Tourism Authorities Research Articles

Astro-Tourism: A search for the unknown in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

ABSTRACT Astro-Tourism involves ‘using the natural resource of unpolluted night skies, and appropriate scientific knowledge for astronomical, cultural and environmental activities’. Astro-Tourism further includes specialised activities that differ from mass tourism, as tourists are exposed to knowledge-rich experiences. Well-known examples of Astro-Tourism destinations include Bryce Canyon National Park and Death Valley in the United States of America (USA). The Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLA) is the marketing arm of the Free State province and is responsible for attracting potential tourists to the province and solidifying the Free State as a destination of choice. Astro-Tourism has been identified as an opportunity to grow tourism in Bloemfontein and the Free State. This study found that Astro-Tourism is a niche product, and that the facilities currently on offer in Bloemfontein are in excellent condition and can potentially be further exposed to a broader audience through dedicated marketing initiatives and events.

Guest experience and unique accommodation features in Göreme, Cappadocia: An Airbnb review analysis

This study investigates the influence of unique accommodation features on guest experiences in the Göreme town of Cappadocia, focusing on Airbnb reviews. By analyzing 5,677 reviews from 122 Airbnb listings, the research identifies key features such as cave dwellings, panoramic views, and hot air balloon experiences, which significantly contribute to guest satisfaction. A mixed-method approach has been used, combining frequency analysis and sentiment analysis, to evaluate how these unique elements shape guests' perceptions and overall satisfaction. The findings highlight the critical role of both aesthetic qualities and service standards, emphasizing the need for hosts to balance unique architectural features with essential hospitality services like cleanliness and maintenance. This research provides insights for Airbnb hosts and destination marketers to enhance the appeal of Cappadocia as a premier destination for immersive, authentic tourism experiences. The study also offers strategic recommendations for improving marketing efforts and destination management by leveraging Cappadocia's cultural and natural heritage to create memorable guest experiences. As a suggestion for future research, it may be useful to extend the findings of this study to a wider geographical area and examine different tourist profiles.

Revealing the pattern of causality between tourist experience and the perception of sacredness at shamanic heritage destinations in Northeast China

For religious heritage tourism, the key to a destination’s reputation lies in enabling visitors to fully experience the sacredness or a unique spiritual experience offered by the site. The authenticity of the tourism experience and perception is the most significant factor influencing visitors’ perception of the sacredness of religious or holy sites. However, there is currently a lack of sufficient references and evidence to explore the relationship between tourists’ authentic experiences and their perception of sacredness in religious heritage tourism. The aim of this study is to elucidate the causal relationship between the characteristics or attributes of tourists’ authentic experiences and their perception of the sacredness of the destination. Furthermore, it seeks to explore resource development and site creation strategies for religious tourism destinations to continuously enhance the sense of sacredness of these places. The Shamanic cultural traditions in the traditional settlements of Northeast China provide a subtly different context for this study. However, the topics discussed have broad applicability in constructing the network of relationships between the characteristics of tourists’ experiences and their perception of sacredness in religious heritage tourism. This study applied the causal decision analysis model based on data mining (RSA-DEMATEL) and established a causal network diagram between core attributes based on clarifying the behavioral rule knowledge (i.e., If…Then… rules) between tourists’ travel experience (conditional attributes) and the perception of place sacredness (decision-making attributes). The study finds that enhancing tourists’ perception of the sacredness of a destination is related to authentic tourism experiences, the ability to observe believers and participate in the religious activities of local residents, landscapes that reflect local traditions and historical culture, as well as the number of tourists and the extent of commercial activities. This research offers further insights into the sustainable development of religious tourism, providing a critical conceptual framework and data analysis model for subsequent related studies, contributing significantly to both theory and practice.

