Accommodation Units Research Articles

TOURISM MANAGEMENT EXPLAINED BY THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE AVERAGE TOTAL INCOME PER PERSON AND THE NUMBER OF OVERNIGHT STAYS IN ACCOMMODATION UNITS

In Romania’s tourism industry, in the last decade, following the European trend, small dimensioned accommodation units have appeared, bearing the name of boutique guesthouses or boutique hotels, depending on their accommodation capacity. The boutique guesthouses offer both accommodation services in rooms with traditional Romanian boyar characteristics, with Saxon and Szechuan influences, as well as food services with the same culinary characteristics. A particularity of these accommodation units is that each room had been furnishing according to a traditional noble theme, using either furniture that has been produced in Romanian workshops. Roomꞌ s names have been inspired by the woody essences that can be found in the Romanian forests and a large part of the furniture is made of cherry, beech, fir, oak, elm wood. The specific architecture of the accommodation units has been established in 18th century specific to the rococo and baroque style, predominantly found in buildings constructions in Romanian towns where niche tourism is a small part of mass tourism industry.

REVIEW OF THE PANDEMIC PERIOD, REORGANIZATION OF THE SZEKLERLAND’S TOURISM OFFER

The study seeks to answer the question of how the counties of Szeklerland, Harghita, Covasna and Mureș in Romania have changed in recent years, primarily between 2017 and 2022, in the middle of which period the pandemic which began in 2020, triggered various difficulties. Data from the Romanian National Statistical Institute were used in the research, providing insights into the changes in tourism in Romania and Szeklerland. The data include yearly changes, such as changes in the number of accommodation establishments, their occupancy rates or the number of guests arriving at the establishments, as well as monthly breakdowns, which are mainly necessary for the analysis of seasonality. The results obtained from the secondary data analysis used in the study reflect the nature of the difficulties faced by the tourism sector during the pandemic period and the trends in the efficiency of tourism supply in the period preceding and following the pandemic. The 2010s have clearly been a year of step-by-step development and minor successes in tourism, culminating in 2019 in terms of the turnover of accommodation in Szeklerland. During this period, a number of new tourist units opened their doors, with 35,889 new beds added in Transylvania between 2012 and 2022 and 2,427 new beds added in Szeklerland between 2012 and 2022. After a good period for the sector, a slight change in trend started in 2020, mainly due to the fact that tourists started to prefer trips that require less personal contact with other tourists, but also due to a significant change in their accommodation needs, with an increase in both the number of accommodation units and the number of beds for higher quality accommodation types, while the opposite is observed for lower quality accommodation types.

Hedonic Pricing Models in Rural Tourism: Analyzing Factors Influencing Accommodation Pricing in Romania Using Geographically Weighted Regression

This study investigates the factors influencing pricing in Romanian rural tourism using a hedonic pricing model through a hybrid LASSO-OLS regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR). By analyzing data from 5028 unique accommodation units across 1170 local administrative units, we identify some key pricing determinants, including accommodation size, capacity, facilities, and environmental attributes. The results reveal that larger accommodations and those with higher guest capacities command higher prices. Luxurious facilities, such as massage services, pools, and fireplaces, significantly increase pricing, although the impact of such features varies by region, as do accommodation type and natural scenery, with agritouristic boarding houses and proximity to natural attractions like water bodies and forests being more valued in certain regions. These factors can aid rural entrepreneurs in optimizing pricing to enhance competitiveness and profitability.

Survival Probability of Tourist Accommodation Establishments in Romania in Relation to the Action of Some Relevant Factors

