by applying the “Theory of Learned Helplessness”.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method was used to gather data from 209 physically disabled people who had visited/traveled to any tourist destination in the past twelve months. Structural equation modeling technique was used to analyze data.

Findings

The findings reveal that intrinsic and environmental constraints positively influence learned helplessness. Consequently, learned helplessness negatively effects intention to travel and positively affects expectation of PWD tourist' toward a travel destination. Furthermore, learned helplessness contributed as a mediator between intrinsic constraints and intention to travel toward a tourist destination.

Originality/value

Even though the body of literature on associations studied pertaining the conceptual lens of learned helplessness is widely recognized, there is dearth of literature investigating the connections between travel constraints, learned helplessness, PwDs intention and their expectation in travel destination context.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Virginie Capitaine

The purpose of this paper is to report on the research carried out in Québec as part of a master’s degree for the IÉSEG School of Management on behalf of Kéroul, an organization…

3377

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the research carried out in Québec as part of a master’s degree for the IÉSEG School of Management on behalf of Kéroul, an organization whose mission is to make tourism and culture accessible to people with disabilities. Established over 30 years ago and active largely in Québec, Kéroul has observed a lingering reluctance on the part of tourism industry operators to meeting the needs of disabled visitors. In the research, we set out to answer the following question: how can Kéroul encourage tourism establishments to develop accessibility? In light of the hotel industry’s key role in tourism, exploratory research was conducted with 30 Québec hotel managers through extensive individual interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory research took the form of in-depth interviews with hotel managers. The sample was selected after conferring with Kéroul and a Québec hotel association. As a first step, a jointly written letter was sent to managers who were association members, inviting them to be interviewed.

Findings

Some respondents showed an interest in accessibility, seen as a means of attracting group bookings; others confirmed that accessible rooms rented well to guests from all categories. Nonetheless, most were skeptical about the economic value of the disabled market. They were also poorly informed about this type of clientele, the concept of accessibility and the facilities “barrier-free” tourism requires.

Originality/value

Until now, the literature on accessible tourism has generally accentuated the needs of disabled consumers and analyzed their behavior with regard to tourism. Arguments to demonstrate the market potential of tourists with disabilities have ensued. The need to meet this demand was expressed while highlighting the low degree of consideration given to the disabled market by tourism professionals at present. However, few publications treat accessibility as a viable business opportunity. The study reveals the concerns and views of tourism industry professionals vis-à-vis accessibility and is all the more relevant, given the current context in Québec.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 January 2020

Chayanon Phucharoen and Nichapat Sangkaew

A leading characteristic of international tourists at every tourist destination is their role as foreign–income disseminator, and a large number of papers have been dedicated to…

1844

Abstract

Purpose

A leading characteristic of international tourists at every tourist destination is their role as foreign–income disseminator, and a large number of papers have been dedicated to exploring their behavior. In contrast, this paper aims to shed light on the supply-side of tourism through the study of a hotels’ ability to internationalize their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on each hotel’s input data, its efficiency was estimated by a data envelopment analysis approach. Then, the hotel’s intensity of demand from foreign guests was regressed against hotel efficiency along with firm’ control variables.

Findings

Results from Heckman correction model indicate that ordinary least squares regression would be subject to selection bias, and the results from the correction model strongly indicate a positive linkage between the hotel’s efficiency level and its foreign to total guest ratio, especially in the sub-sample of hotels located in non-tourist destinations. In addition, the results also reveal that the availability of certain services and facilities at hotels are positively related to the number of foreign guests, namely, a spa service and swimming pools.

Originality/value

Therefore, the main implications from this study are twofold. First, if a hotel’s target market is international travelers, a swimming pool and the availability of a spa service are essential features for hotels in Thailand. Second, policies to improve productivity in hotels should be simultaneously implemented along with tourist-destination-promotion campaigns to optimize the economic impact of international tourist arrivals.

Details

Journal of Tourism Analysis: Revista de Análisis Turístico, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2254-0644

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 July 2018

Blanca Garcia Henche

The theoretical framework of this study focuses on the trends towards experiential tourism and new communication channels in the tourist sector. The specific areas of action that…

11354

Abstract

Purpose

The theoretical framework of this study focuses on the trends towards experiential tourism and new communication channels in the tourist sector. The specific areas of action that are covered in this research work focus on: a definition of experiential tourism, an analysis of markets as a resource of experiential tourism and communication strategies and the use of social media by the markets of Madrid to interact with the new experiential consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is arranged as follows: first, a review of the documents on new tourist sector trends towards the demand of experiential tourism, on marketing 2.0 and on social media has been carried out; second, communication strategies of the food markets seen as tourist resources are described herein, including results of the research in the use of social media; and finally, conclusions of the study are developed.

Findings

According to the conceptual approach and after reviewing the documents cited in this paper, it is possible to conclude that food markets are tourist resources that shall be exploited as “experiential providers” for a market niche that is increasingly demanding and expects to have a “tourist experience”. The present paper contributes to the literature on experiential tourism, including new communication strategies as a tool to contact experiential tourists. Accordingly, an analysis is carried out of a specific product/resource, such as the food markets of Madrid as resources or experiential leisure centers, and a study on product strategies (offer of experiences) and communication strategies on their experiential tourism offer fundamentally based on social media and websites.

Research limitations/implications

Although this work represents an in-depth study of the food markets analyzed, the research could be extended to other markets or to other cities that are also working with markets as experiential tourism resources, though not in a structured design as in Madrid.

Practical implications

This work is different from previous studies for several reasons. In the first place, food markets are integrated as elements for the study of experiential tourism as tourist resources, and second, commercial interaction and other types of productive activities in urban centers are considered. In particular, social relations and collaboration between small retailers in markets, their managers and the institutions responsible for tourism management in the city of Madrid are barely analyzed in the literature. This includes the collaboration between public (Madrid City Council), cultural and business institutions (Madrid Fusión and Gastrofestival), hospitality and other businesses (established in the food markets) to promote cultural experiences and historic tourism.

Social implications

The performed study has several implications for employers and policymakers. As historical, cultural and experiential tourism are growing trends throughout the world, new tourist consumer profiles must be analyzed. There are new groups of tourists looking for unique experiences and “local” activities, eager to visit renovated urban historical centers with a developed experiential leisure offer. This tourist activity facilitates the rebirth of the traditional food markets and promotes the creation of jobs and new opportunities for traditional businesses as shown in the present case study focused on the markets of Madrid.

Originality/value

The present paper contributes to the literature on experiential tourism, including new communication strategies as a tool to contact experiential tourists. Accordingly, an analysis is carried out of a specific product/resource, such as the food markets of Madrid as resources or experiential leisure centers, and a study on product strategies (offer of experiences) and communication strategies on their experiential tourism offer fundamentally based on social media and websites. The role played by food markets in the creation of an experiential tourism offer in Madrid and the communication strategies generated by them is described in this research. This study not only sheds light on the changes undergone by the tourist demand, specifically urban tourism but also it helps understand some of the strategies that big tourist cities are implementing in historic centers to reduce the risks of mass tourism.

Details

Journal of Tourism Analysis: Revista de Análisis Turístico, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2254-0644

Keywords

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