Tourism Industry Research Articles

The greenwashing trap: how misleading marketing affects consumer green purchasing habits

The rising environmental concern has driven organizations to adopt green marketing practices. However, a growing number of organizations have been engaging in greenwashing practices, which mislead customers about their environmental performance. This can have negative consequences for the organization, the industry, and society as a whole. Despite the growing concern about greenwashing, there is limited research on how it affects consumers’ purchasing decisions. To address this gap, we conducted a study to explore the effect of greenwashing perception on green purchase intention in the touristic accommodation industry. Primary data was collected from 693 tourists who visited the Canary Islands, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to verify hypotheses with the help of AMOS 29 software. The findings revealed that greenwashing perception does not directly affect green purchasing intention or impact green trust. However, green trust was found to be a significant predictor of sustainable choices in the touristic accommodation industry. Additionally, the study provided evidence that previous touristic accommodation experience moderates the relationship between green trust and green purchase intention and the relationship between greenwashing perception and green trust. This research has important implications for marketers and adds to the body of knowledge on greenwashing and green purchasing. By incorporating the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) paradigm, this study uncovers new linkages that better help understand the phenomenon of green purchasing among travelers.

The transferability of passion: how green influencers inspire tourists’ green initiative support

The tourism industry has caused severe environmental damage, partially due to the high volume of tourists and their limited engagement in pro-environmental behavior. A viable solution to this problem lies in the involvement of green influencers in promoting green initiatives for destinations. This research seeks to understand how green influencers induce tourist support for such initiatives. Study 1 examines the “contagion effect” of passion, revealing that influencers’ genuine enthusiasm for a green initiative enhances tourists’ support for such an initiative by boosting their passion and green self-efficacy. Study 2 tests a moderated sequential mediation effect and shows that the contagion effect intensifies when influencers clearly articulate a call to action (goal specificity). The study’s findings help to fill gaps in the influencer marketing literature and offer practical guidelines for destinations seeking to collaborate effectively with influencers to promote sustainable tourist behavior by conveying influencer passion and establishing specific goals.

Impact Analysis of the Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem to Improve the Tourism Industry and Social Sustainability

Digitalisation is a key enabler of sustainable tourism in an industry that has recently been transformed by new sustainable innovations and digital solutions. In this study, we analysed the effects of the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE) on the tourism industry and social sustainability of 27 EU countries. The study underlines the key independent indicators representing the impact of the DEE’s elements. Also, a quantitative and comparative approach was considered using the panel data method and clustering analysis for data from 2014 to 2021. Our findings show significant positive impacts of DEE elements that have significantly contributed to tourism and social sustainability growth. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) revealed that eight countries (cluster A), including Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy, had the highest average digitalisation levels, affecting their tourism growth and social sustainability. Ultimately, we indicate different digital user levels and marketplace, such as networks designed to produce cloud infrastructure, digital platforms, and digital tourist-based devices and applications, as having the capability to enhance tourism and social sustainability.

Empirical Insights into Co-Creation, Satisfaction, and Willingness to Pay in Sustainable Tourism

The significance of this study lies in its examination of how co-creation impacts tourists' willingness to pay for tourism offerings, providing crucial insights for enhancing the tourist experience and promoting sustainable tourism practices essential for the industry's long-term viability. This research investigates the effect of co-creation engagement on tourists' financial commitments to tourism products or services, aiming to understand better how co-creation enhances the tourist experience. An online survey was conducted in October 2023, targeting tourists who visited São Miguel’s Island in the Azores in recent years (n=220). The survey explored seven key constructs: involvement, customer co-creation, satisfaction, environmental concerns, support for sustainable tourism development, and willingness to pay. The results underscore the positive impact of consumer co-creation on satisfaction, suggesting that investment in co-creative activities can substantially enhance tourists' experiences. The study provides valuable insights for tourism stakeholders, indicating that fostering co-creative activities can significantly boost tourist satisfaction and willingness to pay. Additionally, integrating sustainability principles into tourism services offers a competitive advantage, while targeted marketing strategies based on visitor demographics can maximize financial returns. This research contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the connections between co-creation, satisfaction, environmental concerns, and willingness to pay in tourism. The findings have practical implications for improving service quality, promoting sustainability, and optimizing marketing strategies in the tourism industry, benefiting both academia and practitioners.