The units with tourist functions in Romania have a variable duration of activity resulting from the actions of different factors, but which can be analysed mathematically through survival analysis models. The number of establishments offering accommodation for tourism purposes in Romania exceeds 22,000, and the data indicated by the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism on the companies that manage them are the inputs of the study. These allowed for the creation of a statistical database showing the total operating time from establishment to the present or to the cessation of activity. Grouping was carried out according to the type of establishment, the location of the companies in rural or urban areas, their belonging to a geographical region of Romania and classification according to the comfort category. The drawing up of evolution curves describing the probability of survival of the establishments, distinctly for the groups mentioned, and the statistical analysis to establish the significance of the differences between the groups provide information that allows for determining and understanding how certain factors influence the chances of survival of the tourist establishment. The type of accommodation unit, the region of development in which the unit is located and the category of comfort are the factors that have a statistically significant influence on the probability of survival of these units. The location of tourism units in rural or urban areas is not a relevant factor. Knowledge of the actions of these factors allows for optimising the measures taken at the start of an activity in the tourism industry. These can result in improving the survivability of tourism. Sustainable tourism involves developing and supporting different forms of tourism by implementing activity management at both the accommodation unit level and at the locality, regional or whole tourist area level. The survival and continuity of the tourism business on the market and, at the same time, respect for the natural, social and economic integrity of the environment can ensure the rational exploitation of natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Sustainable Tourism in Romania: Integrating Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions

Abstract Tourism and sustainable development are two interlinked areas, as tourism in its traditional form can bring significant economic and social benefits, but can also have a negative impact on the environment and local communities. Due to global changes that have occurred in recent years, such as population growth, accelerated urbanisation, climate change and threats to biodiversity, research in tourism and sustainable development is becoming essential to create a more responsible and balanced approach to these activities. In this paper we have focused on presenting the evolution of tourism over the period 1992-2021 and testing linear multiple regression analyses to establish the nature and extent of relationships between tourism, economic, social and environmental indicators, thereby demonstrating the impact of tourism on sustainable development. The econometric applications carried out in this work - a combined model for studying the intention of tourists to return to a tourist destination, a regression model taking into account spatial elements for evaluating the defining characteristics of accommodation units in Romanian tourism and a growth optimisation model taking into account the influence of the environment - allow the quantification of different categories of impact generated by tourism activities.

Sentiment Analysis: a Comparative Study of Online Booking Platforms Used for Spa Tourism in Northern Oltenia, Romania

Abstract: Purchasing a tourist package for a specific tourist destination has become extremely easy and transparent through the diversity and continuously upgraded online booking platforms. Their content provides information through the reviews among tourists and hospitality managers, being, at the same time, opened Big Data for researchers or policymakers. Mining the reviews of two global platforms (Booking and TripAdvisor) and a national one (Turistinfo) the study aims to an-alyze the tourists’ sentiments and emotions experienced in a balneary destination such as Northern Oltenia, Romania. The research addresses the overarching question of whether positive sentiments dominate in destinations led by spa tourism, and consequently, which emotions are definers? For this purpose, 10,945 online reviews, from 2018 to 2020 for 248 accommodation units of the studied area were collected and processed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 17.0) and Geographical Information System (GIS). The key findings indicate that most travelers are satisfied with tourist destinations, sustained by the dominance of positive sentiments (82%) asso-ciated with a high rating score (8.9) and ‘joy’ and ‘trust’ emotions. Mostly positive sentiments are linked to the quality of five- and four-star accommodation units, but also to the intimacy of the small family’s business, the spatial framing in the landscape, and the friendship of the hosts. At the same time, the repulsive aspects draw attention to some problems of the state of the indoor or outdoor environment and the price-quality ratio. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging electronic word of mouth as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the tourism in-dustry. This approach enables a swift and sustainable assessment of tourist satisfaction, providing valuable insights for accommodation service providers to make informed decisions.

