Tourism Institutions Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS TOURISM IN POLAND AND IN SELECTED COUNTRIES

The article aims to present the infl uence of the 2008/2009 world economic crisis on tourism in Poland, the European Union and worldwide. It started from the collapse of the real estate market, which was preceded by several years of irrational increase in its prices. The consequences were also of great importance for business operations in the tourism sector, both on the supply and the demand plane. The study used data of World Tourism Organization and World Travel & Tourism Council, as well as statistical data of the Glowny Urząd Statystyczny and reports from the Institute of Tourism. The spatial range of the analysed phenomena includes Poland in comparison with other European Union countries and the world. The article uses a descriptive method. In Poland, the economic crisis was mainly connected with the problems with Polish zloty and their consequences. There was an evident decrease in the number of foreign tourists’ visits to Poland in 2008/2009. Evident falling tendencies in the 1st quarter of 2009 were also recorded in the area of accommodation for organised groups of tourists. It is also worth noting that the effects of the crisis of 2008-2009 in 2010 was stopped and e.g. In Poland recorded growth of tourist arrivals by 5%. In comparison with the same period of 2008, the total number of foreigners using that base declined by 13.2%.

The Journey not the Arrival Matters: Developing Intercultural Awareness and Communication Skills in Tourism Education1

Tourism professionals’ linguistic and intercultural skills have been identified as pivotal assets towards upgrading the quality of the service they provide and contributing to successful communication and intercultural dialogue. This paper aims to shed light on skills-based tourism education, centred in real-world problem-solving tasks, within the scope of teaching/learning English as a foreign language for tourism purposes. It will specifically focus on the methodologies adopted in the subject of English IV in the Tourism Management and Leisure Management and Tourism Entertainment undergraduate degrees at the Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies, in Portugal, whose syllabus introduces the relationship between tourism and culture, encourages the reflection on the concepts of cultural representations and stereotypes, and emphasises the need for tourism professionals to be aware of cultural differences, enabling them to relate with worldwide business partners and tourists in more respectful ways.

Profile of the tourists visiting Porto and the North of Portugal

Purpose – This article aims to characterize the profile of non-resident tourists visiting Porto and the North of Portugal and highlights the importance and evolution of tourist flows to the region, taking into account the airport development and the impact of low-cost airlines. Design/methodology/approach – The article presents and discusses official tourism statistics and the results of on an ongoing survey by Institute for Tourism Planning and Development (IPDT) – Institute of Tourism, conducted at Porto airport on the tourist profile of non-resident tourists to the region. Findings – The research findings reveal a remarkable growth in Porto and North of Portugal tourism – reflecting notable work over the past few years by tourism industry organizations. The Porto airport upgrade allowed for a new dynamic in the region, opening the door to European tourists via low-cost routes. The tourist’s profile depicts a young, active, upper class tourist, with an above average income, who truly appreciates Porto and the North of Portugal region and is willing to recommend it to friends and family. Practical implications – Results provide rich insights on non-resident tourism in the region – where tourists come from, why they selected this destination for their trip and what they enjoy doing, among other information and is highly relevant for strategic and marketing activities related to tourism promotion and the service quality offer. Originality/value – This article seeks to illustrate the non-resident tourist profiles of those visiting Porto and the North of Portugal, based on a unique study conducted over the past three years.

