Tourism Business Model Research Articles

Retraction Note: Assessing and validating tourism business model in hospitality industry: role of blockchain platform.

Retraction Note: Assessing and validating tourism business model in hospitality industry: role of blockchain platform.

THE NEED FOR BUSINESS MODELS IN ACCESSIBLE, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Objective: Accessible, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism has gained significant prominence, reflecting a growing global awareness of the need for inclusive and environmentally responsible travel practices. The literature gap found regarding the absence of a comprehensive business model is the main goal of this research. Theoretical Framework: This study systematically compiled and evaluated the recent research studies on Accessible, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism to contribute to the evolution of business models in the broader scope of tourism and tourism services. Method: A three-step process was followed to achieve this goal, comprising an initial research phase and a detailed performance analysis using various bibliometric techniques and visualisation tools, culminating in carefully selecting pertinent articles. Results and Discussion: The study confirmed the scarcity of articles that address this topic, with a tendency to conceptualise entirely new business models instead of adapting existing frameworks with new value propositions making them more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research provided insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of tourism. These implications could encompass all tourism areas, from hospitality to restaurant offers. It presents an important managerial clue to guarantee the tourism businesses' true inclusiveness and sustainable characteristics. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by filling a gap. The relevance and value of this research are its managerial contributions, which confirm the need to incorporate characteristics of accessibility, inclusion and sustainability into any tourism business model.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE BUSINESS MODEL OF TOURISM ACTIVITIES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

Thanks to the ability of blockchain to form transparency of processes, it can become the basis of fundamental transformations in business relations in the tourism industry and radical transformations of business processes. In order for the potential of the blockchain in the tourism industry to be revealed most effectively, it is necessary to rebuild tourist business models based on it. The purpose of the presented research was to develop a conceptual business model of tourism industry enterprises operating on the basis of the blockchain platform. To achieve this goal, a redesign of the Osterwalder Canvas business model in the tourism sector was implemented on a blockchain platform. The main method of data collection was an expert survey conducted in the format of semistructured personal interviews. 12 respondents who are experts in the field of blockchain and tourism were selected to conduct the survey. The results of the study are reflected in the format of a business model. This study has several theoretical conclusions: firstly, the introduction of blockchain technology in tourism creates a new industry business model, secondly, the proposed model considers the tourism business market from a systemic point of view, thirdly, blockchain creates a unique opportunity to meet the needs of stakeholders and clients in the tourism sector through peer-to-peer interaction. The practical significance of the study is expressed in determining the important role of disintermediation and smart contracts in the tourism business model on the blockchain platform.

THE ROLE OF GREEN ECONOMY, SUSTAINABLE HALAL ENVIRONMENT, AND DIGITAL TOURISM ON COMMUNITY INCOME: A CASE STUDY IN WEST JAVA AND LAMPUNG TOURISM VILLAGES

This study aims to investigate the influence of green economy, sustainable halal environment, and digital tourism on the community income in West Java and Lampung tourism villages. There was a total of 500 respondents participated in this quantitative study through a random sampling technique. The data was collected using a questionnaire measured using a 5-point Likert scale and analyzed using SmartPLS 3.0. The results show that the green economy, sustainable halal environment, and digital tourism have a positive and significant influence on the community income. Further, this study highlights that the digital tourism is able to positively moderate the influence of both green economy and sustainable halal environment on the community income. These findings imply that the developing innovative sustainable tourism business models not only increases the income of tourist village communities but also preserves the environment and promotes social inclusion. This offers valuable guidance for optimizing the economic benefits of tourism while minimizing its negative impacts on the environment and local communities.JEL: Z3.

