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Article
Publication date: 24 April 2007

Mandy Lane

The purpose of this case study to explain how the Visitor Journey framework was used by the London Development Agency to improve the accessibility of London as a tourist…

5126

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study to explain how the Visitor Journey framework was used by the London Development Agency to improve the accessibility of London as a tourist destination for disabled and non‐disabled visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

The Visitor Journey is a new approach to developing tourism strategies that is centred entirely around the visitor. It follows the visitor through a sequence of events and emotions from the initial planning stages, to leaving the home environment, through the return journey and beyond as a continuous visitor journey. The framework consists of six key interrelated stages.

Findings

This study highlights how the visitor encounters the services of a vast range of organizations and businesses during a trip. It shows how the framework becomes particularly powerful when it is used by a whole range of organizations within a destination or region. By using it the London Development Agency identified a range of actions that they needed to take with their partners to improve the quality of the overall experience for the visitor.

Practical implications

Providing the needs of the visitor or customer are considered first, the Visitor Journey framework can be applied to virtually any project, or specific market segments such as families, walkers, and those with disabilities. It can be used by individual organization to improve their own individual performance but has most impact when used collaboratively with partners.

Originality/value

This paper outlines a new approach to developing tourism strategies and is of value to any organization with a stake in the tourism industry.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2023

Sara Dalir

This paper aims to deepen the current knowledge of seasonality by investigating visitors’ intentional and behavioural patterns during peak and off-peak seasons. It compares the…

392

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deepen the current knowledge of seasonality by investigating visitors’ intentional and behavioural patterns during peak and off-peak seasons. It compares the variation in several key behavioural factors, namely, duration of stay, party size, revisit intention, spending and breakdown of spending in different sectors in hospitality and tourism including entertainment, restaurant, accommodation and transportation. Moreover, this research expands the understanding by examining the effectiveness of two innovative strategies of offering a digital app and organising a unique event to tackle seasonal imbalances through stimulating visitors’ intention to change their timing of visit from peak to off-peak periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The author initially used a Delphi approach to gather experts’ opinion on the two scenario settings: event organisation and a trip planner app. The scenarios aimed to potentially encourage visitors to change their visit time to off-peak seasons. Then, using a quantitative survey, the travel habits and spending behaviours of 310 participants were captured. Furthermore, the survey assessed their intention to travel during off-peak seasons in response to the implementation of the two innovative strategies.

Findings

The results revealed that although the number of visitors who travel in off-peak seasons may be lower, their daily spending is higher than peak season visitors. In addition to total spending per day, the duration of stay, part size, quality of accommodation and re-visit intention of visitors indicated significant variation between peak and off-peak seasons. According to the statistical analysis’ results, organising events (including festivals) proves more effective in encouraging visitors to travel during off-peak seasons compared to digital innovation (i.e. a trip planner app). This finding is in line with the tenets of the Jobs-to-be-Done Theory of innovation.

Originality/value

This study contributes by conceptualising the mechanism of seasonality and its impacts on subsectors of tourism and hospitality. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the few empirical research that compares the behavioural patterns of visitors including their average spending per day between peak and off-peak seasons. Previous studies focused on specific regions or sectors, whereas this research investigates visitors’ behaviour on a broader scale to provide more comprehensive view. Furthermore, this study is novel due to practising an outside-in approach through investigating the effectiveness of the two innovative strategies aimed at addressing seasonality in the hospitality and tourism industry from visitors’ point of view.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2023

Marcia Mariluz Amaral, Vitor Roslindo Kuhn, Sara Joana Gadotti dos Anjos and Luiz Carlos da Silva Flores

The objective of this study is to analyze the experiences in wine tourism according to narratives shared by the visitors themselves. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyze the experiences in wine tourism according to narratives shared by the visitors themselves. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the levels of intensity associated with these experiences within a wine destination, considering the segmentation of visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-methods approach to analyze data, incorporating a deductive process followed by content analysis. Data collection procedures include a bibliographic review and a data survey conducted through netnography research to analyze 954 visitor reviews on TripAdvisor shared by visitors to Vale dos Vinhedos. Also, statistical analysis is performed to assess whether there are any significant variations in attribute citations among different market segmentation profiles.

Findings

The study’s discoveries indicate that there are no significant differences in intensity among profile segments for the dimensions of entertainment, aesthetics, educational and interactions, unlike escapism. The findings reveal that attributes such as “winery,” “wine,” “products and services” and “landscape” are essential for all visitors. In addition, the study shows that social interactions in the wine tourism destination are not as significant as previously assumed.

Originality/value

This research study constitutes a methodological advancement in the field of market segmentation using electronic word-of-mouth data. It provides crucial insights into the experiential nuances of the research locus and the varying degrees of these experiences in relation to visitor segmentation. Additionally, the contributions of this study are not only of theoretical importance but also hold practical implications for market segmentation strategies.