The image of Portugal as a tourist destination – an international perspective

Purpose – This article aims to identify the image of Portugal as a tourist destination in international markets and the impacts of the economic crisis on that image. As the basis for the analysis, the results from the past three years of an ongoing research by IPDT – Institute of Tourism on this topic were used. The findings were used to support a discussion on the need for social and political stability and a climate of creativity and innovation in the tourism sector to foster growth and success. Design/methodology/approach – The article is based on official tourism information, research by IPDT on the tourists’ profile in Portugal and an ongoing research on “the image of Portugal as a tourist destination” carried out using as population the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Members directory. Findings – The international tourism market recognizes and appreciates the destination – Portugal, recognizing that the present context of crisis does not negatively affect Portugal’s touristic image. The results presented and discussed indicate a preference by respondents for “Wine” as the main touristic product that should be associated to Portugal in its international tourism promotion. This perception is clearly aligned with the prominence that Portuguese wines have been taking internationally and a perspective that indicates alternative products to the traditional “sun and sea” associated with the country’s tourism image. Practical implications – The research results presented and the supporting discussion allow for a better understanding on the present image of Portugal as a tourist destination and the alternative attributes to traditional “sun and sea” that may be used in its international promotion. These results may indicate the need for a repositioning of the destination by the introduction of new elements in the promotional messages. The reflexions presented may be of great use for decision-makers in-charge of international tourism promotion. Originality/value – This article analysis the impact of the economic crisis on the image of Portugal as a tourist destination, based on an international study carried out over a 3-year period. The results alert for possible discrepancies between the destinations positioning and the perceptions and desires of the markets.

International Higher Education Cooperation in Hospitality, Tourism and Food Studies: An Experience Conducted by the Taylor’s Toulouse University Center in Malaysia

AbstractThis paper narrates the story of the international university cooperation between a French state university, University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès and more precisely, the Higher Institute of Tourism, Hospitality and Food Studies (ISTHIA) and a private university, namely Taylor’s University and more precisely, theSchool of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Artslocated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We first describe the five stages in the development of the partnership from 1986 to date with a focus on the major evolutions in both institutions and then review the current activities (joint degrees, research, exchange programs and continuing education) conducted under the aegis of the Taylor’s Toulouse University Center since 2009. We outline the paradigms underlying the design of such an international academic cooperation by using this experience as a reference. Lastly, we suggest socio-anthropological models of collective initiatives to describe and account for the rationale of action by the two partners. This paper encapsulates the nature of international academic cooperation and offers food for thought to envisage other cooperation schemes in different cultural environments.

Divided we stand: institutional collaboration in tourism planning and development in the Central Region of Ghana

This research is an exploratory study that examines collaboration at the institutional level in the tourism sector of the Central Region, Ghana. The research begins with a review of the key issues related to collaboration in tourism planning and development followed by an extensive exploration of three main issues related to institutional collaboration in tourism in the Central Region. The three main issues are the vision of tourism development shared among stakeholders, collaboration and coordination within the public sector and between the public and private sectors and the factors that constrain and facilitate collaboration and coordination. Using extensive interviews with key stakeholders and reviewing policy documents, the research indicates low levels of collaboration between tourism institutions both within the public sector and across the public–private sectors. This is notwithstanding a shared awareness of the benefits of collaboration among all actors. The research thus contributes interesting insights into the politics of collaboration in tourism destinations. Given tourism's contribution to the Ghanaian economy, it is imperative that efforts are made towards improving the levels of collaboration and coordination between tourism agencies and institutions.

The Role of the Incentives and Reward System in Enhancing Employee's Performance “A Case of Jordanian Travel and Tourism Institutions"

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of incentives on employee performance for the employees of the Jordanian tourism and travel institutions. Statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) program were used for descriptive analysis. for the purpose of this study, the sample was chosen randomly and it consisted of 28 institutions found in Amman. As for the respondents of the sample, they were 44 employees who received 44 questionnaires. 41 questionnaires were returned, which forms 93% of the sample. The main findings indicate that there is an adequate level of incentives provided to employees. Moral incentives, rewards, efficiency of reward system and promotions are four factors found to have significant impacts on employee performance in Jordanian travel and tourism institution . However, rewards ranked in the first place of its impact on the employee performance while promotion ranked in the last place. Finally, this study has verified further research opportunities that could enrich the understanding of incentives and employee performance at the Jordanian travel and tourism institutions.