The Impact of the Characteristics of Self-Service Technologies on Customer Experience Quality: Insights for Airline Companies

Research on self-service technologies (SSTs) has not been fully developed, and it is still open to debate with many aspects concerning its effect on customer experience and potential outcomes empirically, especially in the airline industry. Studies regarding these technologies and their potential impact are needed in the airline industry as they represent an integral part of the tourism industry. Previous studies on the airline industry have merely focused on SSTs and their impact on customer adoption, tendency to use, and satisfaction. The SSTs have the capacity to influence how customers perceive their experience in the overall process of getting a service. Thus, customer experience quality (CXQ) is influenced by the perceived characteristics of SSTs. The literature on the impact of SSTs on CXQ is considerably limited in general, particularly in the airline industry. More research on this issue is needed, especially following the outbreak of COVID-19; thus, this study aims to investigate a model that integrates the impact of the perceived characteristics of SSTs as antecedents and outcomes of CXQ. The research design of this study is based on a mixed-method approach: a preliminary study consisting of two qualitative investigations and a main study through face-to-face questionnaires with airline passengers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to the data collected from passengers traveling with the airline company in Turkey (N=501) through questionnaires applied as mall intercepts. The results of this study include extending the CXQ dimensions to add consistency and institutionalism, hence contributing to the service and tourism literature. Furthermore, this research provides actionable insights for managers in airline businesses to invest more in SSTs to improve their CXQ, customer satisfaction, and positive word-of-mouth communication (WOM).

The Impact of Digital Technologies on Tourists’ Travel Choices and Overall Experience

Digital technologies have revolutionized the tourism industry, offering tourists unprecedented access to information, bookings, and immersive experiences. The paper's main purpose is to investigate the influence of digital technologies on tourists' decision-making processes and travel experiences in Armenia. The data are based on a survey done among 385 respondents. Findings reveal widespread adoption of digital platforms among tourists in Armenia, contributing positively to their travel experiences. Pearson Chi-square testing reveals a significant relationship among some factors. According to the results, 65.7% plan entertainment in the destination by using the Internet to find out about the main attractions in advance. More than 70% get travel information from Facebook and Instagram. People evaluate digital technologies' impact on their travel experience with an average of 4.28 (1-5 (the best) scale). The Customer satisfaction score is 80.4 %. The main problems are connected with fake information, technical issues, differences in online and offline prices, hotel room pictures, etc. The research underscores the importance of continuous advancements in digital infrastructure and services to further enhance Armenia's tourism sector. The results of this study may be useful for marketing strategies. The study reveals some problems that may be useful for tourism companies and state regulation bodies.

Explaining Revisit Intention in Culinary Tourism: Case Study of Pekalongan, City of Batik

Culinary tourism has become an important sector of the global tourism industry, offering destinations the opportunity to showcase their cultural identity through food. Pekalongan, a city renowned for its batik heritage, also possesses a rich culinary tradition that reflects its unique cultural identity. Despite its potential, Pekalongan has faced challenges in sustaining its tourism industry, highlighting the need to explore factors that encourage tourists to return. This study investigates the influence of seven factors—Attitude, Emotional Value, Local Food & Beverage Image, Health Value, Prestige Value, Price Value, and Taste/Quality Value—on revisit intention among urban tourists. Using a quantitative, non-experimental design, data were collected from 176 respondents through structured questionnaires and analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that Emotional Value and Taste/Quality Value significantly influence revisit intention, underscoring the importance of emotional connections and high-quality food in motivating repeat visits. Other factors, such as Attitude, Local Food & Beverage Image, and Price Value, contributed to the overall tourist experience but did not independently predict revisit intention. These results suggest that Pekalongan should prioritize strategies that enhance tourists’ emotional engagement and ensure consistent food quality to foster loyalty and increase revisit rates. The study contributes to the understanding of culinary tourism dynamics in smaller cities and provides actionable insights for stakeholders aiming to revitalize tourism through authentic and memorable culinary experiences. Future research should explore additional factors influencing revisit intention and their interactions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of tourist behavior.

