Tourism Sector Research Articles

TREND ANALYSIS AND CORRELATION OF TOURIST, RESTAURANT AND HOTEL VISITS IN KUNINGAN REGENCY

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the tourism sector in Kuningan Regency, focusing specifically on hotel stays, tourist arrivals, and restaurant visits. Utilizing forecasting models and correlation analyses, the research aims to uncover trends and interdependencies within the sector. The primary objective is to identify actionable insights that can inform data-driven decision-making. The study employs the FBProphet algorithm for forecasting future trends and conducts Kendall correlation analysis to examine relationships among key variables. Data collected spans a time series of 84 months, from January 2016 to December 2022. FBProphet accurately predicts trends in hotel stays, while variations exist in predictions for tourist arrivals and restaurant visits. Mean values for hotel stays, tourist arrivals, and restaurant visits are 21,098.67, 135,647.33, and 130,660.83, respectively. Kendall correlation analysis reveals a moderate positive correlation (0.214, p-value = 0.004) between tourist arrivals and restaurant visits, a strong positive correlation (0.324, p-value = 1.291e-05) between tourist arrivals and hotel stays, and a weaker positive correlation (0.176, p-value = 0.019) between restaurant visits and hotel stays. These findings underscore the intricate dynamics of Kuningan Regency's tourism sector, providing stakeholders with critical insights for strategic planning. The research contributes significantly to sustainable growth initiatives by guiding stakeholders in leveraging the interconnected elements of tourism and making well-informed decisions.

Evaluating the climatic suitability for camping in South Africa: an application of the Camping Climate Index (CCI)

ABSTRACT Nature-based tourism is a prominent component of the tourism sector in South Africa, attracting both domestic and international travellers. Camping plays a crucial role, providing both affordable lodging and an opportunity to engage more directly and continuously with the natural environment. Climate is a key determinant of the feasibility of camping activities and has been empirically established as a significant influence in tourists’ decision-making process when selecting a destination. The climate in South Africa, while highly heterogenous, has been generally classified as ‘ideal’ for tourism. The Camping Climate Index (CCI) has recently been developed to quantify the climatic suitability of diverse camping locations, and the suitability of the index confirmed for South Africa. This study applies the CCI to 33 stations across South Africa for the period 1990–2022 or for the longest time period for which data are available. The average annual CCI scores range from 3.5 (‘unfavourable’) for Sutherland to 5.3 (‘acceptable’) for King Shaka International Airport. Mean monthly scores for the common period 2017–2021 range from 2.7 (‘unfavourable’) for Sutherland in August to 6.2 (‘good’) for Springbok in January and December. This facilitates the advancement of the tourism sector in South Africa by providing a quantitative assessment of the climatic conditions suitable for camping activities.

Tourism in the polycrisis: a Horizon 2050 paper

Purpose Tourism faces a range of interconnected and potentially transformative global risks – collectively considered an evolving polycrisis – that have not been adequately defined and understood. As a result, the industry struggles to proactively anticipate and mitigate potential future challenges, while governments lack insight for strategic longer-term decision-making on tourism development. The purpose of this paper is to advance tourism sector consideration of global change threats and their complex interactions and more effectively incorporate these risks into tourism futures planning. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual gap is addressed through a discussion of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports, and their definition of environmental, economic, geopolitical, societal and technological risk categories. In applying results to tourism, a preliminary expert assessment of global risks serves as a foundational framework to incorporate potential global change threats more effectively into tourism futures planning and decision-making. Findings Additional research should be prioritized to examine global risks most influential of tourism, how and where they may interact, how to convert risk categories into measurable indicators and to evaluate whether risk assessments can contribute to mitigating the evolving polycrisis. Originality/value This paper discusses the systematic and strategic engagement with global risks for tourism, critically reviews the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports from tourism perspective, presents key risk dimensions driving future tourism development, provides a foundational framework to further assess global risk for tourism and compels tourism academy to prioritize global change research agenda.

Use and Adoption of Website and Social Media Marketing: Insights from Homestay Business Owners

This qualitative inquiry delves into the transformative impact of digital technology adoption, specifically websites and social media, on the operational and promotional strategies of homestay business owners in Negeri Sembilan within the burgeoning technology-driven tourism sector. It critically examines the integration of these digital tools into marketing and communication frameworks, evaluates their role in enhancing business visibility and shaping public perceptions, and offers comprehensive insights into the associated benefits and challenges. Initial results indicate that the adoption of websites has significantly redefined marketing paradigms by broadening customer outreach and intensifying engagement, while social media has been instrumental in increasing visibility and improving interactive communications with prospective clients. However, this digital transition also poses challenges, including the need for continuous content development and bridging the digital skills gap.

