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1 – 10 of over 4000This study aims to bridge the gaps in the extant literature on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and Airbnb by exploring the sources of negative memorable Airbnb experiences…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to bridge the gaps in the extant literature on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and Airbnb by exploring the sources of negative memorable Airbnb experiences among Finnish guests.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative approach and used data collected through semi-structured interviews. The sampling criteria for selecting participants were that they must be Finnish nationals who had booked and stayed in an Airbnb accommodation within the past 36 months. The participants were selected using a criteria-based snowball sampling technique. A qualitative empirical study was conducted using self-structured interviews that were completed by 18 Finnish tourists who had stayed at an Airbnb property in the past three years.
Findings
Three main sources constitute the conceptual framework of a negative memorable Airbnb experience: unclean accommodations, unpleasant host behaviour and poor customer service.
Practical implications
Airbnb management should make efforts to reduce guests’ negative experiences. This goal can be achieved by developing service-quality-management policies and strategies that are standardised, clear and universally applicable to all hosts. In addition, Airbnb management should recruit qualified customer service personnel and equip them with service recovery skills through training and control mechanisms. Such training should focus on upgrading their ability to handle complaints.
Originality/value
This study responds to the need to examine negative incidents that are a part of MTEs and the sources of negative memories. The originality of this study includes the extension of the existing literature on MTEs and Airbnb, as a conceptual framework of negative memorable Airbnb experiences that comprises three main components: unclean rooms, unpleasant host behaviour and poor customer service has been proposed.
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Victor Oluwafemi Olorunsola, Mehmet Bahri Saydam, Huseyin Arasli and Deniz Sulu
Sustainable tourism is becoming more popular all over the world. Eco-friendly (green) hotels are properties that are friendly to the environment and are becoming increasingly…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable tourism is becoming more popular all over the world. Eco-friendly (green) hotels are properties that are friendly to the environment and are becoming increasingly popular among green travellers. Electronic word-of-mouth is a technique of communicating with consumers in order to share their experiences, and it is a significant marketing tool for hotels. This paper aims to identify the main themes shared in online reviews by tourists visiting eco-friendly hotels, and which of these themes were associated with satisfaction and dissatisfaction ratings.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used qualitative content analyses to analyse 1,202 user-generated content of the top 10 hotels in UK shared by guests on an online platform.
Findings
The analyses revealed nine themes in descriptions of airline travel experiences. These are “hotel amenities”, “services”, “location”, “staff”, “eco” (eco-friendly activities), “value” and “recommend/revisit” (intentions). Negative comments are associated with the “bathroom”, “mattress”, “water”, “bed”, “price”, “shower”, “Wi-Fi” and “restaurant” concepts.
Originality/value
This study differs from previous research in which it aims to address a void in the literature on the shortcomings of research focused on finding the dominant themes expressed in online reviews by tourists visiting eco-friendly hotels, and it does so using data mining approach.
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Thuc Thi Mai Doan Do and Luis Nobre Pereira
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese consumers’ perceived value and to explore the relationships between its constructs, satisfaction and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese consumers’ perceived value and to explore the relationships between its constructs, satisfaction and (e)word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions towards Airbnb. Moreover, the relationship between traditional WOM and electronic WOM (eWOM) was also investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
An electronic survey was applied to collect data on a sample of Vietnamese Airbnb guests. A total of 352 questionnaires were collected, from which 163 eligible Airbnb users remained for data analysis. The partial least square approach to structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.
Findings
The findings suggested that monetary, functional and hedonic benefits significantly impact Vietnamese customer satisfaction (CS) with Airbnb accommodation, which, in turn, acts as a direct effect and mediator in encouraging customers’ (e)WOM-giving intentions. Moreover, traditional WOM intention positively influences eWOM giving intention.
Originality/value
This study provides a better comprehension of customers’ perceived value that influences CS and their (e)WOM intentions towards Airbnb. Secondly, it extends the literature on WOM intentions from the message communicator’s perspective by confirming the positive association between traditional and eWOM-giving intentions. Finally, this paper reveals insights into the sharing accommodation in a fast-growing market in South East Asia (Vietnam), which supports sharing accommodation platforms and service providers to develop appropriate marketing strategies.