INVESTIGATING ZOO MANAGEMENT BASED ON VISITORSʼ PERCEPTION OF SERVICE PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF ZOO RABBITLAND, MALAYSIA

The investigation of visitors’ perceptions of service performance is essential in identifying best practices for zoo management. This is critical to ensure a worthwhile experience for visitors and guarantee the long-term viability of the business. However, despite the current demands and expectations of visitors, the facets of zoo management remain under-researched. This study conducted a descriptive analysis to identify and prioritise the dimensions of perceived zoo service performance that require attention from Rabbitland Zoo management to make informed decisions towards better service offerings. The research findings revealed that location and ticket pricing received the highest mean score, indicating that both dimensions align with visitors’ demands. Although three dimensions of service performance, namely animal welfare, amenities, and educational-related needs, received mean scores between 3.50 and 3.95 (medium performance), these areas require attention from management as they are more likely to impact visitors’ willingness to pay for future zoo visits. In particular, animal-based educational projects can be a promising strategy to enhance school and family market attraction. Furthermore, future research may explore emerging perspectives on zoo management through expert opinions, uncovering the potential development of sustainable business models in zoo tourism.

Assessment of Vietnam Tourism Recovery Strategies after COVID-19 Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach

Tourism is the economic sector most heavily influenced by COVID-19, and it has suffered unprecedented losses. The competitiveness and resilience of the tourism industry have recently become a topic of great concern for global stakeholders. A series of ambitious recovery strategies have been announced by countries to rebuild the tourism industry, that aim to make “smokeless industry” more resilient and sustainable. The objective of this study is to evaluate and rank the effectiveness of nine recovery strategies in the post-COVID-19 period for Vietnam’s tourism industry. A combined model of the Best–Worst Method (BWM) and the Group Best Worst Method (GBWM), an efficient tool using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, is used to rank the tourism solutions. The assessment process is carried out by six stakeholder groups considered decision makers, including tourism operators, enterprises, scholars, employees, residents, and tourists. In the context of Vietnam, the most influential tourism recovery strategy is using innovative tourism business models (ST2), which is a solid step forward in utilizing potential resources, meeting current tourism needs, and adapting to natural changes. The model results reflect that the tourism model’s restructuring is necessary to provide new types of experiences and entertainment suitable for the new tourism context. The findings illustrate that the priority of strategies depends on the perception of decision-makers, levels of involvement in the tourism industry, and local conditions. The study has contributed a theoretical framework for tourism recovery solutions and decision support in the post-pandemic stage. The model can be applied to other countries worldwide in improving tourism performance or assisting in decision-making for similar issues.

Circular Economy Model for Elderly Tourism Operation Based on Multi-source Heterogeneous Data Integration

ABSTRACT The emerging senior tourism industry has attracted increasing attention in China due to the continuous development of social, economic and technological factors. However, the senior tourism market in China still faces significant shortages, and further market development is needed. To address this issue, a senior tourism business model based on the circular economy, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and multi-source heterogeneous data integration has been proposed in this study. The model uses AI technology to integrate and analyze multi-source heterogeneous data, providing insights into the senior tourism market and facilitating precise marketing. Additionally, the model combines senior tourism products with sustainable development by adopting a circular economy model, achieving both economic and environmental benefits. The application of this model is expected to enhance the competitiveness and sustainable development of the Chinese senior tourism market, providing new ideas and references for the development of the industry. The integration of multi-source heterogeneous data is a significant feature of this model, which facilitates a more in-depth understanding of the senior tourism market. By analyzing various data sources, such as social media, search engines, and online reviews, the model can better identify senior tourists’ preferences and behaviors, thereby improving the precision of marketing strategies. Furthermore, by integrating environmental data, such as carbon footprint and energy consumption, the model can assess the sustainability of senior tourism products, contributing to the development of eco-friendly senior tourism.

Assessing and validating tourism business model in hospitality industry: role of blockchain platform.

The research aims to investigate the potential of blockchain technology to address the challenges facing traditional tourism businesses in the hospitality industry. By assessing and validating tourism business models, the research explores how blockchain can enhance transparency, efficiency, and cost reduction. This research utilizes the ARDL techniqueto examine the role of blockchain in the tourism in reducing environmental deterioration in China for the period of 2010-2020. The empiricalanalysis was used in this study. The study presents findings that support the effectiveness of blockchain in validating tourism business models. The authors conclude by discussing the implications of their research for the hospitality industry and suggest future research directions.