The Role of E - Marketing in the Development of Internet User Attitudes Toward Tourist Sites in Saudi Arabia

The Internet has become just a vital part of the contemporary social life. It has gained importance in tourism sectors and institutions since it has served as a means to reach people who are interested and to influence their attitudes and behavior towards tourist sites. This research intended to identify the role of e-marketing in the developing attitudes of Internet users to tourist sites in Saudi Arabia. The research aimed also to explore the e-marketing mix: electronic service, cost, promotion, website, the accuracy of the information, payment, and personalization. The paper reviewed the previous studies of the electronic marketing of tourism, and worked on and developed a tool for field data collection which has given acceptable Validity and Reliability indicators. The research has been carried out with 478 participants (Internet users) chosen from various regions of the Kingdom. This paper presents methods to improve the role of e-marketing attitudes on Internet users in relation to tourism and through touching the needs and desires of tourists and its impact on the design of the website. The results of the research indicated that the level of using e-marketing towards the tourist sites in Saudi Arabia has increased, the attitudes of Internet users to tourist sites in Saudi Arabia were positive, and the dimensions of the e-marketing mix (e-service, price, promotion, website, the accuracy of the information, and payment) have impacted on Internet users’ attitudes towards the tourist sites in Saudi Arabia. Keywords: E-marketing, Tourism; Internet; Attitudes.

Logistics in providing private accommodation services in Primorsko-goranska county

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to find a concept for optimizing cost and revenue from providing private accommodation services. The aim is to display how linking all participants who provide private accommodation services into a logistics network will result in better and higher quality service for the guest and in reduced cost for the private accommodation provider. Design – This study researches private accommodation providers in the Primorsko - Goranska County. Primorsko - Goranska County has great potential for providing private accommodation services, but it does not have a well-organized system which could improve the quality of the provided services. Methodology – To prove the study’s thesis, scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, methods of induction and deduction, as well as historic and statistical methods have been employed. Furthermore, it includes data from the Department of Tourism, Office of the Croatian Government in Rijeka, as well as data obtained from the local Association of Private Accommodation HGK – PGŽ (Croatian Chamber of Economy in the Primorsko – Goranska County), data from the statistical yearbook, Institute for tourism as well as data from the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and other scientific and professional literature. Approach – The authors aim to prove that by linking all participants in the process of providing private accommodation into a logistics network would increase the quality of the service and simultaneously optimize the costs. The logistic solution which will be proposed in the “Results” section will provide answers to the suggestion whether private accommodation providers should enter into a system with its business surroundings, i.e. travel agencies, local administration community systems, tourist boards, commercial service associations, state institutions, etc. Findings – This research has reached the conclusion that private accommodation providers do not satisfy the principles of the logistic concept and that other participants in the process of providing private accommodation services (institutions) do not adequately support them. The logistic concept is not the final solution, but a foundation for further research. Originality of the research – This paper represents a valuable contribution to research into private accommodation as a phenomenon in the accommodation structure and accommodation services at the level of the Primorsko – Goranska County as well as the Republic of Croatia as a whole. A logistic concept is provided which could solve the problem of poor organization that many private accommodation owners face and it could also possibly have a practical effect on both private accommodation owners and managers. The paper also enriches the overall amount of scientific literature in the field of logistics, organization and management in tourism.

Jubileusz 10-lecia Instytutu Wychowania Fizycznego, Turystyki i Fizjoterapii Akademii im. Jana Długosza w Częstochowie (2004–2014)

Jubileusz 10-lecia Instytutu Wychowania Fizycznego, Turystyki i Fizjoterapii Akademii im. Jana Długosza w Częstochowie (2004–2014)

Poziom wybranych cech somatycznych, subiektywnej oceny zdrowia i sprawności fizycznej u studentów Instytutu Kultury Fizycznej i Turystyki Akademii im. Jana Długosza w Częstochowie

dLibra Digital Library, Poziom wybranych cech somatycznych, subiektywnej oceny zdrowia i sprawności fizycznej u studentów Instytutu Kultury Fizycznej i Turystyki Akademii im. Jana Długosza w Częstochowie