An evaluation of the footprint of diversification strategy in the tourism sector: a global perspective

ABSTRACT For the first time, the relationship between tourism market diversification and a comprehensive measure of environmental degradation – ecological footprint, has been examined in this study. Using a Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) framework, additional explanatory variables have been recognised in the analysis. A recently introduced quantile regression approach has been used to investigate the differential impacts of tourism market diversification in 94 host countries, during 1995–2018. The findings suggest that tourism market diversification generates more ecological footprint in the countries. An examination of the relationship has been further conducted with the countries divided into different income clusters. It is shown that tourism market diversification generates a lower ecological footprint in low-income countries. In lower middle-income countries and upper middle-income countries, tourism market diversification generates a greater ecological footprint. Tourism market diversification does not significantly affect the ecological footprint in high-income countries.

Enhancing tourism management through big data: Design and implementation of an integrated information system

Many sectors, particularly traveling, have been profoundly affected by the fast development of big data technologies. This article provides a detailed examination of the development and execution of a Tourism Management Information System (TMIS) that utilizes big data analytics to improve operational effectiveness, gain insights into tourist behavior, and encourage sustainable tourism practices. The system combines data from several sources, including booking systems, social media platforms, and tracking devices, and addresses issues related to data privacy, quality, and integration. The TMIS utilizes statistical information to provide tailored tourist experiences, enhance resource allocation, and aid in long-term planning. The study emphasizes the significance of strong data management, which involves assuring the precision of data and its immediate significance. Additionally, this article examines the potential of big data in promoting a strong and creative tourism industry. It highlights the importance of future studies in exploring sustainable uses of big data and the incorporation of novel technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve personalized experiences. The present research highlights the significant and positive influence of big data on the management of tourism. It offers a structured approach for implementing big data in practice and sets the stage for long-term and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

DIGITALISATION AS A MARKETING MANAGEMENT TOOL IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

This article explores the concept of digitalisation and its impact on marketing management in the tourism industry. The study examines the evolution of digitalisation from its origins in the 1960s and 1970s to its current role in the economy, with a particular focus on the tourism sector. Objective of the research. The aim is to explain the multifaceted nature of digitalisation and highlight its importance as a transformative force in the tourism industry. The study aims to demonstrate how digitalisation fosters innovation, increases operational efficiency and creates personalised and interactive experiences for consumers. It seeks to provide a clear understanding of how digital tools and technologies can be strategically integrated into marketing practices to improve business results and customer satisfaction. Research methodology. The study employs a comprehensive literature review, in which the various definitions and interpretations of digitalisation proposed by renowned scholars are subjected to analysis. Furthermore, case studies and practical applications of digital technologies, including Big Data, blockchain, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, virtualisation technologies, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the tourism industry, are also considered. A comparative analysis is applied to identify the most informative and widely recognised definitions of digitalisation, with particular emphasis on the definition proposed by Laudon and Laudon (2019) due to its clarity and comprehensiveness. Research results. The findings indicate that digitalisation is a critical catalyst for rewriting the travel narrative for consumers, transforming destinations into dynamic, interactive, and responsive ecosystems. The incorporation of digital technologies within the tourism sector not only optimises operational efficiency but also markedly enhances the customer experience. The implementation of personalised marketing, the utilisation of AI-based customer service tools and the application of predictive analytics have been identified as key benefits. However, the study also identifies challenges associated with data privacy, integration with existing systems, and the necessity for continuous adaptation and improvement of CRM strategies to align with evolving customer expectations. Practical implications. Digitalisation opens up significant opportunities for the tourism industry to innovate and maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market environment.

Implementasi Algoritma A* (A-Star) untuk mencari Rute Tercepat dari Bandara Soekarno Hatta ke Destinasi Kota Tua Jakarta

The tourism sector is an economic sector that is growing rapidly. One of the best destinations that can be used as a tourist destination in DKI Jakarta is the Old City of Jakarta. The Old City of Jakarta has easy access and very affordable costs. There are many roads to the Old City of Jakarta, but the road to the Old City of Jakarta is very far away and has traffic congestion, especially towards the weekend, which could potentially make it difficult for tourists who want to visit. Therefore, we need an effective method that can help find the route with the shortest distance and fastest travel time. In this research, the method that can be used to find the fastest path or route is the A*Star algorithm. The results obtained after examining three routes (Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya, Jalan Peta Barat and Jalan Raya Daan Mogot), obtained the fastest route with a distance of 5,881.5 KM, namely the Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya route. By applying this method, it is hoped that it can solve the problem of determining the fastest route to the tourist location of the Old City of Jakarta.

