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1 – 10 of over 21000
Article
Publication date: 12 December 2016

Manuel Rivera, Robertico Croes and YunYing Zhong

This paper aims to examine and identify important attributes for mobile applications (apps) that might dictate tourist preferences for the apps on a small island destination…

1499

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine and identify important attributes for mobile applications (apps) that might dictate tourist preferences for the apps on a small island destination. Guided by the Task Technology Fit (TTF) theory, the study considers the tasks performed, technology characteristics and individuals’ characteristics in determining the mobile apps attribute set.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a conjoint methodology within a case study approach framework. The conjoint analysis allows for assessing preferences from different consumers regarding the objective characteristics of products or services that facilitate the optimal design of product development. Optimal product development is a challenge for destinations, as they strive to achieve and sustain optimal market positions. Mobile apps may empower destinations in this endeavor. The case study approach imparts a context-dependent knowledge that facilitates a more nuanced understanding of consumer preference of use.

Findings

The results of the conjoint analysis suggest a strategic mapping of the most important attributes including type of content information, coupons and location awareness in defining apps product development. Within each attribute, the study also identifies the significant characteristics of a mobile application that are preferred by tourists. This ranking exists irrespective of familiarity with the destination (first-time and repeat visitors).

Research limitations/implications

The implication is that revealed preferences anchored in conjoint analysis provide a powerful approach to optimize product development in a small island destination. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that the developments of a mobile app for a destination must concentrate on fostering spending and consider the app as a new marketing channel. From a theoretical point of view, the current study highlights the usefulness of using the conjoint analysis and the TTF theory as an overarching framework in mapping a multi-attribute decision-making space that influences tourist judgment and preference of use. The conjoint method applied in the study enables researchers to clearly identify a combination of various mobile app attributes that are most influential on tourists’ choice and preference of use. The guiding framework, TTF theory, allows the conjoint product designs to go beyond the technology characteristics to include tasks performed by tourists and their individual characteristics.

Originality/value

This study is the first to apply a conjoint analysis within the TTF theoretical framework in the context of a small island destination when assessing touristsuse preferences toward mobile applications, while at the same time investigating whether any differences exist between first-time and repeat visitors. The study demonstrates that complementing the nature of the task (traveling) with context-specific interface and interactive features is an important area of inquiry that can benefit from adopting conjoint analysis.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 28 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2022

Shruti Gulati

This study aims to explore when and for what purpose is social media used by tourists in their decision-making; and to further interpret the nature of such usage.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore when and for what purpose is social media used by tourists in their decision-making; and to further interpret the nature of such usage.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was administered to 530 Indians who qualified as recent tourists and social media users. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse hypothesised relationships; the results helped us to unveil the tourist social media cycle which is a conceptual model of the results obtained.

Findings

PLS-SEM results indicate that social media is predominantly used in the pre-travel stage for evaluation purposes, during travel stage for purchase purposes and post-travel stage for post-purchase behaviour. Also, it is noted that social media use by a tourist is an ongoing process, and thus, a conceptual model in the form of tourist social media cycle is unveiled.

Practical implications

This study reveals the unique behaviour of Indian tourists with respect to using social media for travel decision-making, which establishes a different perspective of understanding and further strategizing social media’s use in tourism for a developing nation. Also, the tourist social media cycle stresses on the importance of social media as a digital repository where continuously the user-generated content is used by self (existing) or “others” (potential tourists).

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that addresses the population and knowledge gap of understanding social media–based tourist behaviour providing a perspective of a developing nation, specifically India. Further, it unveils the nature of social media use by tourist in the form of a first ever tourist social media cycle.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2009

J. Alberto Castañeda, Dolores M. Frías and Miguel A. Rodríguez

The purpose of this paper is to aim to identify the antecedents of both actual acceptance and future use of the internet as a tourism information source. In the tourism sector…

2948

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aim to identify the antecedents of both actual acceptance and future use of the internet as a tourism information source. In the tourism sector, the internet is a medium of growing importance. Nonetheless, very few studies have researched the antecedents of internet acceptance and use by tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

This purpose was pursued by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and applying it to a broad sample of international tourists.