Potential of the Crypto Economy in Financial Management and Fundraising for Tourism

This study aims to examine the potential of blockchain technology in the financing and financial management of entrepreneurial tourism projects. It highlights two objectives: how the technology can be used as an alternative financing tool and how it can improve efficiency and transparency in the financial management of tourism companies. This study shows that initial coin offerings are an effective way to finance innovative tourism projects and that blockchain technology can improve the competitiveness and efficiency of tourism companies. Due to the lack of empirical data on the actual implementation and impact of blockchain technology in the tourism industry, it is suggested that further research is needed to examine the practical application of blockchain technology in the tourism industry, its potential impact on tourism businesses and its implications for the regulatory framework. The proposed methodology includes a systematic literature review on the application of blockchain technology for the financing of tourism projects and the financial improvement of tourism business models. The results indicate that blockchain technology has the potential to transform the financing and financial management of the tourism industry and improve its efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, combining blockchain with other technologies can provide additional benefits in supply chain management and event automation.

System characteristics and matrix tools for evaluating innovative business models of youth tourism

This scientific article is devoted to the issues of identifying innovative business models of youth tourism based on two scientific approaches: functional-innovative (customized business model, virtual tourism platform, franchising business model) and holistic (shared tourism platforms, outdoor co-working tourism, organization of youth hostels, mobile karaoke bars and pub for youth, developing tourism programs (including package tours) for social networks, couchsurfing tours for youth, personalized tourism offers for young people, the organization of «combo tours» (combination of several types of tourism), crowdsourcing tourism, organization of tours in the format of «digital nomads», organization of tree tours, transformational tourism, digital tourism, organization of tours with ATVs, mopeds and bicycles). Furthermore, the study was able to identify conceptual business models that describe the specific characteristics and components of the different types of youth tourism: close interaction between tour operator, travel agency and end consumer based on the use of digital solutions; partial involvement of tour operators and travel agencies in the design of the tourist offer or without; involvement of third parties not directly connected with the tourism market; the presence of a large number of intermediaries; pronounced customization of services; participation of the main players in the tourist market of service organizations through intermediaries; organization of trips without physical departure using digital tools; close interaction of individuals in the process of organizing trips based on digital platforms. In the work, a scientometric and content analysis of search queries was conducted to identify important research areas within the framework of the scientific problems considered by the authors (the total amount of information used for the study was 4309 scientific documents; at the same time, the number of search queries processed in Google Trends was 4 units with an average observation period of 5 years); in addition, the distinguishing features of classic and innovative business models, including those related to the tourism business, were identified, a matrix for the correspondence of conceptual and specific business models of youth tourism was created, as well as their distribution according to three selected criteria: the level of formation of tourist interest and personalization, the degree of involvement of the tourist in the process of providing tourist services. It is also important to note that based on the results of the study, a conceptual scheme for the correlation of organizational functions and the formation of structural units and organizational links within a tourism company in the selection of the optimal innovative business model for youth tourism was developed.

Exploring tourism business model importance with the emergence of blockchain system: directions for tourism industry of China.

The study aims to explore the importance of the tourism business model with the emergence of the blockchain platform in China. The study focused on the importance of the tourism business model of china, studied the need to improve the tourism business infrastructure, and traced the value of the blockchain system in the tourism industry of china. For this, the researchers used a semi-structured interview approach to conduct a qualitative research design. About nine Chinese tourism and travel industry experts were interwar after initial screening using purposive sampling techniques. The respondents' responses were analyzed by applying a thematic analysis approach, and by this, the researchers extracted the main themes on study topicality to fill the gap in the literature. The study's novelty is in its topicality and context, for which it also provides viable, practical directions for stakeholders.