Drug consumption tourism as a social phenomenon

Narcotourism was initiated in the second half of the 60th of the Twentieth century by the North American and Western European participants of counterculture movements, especially hippies. Over the years, it has been undergoing transformation, but its purpose remained the same. Changes were primarily expressed in expanding drug deals, adapting the tourist facilities to the needs of narcotourists and opening new geographical directions. It is worth noting that a significant proportion of change was also associated with changing of the type of tourists interested in psychoactive substances. This article presents the phenomenon of drug tourism, which is still rarely discussed phenomenon. Socio-cultural development, the relative improvement of the economic situation and the increasing amount of free time contributed to the strong growth in tourist activity. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), in 1990 415 million people participated in the international tourism, in 1998 the number rose to 625 million, in 2005 - to about 1 billion and as predicted in 2020 the global tourism should cover about 1.6 billion people. (1) According to the Institute of Tourism of the School of Tourism and Recreation, in 2011 the Polish borders were crossed by nearly 43.3 million Polish citizens travelling to other countries. It was about 500,000 times more than in the previous year. Among those crossing the border, there were 5.5 million of people aged 15 years and over, 0.8 million - to the age of 14 years.

The Soviet Union Outgoing Tourism in 1955-1985: Volume, Geography, Organizational Forms

In this paper, the institutional component, the volume and geography, and the specific forms of Soviet outgoing (foreign) tourism from 1955-1985 are reconstructed using documents from four central state archives on the basis of Soviet, post-Soviet and foreign historiography. A neoinstitutional approach allows the author to show the dependence of the above mentioned parameters from the essential principles which were the basis for the activities of tourism institutions being responsible for organizing foreign tours for the Soviet citizens and the ideological control.

Country Brand Identity: An Exploratory Study about the Brazil Brand with American Travel Agencies

A country's image, transmitted through its brand, can enhance a country's international performance or diminish its global prominence in various sectors and spheres. This study's aim is to transpose the concept of brand identity to a country's brand based on Aaker's (2007) model. The research was qualitative and exploratory, including in-depth interviews with Embratur (the Brazilian Federal Institute of Tourism) and 20 travel agencies in the USA. We concluded that Aaker's theory may be partially applied to a country's brand. The core identity of the Brazil brand partially corresponds to the image that Embratur desires (diversity). The expanded identity, however, did not provide additional integrity or texture to Brazil's brand. This study on country-brand identity, applied to a growing sector, contributes to the body of research on country-brand management in international marketing.

Responding to the tourism industry training and human resource challenges in Sri Lanka

Purpose – The paper aims to explore the foremost training and human resource development challenges from the perspective of the Ministry of Economic Development funded Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (the institute). Design/methodology/approach – The first of two theme issue articles on industry training and human resource challenges, the paper is based on discussions with senior management and staff representing the Institute at its main campus in Colombo. The second article features responses from community leaders and from one of the Institute's provincial centres in Anuradhapura. Findings – The Institute has identified the need to commercialize its country-wide operations so as to minimize the amount of Government subsidy and ensure that its courses are aligned as closely as possible with the needs of Industry. Second, senior management spoke about the challenge of attracting Sri Lankans to engage in tourism and thereafter equipping them with the personal and professional skills needed to provide the level of service expected by international tourism visitors. Practical implications – The paper highlights the need for innovative thinking and action in response to practical challenges and business development pressures. Originality/value – The study draws on the views of senior industry practitioners who are actively engaged in responding to the challenges arising from Sri Lanka's ambitious plans for tourism development.

Identification Elements of Optimal Organisational Model of Tourism Education in Slovenia

