A New Framework to Understand Transit Tourism-Related Issues on Pan-European Transport Corridors

Abstract

Previous research has shown that there is a lack of knowledge about the quality of hospitality services, as well as the identification of potential transit destinations along the pan-European transport corridors. This paper proposes a new framework for understanding these issues and helps to fill research gaps. The analysis uses the case of North Macedonia, which provides a suitable framework for examining these issues. Mixed method sand data are used in the analysis. The findings indicate that the pan-European transport corridors do not have adequate hospitality services and emphasise the gap between the increasing number of foreign transit passengers in the last several years and the quality of hospitality services offered on the transport corridors. From a theoretical point of view, the paper provides a refined understanding of the transit route region and calls for a reassessment of conventional transit route models by demonstrating the potential of transit cities along the transport corridors as transit, secondary and hub destinations, which affect other dynamics in the tourism system. As well, the current paper provides some managerial implications for authorities and destination management organisations.