Details

International Journal of Wine Business Research, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Salfarina Abdul Gapor, Chee Hua Chin, Ek Tee Ngian, Winnie Poh Ming Wong, Jiet Ping Kiew and Ting Ling Toh

The purpose of this paper is to examine the hard and soft measures of service quality and visitors' satisfaction, which ultimately contribute to visitor loyalty to the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the hard and soft measures of service quality and visitors' satisfaction, which ultimately contribute to visitor loyalty to the destination, specifically in the context of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) in Sibu, Sarawak (Malaysia).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a quantitative research approach with 427 valid responses from domestic and international tourists of BCF and employs the cognitive-affective-conative theory to examine how the festival impacts visitor loyalty.

Findings

The findings indicate that both hard and soft measures significantly contribute to the service quality and visitor satisfaction at the BCF. Additionally, service quality and visitor satisfaction were found to positively influence destination loyalty, while the relationship between legibility and visitor satisfaction was not significant.

Practical implications

The findings encourage the ministry and event organisers to adopt a destination event strategy that positions Sibu as an attractive event destination capable of attracting domestic and international tourists.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge on event tourism and destination loyalty by applying the cognitive-affective-conative theory. This study marks the first of its kind, analysing both the tangible (hard) and intangible (soft) measures of service quality and their impact on visitor satisfaction, ultimately influencing visitor loyalty to the destination, particularly in the context of the BCF in Sibu, Sarawak.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 May 2023

Vania Ceccato, Emrah Ercin, Julia Hazanov, Sara Elfström and Adriana Sampaio

In this study, the authors report visitors' and personnel's safety experiences and concerns in order to understand the safety conditions of a library.

1642

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the authors report visitors' and personnel's safety experiences and concerns in order to understand the safety conditions of a library.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on answers from a small sample survey of library visitors, interviews with the personnel and incidents recorded in a library in Stockholm the capital of Sweden.

Findings

Dealing with visitors under influence of drugs/alcohol or feeling intimidated by groups of young individuals are examples of situations in which the staff feel most unsafe. Visitors declare witnessing problems of public disturbance and disorderly conduct, fights and other types of aggression. Although the vast majority of visitors declare feeling safe in the library, their perceptions vary according to the library's environment and their individual characteristics, including their previous victimization.

Practical implications

The study is novel because it indicates the importance of the environment to ensure the safety conditions of the library for both visitors and staff. Finally, research on safety in libraries is often from North America and Western European contexts, while this study contributes to the international literature by illustrating libraries in a Nordic European context.

Social implications

The study indicates that more social control, both formal and informal, is at the top of the list of recommendations for visitors. Among personnel, recommendations include the need for cooperation with other local actors to solve problems in surrounding areas as well as better education for librarians in dealing with the current safety challenges of libraries as multifunctional public facilities.

Originality/value

Combine visitors' and personnel's safety experiences to better understand the safety conditions of a public library.

Details

Library Management, vol. 44 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Vincent Asimah, Ratih Hurriyati, Vanessa Gaffar and Lili Adi Wibowo

This study examines the effect of festival visitors' emotional solidarity and segmentation on revisiting intentions to Ghana for the Panafest/Emancipation festivals during the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the effect of festival visitors' emotional solidarity and segmentation on revisiting intentions to Ghana for the Panafest/Emancipation festivals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised data from a self-completed survey administered to festival-goers who attended the Panafest and Emancipation festivals in 2019 and 2021. In 2019, 782 questionnaires were sent to participants out of which 446 responded to the questionnaires. However, in 2021, 567 questionnaires were administered to the festival participants out of which 296 responded to the questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was performed using the ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique.

Findings

The study found that emotional solidarity, gender, age, educational background and place of residence are important factors in predicting whether festival visitors will revisit Ghana for the Panafest and Emancipation festivals or not. Emotional solidarity was a positive predictor of revisit intentions, while gender and age also played a role with male and older visitors being more inclined to revisit Ghana for the festivals. The educational background had a positive and significant effect in 2021 but was insignificant in 2019. Place of residence had a significant but negative effect in 2021 due to the emergence of COVID-19.

Practical implications

The study's findings suggest that stakeholders in Ghana's tourism industry, including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourist Authority, hotels and other hospitality services, should consider emotional solidarity and visitor segmentation when developing marketing strategies. Additionally, strategies to address the impact of COVID-19 on revisit intentions and spending should be considered.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence festival visitors' revisit intentions in Ghana and how the emergence of COVID-19 affects these intentions. The study's focus on emotional solidarity and visitor segmentation provides insights into developing effective marketing strategies in the tourism industry.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2023

Zoltán Kovács, Melanie Smith, Zhanassyl Teleubay and Tamás Kovalcsik

The research analyses the spatial-temporal behaviour of international visitors using mobile positioning data (MPD) in three second-tier cities in Hungary: Szeged, Debrecen and…

Abstract

Purpose

The research analyses the spatial-temporal behaviour of international visitors using mobile positioning data (MPD) in three second-tier cities in Hungary: Szeged, Debrecen and Pécs. The purpose of this study is to identify the origins of visitors, length of stay, seasonal concentrations and mobility between cities.

Design/methodology/approach

A large volume of data generated by foreign mobile phone users was processed and analysed for six consecutive months in 2018. The movements of around 3.5 million foreigners visiting Hungary were captured.

