Tourism Demand Research Articles

Motivations for the Demand for Religious Tourism: The Case of the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Montserrat in Ecuador

Religious tourism is one of the oldest forms of mobility for travel. This study aims at validating the motivational dimensions of demand in religious tourism. The present research was carried out with tourists who had attended the pilgrimage of the Virgin of Montserrat in the city of Montecristi (Ecuador), an important tourist destination that stands out for its culture and intangible heritage. This quantitative study had a sample of 298 valid questionnaires that were analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results identified five motivational dimensions: experience belief, experience religion, social exploration, escape, and shopping. The results will serve as a guide for private companies to develop products from religious tourism. Likewise, the research contributes significantly to the academic literature on religious tourism in emerging destinations.

Linguistic landscape in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region: the case of a multilingual and multi-ethnic region in China

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the linguistic landscape of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, investigates factors contributing to this distinctive landscape, and examines its role in maintaining two ethnic languages, Mongolian and Korean. 1046 language signs in three major cities were analysed and 28 interviews were conducted to evaluate interviewee attitudes towards the linguistic landscape. The results indicate that the Inner Mongolian linguistic landscape is one of abundant linguistic diversity, with the majority of signs (61.9%) displaying more than one language; that this landscape is influenced by factors such as language planning, language preferences, economic development needs, and tourist demands; and that Mongolian and Korean have high levels of visibility on both official and private signs. Mongolian and Korean interviewees expressed delight in seeing their ethnic languages displayed and believed that public displays of local languages could help maintain ethnic languages by providing a physical and visual representation of linguistic presence and ethnic identity.

Development of a Method for Commercial Style Transfer of Historical Architectural Facades Based on Stable Diffusion Models.

In the sphere of urban renewal of historic districts, preserving and innovatively reinterpreting traditional architectural styles remains a primary research focus. However, the modernization and adaptive reuse of traditional buildings often necessitate changes in their functionality. To cater to the demands of tourism in historic districts, many traditional residential buildings require conversion to commercial use, resulting in a mismatch between their external form and their internal function. This study explored an automated approach to transform traditional residences into commercially viable designs, offering an efficient and scalable solution for the modernization of historic architecture. We developed a methodology based on diffusion models, focusing on a dataset of nighttime shopfront facades. By training a low-rank adaptation (LoRA) model and integrating the ControlNet model, we enhanced the accuracy and stability of the generated images. The methodology's performance was validated through qualitative and quantitative assessments, optimizing the batch size, repetition, and learning rate configurations. These evaluations confirmed the method's effectiveness. Our findings significantly advance the modern commercial style transformation of historical architectural facades, providing a novel solution that maintains the aesthetic and functional integrity, thereby fostering breakthroughs in traditional design thinking and exploring new possibilities for the preservation and commercial adaptation of historical buildings.

Impacts of the terrorist attacks and political incidents in major cities on tourism industry: Evidence from the tourism managers in Turkey

Tourism crises caused by terrorism are characterised by a sharp decline in inbound tourism and a severe deterioration of destination image. Between 2015 and 2017, Turkey suffered terrorist attacks and political incidents in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa. This paper explores crisis-related factors and their influence on destination image and tourism demand with a series of three studies adopting both primary data collected from tourism managers and secondary data analysis of tourism statistics. Study A explored the adapted measurement tool's reliability and validity to define the factors related to crisis impacts. Study B involved CFA to validate the dimensions of measurement tools and regression analyses to examine their influence on destination image and tourism demand. Study C included a comparison of the tourist arrival and expenditure statistics from 2014 to 2019 with a secondary data analysis. Study A showed that the long-term effects of crises caused by terrorism must be evaluated in structural and political dimensions. Study B indicated that both factors affected destination image negatively, while only structural problems influenced international and domestic tourism demand. Study C supported the effect of both factors on tourist arrivals and tourism income, involving the analysis of tourism statistics.