Virtual reality as a sustainable alternative for authentic and satisfying tourism experiences

ABSTRACT Tourism significantly contributes to climate change while simultaneously providing essential leisure and relaxation opportunities. This study examines the potential of virtual reality (VR) as a sustainable alternative to physical tourism by examining its ability to authentically and satisfactorily replicate traditional tourism experiences. Anchored in technological mediation theory, this study explores whether VR’s embodiment features – ownership, location, and agency – can foster tourism authenticity and tourist satisfaction. To do so, this study employs a quasi-experimental design with 937 cases. The findings indicate that VR tourism can deliver authenticity and satisfaction levels comparable to physical visits, particularly among tourists with prior VR exposure. These results advance sustainable tourism practices by positioning VR as a viable alternative to physical travel, thereby contributing to environmental conservation efforts. These results also underscore the critical role of technology embodiment in crafting immersive and meaningful tourism experiences. Therefore, the data-driven insights provided herein can be used to guide the development of innovative, technology-driven tourism models that meet the growing demand for authentic and sustainable travel experiences.

The future of tourism: an interview with Leslie Vella about the future of tourism in Malta

PurposeAs the Journal of Tourism Futures celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Dr Ian Yeoman (Hotel Management School Leeuwarden) interviews Leslie Vella (Malta Tourism Authority) about the future of tourism in Malta, drawing upon a series of scenarios as a reflective learning tool.Design/methodology/approachA personal interview.FindingsThe interview discusses the future of tourism in Malta raising issues and reflections, through four scenarios that portray the Mediterranean island: Scenario 1: A Regenerative Future – Reposition, Realignment and Refocus (Transformation), Scenario 2: A Sustainable Pathway – Adaption and Innovative Growth (Growth), Scenario 3: Europe’s Second Class – Second Choice Destination (Stagnation) and Scenario 4: No Tourism (Collapse).Originality/valueUpon critical reflection, scenarios can be seen as a powerful learning device to frame, surface and discuss issues associated with tourism, in this case in Malta.

Glycemic index and glycemic load of brief sugary sweets: randomized controlled trials of eight Thai desserts.

Thai desserts, celebrated for their exquisite sweetness, are widely enjoyed for personal indulgence and as cherished souvenirs. However, their high sugar content raises concerns regarding health impacts. This study aimed to quantify the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) in healthy volunteers following consumption of various Thai desserts, out of 10 renowned desserts from across Thailand, identified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, characterized by differing sugar levels. Eight were selected based on the absence of preservatives and microbial or chemical contaminations. Each participant consumed a 50-g serving of available carbohydrate (50avCHO) from these desserts. Ninety-six healthy volunteers, with a mean age of 31.8 ± 5.7 years, a mean body weight of 57.2 ± 7.3 kg, and 63.5% women, were randomized into eight groups, with each group comprising 12 participants. Blood samples were collected pre-and post-consumption to assess GI and GL values following established protocols. The findings revealed that Phetchaburi's Custard Cake exhibited the lowest GI and GL values (53.4 and 26.7, respectively), with progressively higher values observed in Saraburi's Curry Puff (61.8 and 30.9), Nakhon Sawan's Mochi (68.9 and 34.4), Suphan Buri's Sponge Cake (75.9 and 38.0), Ayutthaya's Cotton Candy (81.4 and 40.7), Prachuap Khiri Khan's Pineapple Cheese Cake Biscuit (87.4 and 43.7), Chon Buri's Bamboo Sticky Rice (109.3 and 54.7), and Lampang's Crispy Rice Cracker (149.3 and 74.7), respectively. The study demonstrates that while Thai desserts exhibit a range of GI values, their GL values are uniformly high. It underscores the importance of disseminating GI and GL information to consumers, enabling them to make informed dietary choices and moderate their intake of these sugary delicacies.