Findings

The main findings concern the antecedent role of actual use with regard to future use, as well as the roles of usefulness and ease of use as drivers of the acceptance of the internet as an information source by the tourist.

Research limitations

The study analysed the acceptance of the internet as an information source but not its use as a medium for purchasing tourism products or services.

Practical implications

While most research results suggest that businesses and institutions should direct their attention to the usefulness rather than to the ease of use of the internet, the results of this study imply that within the tourism sector ease of use plays an equally vital role in internet acceptance. Furthermore, the results show that the creation of an internet‐use habit in the tourist builds a barrier to change of information source.

Originality/value

Amidst the rather few existing studies focused on tourist internet use, there is a body of research (including the present work) that identifies significant differences between tourism and other contexts (e.g. work, e‐commerce) regarding the importance of the antecedents of internet use. Moreover, there is, to our knowledge, no research to date testing the inclusion of behavioural habit to explain technology use.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 December 2020

Alinda Kokkinou, Emma Tremiliti, Marc van Iwaarden, Ondrej Mitas and Sebastiaan Straatman

The purpose of this study is to explore how tourists use connected mobile devices such as smartphones to manage their tourist experience.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how tourists use connected mobile devices such as smartphones to manage their tourist experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method, cross-sectional approach was used consisting of questionnaires about tourists self-reported use of connected mobile devices and recorded observations of tourists' interaction with their devices.

Findings

Respondents who reported a more intense use of their connected mobile devices also reported a heightened tourist experience. Specifically, high users reported more intense emotions and expressed the belief that using their device improved the quality of their vacation. More extensive use of connected mobile devices was also linked to the perception that waits for attractions and restaurants were shorter.

Research limitations/implications

While the data and methods employed do not allow for testing of causality, the field research approach provides the benefit of high ecological validity, complementing previous studies on this topic.

Practical implications

Commercial service providers should explore ways to stimulate the use of devices, for instance by offering information about the attraction, or by providing an attractive setting for tourists taking photos. This contributes to shorter time perception and improved visitor evaluations.

Originality/value

Tourists' use of connected mobile devices to manage their tourist experience varies in terms of quality and intensity. Findings show that travelers know how to use their smartphones in a way that best suit their information and social needs.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 May 2021

Alba García-Milon, Cristina Olarte-Pascual, Emma Juaneda-Ayensa and Jorge Pelegrín-Borondo

In a context where retail stores are closing down and high streets are declining, the purpose of this paper is to analyse on-site shopping by tourists. This work identifies the…

2729

Abstract

Purpose

In a context where retail stores are closing down and high streets are declining, the purpose of this paper is to analyse on-site shopping by tourists. This work identifies the drivers that lead tourists to use digital information sources at the beginning of the shopping process. Understanding these drivers can help destination managers and retailers encourage tourists to shop.

Design/methodology/approach

A personal survey was conducted in a Spanish city noted for its shopping facilities (Logroño), using a sample of 430 tourists with purchase intention. The survey was designed based on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model. A multivariate analysis, based on structural equation modelling, was carried out using partial least squares (PLS), based on variance.

Findings

The study’s finding is that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and habit influence intention to use digital sources of information to make purchases in a destination. Tourists prioritise utilitarian over hedonic motivations in the intention to use digital sources of information in tourist shopping.

Originality/value

It has been recognised that tourists are the perfect target to revitalise on-site shopping and, therefore, destinations must provide attractive shopping experiences from the outset. Prior to purchase, the search for available information is the first stage of the tourist shopping journey. Although many studies have analysed tourist shopping behaviour, none have focused, using the UTAUT2, on the digital information sources tourists consult pre-purchase. This research develops understanding of tourist shopping behaviour in this new technological context. This can help retailers/destinations provide better services and optimise the shopper's experience from the first stage of the process.