Albania, Potential for the Development of the Blue Economy

The purpose of this study is to help advance the vision of Albania in the Blue Economy, in the framework of the country's aim to join the EU. I will highlight the gaps in knowledge, the risks and deficiencies that our country has in the development of the economy in this field and the measures that the government should take to solve these problems. The most important sectors in the Blue Economy are: fishing, tourism, maritime transport and plastic pollution. The fishing, tourism and transport industries are the three most powerful industries that provide the highest return on investment, as part of the blue economy. These sectors have an important socio-economic and cultural role for coastal communities. A worrying issue facing these coastal areas is the challenges of marine plastic pollution, which require immediate solutions. I will reflect the specific circumstances of Albania and the opportunities arising from the integrated economic development of the maritime sectors. The main objective is to develop a future for "Blue Albania" and build a long-term innovative plan in these sectors. At the end of the study, I will draw up a clear picture of the economic activities that need to be undertaken to accelerate the development of the blue economy in our country Received: 25 September 2024 / Accepted: 24 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

Red industrial heritage: A vibrant medium for disseminating contemporary Chinese mainstream culture

Red industrial heritage represents historical evidence and important revolutionary cultural relics of Chinese-style modernization under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It possesses distinct characteristics in terms of its temporal, conceptual, and value dimensions. Beyond serving as a repository of media memory, red industrial heritage functions as a vibrant medium for the dissemination of mainstream culture. Its defining features include the “Gaze-Immersion” effect, which evokes a return to historical scenes; the “Abstraction-Embodiment” process, which fosters material perception; and the “History-Reality” connection, which highlights contemporary relevance. However, current management practices for industrial heritage often follow the principle of “age priority,” resulting in challenges for the effective protection of red industrial heritage. Furthermore, when the cultural tourism industry intervenes in the protection and utilization of industrial heritage, it frequently emphasizes age value, location value, or esthetic appeal, while inadequately exploring and developing the cultural significance of red cultural resources. This oversight diminishes the role of red industrial heritage in disseminating mainstream culture. In recent years, increased attention to industrial heritage has expanded the pathways for mainstream culture dissemination, including conservation and renewal, intellectual property empowerment, and community participation. These approaches have generated valuable experiences and insights into enhancing the cultural and social functions of red industrial heritage.

Resilience through adversity: a case of informal artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya

PurposeThe study aims to understand how informal artisan entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience while experiencing adversity. To achieve this, it explores how artisans handle adversities and how this differs from other informal entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThe study engaged with entrepreneurial theories of resilience. It incorporated 46 qualitative telephone interviews with 32 artisans in the informal tourism industry of Kenya, conducted over two phases and analysed using thematic analysis. Notably, it draws key methodological considerations for conducting remote qualitative data collection and engaging with participants operating in an informal setting.FindingsThe findings suggest that informal artisans exhibit individual attributes and behaviours that are associated with resilience in entrepreneurship. Beyond these, their resilience is also influenced by cultural norms related to resourcing their business and culturally derived tacit knowledge.Originality/valueThe paper extends the understanding of resilience among informal artisan entrepreneurs, who display different characteristics due to the nature of their entrepreneurial activities. It shows that beyond the individualistic view of resilience, culture also influences resilience through social norms and values that govern behaviours. Furthermore, culture reinforces resilience as it is rooted in tacit knowledge held by artisan entrepreneurs. The paper thus contributes to resilience theory in entrepreneurship and to the unique context of artisanry.