Impacts of Company Factors on Digital Business Model Maturity for Yachting Tourism Agencies

Digital business models are reshaping tourism landscape, causing disruptive shifts within its entire ecosystem – including in the provision of services, employment modalities, value networks and more. In the light of such developments, there is a growing body of scholarly literature studying various aspects of digital business models in tourism. Yet, papers dealing with tourism’s digital business models maturity and factors influencing it are still scarce. The objective of this study is to address the identified research gap and contribute to the growing literature base by empirically testing the relationship between digital business models maturity and factors such as company location, size, age and business model history. Methodologically, the paper is based on an extensive empirical research constructed upon a valid framework and administered internationally through a structured online questionnaire. The final sample included 162 companies active in yachting tourism sector, headquartered in 42 countries and 5 continents, thus reflecting the study’s global scope. The findings imply that there is a statistically significant impact of company’s size on its digital business model maturity, while there is no significant impact when it comes to company’s age and business model history. Finally, the effects of the company location are specific – although there is no general statistical correlation between location and digital business model maturity, other layers of analysis do indicate the companies with highly mature digital business models do tend to originate from highly developed countries.

HOSPITALITY GREEN BUSINESS PRACTICES

Hilton hotel chain operated in 103 countries, has a long experience in hospitality business globally. It creates international initiatives in its responsible business practices, based on the characteristics of the regions where it is located. Hilton hotel chain located in Bali has an obligation to contribute to the sustainability of the Balinese culture, nature, lifestyle and local economy development. It has practiced green tourism business models, recognized and certified by independent certification bodies. Green tourism business practices driven by the needs of clients, global and local stakeholders, global conventions, national laws and local regulations. The study examined how Hilton Hotel Chain in Bali integrates local genius and values into green tourism business practices that is by nature a global quest. This research aims at adopting green tourism business practices into curriculum, learning and teaching process. At the end, graduates of tourism colleges will possess two types of competencies, core professional and green competencies. This research deploys four methods; direct observation, focus group discussion, general stadium on green tourism business practices and questionnaire. The expected result of the research is a curriculum design integrating green tourism business practices, the application of the curriculum will result in Green Integrated Learning model.

Зеленая трансформация бизнес-моделей предприятий индустрии туризма

Business adjustment to dynamically changing market conditions and the environment, including environmental challenges and risks, requires extensive use of innovations. In turn, capacities of product, technological, organizational and other innovations often cannot be fully implemented within the current business model (BM) framework. The solution assumes a systematic approach, including innovative transformation of both BM single elements and the logic of the company value understanding, its offer generation and profit allocation. The need for business to meet the sustainable development criteria and the search for ways to integrate sustainable development goals into existing business models have led to the emergence of sustainable business model (SBM) concept, and the number of studies and relevant publications has been steadily increasing in recent years. At the same time, there are only a few research trying to adjust the SBM concept to tourism. Others are in their initial stage, and therefore unanswered questions remain, of which the key ones are about the fundamental differences between SBM and traditional BM, incentives for BM amendments, and the options for companies to incorporate sustainability into their BM. The research aims at developing a scheme for tourist companies’ BM transformation from traditional into green business models (GBM), which required preliminary analysis of the GBM essence and key characteristics. The research methodology includes comparative analysis of key parameters in structural components for both traditional and green BM of companies operating in the tourist market. Canvas nine-block BM is taken as a basis. Result: the essence and key characteristics of the GBM are identified, possible ways of transforming business models of tourism enterprises into green ones are identified and presented in the form of a schematic model, modern trends in the greening of BM tourism enterprises are analyzed.

Real-Time Data Analysis (RTDA) and Proposed Innovative Business Models: A Conceptual Study of the Tourism Industry

The paper discusses the importance of Real-Time Data Analysis (RTDA) with innovative fluid business models for the tourism industry. The study uses a conceptual approach to identify innovative fluid tourism business models and their relationships with RTDA based on the problematisation of the crucial need for a holistic, macro understanding of the tourism ecosystem approach rather than framing the issue from a micro point of view. The paper highlights that the current digital era makes it no longer possible for the tourism ecosystem stakeholders to use static models that collect, store, analyse data and make decisions accordingly. Innovative business models should be fluid structural models that use instant data and provide continuous, multiple, and variable decisions with RTDA. The real-time analysis of macro (e.g., countries), meso (e.g., destinations), and micro (e.g., tourists) data obtained from the tourism ecosystem is vital for innovative business models which facilitate the offerings of individualised services and provide increased cooperation between stakeholders using open innovation opportunities in the ecosystem. To date, the tourism industry has not adequately grasped the outcomes and benefits of big data analytics (BDA). While a growing body of literature on big data has focused extensively on technical aspects (e.g., infrastructure, intelligence, and analytical tools), the issue of how and under what conditions BDA can generate value and impacts for various stakeholders involved in the tourism ecosystem remains largely underexplored. Thus, this paper fills this void by being among the first attempts to conceptually explain and propose unique, innovative fluid business models and RTDA in three specific areas in the tourism and hospitality context.