In the potter’s hand: tourism and the everyday practices of authentic intangible cultural heritage in a pottery village

ABSTRACT Whilst widely recognised as important, the concept of authenticity remains highly contested, particularly in relation to sustainable intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism. Using the empirical case of the pottery village of Margarites, Crete, the conceptual goal of this paper is to explore from the host community perspective the question of what authentic ICH is, as well as what this means in everyday practices of ceramic crafting in the context of increasing tourism demand for authentic pottery products and experiences. Empirically, we explore how tourism impacts the perceptions and practices of Margarites community members regarding the authenticity of their ceramic crafting ICH. On the basis of interviews and observations, our findings provide three main contributions to the literature. Firstly, based on our findings, we conceptualise authenticity in relation to ICH as constituted by the 3Ps: people-related, place-related and product-related approaches that are the outcome of social relations. Secondly, we provide a host community perspective on the perceptions of authenticity as influenced by tourism in relation to ICH of ceramic crafting. Finally, our empirical case of a Cretan pottery village affirms existing insights about understanding the sustainability challenges of authentic ICH tourism.

The future of events in the tourism industry: the case of the “Best of the Best Things to Do 2023” on TripAdvisor

PurposeThis study aims to use TripAdvisor data to identify which themes and events will attract more interest in the future of tourism activities and to provide guidance to the industry accordingly.Design/methodology/approachThis study used qualitative case study approach. To identify key themes in the top-rated activities, thematic analysis of user-generated content was conducted through MAXQDA 2020 Analytics Pro software.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate a growing trend in tourist preferences, with a notable increase in the popularity of wellness activities such as spa treatments and yoga retreats. Tourists also highly prefer cultural experiences like local festivals and historical tours, adventure activities such as hiking and water sports, and food-related activities like cooking classes and wine tastings. There is a significant trend towards sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism activities. These results underscore the need to cater to diverse tourist interests in developing future tourism offerings.Practical implicationsDeveloping innovative events, using data-driven marketing strategies, involving local communities, and catering to diverse preferences can enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector.Social implicationsUnderstanding tourists' tendencies towards cultural, adventurous and sustainable experiences helps tourism operators and managers to create offers that satisfy tourists while promoting environmentally friendly practices. This shift promotes cultural preservation, environmental protection and community involvement.Originality/valueThis study uniquely analyzes top-rated TripAdvisor activities to identify key trends in tourist preferences, highlighting the growing demand for cultural, adventurous, gastronomic, and sustainable tourism.

Using Wi-Fi Probes to Evaluate the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Tourist Preferences in Historic Districts’ Public Spaces

Tourist preferences for public spaces in historic districts can reflect whether renovated spaces and functional structures meet tourism demands. However, conventional big data lack the spatio-temporal accuracy needed to support a refined, dynamic study of small-scale public spaces inside historic districts. This paper, therefore, proposes using a Wi-Fi probe to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of tourists’ spatial preferences in historic districts. We conducted a one-week measurement in the Xiaohe Street Historic Block in Hangzhou, China. Three indicators—visit time preference, aggregation preference, and stay preference—were used to examine the dynamic change in tourists’ spatial preferences, with 15 min as the time unit and public spaces with a radius of 25 m as the spatial unit. Our research demonstrates that, compared with conventional big data, the Wi-Fi probe offers a more reasonable and accurate method to measure tourists’ spatial preferences in historic districts at a smaller time and spatial granularity. The research findings can be applied to evaluate the effectiveness of spatial regeneration and diagnose renewal-related issues in historic districts. It can also serve as a foundation for more precise planning of public spaces in historic districts, as well as the modification of functional structures.

New Changes in Chinese Urban Tourism Pattern under the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: Based on Internet Attention

Internet attention, as a reflection of the actual focus of the public, not only responds to potential tourism demand but also represents the overall perception and preference characteristics of tourists for a tourist destination. The study selected eight representative tourist cities in China as research objects. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism patterns of Chinese cities was analysed using various analytical methods, including the seasonal characteristic index, the entropy value method, the coefficient of variation, and the tourism background trend line model. The study revealed the following conclusions: (1) following the conclusion of the epidemic, potential tourism demand demonstrated a notable recovery in comparison to the epidemic period, yet remained below the level observed in the same period before the epidemic. (2) The seasonal variations in internet attention after the end of the epidemic demonstrated an increased degree of differentiation, with the tourism market tending to be more prosperous during the high season and less so during the low season. (3) The epidemic had a relatively minor impact on the internet attention of famous tourist attractions and natural ecological attractions. In contrast, it had a more significant influence on historical and cultural sites and modern amusement spots. The findings of this study offer insights that can inform the recovery and sustainable development of tourist cities in the post-pandemic era.