Breaking Down the Barriers: Rethinking Government's Role in Indonesian Tourism Destination Development

Stakeholder involvement is essential to destination development. They may serve as catalysts or impediments to the growth of tourist sites. This study explores the barriers to tourism destination development associated with the role of local tourism authorities. A qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews, was utilized to examine the root causes of these challenges. Sixteen stakeholders, including ten government officials responsible for regional tourism development and six community leaders, were selected as informants in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The investigation revealed four main barriers to destination development from government agencies. There are bureaucratic hurdles, contrived program activities, overlapping roles of local governments, and the community’s misconceptions about the government’s role in destination development. These factors collectively hinder the successful implementation of government-led tourism programs. The study suggests that understanding and addressing these barriers are vital to fostering a progressive, sustainable, competitive tourist destination. On a practical level, the findings can help policymakers redesign their strategies to create more community-centric programs, clearly define roles, and manage community expectations. Conceptually, this study expands the existing literature on the role of government and bureaucracy in developing tourist destinations. The study highlights the importance of a participatory approach that engages all stakeholders in the planning and implementation tourism policies and programs.

Opportunities And Challenges: Digital Transformation In Voluntourism

In the era of digital development, the voluntourism phenomenon has undergone significant changes along with technological transformation. Voluntourism has become a rapidly growing global phenomenon, combining travel with participation in volunteer activities to impact local communities positively. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach to gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon that has not been well-researched before. The data collection method used in this study is literature. Literature studies will be carried out by tracking documents, such as scientific journals, articles, and documents related to voluntourism and social media related to Voluntrip. The results of the literature review show that with the development of digital, Generation Z currently prefers tourism oriented towards the local environment and authentic tourism. This is because, in addition to having high social and environmental awareness, today's generation of young people wants a memorable experience. While digital technology provides opportunities for broader collaboration and participation, its massive use also brings challenges, primarily related to the risk of commodification. Commodification practices in voluntourism can result in the objectification of local communities, negatively impacting their psychological and economic well-being.

Profiling Geoguides at Stong Geopark: Enhancing Local Expertise for Sustainable Ecotourism

Stong Geopark is a prominent natural attraction site in Kelantan, characterized by its rich biodiversity and variety of species, catering to diverse visitor interests such as wildlife enthusiasts and tourists. Geoguides play a vital role in helping visitors comprehend the significance of the geopark's geological features, the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, and the knowledge of indigenous communities. However, the tourism industry faces challenges in meeting the requirements for various forms of tourism services, including geoguiding. This study aims to profile the geoguides at Stong Geopark and better understand their areas of expertise. The research employs a quantitative approach, surveying 39 geoguides, to provide a comprehensive profile. The findings reveal three distinct clusters of geoguides' areas of expertise: Cluster 1 - Nature and Adventure, Cluster 2 - Nature, and Cluster 3 - Adventure. The study also highlights the need for the majority of geoguides to receive additional training in English communication skills and continuous professional development courses. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the profiles of geoguides at Stong Geopark, emphasizing the importance of supporting and developing local geoguides' expertise to enhance the effectiveness of geopark management and visitor satisfaction. Furthermore, the study provides a spatial understanding of Stong Geopark by highlighting the locations of active geoguides in relation to the distribution of geosites. The findings can inform policymakers, tourism authorities, and geopark management in developing targeted strategies for capacity building and professionalization of geoguides, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Stong Geopark as a thriving ecotourism destination.

The nature of electronic complaints about dark tourism destinations: a machine learning approach

ABSTRACT Dark tourism studies are still underway and require further research, specifically related to understanding the stimuli for tourist complaints on dark tourism destinations. Thus, this study examines the electronic complaint attributes of visitors after visiting dark tourism destinations in Cambodia. Approximately 34,567 electronic complaint terms from 41 countries were manually retrieved and analyzed, using a natural language processing based Latent Dirichlet Allocation technique. The study revealed that complaints of visitors to dark tourism sites primarily pertain to eight topics: ‘human suffering affections,’ ‘historical site management,’ ‘political history,’ ‘environmental impact,’ ‘cultural awareness,’ ‘entrance fee policy,’ ‘accessibility,’ and ‘guide support.’ These insights are essential not only for tourism authorities to improve destination management, but also contribute to the literature on dark tourism.