研究目的
本文旨在全面了解越南消费者的感知价值, 并探讨其结构、满意度和 (e) 对 Airbnb 的口碑意图之间的关系。此外, 还研究了传统口碑(WOM)和电子口碑(eWOM)之间的关系。
研究设计/方法/途径
应用电子调查收集越南 Airbnb 客人样本的数据。共收集问卷 352 份, 剩余 163 名符合条件的 Airbnb 用户进行数据分析。 SEM 的偏最小二乘法用于分析数据。
研究发现
调查结果表明, 货币、功能和享乐方面的好处显着影响越南客户对 Airbnb 住宿的满意度, 这反过来又在鼓励客户的 (e)WOM 给予意图方面起到直接作用和中介作用。此外, 传统口碑意向对网络口碑给予意向有正向影响。
研究原创性/意义
本研究提供了对影响客户满意度的客户感知价值及其对 Airbnb 的 (e)WOM 意图的更好理解。其次, 它通过确认传统和 eWOM 给予意图之间的正相关关系, 从信息传播者的角度扩展了关于 WOM 意图的文献。最后, 本文揭示了东南亚(越南)快速增长市场中共享住宿的见解, 从而为共享住宿平台和服务提供商制定适当的营销策略提供支持。
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Maria Giovina Pasca, Maria Francesca Renzi, Laura Di Pietro and Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion
The present study aims to synthesize and conceptualize, through a systematic literature review (SLR), the current state of gamification knowledge in the tourism and hospitality…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to synthesize and conceptualize, through a systematic literature review (SLR), the current state of gamification knowledge in the tourism and hospitality (T&H) sector, providing a roadmap for future research recommendations for service research and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a systematic literature review and adopts a systematic quantitative approach to summarize existing evidence on gamification usage in the T&H sector, focusing on relevant service literature on gamification. The authors analyze 36 papers published between 2011 and 2019.
Findings
The authors synthesize existing knowledge into five themes describing gamification's role in T&H (Edutainment, Sustainable behavior, Engagement factors, Service provider-generated content and User-generated reviews). Then, a cross-analysis of the five themes reveals the pivotal elements (affordances, behavioral and psychological outcomes, and benefits) generated by gamification mechanics in T&H, simultaneously highlighting potential implications and relevant insights for service literature. The review identifies critical issues affecting gamification research and provides a future research agenda, considering opportunities for T&H and service research.
Originality/value
The study provides the first SLR investigating gamification in T&H. The findings present potential implications and relevant insights for T&H contributing to the construction of a more holistic understanding of gamification adoption in service research.
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The different dimensions and contexts within which value is co-created has generated varied views of how value is understood or formed. This study aims to examine employee-guest…
Abstract
Purpose
The different dimensions and contexts within which value is co-created has generated varied views of how value is understood or formed. This study aims to examine employee-guest perceived value as important factors for the successful implementation of value co-creation (VCC).
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs an interpretive paradigm, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation in a qualitative design to increase understanding of employee-guest perceived value to aid the implementation of VCC at the dyadic level.
Findings
Findings highlight eight value perceptions including value for money, hotel location, physical evidence, mutual respect, appreciation, safety & security, quality & varieties of food and technological characteristics of service as important factors for the successful implementation of VCC at the dyadic level.
Research limitations/implications
Generalisability of the findings is a limitation not only due to the smaller sample size but also due to industry-specific context. The study follows rigorous procedures to minimise biases, yet research limitation is acknowledged from the researcher’s participation in the research process.
Practical implications
The notion that actor’s assess value differently from the same service suggests that diverse service elements might be experienced differently. This study provides insights for hotel managers to recognise not only individuals’ value preferences but also service types that reflect employee-guest collective service preferences for sustainability.
Originality/value
This study integrates and extends extant literature by examining employees’ and guests’ individual and collective views at distinct hotel contexts to gain useful insights into value and VCC. The study proposes a framework that hospitality firms can use to address service failure and competition-related issues.
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M. Lilibeth Fuentes-Medina, Estefanía Hernández-Estárico and Sandra Morini-Marrero
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of emblematic hotels from the perspective of the guest, by analysing the direct activities that make up the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of emblematic hotels from the perspective of the guest, by analysing the direct activities that make up the value chain of these types of establishments.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the case study methodology to derive conclusions that contribute to the development of a theory about the success factors of emblematic hotels. The case selected is the Spanish Tourist Parador chain. The authors carried out over a period of two years a data mining analysis of the online comments posted by its guests.
Findings
The results indicate that the attributes of location and facilities are critical success factors expected a priori given the nature of the business of such establishments, based on the singular nature of the buildings. Another critical success factor is personnel, which seems to indicate that the Paradors support their business model by employing highly qualified staff, but give less attention to restaurant services or the room, according to guest perceptions.
