Tourism Business Research Articles

The causal factors of transformational leadership and sufficiency economy philosophy practice influencing the performance of coast tourism business in Thailand

Purpose Transactional leadership and old-school management practices may not answer the changes in today’s world. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the influences of transformational leadership and the practice of sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP) on the performance of the coast tourism business in Thailand.Design/methodology/approach The population of this study comprised all Thai coast tourism businesses. Using simple random sampling, the quantitative data were collected from 407 coast tourism businesses in Thailand as the samples. Transformational leadership, SEP practice and business performance were adapted from the literature. Path analysis and factor confirmation including a correlation matrix were used to test the causal factors influencing the Thai coast tourism business’s performance.Findings Transformational leadership, SEP practice and performance of coast tourism business in Thailand were on a high level. Moreover, there were positive influences of transformational leadership (direct and indirect) and SEP practice on the coast tourism business’s performance.Practical implications Tourism business managers should pay attention to transformational leadership and SEP practice to lead to better performance for their businesses. Policymakers should educate businesses about new management practices to prepare for the changes in the future.Originality/value The findings of this study demonstrate that stakeholder theory can be used to explain the positive influences of transformational leadership and SEP practice on the coast tourism business’s performance in Thailand.

Современный массовый туризм: становление, принципы, факторы развития

One of the effective and affordable ways to organize recreation and leisure in modern conditions is considered to be mass tourism, which is influenced by global trends: globalization, informatization, geopolitics. In the article, based on generalizations of the approaches of domestic and foreign researchers, an attempt is made to give a detailed definition of the term “mass tourism” and to specify its phenomenon through the justification of its distinctive features: the number of consumers (mass), motives and goals, the influence of technological progress, industrialization and scaling of the tourism business. The authors highlight factors contributing to the development of modern tourism, including: accessibility, globalization, marketing and advertising, political situation, economic stability, digitalization and conceptual approaches to the emergence and development of mass tourism: the theory of consumer society, the theory of mobile sociology, “quality tourism” and etc. Among the general principles of modern mass tourism, the authors highlight: the commercial principle of a balance of interests, taking into account the global problems facing humanity, the active socialization of tourism. Particular attention is paid to the issues of periodization of the formation of mass tourism in the historiography of various countries; description of the modern understanding of mass tourism, taking into account its influence on national socio-economic systems; determining the main directions for the development of mass tourism in the domestic market of tourism services, taking into account rapidly changing external conditions and factors, which made it possible to identify the main and most popular types of tourist activity.

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.

Recognizing the ideal patterns of strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance: a cluster analysis approach

PurposeIn spite of intensive research that explained the strategic flexibility-performance and information technology (IT) strategy-performance relationships, there is a little insight regarding how these notions ideally affect business performance. Accordingly, this study attempts to investigate how businesses can translate IT directions and strategic practices into actual increases in business performance. More precisely, the primary purpose of this paper is to explore the influential role of strategic flexibility and IT strategy on business performance considering balanced scorecard (BSC) dimensions in the context of the tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical investigation of 331 tourism businesses was performed to explore the relationship between strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance. A non-probability convenience sampling was applied to select the sample. Factor analysis, descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings include the clustering of the studied businesses in terms of strategic flexibility and IT strategy. A cluster analysis based on strategic flexibility indicates that businesses can be divided into four main clusters, and based on IT strategy, they can be classified in three main clusters. The results show that businesses with a high level of strategic flexibility and a high level of IT strategic practices have high performance. More importantly, it was known that proactiveness and strategic use of IT have more predictor role on performance.Originality/valueA review of the strategic management literature reveals a lack of empirical studies that adequately explore the significant roles of strategic flexibility and IT strategy on business performance in the tourism industry. This paper provides actionable insights into these two main determinants that explain why some tourism businesses outperform others. The primary contribution of this study is to address the gap in our understanding of the interconnections between strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance through cluster analysis in the tourism industry.

Factors influencing the success of local craft tourism businesses

Factors influencing the success of local craft tourism businesses

Implementation of Halal Industry Policy as A Support for Halal Tourism In Lombok

In recent years, Lombok has emerged as a leading halal tourist destination in Indonesia and globally, supported by halal policies aimed at attracting Muslim and local tourists. These policies, including the Regional Regulation of West Nusa Tenggara Province Number 2 of 2016 on Halal Tourism and Law Number 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Guarantee, have positively impacted the tourism industry. This study addresses three main questions: (1) How are halal industry policies implemented to support halal tourism in Lombok? (2) How has the halal industry developed to support this tourism? (3) What are the supporting and inhibiting factors in implementing these policies?. The research is descriptive with a qualitative approach, using primary data from interviews and secondary data from relevant documents. Purposive sampling was employed, targeting officials from the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Tourism and Industry Offices, the Indonesian Ulema Council of West Nusa Tenggara, tourism business actors, MSMEs, foreign and domestic tourists, and local communities. Data collection involved interviews, observation, and documentation, with data analysis through reduction, collection, and summarization. The study finds that implementing halal industrial policies has increased Muslim tourist numbers and strengthened Lombok's image as a halal destination. However, challenges remain, such as developing specialized halal tourism areas according to regional regulations without disrupting conventional tourism, improving services, providing halal facilities, and offering education and training for industry players.

