Tourism Industry Research Articles

Data utilisation among employees in SMEs in Destination Limfjorden, Denmark

ABSTRACT This article explores the efforts of Destination Limfjorden in Denmark to enhance employees’ competencies and skills in small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) through the strategic use of data. The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating digital questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to identify the competence needs of stakeholders. The research reveals a significant need for improved digital guest services and highlights the importance of data usage within companies, network building and general competence needs. The article also reviews the literature on the role of big data in augmenting tourism research and the challenges SMEs face in harnessing big data analytics. It underscores the need for robust knowledge management initiatives, targeted skill development programmes and a culture of collaboration among tourism SMEs. The article concludes by emphasising the increasing significance of big data competencies for SMEs in the tourism sector, particularly in remote European regions, and the potential of data analytics in fostering resilience among SMEs and enhancing their competitiveness within the evolving dynamics of the tourism industry landscape.

Analisis KNN untuk Tempat Rekomendasi Tempat Wisata Sumba Barat

The growth of the internet has influenced the tourism industry because the internet makes it easier for individuals to obtain reviews about places to visit and because the internet is a tool used by tourist site managers to assess the quality of their offerings. The increase in the number of tourists of almost two million in just three years in West Sumba is proof of this influence. Social media is a tool that people use to interact with each other online; some people have multiple accounts on platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter, and so on. Tourists can receive recommendations for tourist attractions based on price and type of trip desired through a tourist attraction recommendation system that uses the KNN algorithm. Three factors were used in this research: activity, type of tourism, and type of price. An accuracy of 63.16% is found in the test results using the KNN algorithm and the Rapid Miner application with a K value of 5. The analysis results show that the K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) approach can be used as a guideline for recommending tourist destinations to visitors in West Sumba.

Main trends in the tourism industry in Indonesia between 2020–2023

Indonesia’s tourism industry has emerged as a strategic sector, contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Given the prominence of this sector, there is significant potential for further development. Indeed, a mapping study to assess the dissemination of the trend and the potential for further issues to emerge would be highly beneficial. It is encouraging to note that academics have produced substantial literature on the subject, offering insights into its many facets. However, there is still a need for more in-depth analysis to understand the trends and issues currently facing the sector entirely. Consequently, this article examines the core themes in Indonesia’s tourism studies and maps the potential for future research on tourism issues and regulations. To this end, it employs a qualitative, four-year data set (2020–2023) and a SWOT analysis to identify critical aspects of Indonesian tourism issues. The data was collected in three forms: government reports, statistical data, and research articles (n = 252 samples) from the Scopus database. The results demonstrate that the predominant trend in Indonesia’s tourism industry is the widespread embrace of ecotourism at both the local and regional levels. Instead of identifying a limited number of leading destinations, the focus has shifted towards developing tourism villages and multi-stakeholder tourism. The primary concerns are the Indonesian tourism industry’s growth potential and sustainability. The development potential of Indonesian destinations based on SWOT objectives is a crucial aspect, and its score shows that Indonesia’s tourism sector is strategically positioned to take advantage of strengths and opportunities.

The Influence of Role Plays and Learning Motivation Towards The First Year Room Division Students Speaking Ability at Tourism Polytechnic of Palembang

Speaking ability is an important skill that must be possessed by students, especially in the field of tourism. This study aims to explore the effect of role play and learning motivation on the speaking ability of first-year students of the Rooms Division at Palembang Tourism Polytechnic. This research method used a factorial design with a population of first-year students of the Hospitality Department. The research sample consisted of 32 participants, consisting of 16 people in the Experiment Group and 16 people in the Control Group. Data were collected through questionnaires and two measurement instruments, then analyzed using Two-Way Analysis of Variance. The results showed that there was a significant effect of role play on students' speaking ability, both those with high and low learning motivation. In addition, conventional teaching techniques also had a significant effect on students' speaking ability, depending on their level of learning motivation. The use of role play proved to be more effective than the conventional teaching technique in improving students' speaking ability. This finding shows that there is an interaction between role play and learning motivation that affects students' speaking ability. Therefore, this finding emphasizes the importance of applying innovative methods and high motivation in the learning process to improve students' speaking ability. The implications of this study suggest that educators prioritize interactive and motivational teaching strategies to improve speaking skills, which are crucial for career readiness in the tourism industry. In addition, role play can be a key component in the curriculum that aims to improve communication skills at various levels of student motivation.