The GAI marketing model: A conceptual framework and future research directions

This research introduces the GAI Marketing Model, a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding and applying generative artificial intelligence (GAI) within marketing, specifically in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Building on existing classifications of GAI, this model incorporates critical elements such as adoption factors, marketing stages, and downstream outcomes. The framework offers a structured approach to exploring GAI’s potential to transform marketing strategies by enhancing personalization, improving customer engagement, and optimizing decision-making processes. The GAI Marketing Model synthesizes elements of technology, marketing theory, and consumer psychology, offering crucial insights that are instrumental for researchers and practitioners seeking to harness GAI for competitive advantage. Additionally, the model underscores the importance of ethical considerations and regulatory compliance, thereby ensuring that the integration of GAI into marketing practices remains both efficacious and responsible. This study establishes a foundational framework for future research, emphasizing the interdisciplinary scope of GAI’s influence on marketing strategies and practices

COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 transitions: case study on the Lao PDR

PurposeThe purpose of this review paper is to investigate the consequences of tourism development and economic growth within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, focusing specifically on Lao PDR post-pandemic. The adverse effect of COVID-19 on tourism and economic sectors has been pervasive across the ASEAN region, with varying degrees of impact. Some of these difficulties are set to continue, though there are positive signs of recovery and of the resilience of the tourism industry. Utilising case material from Lao PDR in Southeast Asia – an area frequently neglected in tourism studies – the paper sheds light on the post-pandemic landscape to address existing gaps in the current literature.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was taken in this review paper, utilising secondary data such as media reports, official reports from Tourism Laos and international governing bodies like United Nations and the World Bank to form a viewpoint discussion in the Lao PDR post-pandemic condition.FindingsThis paper reveals that contrary to a long period of recovery post-pandemic, there has been a degree of continuity from the pre-pandemic period. Considerable numbers of backpackers have returned to Vang Vieng, along with Vientiane and Luang Prabang. While the pre-pandemic emphasis on mass tourism persists, there is also an increased focus on regional and domestic markets. Laos, with its strategic location and cross-border connections, aims to take advantage of this shift.Originality/valueThe paper highlights a detailed exploration of the Lao tourism industry post-pandemic. It goes beyond the initial expectations in literature of a complete transformation post-pandemic, highlighting the continuity in visitor sources and traditional tourist attractions. It emphasises the Lao PDR strategic position for market reorientation, providing insight into the nation’s adaptive strategies and a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of Lao tourism.

Sustainable Recovery in Health Tourism: Managerial Insights from a Mediterranean Destination during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health tourism, a sector that has gained increasing global attention, particularly in the context of sustainable development, is poised for significant growth even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the challenges faced by the health tourism sector in a small Mediterranean country, focusing on sustainable recovery strategies. The current study aims to determine managerial implications post-COVID-19, emphasizing sustainability in operational practices and long-term demand growth. We conducted in-depth interviews with 32 health tourism managers and experts, and the qualitative content analysis with Leximancer identified key themes such as sustainable demand management, organizational adaptation, and crisis recovery. This study revealed eight critical themes related to managerial survival and the demand for sustainable practices in health tourism, namely “demand”, “hotel”, “tour operators”, “employees”, “crises”, “social media”, “word of mouth”, and “time”. These findings underscore the importance of integrating sustainability into tourism recovery strategies, ensuring long-term resilience for the industry. This study, which provides theoretical and practical insights into the sustainable growth of health tourism amidst global crises, serves as a valuable reference for stakeholders seeking sustainable development solutions, inspiring them to contribute to the sector’s growth.

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

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

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

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

Beyond Creating Collections

This paper aims to demonstrate how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D archaeological reconstructions have been employed to immerse viewers into historical places with the inclusion or exclusion of digital narratives in the heritage and tourism sectors. Countless galleries, libraries, archives, and museums have included digitally re-created objects and re-imagined scenes in situ through theatrical sets and live historical re-enactments to help visitors see and contextualise objects from history. What if these techniques were applied to 3D virtual narrative experiences? This scoping review focuses primarily on selected studies that create 3D models for archaeology, VR, and AR that utilise 3D models, and virtual heritage ‘edutainment’ experiences published within the last five years (i.e., 2018-2023). It gives an overview of the current methods and technologies used to create 3D heritage productions for scientific studies, heritage preservation and tourism, and educational applications. Ultimately, this paper discusses possibilities for future work on how extended reality and 3D models could be included in narrative experiences based on gaps in the existing research.