The future of AI: hospitality and tourism perspectives

ABSTRACT The Hotel Management School Leeuwarden and the European Tourism Futures Institute organised a webinar to discuss and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the hospitality and tourism industry in the future. The webinar brought together a panel of academics, including Professor Iis Tussyadiah from the University of Surrey, Professor Stanislav Ivanov from the Varna University of Management, and Frederik Jan van der Meulen from Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, to discuss the multifaceted applications of AI in the industry. The speakers shared their insights through a series of presentations, underscoring AI integration’s strategic, economic and sustainability aspects. AI is presented as a critical element in enhancing customer experiences, optimising operational processes, and shaping the industry’s future landscape. The speakers discussed the role of generative AI in improving the industry’s resilience, the economic implications of AI’s integration and the challenges and strategies for sustainable AI adoption. This webinar goes beyond traditional AI debates by analysing AI’s strategic function in future-proofing hospitality and tourism businesses, its economic impact and its role in sustainability. The speakers’ crucial insights can help the hospitality and tourism industry embrace AI, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation, ethics and sustainability. This webinar’s extensive discussion of AI as a tool for efficiency and industry transformation makes it valuable for academics and industry professionals.

The Role of English Language Skills in the Tourism Industry in the 4.0 Era in Kuningan District, West Java Province

Through communication media, English plays a significant role in the sustainable tourism sector with the goal of promoting foreign travel, service, effective communication between foreign visitors and tourism actors, and the surrounding community, all of which are ultimately related to the growth of local tourism in the industrial era's sustainable tourism sector. 4.0 Tourist actors need to be fluent in English, especially in the vernacular, which includes basic discussion, linguistic proficiency, and basic conversation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the advantages of English- speaking culture in West Java Province's sustainable tourism sector during the Industrial Era 4.0. Descriptive qualitative analysis is the analytical technique employed. This study demonstrates the necessity of English-speaking culture in Kunuingan District, West Java Province's sustainable tourism industry in the industrial era 4.0 in order to promote the province's local tourist destinations overseas, increase the number of foreign visitors, and facilitate English-language communication. The ability to speak effectively in English is crucial for both those who work in the tourism business and those who live near popular tourist sites.

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.

Navigating digital transformation and business model innovation in the tourism sector: challenges opportunities, and leadership styles

Purpose Technological advancements are reshaping the tourism industry, necessitating the adaptation of business models through digital technology utilisation for intelligent, sustainable and inclusive tourism offerings. The diverse nature of tourism businesses, encompassing size, technology access, risk aversion, labour intensity, and more, presents a spectrum of challenges and opportunities for business model innovation (BMI) and digital transformation (DT) to maintain competitiveness. This study focuses on the core aspects of DT and BMI within the tourism sector, offering pivotal insights to aid tourism companies embarking on the intricate journey of DT and BMI in this evolving landscape. Design/methodology/approach The study conducts an extensive literature review to identify critical issues and pathways for tourism businesses pursuing DT and BMI. The review is focused on the challenges, opportunities, risks and imperatives that tourism organisations have to navigate in the current DT landscape to renew their business model. Findings The findings underscore the pressing need for tourism businesses to undergo a holistic DT. While digital technologies are reshaping the essence of tourism value chains, the transformation extends beyond technology adoption to encompass a profound renewal of organisational culture, competencies, structure, leadership and operational models. This paradigm shift is indispensable for crafting more innovative, sustainable and more inclusive tourism development. The paper also provides strategic recommendations and outlines future research directions to fortify the transformational journey of the tourism sector. Originality/value The paper provides key insights into supporting DT and BMI in tourism businesses, advancing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities tourism organisations face in the digital age.

Breaking barriers: how the rural poor engage in tourism activities without external support in selected Iranian villages

BackgroundThis study examines the participation of the rural poor in tourism activities without external support in selected Iranian villages, addressing the research gap on their direct involvement in formal and informal tourism businesses.MethodologyA qualitative approach was employed, utilizing face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 65 participants from three villages near Turan National Park in Shahrud, Iran. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsResults indicate that the rural poor actively engage in tourism. This participation encompasses seeking formal employment in tourism facilities, engaging in informal activities, and acquiring relevant knowledge and skills. The study highlights the significant potential of informal tourism businesses in increasing opportunities for low-income individuals, despite challenges such as lack of capital and legal protection.ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that even without external assistance, the rural poor find ways to participate in and benefit from tourism activities. Both formal and informal tourism activities play important roles in poverty alleviation efforts. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to support the rural poor's participation in the tourism sector and harness tourism's potential for poverty reduction in rural areas.