An Assessment of Promoting Culinary Tourism in Ghana

Purpose: Ghana's tourism and hospitality industry has been extensively researched over the past five decades, primarily focusing on culture and heritage tourism, nature and economic tourism, marketing, and service quality. The aim is to assess the potential of culinary tourism as a powerful tool for creating sustainable livelihood empowerment channels, offering a beacon of hope for the future. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted with a rigorous qualitative research design and desk review approach, ensuring a comprehensive topic exploration. Published data and literature on the food tourism prospects of eight regions in Ghana were analysed. The gathered data was then subjected to content analysis, a common technique in qualitative research. Research Limitation: The findings derived from the desk review may not be generalisable to other contexts, populations, or geographic areas due to the reliance on specific literature that may not capture all perspectives. This acknowledgement ensures that the audience is fully informed about the scope of the study. Findings: The study exposes the stark reality that the culinary tourism market in Ghana, despite its significant potential, remains underdeveloped. This underscores the crucial need for strategic interventions and the active participation of all stakeholders in the industry's development. Practical Implication: From a practical point of view, the Ghana Tourism Authority must show greater interest in developing the sector by organising regional and national food festivals annually. This effort must be publicised internationally to attract tourists interested in exploring Ghana's culinary diversity. Social Implication: Culinary tourism promotes sustainable food production and consumption practices by emphasising local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly ingredients. This reduces tourism's carbon footprint and supports responsible consumption patterns. Originality/Value: This study has revealed a significant research gap with practical implications. Thus, narratives on the potential of culinary tourism across eight regions in Ghana have known to have been provided practical actions towards enhancing culinary tourism in Ghana.

Predictors of Sustainable Tourism Development during the Post-Pandemic Period in Bangladesh

The goal of this study was to examine the predictors of sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in the context of Bangladesh. Quantitative-type research was applied, and this study used a descriptive research design. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect 302 data points from actual indigenous tourists using an online purposive sampling method. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to evaluate the data and test the hypotheses. The results of the PLS-SEM analysis method demonstrate that environmental integrity, social equity, economic prosperity, and technological adaption had a positive relationship with sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in Bangladesh. This research article provides practical guidelines for tourism authorities (BTB, BPC, and so on) and stakeholders on how to effectively impact environmental integrity, social equity, economic prosperity, and technological adaption on sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in the context of Bangladesh. This study recommends that influential strategic factors be utilized to develop a sustainable tourism business in Bangladesh, positioning it as an emerging tourism destination.

Promoting Thailand’s Creative Tourism: A Case Study of Thai Classical Dance Lessons

Thai performing arts play a crucial role in Thailand’s tourism industry. This article discusses Thai Dancing Arts’ role in promoting Thailand’s creative tourism, relevant models, and theories. The article also displays a prototypical example of the Thai dancing lesson in conjunction with the use of technology. Additionally, the article delves into the practical aspects of teaching basic Thai dancing to foreign tourists or English-speaking learners. This article could help practitioners, policymakers, and private or public tourism authorities incorporate Thai dancing lessons into their creative tourism programs to disseminate Thai culture, add value to Thai intangible cultural heritage, and promote Thailand’s tourism.

Impact of Public Relations Efforts on Tourism Industry Growth in Developing Countries

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of public relations efforts on tourism industry growth in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: By leveraging strategic communication and media engagement, these efforts have enhanced the visibility and appeal of tourist destinations. Effective public relations campaigns have helped to counteract negative perceptions and highlight unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions, drawing international tourists. These campaigns often involve collaboration with travel influencers, media outlets, and social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Consequently, increased tourist arrivals have stimulated local economies, creating jobs, and generating revenue. Additionally, public relations initiatives have played a crucial role in crisis management, swiftly addressing issues such as natural disasters or political instability, thereby maintaining the destination's attractiveness and reassuring potential visitors. Overall, the strategic use of public relations has proven to be a vital tool in promoting tourism and fostering economic development in developing countries. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational theory of publics, relationship management theory and integrated marketing communications may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of public relations efforts on tourism industry growth in developing countries. In practical terms, tourism stakeholders in developing countries must prioritize the implementation of digital PR strategies that leverage modern communication tools and platforms. From a policy standpoint, it is crucial for governments and tourism authorities in developing countries to establish comprehensive PR policies that support sustainable tourism growth.