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

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

The Virtuous Circle of Governance in Tourism Destinations: Enhancing Competitiveness and Sustainability

Tourism governance has evolved significantly since the 1990s, shifting from traditional destination planning to more inclusive and collaborative models. This article explores the evolution of governance in tourism, emphasizing its potential to create a virtuous circle of continuous improvement. Governance in tourism is particularly relevant due to the sector’s transversal nature, which requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including public authorities, private enterprises, and local communities. Effective governance aims to enhance both competitiveness and sustainability, two central objectives for destination management. The article identifies seven key dimensions of governance—participation, coherence, responsibility, effectiveness, know-how/quality, openness, and simplification—each of which plays a crucial role in ensuring successful governance. Furthermore, it highlights the dynamics of the virtuous circle, where open communication fosters trust and capacity, enabling productive participation. This, in turn, leads to coherent action aligned with long-term goals, enhanced by expertise and a commitment to quality. Responsible decision-making ensures sustainability, thereby reinforcing the entire process. Ultimately, the virtuous circle of governance creates a self-reinforcing system that continuously improves the effectiveness and adaptability of tourism management. By adopting this governance model, destinations can better address the complexities of the tourism sector, fostering sustainable development while ensuring competitiveness.

Research on Child-Friendly Evaluation and Optimization Strategies for Rural Public Spaces

Public spaces are essential for the implementation of child-friendly principles and the development of child-friendly cities, with positive and healthy environments playing a crucial role in supporting children’s well-being and development. However, existing research on child-friendly public spaces predominantly targets economically developed urban areas with robust public service infrastructure, often neglecting rural areas with less advanced facilities. This study utilizes grounded theory and qualitative analysis to propose a child-friendly public space evaluation framework specifically for rural settings. The framework includes four primary indicators—safety, accessibility, comfort, and multifunctionality—and 19 secondary indicators, such as facility safety and plant safety. An empirical investigation was conducted in Baishoupu Town, a child-friendly pilot area within Changsha, China, which is designated as a United Nations Child-Friendly City, and the study encompassed an analysis of 11 rural villages within this area. The findings reveal that while Baishoupu Town demonstrates a relatively high level of child-friendly development, there is significant disparity among individual villages. Key determinants affecting the child-friendliness of rural public spaces include the type of rural industry, per capita income levels, and the degree of policy support. Specifically, the advancement of public service infrastructure and the tourism sector significantly influence the primary indicators. Moreover, while rural road infrastructure is positively correlated with accessibility, the presence of through traffic adversely affects safety indicators. Based on these insights, this study recommends enhancing child-friendliness in rural public spaces through strategic village planning, spatial design improvements, and ensuring child participation. This research provides valuable insights for government policy development and implementation and offers a replicable framework for child-friendly public space development in rural areas globally.

The Analysis of Tourism Attitudes using Natural Language Processing Techniques: A Case of Malaysian Tourists

The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all facets of the global tourism sector, particularly in Thailand, one of the world’s leading travel destinations. At the height of the epidemic, many countries imposed a nationwide lockdown, prohibiting all citizens from leaving the country and all foreign tourists from entering. This led to a global shutdown that significantly affected the daily lives of billions of people and seriously impacted the travel and tourism industry. After a two-year hiatus due to the epidemic, the situation eased and the lockdown restrictions were lifted. An interesting question is how visitors’ attitudes and preferences changed when compared to the time before the outbreak. This study attempts to answer this question by focusing on Malaysian visitors’ attitudes and perceptions toward destinations in southern Thailand. The study examines the perceptions of Malaysian Twitter (now X) users from three areas in Malaysia; Kedah, Perlis, and Kuala Lumpur, by employing Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques such as sentiment analysis and topic modeling. Then, tweet data before and after the lockdowns were gathered, analyzed, and compared. For sentiment analysis, it was found that, when neutral tweets were disregarded, results both before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns revealed that the attitudes conveyed by Malaysian tourists were overall positive especially a territory and a state that are more far away from Thailand, i.e., Kuala Lumpur and Kedah. The results from the topic modeling analysis showed a meaningful distinction between before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Practical suggestions are offered for tourism policymakers to identify and address both the strengths and weaknesses of tourism development in Southern Thailand.

Teaching Innovation and Teaching–Learning Methods for Sustainable Tourism Development Education in the Bachelor of Tourism Degree

Sustainable development has become the aspiration of many developing countries like Ecuador. The introduction of Bachelor of Tourism studies at the Technical University of Manabí is compatible with this interest and provides a challenge for teachers in the application of integrative and innovative teaching methods, which promote the training of professionals with high scientific, technical and professional rigor in the exercise of different professions. To achieve this, the pedagogical group started from three fundamental principles, which are based on the application of teaching work methods and procedures, based on the establishment of the interaction between the various factors that directly and indirectly influence the training process of professionals in the tourism sector. The results, both in the comprehensive evaluation processes of the academic performance of the teachers and in the level of satisfaction of the students of the course, support the application of these teaching–learning methods and highlight the convenience of extending these experiences and research results to other vocational training centers for tourism activity.

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

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