Impact of Tourist Motivation on Consumption Behaviour in Ice and Snow Sports Destinations

Sports tourism involves traveling to either observe or engage in a sports event while being away from tourists' usual environment. The rapid growth of the Ice and Snow (I&S) tourism sector in the current duration has encouraged the sustainable improvement of the relationship between motivational factors and consumption behaviour. Tourism stakeholders could acquire significant insights by understanding the causes of consumer behaviour, particularly in light of the increasing popularity of winter sports and tourism. The tourism business has witnessed the emergence of I&S sports tourism as a significant sector, illustrating millions of tourists to winter each destination. The study combines the data gathered from visitors to various winter sports industries with information gathered from industry experts' focus groups and interviews. This study investigates the relationships between sports tourism motivation, involvement, place attachment, and consumption behaviour following the theoretical hypothesis formulation. It explores the impact of different motivational features on tourists' expenditure models and activity preferences in winter sports environments using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study emphasizes the value of smart marketing and customized experiences in raising visitor engagement and retention. Strong relationships between the variables under study are shown by demographic and correlation studies, which assess the concepts validity and reliability. The study also emphasizes how customized experiences and marketing tactics are crucial for raising visitor engagement and retention rates. Accordingly, using a variety of hypotheses, including consumer behaviour theory, this article aims to examine the link between the motivation behind I&S sports tourism and consumer behaviour.

Hyperloop’s role in tourism and hospitality: Challenges and opportunities

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the potential impacts of Hyperloop technology on the tourism and hospitality sectors, offering strategic insights for stakeholders to address upcoming challenges and opportunities. Through an extensive literature review, we identify several ways in which Hyperloop travel could transform these sectors. Potential benefits include enabling seamless multi-destination day trips, promoting culinary tourism, enhancing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, and generating employment around Hyperloop hubs. However, Hyperloop may also reduce bookings in traditional accommodations, decrease interest in conventional air and rail travel, limit tourist exploration to destinations within the Hyperloop network, and decline in travel expenditure in a specific location. These findings have significant practical implications, providing valuable guidance to tourism and hospitality businesses and policymakers as they prepare for the commercialization of Hyperloop technology.

Embracing the future of interactive marketing with contactless technology: evidence from tourism businesses

PurposeThis study explores how predictor variables (value congruence and customer–AI-assisted exchanges) lead tourism businesses to meet customer needs through contactless technology and enhance their willingness to pay more.Design/methodology/approachThe research model was designed from the perspective of consumer-brand relationships and acceptance of AI device use. This study collected and analyzed 647 valid questionnaires using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.FindingsThe findings indicate that value congruence and customer-AI-assisted exchanges (CAIX) affect intimacy. Intimacy affects satisfaction and the willingness to pay more for contactless technological services. Moreover, brand trust and sensory brand experience play a role in moderating contactless technological services.Originality/valueEffective interactions between customers and AI-assisted services significantly contribute to overall satisfaction. When AI systems can understand and respond appropriately to customer queries, needs, and preferences, they enhance customer experience and satisfaction levels, increasing overall customer satisfaction with AI services.

Antecedents of Co-Creation Experience and Its Impact in the Context of Tourism Business Management: Literature Review

Antecedents of Co-Creation Experience and Its Impact in the Context of Tourism Business Management: Literature Review

Analyzing the tourism in Chitwan National Park from Visitors’ Perspective

Protected areas are the cornerstone of global biodiversity conservation initiatives, and people’s support is pivotal for their success. However, in many protected areas, particularly those with restricted human interaction, the park-people relations deviated towards negativity, and the major cause is the inability of the park to connect conservation with the people’s livelihood. Better-planned tourism can serve as a vehicle to link conservation with livelihood, particularly in protected areas like Chitwan National Park (CNP), where the flow of tourists is already higher. However, there is a need to understand consumer satisfaction and link those to ensure a sustainable tourism business in the park. The aspect has been explored to a limited extent in the park; thus, we have attempted to partially address that void. To address the issue, we have collected the perceptions of the people through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire with 142 tourists encountered in and around the Sauraha area of CNP. The data was collected in January 2020, was managed using Microsoft Excel, and was analyzed using R software. Natural attractions around the national park were found to be the important drivers that drive tourists to CNP, and they admired the accommodation (79% positive response), food (65% positive response), hospitality (75% positive response), and behavior of the local people (74% positive response). The majority of the tourists have a positive response towards other tourism amenities. Tourists were highly satisfied with the elephant safari and Jeep safari activities. However, many have suggested improving the transportation facility and solid waste management in the park. The findings of the studies can be used by the relevant stakeholders to improve the services and amenities offered to tourists, which will ensure the sustainability of tourism businesses in and around the park.