研究目的

零售商店陸續倒閉,商業街的經營業務逐漸式微;本文旨在分析遊客在這背景下的現場購物活動。本文擬確定遊客在購物過程的初期驅使他們使用數位資訊來源的誘因;了解這些誘因,將有助目的地管理經理和零售商推動遊客購物活動。

研究設計/方法/理念

研究人員在一個以購物設施馳名的西班牙城市(洛格羅尼奧) 進行個人調查,樣本為430名有意購物的遊客。調查是以整合性科技接受使用理論的延伸模型(UTAUT2)為基礎而設計的。研究人員使用以方差為基礎的偏最小平方,來進行以結構方程模型為基礎的多變數分析。

研究結果

績效期望、付出期望、社群影響、促成條件和習慣均影響遊客為目的地購物而使用數位資訊來源的意慾。而就這意慾而言,功利動機在優先次序上比享樂動機佔更高的位置。

原創性/價值

我們承認,要使現場購物得以復甦,遊客是最適當的目標。因此,旅遊目的地必須從一開始就要給遊客提供愉快的購物體驗。遊客購物前、尋找有關的購物資訊便是這個旅遊購物旅程的第一個階段。分析遊客購物行為的研究為數不少,唯使用第2代整合型科技接受理論(UTAUT2) 、重點探討遊客購物前使用數位資訊來源來尋找資訊的研究則從未見過。本研究讓我們更深入了解遊客在這個新技術背景下的購物行為,這有助零售商/目的地經營者為遊客提供更佳的服務、及優化遊客從購物過程首階段開始的購物體驗。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2020

Francisco Liebana-Cabanillas, Elena Carvajal-Trujillo, Ángel F. Villarejo-Ramos and Elena Higueras-Castillo

Near-field communication (NFC) technology introduces new and better experiences for tourists while improving operating processes in the tourism industry through the use of…

Abstract

Purpose

Near-field communication (NFC) technology introduces new and better experiences for tourists while improving operating processes in the tourism industry through the use of smartphone applications. The purpose of this research is to explore and analyse the antecedents of the adoption of NFC mobile applications (app) regarding the search for information in a tourist destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the review of the literature, three groups of antecedents are proposed. The groups are associated with the usability of mobile technology itself, the benefits derived from its use and the possible risks that the tourist assumes. To achieve these objectives, an online questionnaire was filled by 218 participants after they watched a video explaining the use of NFC tourism apps in a Spanish tourist destination.

Findings

Partial least squares revealed that perceived value, performance risk, usefulness and perceived enjoyment have a strong relationship with the intention to use of tourism apps.

Originality/value

The conclusions and implications for management provide alternatives for companies to promote this new business by means of the new technical developments.

论旅游nfc移动应用使用的动因

研究目的

近场通讯(NFC)技术通过智能手机的使用, 为游客带来新奇更佳的体验, 同时, 又完善了旅游业运营流程。本论文旨在探索和分析探索旅游目的地信息中, NFC移动应用APP使用的动因。

研究设计/方法/途径

根据文献综述结果, 本论文提出三组动因。这三组动因涉及移动技术本身、使用好处、以及旅游预想的可能危险。为了达到研究目的, 本论文采用在线问卷采样方式, 受访者首先看了一段解释NFC旅游APP在一个西班牙旅游目的地应用的视频, 共218名受访者参与了调查。

研究结果

PLS-SEM结果表明感知价值、性能危险、有用性、和感知愉快与旅游APP使用有着紧密的联系。

研究原创性/价值

本论文结果和管理启示为公司提出其他可能, 建议公司可以利用新科技发展来提高新商机。

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2018

Kevin K.W. Ho and Eric W.K. See-To

The fan page of social network site can be used as a platform for the tourist attractions to interact with their consumers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how…

1502

Abstract

Purpose

The fan page of social network site can be used as a platform for the tourist attractions to interact with their consumers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how entertainment, informativeness, and socializing gratifications affect a user’s attitude toward a tourist attraction fan page in the context of smart tourism, on which scant research has been conducted so far.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate how entertainment, information, and socialization gratifications affect a user’s attitude toward a tourist attraction fan page of Hong Kong youth in the context of smart tourism using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The authors show that three aspects of gratifications, i.e., entertainment, informativeness, and socializing, have significant impacts on a user’s attitude toward a tourist attraction fan page, which subsequently has an impact on intention to visit the attraction through a user’s attitude toward a tourist attraction developed through his/her attitude toward a fan page.