Findings

The data showed significant differences in tourist turnover, mobility patterns and flows indicating different levels of tourism activity and potential in the three cities. This included day trips, cross-border tourism, seasonal fluctuations and activity-driven demand (e.g. special events and cultural tourism).

Research limitations/implications

MPD cannot fully explain or predict drivers of visitor behaviour, such as purpose of visit, the precise activities that they undertake there and the experiences that they gain. It can, however, provide information on spatial and temporal flows, patterns and concentrations of visitors.

Practical implications

The investigated cities should follow distinct tourism development policies to attract more tourists and strengthen the links with their neighbouring destinations at the same time as differentiating themselves through marketing as competitive alternative destinations.

Social implications

Augmenting tourism has socio-economic implications for residents and communities. The development of cultural tourism and local event-based tourism must incorporate community needs.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the extent to which MPD can provide insights into visitors’ spatio-temporal mobility and flows in relatively under-visited second-tier cities and it highlights opportunities and gaps for big data research in an urban context.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Veronica Vitali, Claudia Bazzani, Annamaria Gimigliano, Marco Cristani, Diego Begalli and Gloria Menegaz

This study proposes a literature review and, based on the findings, the authors develop a conceptual framework, attempting to explain how technology may influence visitor behavior…

3720

Abstract

Purpose

This study proposes a literature review and, based on the findings, the authors develop a conceptual framework, attempting to explain how technology may influence visitor behavior and eventually trade show performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research explores the role of visitors in the trade show context. The analysis specifically focuses on the variables that influence visitors’ participation at business-to-business trade shows and how their satisfaction and perception can be related to exhibition performance. The authors also take into consideration technological trends that prior to COVID-19 pandemics were slowly emerging in the trade show industry.

Findings

The findings highlight a continuity between pre-, at and postexhibition phases. Visitors’ behavior represents a signal of how a trade show is perceived as postexhibition purchases and next visit emerge as signals of an exhibition evaluation in relation to visitors’ perception. Besides being urgent tools for the continuity of the sector due to the pandemics, emerging technological trends can be key elements in understanding visitors’ behavior and in boosting their interest and loyalty toward trade shows.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a conceptual model including top notch and innovative technological trends to improve the understandment of visitors’ behavior. Both practitioners in companies and academics might find the study useful, given the digital uplift generated by the pandemics.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 37 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 November 2022

Gökhan Akel and Engin Cakir

This research uses the experience economy theory and tourism experiences to explore how different types of experiences in theme parks influence visitors' experiential satisfaction…

Abstract

Purpose

This research uses the experience economy theory and tourism experiences to explore how different types of experiences in theme parks influence visitors' experiential satisfaction and behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from visitors of different nationalities at a theme park hotel. The R program and JASP were used to analyze the data of the multinational sampling. JASP was used for the structural equation modeling (SEM) and the R program for the analysis of the measurement invariance.

Findings

The results highlight the existence of different visitor behavior in the experience economy, tourism experience and experiential satisfaction among visitors of several nationalities. However, the results highlight the existence of common visitor behavior on behavioral intention among visitors of these nationalities. This study reveals that visitors of different nationalities can have both diverse experiential and cultural motivations.

Practical implications

The results show that managers should apply a plan and strategy according to the differences between the nationalities. By examining visitors from different nationalities, the study was allowed to be interpreted from a wider perspective in terms of academia and industry.

Originality/value

This study makes a difference in the literature in terms of focusing on cross-national differences by examining the experiences of visitors from different nationalities by using experience economy theory and tourism experience elements in the same research model.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2022

Martinette Kruger and Adam Viljoen

Zoos are important urban tourism attractions. The challenge for zoos is finding a balance between attracting visitors and enhancing education and conservation management. This…

1626

Abstract

Purpose

Zoos are important urban tourism attractions. The challenge for zoos is finding a balance between attracting visitors and enhancing education and conservation management. This research contributes to a greater understanding of the conservation intentions of zoo visitors and how zoos can emphasise conservation management principles sustainably. This study aims to identify the variables that encourage conservation intentions among visitors to a South African zoo.

Design/methodology/approach

A destination-based survey was conducted in 2019 at the Johannesburg Zoo, and 445 questionnaires were administered through convenience sampling.

Findings

Exploratory factor analyses identified visitors’ conservation awareness because of zoos (pre-conscious, conscious and unconscious), behavioural intentions (advocating and supporting), motives (engagement, edutainment and escapism) and satisfaction (interaction and facility quality, and service and interpretation quality). The behavioural intentions were the dependent variables. Advocating conservation intentions (ACI) is an active role where zoo visitors feel a strong responsibility towards conservation and encourage others to the conservation cause. Supporting conservation intentions (SCI) relates more to loyalty towards visiting the zoo and subsequently supporting conservation. Stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that enhancing ACI relies on SCI, edutainment, conscious awareness, service and interpretation quality and total spending. However, enhancing SCI relies on ACI, interaction and facility quality and the motive, escapism, while engagement revealed a negative relationship.

Originality/value

The results show that zoos can encourage SCI to ACI by using interactive and entertaining interpretations to teach visitors about the zoo’s mandate and the importance of conservation while balancing their need to escape.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

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