Survival strategies of informal sector workers in Bali's tourism industry

The informal tourism sector plays a vital role in the local economies, particularly in destinations such as Bali. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth. These workers, who are often ignored, greatly enrich the experience of tourism but encounter distinct obstacles on a daily basis. Gaining insight into their methods for staying alive is crucial. Informal workers face distinct limits compared to formal sector employees, resulting in less defined sustainability and growth strategies. A thorough investigation was carried out in nine regencies in Bali, utilizing observations and interviews, in order to examine these tactics. This method facilitated a comprehensive comprehension of their day-to-day routines and difficulties. The study identified four crucial survival strategies: implementing prudent financial management to sustain businesses and meet daily needs, utilizing communication skills to maintain income and continuity, enhancing social capital through positive relationships with fellow workers, and comprehending government policies. Out of these factors, effectively managing economic capital is crucial for maintaining livelihoods in the fiercely competitive tourism business. The results of this study provide a basis for future policies or interventions aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of informal sector workers in tourist areas such as Bali.

Generation Z Entrepreneurial Motivation in Adventure Tourism Enterprises in Kintamani Bali

Research on Generation Z entrepreneurial motivation in adventure tourism businesses in Batur, Kintamani Bali, aims to describe the forms of entrepreneurial motivation for Generation Z in adventure tourism businesses in Kintamani, Bali. The priority of this research is that it is aimed at entrepreneurs or those who are planning to become entrepreneurs to find typology and motivation in developing a wider adventure tourism business in the Batur Kintamani area. Entrepreneurs must always have high motivation and a more positive self-concept in living their lives, even though the motivation and self-concept of each individual (entrepreneur) has different forms.

"REVITALIZING HERITAGE TOURISM IN GWALIOR POST-COVID-19: CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT"

The Gwalior region, which is abundant in historical and cultural assets, offers a substantial number of chances for the growth of tourist business. Gwalior, which is renowned for its magnificent forts, palaces, and temples, has the potential to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. With regard to the growth of tourism in the Gwalior region, this article investigates both the difficulties and the opportunities that are associated with it. The region is encountering a number of challenges in order to realize its tourist potential, despite the fact that it has a rich tradition. There are a number of key obstacles, including inadequate infrastructure, which discourages potential tourists. Some examples of this include poor road connectivity and limited hotel options. In addition, the region's attractions are not being utilized to their full potential since there are not enough efficient marketing tactics and promotional activities carried out. Inadequate investments in tourist development and a shortage of workers with the necessary skills both contribute to the worsening of these problems. Nevertheless, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of tourism in Gwalior. The region has the potential to capitalize on its distinctive offerings if it engages in strategic planning and investment. Through the development of sustainable tourism practices, the enhancement of infrastructure, the improvement of accessibility, and the enhancement of accessibility, the region's appeal to domestic and foreign visitors may be considerably increased. Increasing exposure and interaction with prospective visitors may be accomplished via the implementation of efficient marketing campaigns and the utilization of digital technology platforms. The development of tourism that is both inclusive and sustainable may also be promoted through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, which will ensure that the benefits are transferred to a large number of people. At the end of this paper, recommendations are provided for policymakers and stakeholders to overcome the present difficulties and capitalize on the prospects for tourism expansion in Gwalior. This would ultimately contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Influence of Experience Quality and Destination Image on The Behavioral Intentions of Lagundri Beach Tourists with Satisfaction as a Mediation

The current development of the tourism business is changing human lifestyles, especially in enjoying life and using free time with recreational activities. This research explores the relationship between the quality of experience obtained by tourists at Lagundri Beach and their intention to behave again, with satisfaction acting as a potential mediator. Through a quantitative approach and the use of questionnaires as a data collection tool from a sample of 156 people, this research seeks to fill the gap in understanding of the factors that influence tourists' behavioral intentions to return to this destination, especially the quality of experience and mediated by satisfaction. The results of the analysis show that the quality of experience enjoyed by tourists at Lagundri Beach has a significant influence on their level of satisfaction. Not only that, satisfaction also turns out to be a significant mediating factor in the relationship between the quality of experience and tourists' behavioral intentions to return. These findings not only provide important insights for the tourism industry in its efforts to improve the tourist experience at Lagundri Beach, but also provide a theoretical contribution in understanding the dynamics of tourist behavior and its influence on future travel decisions.