The Impact of Exploration and Exploitation Strategies on Tourism Brand Reputation With Emphasis on The Role of Loyalty and Mental Image 0f Tourists (Case Study: 4 and 5 Star Hotels In Yazd)

Abstract

The hotel industry is a mix of tangible and intangible services; Accordingly, hotel guests usually purchase at one time a service with several sign-based rating criteria. . the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of exploration and exploitation strategies on the reputation of brand by considering the role of loyalty and image of tourists. The purpose of this study is applied and descriptive-survey in nature. The statistical population of the present study was 4783 people residing in spring 2018, 4 and 5 star hotels in Yazd. A total of 355 available samples were collected by Cochran formula. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was calculated using AVE at an acceptable level greater than 0.5 and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and its value was above 0.7 and confirmed. Amos software was used for data analysis. The results showed that ambivalent strategies include exploration and exploitation strategies that have a significant effect on tourists' mental image. The findings also showed that the mental image of tourists has a significant effect on tourist loyalty and tourism brand reputation. The results showed that loyalty of tourists also influenced brand reputation. Also, the exploration strategy with the mediating effect of brand image affects the reputation and loyalty of tourism brand. Operation strategy also influences the brand loyalty of tourism by mediating the effect of brand image; But the mental image exploitation strategy does not have a significant impact on tourism brand reputation.