THE GEOSTATISTICAL DIMENSION OF TOURIST FLOWS GENERATED BY FOREIGN TOURISTS IN ROMANIA

The article represents a comprehensive and insightful study aiming to unravel the intricate dynamics of foreign tourism within Romania. This research delves into various key aspects, employing a geostatistical approach to offer a nuanced understanding of the spatial and temporal dimensions of foreign tourist flows. One of the primary inquiries addressed by the study revolves around the quantitative assessment of foreign tourists visiting Romania. By meticulously analyzing arrival data, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the sheer number of foreign visitors the country attracts. This quantitative dimension is crucial for assessing the overall impact of tourism on the national economy and informing strategic decisions in the tourism sector. Moving beyond mere numbers, the study ventures into the temporal aspect of foreign tourism in Romania. By scrutinizing patterns over time, researchers aim to answer the question of when foreign tourists predominantly choose to visit the country. Understanding the temporal preferences of tourists is invaluable for both businesses and policymakers, enabling them to optimize resource allocation, marketing efforts, and infrastructure management during peak tourism seasons. Furthermore, the research explores the destinations chosen by foreign tourists within Romania. The geostatistical analysis differentiates arrivals based on specific tourist destinations and counties, shedding light on the preferences of international visitors. This information is pivotal for local authorities, businesses, and stakeholders, offering insights into which regions benefit the most from foreign tourism, thus facilitating targeted development strategies and resource allocation. In addition to destination preferences, the study investigates the accommodation choices made by foreign tourists. Through geostatistical analysis, the research categorizes accommodation preferences based on various criteria, including types of accommodation units and comfort categories. This information proves invaluable for the hospitality industry, guiding investments, and helping businesses tailor their offerings to meet the diverse needs of international visitors. The temporal aspect of foreign tourists' stays in Romania is another focal point of the study. By examining the duration of visits, researchers aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how long foreign tourists typically stay in the country. This data is instrumental in shaping tourism policies, influencing marketing strategies, and optimizing services to enhance the overall tourist experience. Beyond the borders of Romania, the study investigates the means of transportation foreign tourists employ to reach the country. By understanding the modes of transportation preferred by international visitors, Romania can improve its infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for tourists from various origins. Lastly, the research explores the geographical origins of foreign tourists who visit Romania. This analysis not only provides insights into the diverse cultural backgrounds of visitors but also aids in crafting targeted marketing campaigns to attract specific international markets. The article goes beyond a mere exploration of tourist numbers. It offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the spatial and temporal dimensions of foreign tourism, providing valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders. This geostatistical approach not only enriches our understanding of the complex dynamics of foreign tourist flows but also lays the foundation for strategic and sustainable tourism development in Romania.

Glamping tourism as a sustainable response to the need to reinvigorate domestic tourism

Communing with nature and spending quality time in a natural environment as pollution-free as possible is an increasingly popular trend, including in the tourist industry. The restrictions on international travel and the social distancing measures imposed because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to the appearance and growth of alternative in-country ways of spending one's free time. The purpose of this article is to analyse glamping-type servicesas a way of adapting to the current pandemic by the Romanian tourist sector. The attributes associated with the sustainability of the accommodation units are the most important in the minds of tourists (closeness to nature, peace and relaxation, organic environment, eco-friendly behaviour, ecological practices, ecological activities, social distancing). In Romania's case, the sustainable attributes of these locations and their high degree of safety represented the mobile for choosing them by domestic tourists. The study represents an expansion of models for the evaluation of tourist services by proposing the addition of sustainable attributes. For managerial implications, the article offers some potential development directions for glamping by rethinking the Triple Helix model.

Urban buildings sustainable adaptive reuse into tourism accommodation establishments: a SOAR analysis

This study, conducted as part of the ‘RETOU’ research project, aims to provide a holistic understanding of adaptive reuse in the context of transforming heritage buildings into creative tourist accommodation units. To achieve the objective set for the current research, the methodology involved an in-depth exploration of the conceptual and theoretical evidence within the scholarly literature, followed by a SOAR analysis. The results have identified current strengths, and opportunities, as well as future aspirations and results specifically associated with adaptive reuse initiatives leading to tourist lodgings. The findings of this research endeavor contribute to the expanding body of literature on the adaptive reuse phenomenon. They provide valuable insights into the prevalent notion and understanding, particularly in the context of a tourist-centric urban destination. Furthermore, this research lays a solid foundation for sustainable policy measures planning, and practical implementation strategies development towards a circular economy transitioning action plan, well-serving objectives promoted by the agenda for sustainable urban development.

Hadong Hanok Stay: A Subtle Hybrid Structure

Hadong Hanok Stay is a hanok (traditional Korean house) guest accommodation at the foot of Mount Jirisan, from where you can see the river Seomjingang and the plain of Pyeongsari far to the south. The Stay village consists of four accommodation units of three types: anchae, sarangchae, and byeolchae. Anchae and sarangchae have "horizontal narratives". The various spaces and scenery unfold on a horizontal plane. The byeolchae was planned as a "vertical narrative", with a simple room and a floor over the kitchen. A reception was also provided to cater for guests’ needs. This is a "hybrid" blend of traditional Korean structures and modern wooden ones – a new form of hanok that suits modern lifestyles and construction techniques as well as the graceful scenery of Hadong.