Flavors of Fusion: The Role of Thai Street Food in Shaping Culinary Experiences for Chinese Tourists

This study investigated the significance of Thai street food in shaping the cultural and gastronomic experiences of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. As culinary tourism gains global traction, street food has emerged as a key aspect of authentic cultural immersion, particularly in Thailand, where it is deeply embedded in daily life and national identity. This study employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with 25 Chinese tourists in central Bangkok, to explore their perceptions and experiences with Thai street food. The findings indicate that the unique flavors, affordability, and convenience of street food are major attractions for Chinese tourists. Moreover, street food offers tourists direct interaction with local culture, allowing them to experience Thai customs and social dynamics in an informal, everyday setting. The study also uncovers that while tourists appreciate the variety and accessibility of Thai street food, some concerns persist, particularly regarding hygiene and the impact of weather conditions on the dining experience. Despite these challenges, Thai street food remains an essential and enjoyable component of the overall travel experience for Chinese visitors. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on gastronomy tourism by emphasizing the role of street food as both a cultural symbol and a tourism attraction. This study highlights the importance of supporting street vendors and maintaining high standards of food safety to enhance the street food experience for international tourists, making it a sustainable and competitive element of Thailand’s tourism industry.

What happens when tourism is turned off: Exploring the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions for Indigenous people in Rarotonga, The Cook Islands

The sea, sand, and sun allure of the Cook Islands has seen tourism become the most significant driver of the country's economic development. However, the increasing reliance on the tourism sector since the 1980's has created a mono-economy at the expense of diversification and alternative economic models. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the risks and consequences associated with an over- reliance on international tourism as the lockdown measures and international travel restrictions caused the sudden shutdown of international tourism, resulting in serious negative economic consequences for tourism-dependent communities. However, the pandemic also offered an opportunity for small island societies to reflect on pre-existing challenges associated with the tourism industry. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with Indigenous Cook Islanders in Rarotonga, this study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how the lived experiences of participants responding to the sudden collapse of tourism may have influenced how Indigenous Cook Islands peoples perceive the role of tourism in supporting the wellbeing of their small island nation. The presented study is the result of a collaborative research partnership between an Indigenous Pacific scholar and non-Indigenous European scholar. While the research adopted a western methodology, the relationships developed between the researchers and participants were guided by the cultural values of reciprocity and respect, which are key principles underpinning Indigenous research in the Pacific. The findings revealed that participants adapted to the adverse impacts of COVID-19 through the revitalization of their traditional socio-economies, the resurgence of customary practices, a strengthened connection to nature, and a renewed sense of community spirit and pride in cultural identity—all of which were perceived to positively impact their spiritual, social, cultural, environmental, physical, and mental wellbeing. By demonstrating the positive adaptive responses of participants, this article aims to emphasize the non-economic dimensions of wellbeing that are critical to supporting the cultural values, social priorities, and the Indigenous ways of life that preceded the development of tourism. These findings can be used to inform and guide international development policy makers and tourism stakeholders who seek to reduce the adverse impacts of tourism on the wellbeing of Indigenous communities in the Pacific.

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

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

Age-inclusive hospitality and tourism: navigating the metaverse travel with avatar

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of virtual tours on the engagement and travel intentions of older adults, emphasizing the role of emotional and informative content. It aims to enhance travel confidence and reduce stress among older travelers, fostering inclusive tourism through advanced avatar technology. Design/methodology/approach Using two between-subjects experiments, this research compares the effects of emotion-driven and knowledge-centric virtual tours on older adults. It explores the mediating role of travel confidence and stress reduction, along with the moderating influence of positive psychological cues on engagement and travel intentions. Findings The results highlight the potential of technology in promoting inclusive tourism. Emotionally engaging virtual tours significantly increase travel intentions among older adults by boosting confidence and alleviating stress, with positive psychological cues enhancing these effects. Practical implications This study offers valuable insights for tourism industry stakeholders by suggesting the development of avatar-based virtual tours tailored to the emotional and cognitive needs of older travelers. This approach could create more accessible and satisfying tourism experiences for older travelers. Originality/value This study extends the socioemotional selectivity theory to the realm of metaverse travel, providing a novel perspective on the emotional and cognitive engagement of older adults in the metaverse. This underscores the importance of inclusive technology in addressing the needs of older travelers.