Originality/value

Scant research has been conducted to study how uses and gratifications affect a user’s attitude toward a tourist attraction fan page in the context of smart tourism. This research fills this research gap.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2012

Mohamad Reza Jalilvand and Neda Samiei

Word of mouth (WOM) is becoming recognized as an important form of promotion and an important source of information influencing consumer's attitudes and purchase behavior. WOM is…

2372

Abstract

Purpose

Word of mouth (WOM) is becoming recognized as an important form of promotion and an important source of information influencing consumer's attitudes and purchase behavior. WOM is especially important in the tourism industry, whose intangible products are difficult to evaluate prior to their consumption. The purpose of this paper is to survey the effect of WOM on tourists' decision for travelling to an Islamic destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a field research among 224 inbound tourists who have visited Isfahan as an Islamic destination, and the data were analyzed using regression and correlation. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applicable for the inference relationships between tourist characteristics and using WOM. The survey period was from June 2 to June 29, 2010.

Findings

Two findings have been concluded in this survey. First, WOM affects the decision of tourists for travelling to Isfahan. Second, nationality, gender, purpose of trip, and previous experience of travelling were associated with using WOM among prospective tourists.

Practical implications

Managers should develop complete understanding of WOM and try to stimulate WOM about destinations among tourists, because most tourists are influenced by information from informal sources.

Originality/value

The paper shows that customer‐oriented tourism programs improve the numbers of inbound tourists to a particular destination.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 2 November 2009

Christophe Terrier

The importance of tourism for France's economy and society means that proper knowledge of tourism flows is essential. But designing a measuring system and periodic gathering of…

Abstract

The importance of tourism for France's economy and society means that proper knowledge of tourism flows is essential. But designing a measuring system and periodic gathering of statistical data raise several difficulties. First, tourism is, by definition, based on movement, and all phenomena involving movement are difficult to measure. Second, there are many different forms of tourism, including holidays and business trips, short and long stays and so forth. Third, the notion of tourism flows has different meanings for those in charge of road, rail or air traffic management, and for those in charge of tourist visits.

This paper first discusses the ambiguities of the notions used in tourism studies. It emphasises the distinction between tourist flows along transportation routes and those in specific places. It then reviews the proper calculation rules for each of the geographical objects used for measuring tourism phenomena, which are primarily lines and areas. It also addresses some of the problems raised by the failure to comply with these rules in published information.

Third, this paper presents the various systems used to measure tourist flows and inflows, and discusses their usefulness and limitations, before discussing some new developments in the field.

Finally, it examines the potential value of modern communication technologies for mobility studies. More specifically, it raises the issue of striking the right balance between statistical accuracy and individual freedom.

Details

Transport Survey Methods
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84-855844-1

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Mina Balouchi and Yuhanis Abdul Aziz

The purpose of this research is to examine, from the self-efficacy standpoint, the factors that influence medical tourists' use of social media for travel planning. To that end…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine, from the self-efficacy standpoint, the factors that influence medical tourists' use of social media for travel planning. To that end, this study presents a conceptual framework for evaluating medical tourists' online behaviour and empirically tests the model's validity by examining various dimensions of self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 224 people who searched for medical tourism information online was used in this study. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the proposed model with data from an online questionnaire survey.

Findings

The findings suggest that sources of self-efficacy reinforce one's belief in the ability to use social media for medical travel planning purposes. According to the structural model analysis results, with the exception of social persuasion (SP), all of the proposed factors were significant sources of self-efficacy.

Practical implications

The findings can assist medical tourism providers in optimising online searches for medical travel information, as well as medical tourism destination marketers in directing the tourism providers' marketing efforts towards the use of social media to target potential medical tourists more efficiently and on a larger scale.

Originality/value

This study is being conducted in response to a significant knowledge gap in identifying the factors that influence medical tourists' online behaviour. This information can help medical tourism destination marketers gain a competitive advantage by using social media to target potential medical tourists more effectively and on a larger scale.

Details

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

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 21000