Do Size and Ownership Determine the Willingness for Sustainable Innovations in Spa and Health Tourism? A Case Study on Baile Felix Spa Resort, Romania

There is a considerable debate in the literature regarding the real impact of tourism on the environment and human communities, specifically with respect to tourism’s openness to sustainable innovation. The way in which the different forms of tourism and entrepreneurial and managerial initiatives respond to the new economic, technological, social and environmental challenges acquire considerable importance for academics, practitioners, decision makers and consumers. The purpose of this research is to assess the potential for sustainable innovation in spa and health tourism in a relevant area in Romania through a survey-based study of both entrepreneurs who own a tourist accommodation unit, as well as top and middle managers from large tourism enterprises. The results of our research show that the development of spa and health tourism offers multiple examples of good practices, and that stimulating innovative entrepreneurial initiatives can lead to a sustainable reinvention of the tourism and local economy, in line with the international health tourism market. In the case of small businesses, even though sustainable initiatives are present, they are at an earlier stage and are less diversified compared to hotels, the scope of innovation is smaller and their motivation weaker. In other words, a large part of the objectives of modernization and sustainability in spa and health tourism (equipment, services, qualification and hiring of employees, sustainable and environmentally friendly orientation) are the responsibility of large hotel resorts. This research provides valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities, with a specific focus on the potential for sustainable innovation in spa and health tourism within a significant region of Romania.

E-marketing in Accommodation Business Model Innovation at Airbnb in Bali

This study analyzes the implementation of e-marketing in the accommodation business model innovation on Airbnb sites in Bali. Data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews and literature study. Data analysis was descriptive qualitative using Porter's Five Force Models (PFFM). This model is used to analyze competitive forces in marketing accommodation in Bali through the airbnb website. The results showed that the implementation of e-marketing in the innovation of the tourism accommodation business model on the Airbnb site in Bali by applying the PFFM proved to be quite effective. The competitive advantages of the Airbnb site are: multiple listings, two booking process confirmation systems, smaller booking commissions, competitive prices, no disparity rates, ease of registration, and marketing unique accommodation titles. Implementation of Porter's model is used to increase accommodation unit revenue by accepting bookings on the Airbnb situs site.

Strategies to improve destination accessibility: The Case of Vieira do Minho

This paper makes a critical analysis of the accessibility, especially for people with reduced mobility, of the most relevant tourist resources in the town of Vieira do Minho, a municipality belonging to the district of Braga, located in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The research presented here aims to increase the quality of local tourist attractions, presenting strategies aimed at improving the accessibility of these attractions by people with reduced mobility. It is also intended to answer the following research questions: (1) how accessible are the tourist resources in Vieira do Minho? (2) What are the conditions offered by the various points of tourist interest in the village of Vieira do Minho? (3) What are the barriers that prevent people with reduced mobility from enjoying tourism in this destination? (4) What strategies can be implemented in the various points of tourist interest to enhance accessibility for all people? The methodology used was the structured observation of accessibility conditions in the main cultural spaces, green spaces, gardens, accommodation and restaurants in Vieira do Minho. It is therefore a matter of systematically observing and recording a set of previously established categories. The results of the investigation make it clear that the municipality of Vieira do Minho is on the right path to become, in the near future, a fully accessible destination for people with reduced mobility. Nevertheless, the present investigation detected some gaps, namely in leisure parks, accommodation units, municipal swimming pools, exhibition houses, among others. In order to become a destination of excellence, in terms of accessible tourism, Vieira do Minho will still have to make some improvements to the tourist offer it has, such as installing ramps and elevators, but also improving the quality of the floors in the tourist resources mentioned in this project.