Tren Pariwisata Backpacker di Asia Tenggara

The backpacker tourism trend in Southeast Asia has grown rapidly in the past few decades, with Thailand becoming one of the top destinations for budget travelers. This study aims to identify the factors that make Thailand a favorite destination for backpackers in the region. The research methodology involves literature analysis, interviews with backpackers, and tourism statistics. The results show that the combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, affordable cost of living, good tourism infrastructure, and easy access to various attractions are the main factors that attract backpackers. In addition, Thailand's image as a friendly, safe, and open country for foreign tourists also contributes to its popularity. The study also compares Thailand with its neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia to understand Thailand's competitive advantages. The findings provide insights for the government and tourism industry players in developing sustainable strategies to maintain and enhance the attractiveness of the destination for the backpacker tourist segment

Exploring Gender Disparities in Digital Skills: Evidence from the Serbian Tourism Sector

The paper examines the digital skills of key stakeholders in the Serbian tourism industry (supply side) to identify potential gender gaps in digital proficiency. Employing a cross-sectional survey of 418 participants within the tourism industry, we utilized binomial logistic regression to parse out the effects of gender relative to other socio-demographic variables on digital skills. The descriptive results based on DigComp 2.0 methodology reveal notable gender differences, with women showing higher levels of information and communication skills but lagging men in problem-solving and content manipulation skills. However, the binomial logistic regression analysis indicates that gender does not significantly predict digital skill levels in the Serbian tourism sector. Instead, age and education are significant factors, with older individuals less likely to possess advanced digital skills and higher education levels correlating with greater digital proficiency. These findings underscore the critical role of education (formal and informal) in digital skills building, suggesting that comprehensive and targeted educational initiatives could effectively enhance digital skills and competencies across the sector.

Get Ready to Click: A Comprehensive Review of User-Generated Photography on Instagram

Objective: This study seeks to perform a systematic literature review to explore the concepts of user-generated photography and the use of Instagram in the tourism industry. Theoretical Framework: Systematic review of user-generated content and Instagram's impact on tourism Method: A comprehensive search was performed in SCOPUS to gather relevant papers. The search resulted in an analysis of 25 papers published between 2014 and 2023. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the growth of social networks, particularly Instagram, impacts tourists' decision-making when planning their trips. Additionally, user-generated content, especially photographs, influences various aspects of travelers' experiences. Research Implications: The review highlights the scarcity of studies on this topic and suggests that the findings strengthen the literature on user-generated content and Instagram in tourism, providing a reference for future research. Originality/Value: The systematic review addresses a gap in the literature, frames the current understanding, and identifies clusters of research to illuminate the state of research in this field

Enabling personalized smart tourism with location-based social networks

With the rapid advance of mobile internet, communication technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), the tourism industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation. Smart tourism offers users personalized and customized services for travel planning and recommendations. Location-based social networks (LBSNs) play a crucial role in smart tourism industry by providing abundant data sources through their social networking attributes. However, applying LBSNs to smart tourism is a challenge due to the need to deal with complex multi-source information modeling and tourism data sparsity. In this article, to fully harness the potential of LBSNs using deep learning technologies, we propose an knowledge-driven personalized recommendation method for smart tourism. Representation learning techniques can effectively modeling the contextual information (e.g., time, space, and semantics) in LBSNs, while the data augmentation strategy of contrastive learning techniques can explore user personalized travel behaviors and alleviate data sparsity. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, we conducted a case study on trip recommendation. Furthermore, the patterns of human mobility are revealed by exploring the effect of contextual data and tourist potential preferences.