Originality/value
The paper provides required evidence on the critical success factors of emblematic hotels adapting Porter’s value chain, for the tourism accommodation sector, through the analysis of direct value chain activities. In addition, the existing literature is broadened by taking a perspective scarcely studied, the guest perception of hotel establishments, online content posted by the user on the establishment’s website, rather than simply considering the traditional views of the experts/managers, through structures questionnaires. Besides, the results provide practical and useful implications for the managements of the emblematic hotels under study.
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David D’Acunto, Serena Volo and Raffaele Filieri
This study aims to explore US hotel guests’ privacy concerns with a twofold aim as follows: to investigate the privacy categories, themes and attributes most commonly discussed by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore US hotel guests’ privacy concerns with a twofold aim as follows: to investigate the privacy categories, themes and attributes most commonly discussed by guests in their reviews and to examine the influence of cultural proximity on privacy concerns.
Design/methodology/approach
This study combined automated text analytics with content analysis. The database consisted of 68,000 hotel reviews written by US guests lodged in different types of hotels in five European cities. Linguistic Inquiry Word Count, Leximancer and SPSS software were used for data analysis. Automated text analytics and a validated privacy dictionary were used to investigate the reviews by exploring the categories, themes and attributes of privacy concerns. Content analysis was used to analyze the narratives and select representative snippets.
Findings
The findings revealed various categories, themes and concepts related to privacy concerns. The two most commonly discussed categories were privacy restriction and outcome state. The main themes discussed in association with privacy were “room,” “hotel,” “breakfast” and several concepts within each of these themes were identified. Furthermore, US guests showed the lowest levels of privacy concerns when staying at American hotel chains as opposed to non-American chains or independent hotels, highlighting the role of cultural proximity in privacy concerns.
Practical implications
Hotel managers can benefit from the results by improving their understanding of hotel and service attributes mostly associated with privacy concerns. Specific suggestions are provided to hoteliers on how to increase guests’ privacy and on how to manage issues related to cultural distance with guests.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the hospitality literature by investigating a neglected issue: on-site hotel guests’ privacy concerns. Using an unobtrusive method of data collection and text analytics, this study offers valuable insights into the categories of privacy, the most recurrent themes in hotel guests’ reviews and the potential relationship between cultural proximity and privacy concerns.
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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.
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Anna Farmaki, Stella Kladou and Dimitri Ioannides
This paper aims to provide a critical synthesis of the interface of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation to offer insights that contribute to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a critical synthesis of the interface of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation to offer insights that contribute to theory and practice of CSR in hospitality.
Design/methodology/approach
By using key CSR models, this paper reflects on the nexus between CSR and P2P accommodation (with a focus on Airbnb) to identify opportunities and challenges with regard to CSR implementation in P2P accommodation and, thereby, progress the research agenda on the topic.
Findings
This contribution will hopefully enable policymakers to improve the accountability of stakeholders related to P2P accommodation in terms of the sector’s impacts on local communities while contributing to the progression of the research agenda on CSR in hospitality.
Research limitations/implications
Because this contribution is meant to be a “critical reflection paper”, the main purpose is to flesh out a commentary offering recommendations on how to account for CSR in relation to P2P accommodation and primarily Airbnb. As such, this paper aims to prompt future empirical research on the topic. Naturally, the major downside of this type of paper is the lack of an empirical approach.
Practical implications
This paper advances theory on hospitality-related CSR, enabling policymakers to improve the stakeholders’ accountability related to P2P accommodation in terms of the sector’s impacts on local communities.
Originality/value
Despite the increasing importance of CSR in hospitality, minimal academic attention has been paid insofar to CSR in the P2P accommodation sector. This inattention is surprising given the rapid expansion of the sector which, in turn, has imposed significant pressures on local communities.
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Parin Parikh and Christopher S. Dutt
A continuous issue which plagues all service businesses is the process of handling complaints. Whilst the topic has been relatively well explored, extant literature has failed to…
Abstract
Purpose
A continuous issue which plagues all service businesses is the process of handling complaints. Whilst the topic has been relatively well explored, extant literature has failed to fully explore how staff demographics influence the methods in which they manage complaints.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted with semi-structured interviews. A purposeful sample was selected, inviting managers from hotels in Dubai to share their views on factors affecting the complaint management process, including the impact of staff demographics.
Findings
Staff demographics were found to have an impact on staff's approach to handle complaints. However, participants generally felt that, with sufficient experience, the impact of many of these influences would be negated.
Originality/value
Literature on complaint management has considered numerous mitigating factors affecting the complaint management process. The impact of staff demographics on how they receive and respond to complaints has not been thoroughly explored.
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