Agro-Health Tourism Management Innovation Based on Local Wisdom to The Creative Economy Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai

This research aims to 1) manage knowledge and wisdom about the use of herbal medicine in the Ban Muang Kham community, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, 2) develop herbal products and design health agro tourism activities by using the design thinking process, and 3) transfer knowledge of the developing herbal products and designing healthy agro tourism activities. The research was conducted in 3 phases, consisting of Phase 1 managing knowledge and wisdom about the use of herbal medicine in the Ban Muang Kham community, Phase 2 developing herbal products and designing health agro tourism activities by using the design thinking process, and Phase 3 transferring knowledge of herbal products and designing healthy agro tourism activities. The results of the study found that The Ban Muang Kham uses 24 types of local herbs and plants for treatment and health care. They have knowledge in processing 6 products for use in the household and for sale. The researcher has developed 3 prototype herbal products as follows: yellow oil with stretched grass tendon, herbal clay for knees, and foot soak herbs. This prototype product was developed based on the results of a survey of purchasing and demand of users and tourists. Then transfer knowledge on herbal product development through design 6 health agro-tourism courses to the community, contains a course on herbal processing to promote health tourism, product development course, packaging design course, Tong-sen massage course, course of eating according to life elements, and courses on calculating costs and selling prices. There were a total of 135 people participating in the knowledge transfer. The community should continuously drive community tourism development operations. Training in being a local tour guide to develop the potential of community tour leaders or tour guides to welcome tourists. Coordinate and create a network for community tourism development operations with local government organizations and local and provincial tourism partners to enhance community potential and strength. And improve the landscape to impress tourists or people who come to visit.

Construction of the tourist sentiment dictionary for hotels to mining tourist demands: Based on Macao’s hotel reviews from Agoda

<p><span lang="AZ-LATIN">Tourist hotels (or tourist accommodations) are located near tourist attractions, primarily serving tourists. In recent years, with the gradual improvement of people’s living standards around the globe, tourists’ demands and standards for tourist hotel construction have been rising accordingly. In the context of technologization and informatization, various hotel booking platforms (Agoda, Booking, Trip, etc.) cover a large amount of review data in evaluating systems to reflect tourists’ demands. Meanwhile, identifying demand-oriented reviews and extracting core consumer demands from them is crucial for optimizing hotel services and enhancing tourist satisfaction. Therefore, this study explores the demands of tourists in tourist hotels from the perspective of text sentiment analysis and takes Macao, a famous tourist destination, as an example, based on reviews of tourist hotels on the Agoda site platform. Specifics are as follows: (1) Based on pointwise mutual information (PMI) and information entropy (IE), it realizes the identification of sentiment words in the field of tourist hotels and constructs a sentiment dictionary to address the problem of poor relevance between word segmentation results; (2) It summarizes the five types of reviews containing tourist demands (positive, negative, suggestion, demand, and comparison) and their characteristics to solve the ambiguity of texts and further accurately reveal the main demands of tourists; (3) It classifies tourist demands and group similar tourist demands into the same categories to address the problem of multiple expressions for the same demand. The present study provides empirical experiences from Macao’s hotels and contributes to the literature on text sentiment analysis in tourist hotels. Furthermore, the study results could enhance the mining accuracy and provide a detailed summarization of consumer demands and directions for the sustainable optimization improvement of tourist services.</span></p>

Assessing the reactions of tourist markets to reinstated travel restrictions in the destination during the post-COVID-19 phase

This study, leveraging search engine data, investigates the dynamics of China's domestic tourism markets in response to the August 2022 epidemic outbreak in Xinjiang. It focuses on understanding the reaction mechanisms of tourist-origin markets during destination crises in the post-pandemic phase. Notably, the research identifies a continuous rise in the potential tourism demand from tourist origin cities, despite the challenges posed by the epidemic. Further analysis uncovers a regional disparity in the growth of tourism demand, primarily influenced by the economic stratification of origin markets. Additionally, the study examines key tourism attractions such as Duku Road, highlighting its resilient competitive system, which consists of distinctive tourism experiences, economically robust tourist origins, diverse tourist markets, and spatial pattern stability driven by economic factors in source cities, illustrating an adaptive response to external challenges such as crises. The findings provide new insights into the dynamics of tourism demand, offering a foundation for developing strategies to bolster destination resilience and competitiveness in times of health crises.