Leveraging regional assets for MICE tourism

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the current state of MICE tourism in Campania and explore strategic opportunities for its development. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of this sector, the research aims to provide insights into how Campania can enhance its competitiveness as a MICE destination. The study seeks to offer recommendations for leveraging the region’s unique features, such as its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, to attract more business travelers and corporate events, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the MICE tourism sector in Campania. It involves analyzing quantitative data from regional tourism statistics and economic reports, complemented by qualitative insights gathered from interviews with key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries. The research also includes a comparative analysis of Campania with other regions renowned for MICE tourism, aiming to identify best practices and potential areas for improvement. This comprehensive methodology ensures a thorough understanding of Campania’s current MICE tourism landscape and its future potential.FindingsThe study reveals that Campania has substantial potential for growth in the MICE tourism sector, owing to its rich cultural assets and appealing locations. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited marketing efforts hinder its full potential. The findings suggest that targeted investments in infrastructure improvements, particularly in transportation and event facilities, along with robust marketing strategies, could significantly enhance Campania’s appeal as a MICE destination. Emphasizing sustainable practices could further differentiate the region in the competitive global market, attracting environmentally conscious business travelers.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the MICE tourism sector in Campania, offering valuable insights into its current status and future potential. It highlights the region’s unique strengths and the challenges it faces, providing actionable recommendations for strategic development. By focusing on both economic growth and sustainability, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how regions can successfully leverage MICE tourism for long-term benefits. The findings and recommendations serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, tourism authorities and stakeholders in the hospitality industry seeking to enhance Campania’s position in the global MICE tourism market.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for a Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study on Saudi Arabia

This work conducts a rigorous examination of the economic influence of tourism in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on predicting tourist spending patterns and classifying spending behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic period and its implications for sustainable development. Utilizing authentic datasets obtained from the Saudi Tourism Authority for the years 2015 to 2021, the research employs a variety of machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Decision Trees, Random Forests, K-Neighbors Classifiers, Gaussian Naive Bayes, and Support Vector Classifiers, all meticulously fine-tuned to optimize model performance. Additionally, the ARIMA model is expertly adjusted to forecast the economic landscape of tourism from 2022 to 2030, providing a robust predictive framework for future trends. The research framework is comprehensive, encompassing diligent data collection and purification, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and extensive calibration of ML algorithms through hyperparameter tuning. This thorough process tailors the predictive models to the unique dynamics of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, resulting in robust forecasts and insights. The findings reveal the growth trajectory of the tourism sector, highlighted by nearly 965,073 thousand tourist visits and 7,335,538 thousand overnights, with an aggregate tourist expenditure of SAR 2,246,491 million. These figures, coupled with an average expenditure of SAR 89,443 per trip and SAR 9198 per night, form a solid statistical basis for the employed predictive models. Furthermore, this research expands on how ML and AI innovations contribute to sustainable tourism practices, addressing key aspects such as resource management, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship. By integrating predictive analytics and AI-driven operational efficiencies, the study provides strategic insights for future planning and decision-making, aiming to support stakeholders in developing resilient and sustainable strategies for the tourism sector. This approach not only enhances the capacity for navigating economic complexities in a post-pandemic context, but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier tourism destination, with a strong emphasis on sustainability leading into 2030 and beyond.