A configurational impact assessment of pet tourism destination visit intention: application of TPB, servicescapes, and loss-aversion under prospect theory

ABSTRACT As the number of pet lovers is increasing, the tourism industry has become keenly interested in pet-friendly business environments. This study aimed to explain pet owners’ intentions to visit a pet tourism destination using diverse determinants, which were applied in three theoretical frameworks. Data were collected from a sample of 349 pet owners. Among the meaningful results, pet owners chose pet tourism destinations that offered physical environment attributes. Their intentions were salient to overcoming perceived behavioural control issues or perceived risks. Overall, pet owners revealed a strong intention to visit pet tourism accommodation if the destination provided suitable facilities or services. The results of this study are of academic and industrial significance because they relate to a new niche market: pet lovers and pet-friendly tourism businesses.

Integrating Human Resource Development and Halal Tourism Strategies for Sustainable Development in Indonesia

This research aims to explore the integration of human resource development (HRD) into the growth of the halal tourism industry in Indonesia. Using a literature review method, the study examines strategies to enhance the sector's sustainable competitive advantage by focusing on HRD initiatives, including employee training, cultural competence, and service quality improvement in accordance with sharia principles. The findings indicate that while Indonesia has great potential in halal tourism, several barriers such as institutional readiness, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory gaps hinder its full development. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, strategic marketing, and regulatory alignment to overcome these challenges. Recommendations include investing in human capital and fostering innovation to ensure Indonesia’s positioning as a global leader in halal tourism.

THEORIES OF ECONOMICS AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF ALTRUISM IN “TWINNING” THE EGYPTIAN TOURISM AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES

Theories of economics and the philosophy of altruism in “twinning” this paper studies the endogenous formation of interfiling altruism. The theory suggests that incentive to foster tourism and textile industries is positively related to efficiency gains from more human capital investment in the more gifted tourism and textile industries. The empirical analyses explore the plausibly exogenous within-twin difference in for the development of Matrouh governorate, Egypt, consistent with the theory, the estimation results show that a larger difference in tourism and textile industries. Leads to more intensive you win-to to be-win practice to tourism and textile industries and that when such practice is more intensive, the heavier tourism and textile industries obtains more investment relative to the other tourism and others industries as the philosophy of altruism in “twinning”.

The Metaverse In Tourism

Purpose of the study: This study evaluates the metaverse and the technologies used within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth analysis of the areas in which these technologies are applied in tourism, as well as their contributions to the field. Methodology: To evaluate the role and effects of metaverse technology in the tourism sector, qualitative methods are utilized. A literature review was conducted as a data collection tool, and the information obtained from the literature review was interpreted in accordance with the purpose of the research. Main Findings: The main conclusion of this study is that the effective use of the metaverse in tourism will provide significant benefits for both businesses and tourists. This technology, with its potential to enhance the travel experience, is expected to become increasingly common in the future, offering a promising future for the tourism sector. Applications of the study: The adoption and integration of technological innovations are expected to significantly impact the dynamics of the tourism industry. Studies emphasize that metaverse innovations have not yet reached sufficient mass. However, there are also concerns that, in some cases, the metaverse could hinder the physical travel industry. Tourists experiencing a destination or even an airplane in a virtual environment may reduce their motivation to travel physically. In conclusion, technological innovations such as virtual reality and the metaverse present opportunities and threats for the tourism industry. Novelty/Originality of the study: The research's originality lies in its detailed exploration of the use of metaverse in the tourism sector. In addition, detailed evaluations of the usage areas and contributions of metaverse-related technologies in tourism are included. Therefore, it is thought that this study will not only contribute to the related literature but also guide researchers, sector employees, and other interested parties.

Key Determinants of Visitor Satisfaction and Post- Visit Intentions at a Museum in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Museums preserve and present valued historical artifacts, information, and displays to an information-hungry tourism market. As such, they play a crucial role in the tourism industry, serving as pertinent leisure attractions in many destinations. It is therefore important for management to identify the key determinants that lead to tourist satisfaction and to tourists’ intention to return in future. This knowledge could assist management in making the informed strategic decisions for sustaining such attractions. Very little research has been conducted on this aspect in terms of museums in South Africa, leaving numerous unanswered questions about tourists’ experiences, the perceived quality of sites and tourists’ satisfaction with sites, which ultimately impact their intention to return. A quantitative survey was conducted at the Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre and Museum (Skukuza Museum) in the Kruger National Park, where a total of 164 responses were obtained. Eight hypotheses were formulated and tested by utilizing Spearman’s correlation, investigating visitor expectations, experience, perceived quality, satisfaction, pleasure, confirmation and visitor intent. The results confirm the hypothesis that when tourists’ expectations are met, they experience a positive service experience and perceive the high quality. When tourists derive pleasure and satisfaction from the visit, they usually commit to a follow-up visit. The results of this study provide a basis for museum management, public sector visitor attractions, employees and academia to further develop these museums as successful visitor attractions.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN PARIWISATA RAMAH MUSLIM DI PANTAI KUTA, NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