Rurality as a driver of tourist demand in the Salento area: a systemic approach

ABSTRACT After the Xylella fastidiosa outbreak, the Salento area (Southern Italy) needs a strategic plan aimed at disclosing the potentials of rurality. The study aim is to establish empirical evidence regarding the importance of the cultural, heritage and territorial components in acting as drivers for tourism flows. Using weighted least squares (WLS) regression models, the study analyses the 145 municipalities within the provinces of Taranto, Brindisi and Lecce. The proposed models estimate the relationship between tourist arrivals and numbers and territorial independent variables. Results demonstrate that rurality is a driver of tourist demand and reveal some specific components which allow for an increase in tourism growth, particularly agritourism locations as places where agricultural multifunctionality is realised. Policymakers may benefit from the results, which can be considered foundational for the development of territorial strategies aimed at creating alternative income for the local communities and restoring damages caused by the Xylella fastidiosa outbreak.

Pandemic‐induced uncertainty and tourism demand: Evidence on the moderator effect of democratic institutions

AbstractThis paper explores the mitigating effect of democratic institutions in the nexus of tourism and pandemic‐induced uncertainty in 24 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries. Utilizing dynamic panel data analysis in the modeling process, the findings reveal that increased pandemic‐related uncertainty in the target market negatively affects the tourism demand. However, the presence of democratic institutions in the destination country positively affects the tourism demand. Finally, democratic institutions help mitigate the negative effects of pandemic uncertainty on tourism demand. The research highlights that a democratic destination can provide a more favorable environment for tourism development amid pandemic uncertainty.

The conversion of abandoned Italian holidays colonies into condhotels. A SWOT analysis approach

The purpose of this paper is to use well-established methodology strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, in order to identify the most important factors which could enter into the potential conversion of former holidays colonies into condhotel, an alternative hospitality concept, proposed by Regione Emilia-Romagna in Italy. Three different SWOT analyses are used in order to investigate the compatibility of this conversion with typological characteristics, tourism demand and current accommodation supply in the Riviera Romagnola. An in-depth understanding of each colony site and its socio-cultural and economic context must be evaluated in order to advance proposals on their conversion, also considering alternative uses.

Exploring travel‐related perspectives and experiences of physical disability communities

AbstractDespite the growing demand for accessible tourism, there remains a lack of research on the travel perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities. Social media platforms, such as Reddit, provide unique opportunities to understand the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities. This study aimed to investigate travel‐related perspectives and experiences of physical disability communities, including wheelchair, deaf, and blind communities, to provide implications for travel service providers and policymakers to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of travel services. Using structural topic modeling and network analysis, 12 prominent topics related to travel perspectives and experiences among physical disability communities were identified to map their relationships. Our study highlights the significance of understanding the unique perspectives, experiences, and needs of individuals with disabilities in the hospitality and tourism industry. It provides implications for improving the accessibility and inclusivity of travel services.

IS VIETNAM'S TOURISM DEMAND MODEL COMPATIBLE WITH THE EXTENDED GRAVITY MODEL?

The purpose of this study is to use an extended gravity model to examine the factors that influence the demand for tourism from origin nations to Vietnam. Data from eleven major marketplaces were gathered for the study between 2005 and 2020. The research employs stepwise regression techniques to choose variables and testing procedures to identify the most suitable model among Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Random Effects Model (REM), Fixed Effects Model (FEM), and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) models. The gravity model comprises variables associated with geographic features, tourism supply capacity, demand attributes, and interconnected variables. Surprisingly, geographical distance holds no statistical significance in the international tourist demand model based on the gravity model, a phenomenon bolstered by globalization. Conversely, the emerging investment factor in restaurants and hotels emerges as the most pivotal determinant influencing tourism demand. Hence, the tourism sector must devise nation-specific policies that target key influencing factors and actively appeal to potential source markets to attract visitors.