Aesthetic elements in Tagbayiyi ritual performance of the Fiasidi tradition in the Klikor traditional area of Ghana

The chiefs and people of the Klikor Traditional Area in the Volta Region of Ghana celebrate the Fiasidi tradition, an annual religious and cultural festival. A yearly ritual performance known as Tagbayiyi (pilgrimage to the sacred grove) is a part of the Fiasidi tradition. Despite the abundance of research relative to the human and cultural rights aspects of the Fiasidi tradition, there is a glaring lack of research on the aesthetic elements reflected in the Tagbayiyi ritual performance. The study investigated the aesthetic aspects of the Tagbayiyi ritual by highlighting its visual and performing arts to gain a deeper understanding of the Anlo-Ewe cultural identity. The study employed a qualitative ethnographic design to interact and access the viewpoints of the participants. A total of fifteen (15) participants, comprising high priests, tradition keepers, ritual functionaries, and supplicants in the Klikor Traditional Area were sampled using a homogenous type of the purposive sampling approach. The study found that the Tagbayiyi exhibits aesthetic elements such as indigenous costume regalia, sacred stools, local beads, priestly emblems, rhythmic and graceful musical dances among others, which symbolically represent the sociocultural identity of the Klikor people. The study, therefore, recommends that the leadership of Klikor (high priests, council of elders & ritual functionaries) should liaise with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Ghana Tourism Authority, National Commission on Culture, and other cultural institutions to preserve and promote the rich aesthetic elements showcased during Tagbayiyi rite for the benefit of the current and future generations of Klikor.

Exploring Innovative Social Media Strategies for Tourism Promotion: A Case Study of Rajasthan

In the era of digital transformation, the tourism industry is increasingly relying on social media platforms to enhance destination visibility, engage with audiences, and foster visitor experiences. This review paper explores the dynamic landscape of leveraging social media strategies for the promotion of tourism in Rajasthan, India. In an era where digital platforms dominate communication channels, the tourism industry has undergone a significant transformation, prompting destinations like Rajasthan to adapt and innovate in their promotional efforts. This paper delves into the evolving role of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others in shaping tourists' perceptions and influencing travel decisions. It analyzes recent data and trends to uncover effective strategies employed by tourism authorities, businesses, and influencers to engage audiences and showcase the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant experiences that Rajasthan offers. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with social media marketing in the tourism sector, including issues of authenticity, content moderation, and measurement of ROI. By synthesizing current research findings and industry practices, this paper provides insights into how stakeholders can harness the power of social media to amplify Rajasthan's tourism appeal, foster community engagement, and drive visitor footfalls in the digital age.

Leveraging Social Media as a Marketing Tool to Combat Crime in African Destination Marketing: Ghana in Perspective

This research explores the potential of leveraging social media as a marketing tool to combat crime in destination marketing, with a focus on Ghana as a representative case study in Africa. As tourism plays a vital role in Ghana's economy, addressing crime concerns is crucial for attracting international visitors. The study aims to investigate how social media can be harnessed strategically to dispel crime perceptions, promote safety, and enhance destination marketing efforts. With a constructivism research philosophical position, the study adopted a case study research approach. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was processed using Nvivo version 12.1 analyzed with the help of content analysis approach. The findings provided valuable insights for Ghana, highlighting the significance of social media in building a positive destination image while ensuring visitor safety. It was evident that crime-related discussions on social media significantly impact the perception of Ghana as a tourist destination. The investigation into the strategies and approaches employed by Ghanaian tourism authorities and stakeholders in managing and addressing crime-related concerns on social media provided valuable insights into their efforts to promote safety and enhance destination marketing. Successful practices were identified, including user-Generated Content Promotion and collaboration with law enforcement. It was recommended that Ghanaian tourism authorities may regularly engage with social media users, respond promptly to concerns and inquiries, and provide accurate and up-to-date information about safety measures and crime statistics in the country. Received: 11 June 2024 / Accepted: 28 June 2024 / Published: 8 July 2024

The impact of organizational culture on job adaptation: A field study at the general tourism authority in Baghdad

The impact of organizational culture on job adaptation: A field study at the general tourism authority in Baghdad