Muslim-friendly tourism is relatively new in the world of tourism. In the tourism industry there are many aspects and actors that contribute, the aspects and actors in it must be in line with sharia and not contrary to religious standards, the standardization meets halal and good criteria. One of the areas that promotes the Muslim-friendly tourism sector is West Nusa Tenggara province and one of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is Kuta beach. This study aims to analyze the development strategy of Muslim-friendly tourism on the coast of Kuta, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The method in this study is qualitative using case studies. The results of this study show that the NTB Provincial Government through the NTB Tourism Office and Central Lombok Regency provide full support by making human development training, regulations, and laws on Muslim-friendly tourism.

ТЕОРЕТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ СУТНОСТІ ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ УЧАСНИКІВ ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

Tourism plays a significant role in the modern world, influencing the economy, cultural exchange, social sphere, nature conservation, etc. The study of tourism helps to reveal its impact and opportunities for improvement not only for tourists, but also for other participants in tourism activities, in particular for local communities. The research is based on the study of the essence of the tourist activity of the participants in tourist activity for a better understanding of the tourism role in modern society and its importance for socio-cultural exchange, economic development and nature conservation. The article analyzes various aspects of tourist activity, including socio-cultural and economic approaches, as well as the impact of tourist activity on nature and the environment. The author’s vision of the essence of “tourist activity” is presented, which is characterized from the standpoint of an economic approach, that is, as a component of economic activity. Examples of tourism types and tourist activities inherent in them are given. Tourist activity is characterized as a complex of active and passive types of activities that are formed depending on the choice of tourists and their needs. This gives every tourist the opportunity to find the type of recreation that best suits his preferences. The differences between the concepts of excursion, expedition and hike are defined, which consist in the purpose and nature of tourist activities, as well as in the way of their organization and duration. The importance of studying the impact of tourist activity on the nature and environment of the tourist participants is emphasized, and the need for the development of ecologically aware tourist practices and the encouragement of compliance with the rules of ecological behavior among tourists is emphasized. The results of the research will contribute to the deepening of knowledge about the essence of the tourist activity of the tourist participants and their role in modern society, which, in turn, can have an important impact on the further development of the tourism industry. The results of this study can be useful for the tourism industry development, as well as for the formulation of policies and strategies aimed at improving conditions for tourist participants and the tourism sector development in general.

Green voices in digital spaces: exploring the impact of knowledge sharing on sustainable engagement and eWOM in tourism

PurposeThis study explores the dynamics of companies’ green knowledge sharing (GKS) within the tourism sector, focusing on its influence on green electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention via the mediation of tourists’ green engagement behaviour. Additionally, the study considers the moderating effects of green destination psychological ownership and perceived injunctive norms of green self-expression online on the pathway from green knowledge sharing to tourists’ green engagement behaviour to green eWOM.Design/methodology/approachThe primary dataset, consisting of 902 valid responses obtained through time-lagged surveys administered to environmentally conscious tourists, was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) by PROCESS package for R.FindingsFindings indicate that green destination psychological ownership enhances the mediation effect of tourists’ green engagement behaviour on green eWOM intention, reinforcing the sense of personal investment and belonging among tourists. Conversely, perceived injunctive norms of green self-expression online moderate this pathway by shaping the social norms and acceptability of green behaviours online.Practical implicationsTo effectively spread green knowledge, tourism businesses should focus on enhancing tourists' psychological ownership of green destinations and align their communications with the perceived norms of green expression online. This strategy not only deepens tourists' environmental commitment but also stimulates active participation in spreading sustainable practices.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the green marketing literature by revealing how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors interact to influence green engagement and eWOM intention in the tourism industry, aiding marketers in strategically fostering green value co-creation and enhancing sustainable practices through targeted green knowledge sharing.