The main aim of the research was to identify the elements of a suitable organisational educational model for tourism in Slovenia. Our research was based on the need of inner circular reflexive performance of the individual in the tourism education model, institutionalised concept of education, which is viewed by outer reflexive model of tourism educational institutions performance and functional practical interaction of individuals and tourism institutions at the development of innovative potentials in the field of tourism. Tendencies to develop complex and qualitative services coming from permanent strengthening of innovative potential of tourism services are common in this field. It is necessary to develop a suitable model in the field of tourism education that places an individual in the educational process taking into account his/her conscious reflection, rational reflection and acquired motivation for solving complex projects in various levels of tourism. Suitable tourism education model, which is level-structured, is expanded in two ways. It includes the active role of an individual in rationalising practical knowledge and strengthening the innovative potential in developing his/her competences, and the role of tourism education institutions. The organisational cultural dimension can be observed as dual activity structure distinguishing between conscious reflection of the external environment on the level of educational institution and internal practical consciousness on the level of individual development of competences. Giddens structuration theory is used as a conceptual frame explaining the organisational-cultural dimensions of suitably structured educational model for tourism in Slovenia. The conclusion is based on the fact that an individual does not acknowledge the multilevel structure of study at higher education where there is an absence of conscious, practical and motivational reflection. Organisational cultural environment in the field of tourism education in Slovenia prefers practical and functional ways of acquiring competences on a higher and postgraduate (Master’s) level of study. Due to the structured changes implemented by the Bologna process, competences are not realised on the higher education level but on the postgraduate (Master’s) level, which demands a systematic review and a suitable education model change.

Management of Agritourism in Order to Tourism Industry Development at Iran

In order to study development of tourism industry by agriculture, this research was conducted in Tourism Institute of the Sound of Aryan Heritage, Karaj, Iran during 2011. First, was identified the best tourist attraction in agriculture such as: forest, rangelands, fruits and flower gardens and fish farming. The aim of this paper is to study development of tourism industry by agriculture. Agritourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Agricultural tourism is a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment or education of visitors, and that generates supplemental income for the owner. The promote agriculture tourism to achieve income, employment and economic stability in rural communities in countries. Agritourism describes the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operation to enjoy, be educated or be involved in activities. People have become more interested in how their food is produced. They want to meet farmers and processors and talk with them about what goes into food production.

Instituições de suporte, serviços e desempenho: um estudo em aglomeração turística de Santa Catarina

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as instituições de suporte à atividade turística em destinos turísticos na região do litoral norte de Santa Catarina. A partir de uma discussão sobre as aglomerações territoriais, os recursos competitivos e o papel das instituições de suporte, foi realizada uma pesquisa com instituições de sete cidades da chamada Costa Verde e Mar naquele estado, que, além da localização próxima, têm em comum possuir o turismo de sol e praia entre suas principais atividades econômicas. A escolha por essa atividade econômica se deu pelo fato de que as empresas turísticas, de modo geral, aglomeram-se em torno dos atrativos turísticos. Desta forma, propiciam o surgimento de instituições de suporte à sua atividade, sobretudo pela facilidade de escala desses serviços. Os dados primários foram coletados por meio de um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas, aplicado aos dirigentes das instituições pesquisadas. Os dados secundários, relacionados ao desempenho turístico das cidades, foram retirados de uma página oficial do órgão de turismo estadual. O tratamento se deu por estatística descritiva inferencial e categorização. Os resultados apontam que há diversidade de instituições na região, mas que isso não se reflete em diversidade de serviços que se concentram nas assessorias.

CHINESE OUTBOUND TOURISM: NEW CHALLENGES FOR EUROPEAN TOURISM

The growth of China’s outbound tourism is a source of both threats and opportunities for European countries. Therefore, European tourism institutions and companies should focus their attention on this emerging market. The objective of this paper is to analyze the consequences that the boom in Chinese tourism could have for European tourism. A critical analysis provides the basis for actions and measures that the main European tourism institutions and companies should adopt in order to face these new challenges.

Public trust in tourism institutions

Political trust is important for good governance. However, there is a paucity of research on this topic in the tourism literature. This paper tests a model of public trust in tourism institutions developed on the premise of the institutional and cultural theories of political trust. Results from the structural equation modeling analysis suggest that perceived economic and political performance of institutions, residents’ power in tourism, and interpersonal trust are good determinants of political trust in tourism institutions. A significant relationship is also noted between public trust and political support for tourism. The theoretical and practical implications, of the findings, the study’s limitations, and some directions for future research are discussed.