Exploring the potential of Technological Innovation in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry to attain Sustainability

Purpose of the study: The hospitality industry is undergoing rapid transformation due to continuous technological innovation in response to intense competition and evolving innovative practices. So, to meet up with the intense competition - technological innovation is inevitable. Methodology: Secondary sources are used to derive fundamental concepts and frameworks of modern technology used in the hospitality and tourism industry to attain sustainability. These sources include articles, books, newspapers, reviews, and company websites. Main Findings: By adopting technological innovation, the industry can reduce its environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and provide enhanced experiences for guests, thereby moving towards a sustainable future. Implementing technologies in the hospitality industry involves both pros and cons. Applications of the study: Hospitality is the least service-activity sector, and there is a need to explore technological innovation strategies that lead to higher sales turnover, performance, and sustainability. Novelty/Originality of the study: This study's originality lies in its ability to offer updated technology used in the H&T industry to attain sustainable tourism. This concept is depicted with a conceptual model showing skills and innovative trends and their impact on Sustainability.

Pengaruh Fasilitas Wisata dan Harga Terhadap Kepuasaan Pengunjung di Destinasi Wisata Tahura Kabupaten Bandung

Tourism is a sector that plays an important role in increasing Indonesia's foreign exchange. Therefore, it is mandatory for the tourist destination sector to pay attention so that every visitor who has visited a tourist destination feels satisfied after visiting the tourist destination. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of tourist facilities and prices on visitor satisfaction at the Tahura destination, Bandung Regency. The design of this research is quantitative with the population being visitors from the Tahura tourist destination and data collection was obtained through distributing questionnaires using Google Form and distributed to visitors who visited the Tahura tourist destination, Bandung Regency using a purposive sampling technique, with predetermined characteristics. The sample of this research consisted of 100 respondents. The data analysis technique from this research uses the classic assumption test which consists of the normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, and multiple linear regression. The data in this research was processed with the help of the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 for Windows application. The results of this research show that the variables of tourist facilities and prices have a significant effect on visitor satisfaction. In this research, the price variable has the greatest influence on the visitor satisfaction variable than other variables. It is hoped that this research will be useful for tourist destination managers so that they can maintain and improve tourist facilities. It is hoped that this research will be useful for the surrounding government so that they can pay attention to and improve the facilities and prices at the Tahura destination, Bandung Regency. It is hoped that this research will be useful for the Tourism Industry study program which will research Facilities. Tourism and Prices on Visitor Satisfaction, it is hoped that this research will be useful for researchers to develop tourist facilities in the Tahura destination, Bandung Regency.

The Application of Generative AI in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

This study explores the historical development of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and their applications in various fields, such as education, tourism, and consumer experiences. Through a review of relevant literature, the paper analyzes how VR and AR enhance user engagement and satisfaction by providing immersive and interactive experiences. In education, VR and AR are used to create vivid learning environments, promoting students' understanding and interest; in the tourism industry, these technologies enhance visitors' exploration and experience of destinations; in business, AR applications improve consumer shopping experiences and brand loyalty. Despite the widespread application of these technologies facing challenges such as high costs and user adaptability issues, research shows their potential remains significant. Future research should focus on optimizing user experience, lowering technological barriers, and expanding application scenarios. In conclusion, the development of VR and AR technologies will drive innovation and transformation across industries, offering richer experiences in daily life.

PROMOTION OF LOCAL FOOD AS TOURISM PRODUCT IN THE CAPE COAST METROPOLIS: AN EXPLORATIVE RESEARCH

The increasing interest in unique and authentic travel experiences has contributed to the growth of culinary tourism within the tourism industry. The study uses the cultural exchange theory to explain the important role of culinary experiences and development of culinary tourism. This study seeks to explore how local cuisines could be promoted as part of the tourism offerings of Cape Coast to boost tourism and local economic development. Specifically, the study explores the significance of food tourism to Cape Coast and investigates the role of local food establishments in enhancing the tourism appeal. To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative research approach/design was adopted. The exploratory study design and purposive sampling technique were adopted for the study. Thirty-one respondents comprising tourists, traditional catering homes and restaurant operators were interviewed using the interview guide. The study found that food establishments, including restaurants, food vendors, and food markets, play a crucial role in enhancing the tourism appeal of Cape Coast. In that, local food serves as a gateway to the local culture and some food enthusiasts visit Cape Coast because of the nice local cuisines served at local food establishments. It is recommended that the Ghana Tourism Authority and tour operators in Cape Coast should make conscious efforts to promote the different and unique Cape Coast cuisines as part of the tourism products to attract tourists who are interested in food offerings.