Evaluation and Promotion Model of Tourist Satisfaction in Ice and Snow Tourism Destinations

The successful bid for the Beijing Winter Olympics has brought historic opportunities for the development of ice and snow tourism in China. An index system for the evaluation of tourist satisfaction in ice and snow tourism destinations was constructed from the target layer-factor layer-index layer approach in this paper. Taking tourists with ice and snow tourism experience as the research object, and integrating a questionnaire survey and the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method, a total of 840 valid questionnaires were collected to assess the satisfaction of tourists in snow and ice tourism destinations, and the promotion model of tourist satisfaction in ice and snow tourism destinations was put forward. This process led to three main results. (1) Ice and snow tourists in China are characterized as young and better-educated, with college students aged 19 to 25 as the main consumer group. More than 70% of ice and snow tourists are pretty satisfied with the current development of ice and snow destinations in China, and are willing to participate again. (2) Other than “ice and snow souvenirs”, tourists' perceptions of importance are all higher than the level of perceived satisfaction, and the importance values of the 13 indicators including “Scenic spot security” and “Diversity of ice and snow entertainment and sports” are especially high, showing that tourists have high expectations and demands of the destinations. However, the perceived satisfaction level of tourists for all indexes is generally low, mostly at the general satisfaction level, indicating that ice and snow tourism destinations have only partially met the demands of ice and snow tourists, and there is still much room for improvement. (3) After IPA analysis, five suggestions for improving the satisfaction of tourists in ice and snow tourism destinations were put forward, including diversification of the tourism business model, construction of tourism facilities, a market diversified cultivation model, a humanized mode of tourism service and a refined management model. The results of this study will help to enrich the theory of ice and snow tourist satisfaction and promote the high-quality development of China′s ice and snow tourism in the post-Winter Olympics era.

Push and Pull Factors Influencing Destination Satisfaction For Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism Business Model: The Case Of Intramuros

Intramuros is one of the country’s acknowledged premier Cultural Heritage Tourism (CHT) destination site. With the objective of formulating a CHT model toward destination satisfaction and loyalty, the study assessed its destination attributes from the perspectives of the visitors through the PUSH and PULL Framework. It employed a mixed quantitative and qualitative methods using a researcher-made survey questionnaire administered using purposive sampling to 305 visitors. The findings were also examined and justified through a Focused Group discussion (FGD) among different tour operators within the Intramuros area.
 
 Intramuros CHT visitors are predominantly female, young; single; living within Metro Manila; with income up to P500,000 and below; Bachelor’s Degree holder and student/employee or professional; has visited it more than once together with friends, partner and family; for holiday and leisure and family togetherness; and came to know of Intramuros through the Internet and word of mouth; with trip of less than 24 hours; using either his personal car or public transport as mode of transportation. The push factor of “seeking relaxation” and the pull factor of “Cultural Heritage Features” had the strongest influence on levels of satisfaction accounting for 90 per cent of the visitors who signified their intention to go back and recommend the site to other tourists; although there are significant differences of level of satisfaction among them when they are grouped according to their profile.The study found moderate and positive relationships between push and pull factors and the attributes of the heritage site and the overall satisfaction of the visitors. Findings of the study were used to craft a Cultural Heritage Tourism Business Model for Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty for Intramuros.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL TOURIST UKRAINE