Kinetik Afet Yardım Barınaklarının Analizi ve Yeni Bir Adaptif Barınak Önerisi

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, and floods displace millions of people worldwide every year. Therefore, temporary shelters should be provided to the people affected by disasters. Generally, conventional shelters such as tents, container-type shelters, and prefabricated structures are used after disasters. However, they do not provide spatial flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances. Although using kinetic structures in temporary shelter design allows the creation of adaptive systems, the majority of temporary shelters are limited to certain types. This study aims to develop an adaptive disaster relief shelter that can deploy from a compact state to an expanded one to provide not only formal flexibility but also ease of transport and storage. First, it investigates spatial and structural solutions developed for temporary shelters and analyzes to what extent kinetic structural systems provide solutions regarding adaptation to changing circumstances. Based on the findings obtained from the analysis, a novel adaptive shelter composed of scissor linkages and plates has been proposed. The proposed Shelter Module X is adaptive enough, functioning not only as an accommodation unit during distinct sheltering periods but also serving different functions by unit combinations.

Reduction of lighting power consumption through lighting control using the KNX/digital addressable lighting interface protocol in liquefied natural gas carrier accommodation mock-up

Lighting in ships is the main energy consumer in the overall power system and is closely associated with the creation of visual comfort and a safe work environment for the crew. A convergence point between the energy efficiency of ship lighting and a safe work environment for the crew can be achieved in various ways. This study applied the KNX and Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) systems to a mega-ship. A mock-up identical to an accommodation unit in an actual Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier in construction was developed, where the lighting for ships was installed and the KNX/DALI protocol, and occupancy sensors were applied as the lighting control system. The measurement of the 24 h power consumption with a conventional lighting arrangement design and the KNX/DALI system indicated that the lighting power consumption decreased from 12,935.2 to 2830.3 W h, implying a ≥80% reduction. This lighting solution involves control based on the traffic line of the crew at work, which plays a key role in enhancing the energy efficiency of the ship, promoting a safe work environment and visual comfort for the crew, and maximizing integration with other digital systems of the ship.

Generation Z Romanian Students’ Relation with Rural Tourism—An Exploratory Study

The subject of generations and their differences has been intensely analyzed and debated. Each generation has its own characteristics, regardless of the element that differentiates them. Gen Z’s relationship with tourism has been approached in recent years from various perspectives by many scholars. For the current research, representative characteristics were identified as important for Gen Z: off-the-beaten-path locations and experiences. Off-the-beaten-path locations refer to small-scale destinations, under-tourism, local businesses, sustainability, and local traditions. All of the aspects mentioned before are typical of rural tourism. Experiences are introduced by various elements of rural attractiveness: material cultural heritage (MCH) and immaterial (ICH), the living human treasures program (LHT), wine tourism, products with a protected designation of origin (PDO), products with a protected geographical indication (PGI), culinary diversity, and other rural leisure facilities. Two purposes have been established: to identify the relationship between Gen Z and rural tourism and its components defined by cultural heritage and traditional gastronomy, and to construct a predictive model regarding Gen Z’s behavior when traveling to rural destinations. For this, we performed a quantitative investigation among university students from Romania using an online survey. Using 280 Gen Z respondents from 323 valid responses, we performed a direct logistic regression. The results showed that they value local gastronomy and unique attractions, which we can include in MCH. The price represents an important element when choosing an accommodation unit. Due to the constantly increasing share of Gen Z in the tourism market, destinations and tourism operators will have time to prepare and adapt to new realities. Transversal research will benefit from the opportunity to compare Gen Z’s preferences and changes over time.

Accommodation selection criteria used by short term rental clients: an empirical approach to the Portuguese case

This study has two specific objectives: to typify the customers of short term accommodation rental; to analyse the association between the characteristics of these customers and their criteria when selecting the accommodation. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, addressed to short term rental users living in Portugal. A number of 1,000 valid answers were obtained. Results allow the identification of new characteristics of this type of customers, namely: the perception of their role in tourism destinations as tourists or rather as neighbours; the importance attributed to short term accommodation rental, in comparison to hotel accommodation; the frequency with which short-term accommodation customers' travel. As a main contribution, this study identifies the most relevant accommodation selection criteria for each customer's characteristic. This knowledge may allow short term rental managers to adapt the characteristics of their accommodation units namely in terms of price, pets' allowance, equipment and decoration, to the characteristics of the customers considered as the target segment of the business, thus enhancing customer attraction and retention.