A multi-criteria trust-enhanced collaborative filtering algorithm for personalized tourism recommendations

The exponential growth of online information has LED to significant challenges in navigating data overload, particularly in the tourism industry. Travelers are overwhelmed with choices regarding destinations, accommodations, dining, and attractions, making it difficult to select options that best meet their needs. Recommender systems have emerged as a promising solution to this problem, aiding users in decision-making by providing personalized suggestions based on their preferences. Traditional collaborative filtering (CF) methods, however, face limitations, such as data sparsity and reliance on single rating scores, which do not fully capture the complexity of user preferences. This study proposes a hybrid multi-criteria trust-enhanced CF (HMCTeCF) algorithm to improve the accuracy and robustness of tourism recommendations. HMCTeCF improves the quality of recommendations by integrating multi-criteria user preferences with trust relationships among users and between items. Experimental results using real-world datasets, including Restaurants-TripAdvisor and Hotels-TripAdvisor, demonstrate that HMCTeCF outperforms benchmark CF-based recommendation methods. It achieves higher prediction accuracy and coverage rate, effectively addressing the data sparsity problem. This innovative algorithm facilitates a more personalized and enriching travel experience, particularly in scenarios with limited user data. The findings highlight the importance of considering multiple criteria and trust relationships in developing robust recommendation systems for the tourism industry.

Model-Based Study of Near-Surface Transport in and around Cape Cod Bay, Its Seasonal Variability, and Response to Wind

Abstract Output from a high-resolution numerical model is used to study near-surface transport in and around Cape Cod Bay using a Lagrangian approach. Key questions include the following: What are the dominant transport pathways? How do they vary in time on seasonal-to-interannual scales? What is the role of wind in driving this variability? Application to a possible release of wastewater into Cape Cod Bay from the recently closed Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station is discussed. Analysis reveals a seasonality in Cape Cod Bay transport patterns, with shorter residence times throughout the bay and an increased probability of outflow waters exiting the bay during spring and summer. Wind-induced Ekman currents are identified as a dominant driver of this variability. Significance Statement This study is motivated by a possible release of radioisotope-contaminated wastewater into Cape Cod Bay, a region important to fishing, aquaculture, and tourist industries. The specific aim is to better understand near-surface transport patterns and mechanisms in Cape Cod Bay both in general and within the context of a wastewater release from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.

Energy-saving and carbon reduction analysis of series/parallel combination for heat pump and chiller in a hotel building

Taiwan is known for its hot and humid climate, where buildings rely on air conditioning systems to provide comfortable conditions. Specifically in commercial buildings such as hotels, apart from being required to provide comfortable indoor conditions, they need to provide hot water 24 h for guests, leading to the common application of chiller and heat pump systems in hotels. With the rise of the Taiwanese tourism industry, many hotels have been newly built or renovated. However, during the planning and construction stages, considerations may be limited by personnel experience, operational difficulties, installation costs, or the desire to simplify operations. This often results in the separate consideration of heat pump systems and chiller systems, leading to unnecessary resource and energy waste. Therefore, this study takes place at a hotel building in Taichung located in Central Taiwan. Designing a series/parallel system between the heat pump and chiller systems. Through a control system and a real-time recording system, controllable factors were analyzed, such as system equipment supply/return water temperature, outdoor relative and enthalpy, and occupancy rate change. Additionally, energy-saving potential was evaluated from the collected data through linear regression. The results show that when the outdoor air temperature, outdoor enthalpy, and occupancy rate are low, the parallel system is more energy-efficient due to the higher energy consumption of the chiller under low load conditions, which is suitable for winter. Conversely, the series system is more energy-efficient than under hot weather and high indoor load conditions, making it suitable for use in the summer.