Development of Ukraine as an abstractive destination of tourism flows is modern and urgent task. The implementation of priority involves a number of strategic of development of local tourism.
 The importance of international tourism as a type of business that has a multiplier effect on all sectors of the economy is determined. The main factors influencing the development of the tourism industry are analyze. Two periods of tourism development of the XXI century have been established: pre-covid (pre-pandemic) and post- covid (and post-pandemic). The peculiarities of the functioning of the world tourism sector in the reference period are clarify, indicating all the factors influencing the tourism sector. The tourism sector in world and domestic practice attracts significant investment funds that solve a number of problems of unemployment, income growth, replenishment of the revenue side of the budget. The available national tourist resources make it possible to consider Ukraine as an important tourist destination in Europe and to state its strong competitive potential. However, the available UNWTO statistics are striking for the mismatch between economic revenues from tourism and the volume of tourism flow. This suggests that the tourism potential of Ukraine is not fully disclosed, indicative of the weight of the tourism sector of Ukraine at 2% of GDP.
 It should be noted that until 2013 y. inclusive, the entry rate of foreigners and stateless persons in Ukraine had a clear upward trend, and since 2014-2015 years, it has decreased by 1.9 times. This is partly due to the end of Euro 2012 y. football and the events of the Revolution of Dignity (Euromaidan) and the beginning of the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine, which led to the loss of territories. In 2016-2018 years, there is a growing trend in the segment of entry of foreigners and stateless persons. In 2019 y, the signs of the COVID-19 pandemic are noticeable, and there is a decrease in this indicator of tourist flows. Thus, if we briefly analyze the state of international tourism in Ukraine, we can conclude that it has stable growth rates in terms of travel abroad, and a decrease since 2014 in terms of entry. There are some restrictive requirements for the growth of inbound and domestic tourism flows. As already mentioned, this is primarily due to improper development of transport infrastructure and insufficient service, short holiday season, high transport tariffs and inflated prices for domestic services and hotels. Thus, the success of the country and its regions depends on the global environment in which drastic changes are possible only with a sharp external factor of natural or anthropogenic nature. The presence of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine creates additional problems. Creating new business models of tourism in which all these prerequisites are laid down is a strategic task of the country.
 The article point out the need for active promotion of domestic tourism, the structuring of image components of tourist areas, the expansion of promising kinds of tourist services and improving their and urban tourism.
 Key words. strategic directions, international tourism, Ukraine.

The specifics of innovation in tourism in the new normal

Continuous data update on current trends and development perspectives, consumer preferences and innovative solutions in Travel & Tourism requires flexibility and a complex integrity-based approach using Agile and simultaneous development of the content and its verbal component, and compact packaging of new knowledge. The choice of precedent sources of professional and thematic aspect of linguistic knowledge is subject to the principles of integration teaching and functional conditionality for further realisation of activity-communicative needs of future specialists in international hotel-tourism business. The research findings in changing tourism business models and terminology are packed in a cumulative matrix of impact factors, newly formed customer segments and emerging business models.

Conceptual approaches to the essence and typology of business models in tourism

Object: defining the essence and main types of business models in tourism, identifying their structural elements.Methods: for achieving the goal of the research general scientific methods were applied, in particular the method of content analysis, which made it possible to identify the main scientific research related to the study of business models in the field of tourism and hospitality; the method of a systematic approach, which made it possible to identify the main types of business models in tourism, to reveal the integrity of the models; the structural-functional method, with the help of which the structure of the studied business models was highlighted, the set of stable relations and relationships between their elements and their functions relative to each other is reflected; a generalization method aimed at establishing the existing relationships between the considered economic objects and phenomena; the method of graphic interpretation made it possible to visually present the developed business models used by tourist companies.Results: the article reveals the conceptual approaches to the essence of business models in tourism, carried out a content analysis of the definitions of a business model, based on which the author's definition of this category is given. The basic components and system characteristics of the business model are identified. The main types of business models used by travel companies have been developed and clearly presented, in particular a customization model, a «virtual system» model, a «franchise» model, and an innovative business model. The criteria and factors of classification types are systematized, including digitalization, innovation, customer and resource orientation.Conclusions: the results of the research made it possible to deepen the theory of entrepreneurial activity in tourism, expand the conceptual apparatus of the essence and typology of business models in tourism.