The Tourism Infrastructure of Sălaj County

"The Tourism Infrastructure of Sălaj County. The paper represents the third part of a larger study concerning tourism in Sălaj County, taking into consideration the tourism infrastructure in the county. The paper analysed statistical data regarding the accommodation establishments and their capacity, available online from the National Institute of Statistics (TEMPO-ONLINE database) for a period of 33 years, between 1990 and 2022. The total number of accommodation establishments dropped from 23 in 1990 to 16 in 2007, but then increased significantly, reaching 127 accommodation units in 2022. Most of these recently emerged units, such as bungalows and guesthouses, have however a small capacity. Therefore, the evolution in terms of the total number of available beds in certified accommodation units has not been equally spectacular. There was the same decreasing trend, from 1922 beds in 1990, to 754 beds in 2008, followed by an increase, which nevertheless reached a maximal value of 1923 beds in 2016. Since then, the overall capacity has slightly decreased. Most of the beds are currently available in accommodation establishments located in towns (mainly in Zalău) and spa resorts, especially in hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The general trend in recent years has been to improve the degree of comfort, which in Zalău gave rise to several 4-star hotels, in addition to the existent 3-star hotels. Recreational facilities are mainly available in the two spa resorts, Băile Boghiș and Bizușa-Băi, but there are some similar facilities in Zalău, Jibou and Șimleu Silvaniei, while most of the seats in public catering facilities are located in Zalău, Boghiș and Ip. The positive trend in terms of tourism infrastructure is expected to be maintained in the following years, as tourism is the economic activity most likely to be strategically important for the sustainable development of Sălaj County in the future. Keywords: Sălaj County, tourism infrastructure, accommodation units, recreational facilities, Romania. "

Factors Influencing the Accommodation Prices of Romanian Rural Tourism

The hedonic pricing model posits that the price of a given product or service is an aggregate of several distinct characteristics that define it. In the context of tourism, this approach can be used to assess the prices of accommodations in a given area or market. This study explores the main determinants of tourism prices in the Brașov area of central Romania, a county that ranked as the second most visited area in Romania in 2021 based on the number of arrivals according to the ordinary least squares regression model on a sample of 398 accommodation units of different types. The main finding of this research paper is that prices are strongly influenced by luxury amenities and that prices tend to rise in lower-population-density areas, which we associate with rural areas. As previously noted in the literature, monetary values can be assigned to incremental changes in the independent variables, with the most significant changes deriving from the inclusion of spa, sauna and restaurant services in the tourism offer of accommodation units.

The Role of Strategic Entrepreneurship on Firm Growth: A Case Study from the Turkish Housing Market

A contractor firm, which strategically positioned itself in the housing market as a "sales firm, independent of its industry" introduced a patented product innovation, the Foldhome, to the Turkish housing market in 2010. The idea behind Foldhome was adding a set of social facility areas (or, 'Folds') to core accommodation units which include a bedroom, a living space and wet spaces. The firm gained a commercial success in the branded housing market with an annual turnover about 300.000.000 USD and 400.000.000 USD in 2016 and 2017 respectively. While researchers have reported that a significant portion of the variance in firm growth in construction can be explained by corporate entrepreneurship, empirical evidence on 'how' this process leads to organizational growth is scarce. This paper presents findings from a qualitative research study of the Foldhome case which aimed an in-depth investigation of the role of entrepreneurship on firm growth and value creation. A content analysis was conducted to analyze data from 31 in-depth interview with firm managers and employees, according to the input-process-output model of strategic entrepreneurship. A process-based analysis of the case show that leveraging can be a more critical managerial capability than bundling and structuring in the early life cycle phase when young entrepreneurial companies orchestrate their resources for survival, growth and value creation. Paper contributes to construction entrepreneurship literature by unpacking the circumstances under which a holistic entrepreneurship framework that surround a product innovation through the integration of corporate functions. Lessons learned are highlighted for the entrepreneurial contractor companies.