Research on Relationship Between Image Perception, Place Attachment and Tourists' Pro-environment Behavior

Ice and snow tourism, as a special way of tourism, is booming with the continuous development and utilization of ice and snow tourism resources in the world. China is rich in ice and snow tourism resources. In recent years, the ice and snow tourism industry has developed rapidly. However, problems such as ecological destruction and over-exploitation of resources have become increasingly prominent. In this context, pro-environment behavior has become an important means to alleviate the environmental pressure of ice and snow tourism destinations; At the same time, research on the relationship between the perceived image of ice and snow tourism destination, place attachment and tourists' pro-environment behavior has important theoretical value and practical significance for promoting the sustainable development of ice and snow tourism, enhancing tourists' environmental awareness and responsibility, and improving the image and attractiveness of ice and snow tourism destination. Based on the cognitive affective theory, place attachment, etc., and on the basis of literature research, this thesis proposes several hypotheses, constructs conceptual models, develops or cites corresponding measurement scales for the relationship among the four variables of cognitive image, emotional image, place attachment and pro-environment behavior, and takes Chongli Ski Resort as a case for empirical research. Using questionnaire survey data, the structural equation model of 264 valid questionnaires was analyzed to suggest the influence mechanism of cognitive image, emotional image and place attachment on tourists' pro-environment behavior. The findings are as follows: (1) Cognitive image has significant positive effects on affective image, place attachment and pro-environment behavior, and affective image and place attachment can mediate this process; (2) Emotional image has a significant positive impact on place attachment and pro-environment behavior, and place attachment can be used as a mediator to have a positive impact on them; (3) Place attachment has a significant positive effect on pro-environment behavior. As an emotional bond, it connects the emotional connection between tourists and tourist destinations. Accordingly, this study also puts forward the strategy to promote the tourists' pro-environment behavior in Chongli ski Resort in order to promote the sustainable development of ice and snow tourism. Including: (1) to enhance the attractiveness of ice and snow tourism; (2) Enhance the emotional connection between places and tourists; (3) Strengthen environmental awareness education. It is hoped that this study will have some reference value for the improvement of pro-environment behavior of tourists in other similar ice and snow tourism destinations.

The Impact of Disease X on Potential Travelers’ Travel Decision

This study used ANCOVA models to investigate how pandemic characteristics—spreading speed, severity, and vaccination requirements—affect travel intentions. The results reveal that these factors explain 31.7% of the variance in travel decisions, with disease-spreading speed and severity being the most significant determinants. While vaccination requirements are relevant, they play a secondary role compared to the immediate threat of disease characteristics. The interaction effects between these factors further demonstrate their combined impact on travel reluctance. Demographic variables, such as gender and the presence of children, also influence decisions in specific contexts. These findings contribute to the understanding of risk perception during health crises, reinforcing the role of perceived severity in shaping cautious travel behavior. Practical implications for the tourism industry include the need for transparent communication, tailored health protocols, and demographic-specific marketing strategies. Future research should explore broader factors and adopt longitudinal approaches to capture evolving travel intentions during pandemics.

Rhythms of repetition and disturbance: Reimagining business-as-usual in the Anthropocene

This article scrutinizes the role of rhythms in perpetuating and transforming business as usual in the Anthropocene. The focus is on understanding how some rhythms become authoritative and repeat business as usual while others prompt radically different temporal imaginaries in and beyond organizations. Empirically, we examine how diverse organizational and natural rhythms come together in the context of the alpine winter tourism industry. By analyzing the constitution of rhythms in materialities, practices, and voices through multimodal vignettes, we trace the development of dominant rhythms with eurhythmic harmony and arrhythmic disturbance emerging as key configurations. This study contributes to a temporal understanding of how business remains locked in its repetition, pointing to eurhythmia as a chronopathic organizational experience when crises in the Anthropocene demand immediate action. Further, we highlight the potential of understanding arrhythmia as an invitation to transform business-as-usual by attuning to neglected, more-than-human temporalities. Overall, this paper draws attention to the power of rhythms in shaping predominant yet unseen configurations of authority in organizational temporality in the Anthropocene.