PUSH AND PULL FACTORS AFFECTING DOMESTIC TOURISM IN THE ERONGO REGION, NAMIBIA

Despite being a well-established economic activity in numerous countries in the world, domestic tourism has received relatively little academic exploration, particularly in Namibia. While this study acknowledges the significance of work already done in this field, there remains a general lack of understanding of the factors motivating domestic tourists’ decisions to travel in the study area. As a result, this study aims to understand the key push and pull factors for domestic tourists, using the Erongo region of Namibia as a case study. The study adopts a quantitative research approach through a survey of 400 domestic tourists in the study area. Relaxation and escapism, seeking participatory experiences, and seeking enriching experiences emerged as the three main push factors, while destination attributes, events and activities, safety and familiarity, and variety of experiences were identified as dominant pull factors. The study recommends that tourism planners and marketers tailor tourism offerings to the asserted domestic tourists’ motivations to induce more domestic tourism demand and consumption among domestic tourists.

Visitor Satisfaction on Attractions and Attributes at Tarangire National Park

Existing tourist destinations draw an increasing number of visitors as travel and tourism continue to rise. In this scenario, the growth in demand for tourism gives rise to new markets, which means that tourism sites are facing more and more intense competition which makes visitor satisfaction on tourism destination a prerequisite for tourism destination development. It is for this reason this research was undertaken. The study was aimed at assessing visitor satisfaction on attractions and attributes at Tarangire National Park. Questionnaire was used for data collection and a total of 242 visitors (tourists) were sampled. The results showed that visitor satisfaction was highly significant between country of origin and accommodation (F = (1.359), df = 64, p< 0.000), attraction (F = (1.469), df = 64, p< 0.000), Game viewing roads (F = (99.32), df = 64, p< 0.003), and significant for interpretation (F = (85.745), df = 64, p< 0.036), game viewing (F = (85.190), df = 64, p< 0.040), and signage (F = (84.479), df = 64, p< 0.044), highly significant for nature of travel and signage (F = (22.620), df = 64, p< 0.000), and significant for game viewing (F = (10.668) df = 64, p< 0.005). Out of 15 attractions which were identified, elephant was considered the best attraction and the least was ostrich. Generally, tourists were satisfied with the attractions, attributes and services provided by Tarangire National Park and offers the best attractions with high number of elephants and diverse wildlife populations which provide a good view that contributes to enjoyment and satisfaction to visitors.

The close complementarity of museums and theme parks as a tourist package in European capital cities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse museums and theme parks as a tourist package and how the proximity of airports to the city and public transport influence the development of this tourist package to stimulate tourism demand in cities.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative indicators have been applied in our methodology to measure the most visited European theme parks and museums from 2012 to 2022. Moreover, the localisation of airports has allowed us to address the importance of theme parks and museums in cities and their regional economies.FindingsThe results suggest that the location of the city, entertainment complementary activity, airport proximity, intermodal passenger transport, air and train accessibility, tourism demand and supply, and a high concentration of population in cities have a high influence on the development of a tourist package that includes museums and theme parks to stimulate the tourism demand in European urban cities. London and Paris are two of the most visited cities in the world, and these are the most attractive European cities for tourists in terms of efficiency because tourists can optimize much better their space and time to visit the city’s tourist attractions during their holidays. Another important finding is that the public transport service plays an important role in museums and theme parks’ visits and the optimization of space-time for tourists when they are visiting a city and its tourist attractions on holidays, especially subways, trains and buses. Although time-space measures of accessibility in public transport in cities must be improved to optimize the time of the native population and tourists.Originality/valueThis research shows the complementary role of museums and theme parks as an attractive tourist package and an entertainment, cultural and educational activity to improve the quality of tourism supply and redistribute tourist flows in European countries. Moreover, there are limited studies that tackle the theme of parks and museums in a tourism context.

Socioeconomic Factors Driving International Travel Destination for Tourism

ABSTRACT Commercial air transport growth and its technological evolution have played a pivotal role in facilitating increased people movement across nations. While numerous studies have examined the broader international travel demand evolution or specific patterns between locations, understanding the drivers that propel people towards different destinations is essential for both companies’ planning and the formulation of public policies. This study contributes to this endeavor by analyzing three crucial socioeconomic factors that shape our global reality: globalization, countries’ economic structure, and the dynamics within this structure. Through the utilization of panel data regression analysis methodology, the relationships between the evolution of international tourism and these socioeconomic factors are estimated and discussed. The findings highlight strong associations between each perspective analyzed and the historical demand for tourism, which provides valuable insights for developing strategies that harness the positive impacts of globalization, addressing regional disparities, and promoting sustainable tourism growth.