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Social Networking Sites’ Influence on Consumer Decision-making Within the Context of Smart Tourism
Marios Sotiriadis,
Dimitrios Koufopoulos,
Qing Zhou
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
1-10
Received:
5 December 2022
Accepted:
27 December 2022
Published:
10 January 2023
Abstract: The spread and extensive use of interactive platforms (Web2.0) have transformed the consumers’ behavior. The influence of social networking sites (SNSs) on consumers’ decision-making is on the radar of a multitude of industries and tourism could not be an exception. An in-depth understanding and insights in the consumer decision-making are valuable and critical in the field of tourism and travel that are consumer-driven and technology dominated industries. This article reports on a research project who’s the main aim was to explore the influence of social networks on consumer decision-making within the context of smart tourism, based on the travel life cycle or customer journey model. Data were collected in July to August 2022 using an online survey and the research model was tested with 630 respondents all SNS’ users within the Chinese context. Findings revealed that the greater influence of SNSs is at the second stage (i.e., on site/at destination) without overlooking the other stages (that are the stages before and after trip). The study’s results also suggested a ranking of influence that SNSs have on the investigated nine digital activities (by descending order): making on-site decisions, information searching, evaluating and sharing (online reviews), on-site evaluation, recommending and advocating tourism destinations and suppliers, recollecting/remembering, experiencing destination, preparing, booking and shopping. The article is completed by making suggestions for scholars, the tourism marketers, and those working with SNSs and other smart technologies.
Abstract: The spread and extensive use of interactive platforms (Web2.0) have transformed the consumers’ behavior. The influence of social networking sites (SNSs) on consumers’ decision-making is on the radar of a multitude of industries and tourism could not be an exception. An in-depth understanding and insights in the consumer decision-making are valuable...
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Mediating Effect of Management Strategies on Seasonality, Consumer Travel Behaviour and Performance of Star-Rated Beach Resorts in the Coastal Region of Kenya
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
11-15
Received:
13 December 2022
Accepted:
11 January 2023
Published:
30 January 2023
Abstract: Hotel sector have bright vision for the growth of travel and tourism industry by providing the country’s economic growth. Despite increased efforts by the beach resorts managers and Government of Kenya to make them a driving force in achieving the national economic growth, they have continued to suffer from annual seasonal fluctuations in the volume of business due to tourism seasonality and consumer travel behaviour, each with different expectations and demands. This paper assessed mediating effect of management strategies on seasonality, consumer travel behaviour and performance of star-rated beach resorts in the coastal region of Kenya. Mixed method approach was used to do a cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used to collect data. Target population comprised of managers (23) and guests (586). Managers were purposively selected while guests were randomly sampled. Descriptive and inferential statistic were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Specific strategies used to manage seasonality that were identified included price differentiation, product and market diversifications, product and policy mixing, promotional campaigns, seeking government assistance and forming partnerships with other stakeholders, among others. The study revealed that generally, all the strategies were important in managing seasonality. This observation was because in all the strategies, the mean rating was more than 3.0. Nevertheless, top three ratings were observed in market diversification (mean = 4.78), improved service quality (mean = 4.74) and product diversification (mean = 4.70). The study recommended that beach resort managers should perfect on the three effective marketing strategies such as market diversification, price differentiation, improved service quality and product diversification to manage impacts of seasonality on the performance of star-rated beach resorts.
Abstract: Hotel sector have bright vision for the growth of travel and tourism industry by providing the country’s economic growth. Despite increased efforts by the beach resorts managers and Government of Kenya to make them a driving force in achieving the national economic growth, they have continued to suffer from annual seasonal fluctuations in the volum...
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Customer Satisfaction and Quality of Service Delivery in Selected Two and Three Star Rated Hotels in Kumasi Metropolis
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
16-23
Received:
9 February 2023
Accepted:
4 March 2023
Published:
16 March 2023
Abstract: Investigations on performance in the hospitality industry have been to enquire further into the dynamics of customer’s perspective on the quality of service. This paper argues that key components of guest satisfaction would require further enquiry into specific strategies that might inform management efforts of maximizing customer satisfaction. A mixed method approach was employed to examine connections between customer satisfaction and quality of service delivery in star rated hotels in Kumasi metropolis. This study’s major focus were to examine food service in perceived customer’s satisfaction and service quality and also to determine the influence of service quality on customer perceived quality of service. Stratified random sampling techniques enabled a sample size of 349 from some two and three star rated hotels in Kumasi. Standardized questionnaires provided some rich data which were presented and supported with tables. The study confirms customer high expectations of service delivery. It is recommended that a more appropriate way forward for sustainability in the hotel management would more critical engagement with the dynamics that seek to support and promptly respond to customers perceptions on delivery. Additionally, such dynamics could be imparted in employee work patterns to enable a deeper appreciation of customer perceptions on service delivery.
Abstract: Investigations on performance in the hospitality industry have been to enquire further into the dynamics of customer’s perspective on the quality of service. This paper argues that key components of guest satisfaction would require further enquiry into specific strategies that might inform management efforts of maximizing customer satisfaction. A m...
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The Effect of Restorative Servicescape Perceived by Casino Integrated Resort Visitors on Place Attachment and Place Loyalty
Song Sun-Young,
Cha Gil-Soo
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
24-36
Received:
1 April 2023
Accepted:
18 April 2023
Published:
10 May 2023
Abstract: This study examined the Impact of restorative servicescape perceived by casino integrated resort visitors on place attachment and place loyalty, and the effect of place attachment in the relationship between restorative servicescape and place loyalty. Through this research, the aim is to explore ways to effectively create a service environment for casino businesses and to establish efficient place marketing strategies that can provide a differentiated and competitive advantage. First, a preliminary investigation was conducted to examine the concepts and characteristics of the study subjects, and a questionnaire based on these findings was used. To increase the validity of the questionnaire in this study and to select a sample with a high understanding of the concept of casino integrated resorts, face-to-face offline research was conducted targeting employees in the management sector of Paradise City Casino Integrated Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. Among them, visitors who were over 20 years old and had visited overseas casino integrated resorts such as Macao, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Las Vegas within the past two years were selected as the sample. A total of 410 questionnaires were distributed and collected from July 3, 2020, to August 11, 2020. Out of the 410 collected questionnaires, only 374 valid questionnaires were used, excluding 36 that showed inaccurate or insincere tendencies. Empirical analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0, AMOS 23.0, structural equation modeling, and Sobel’s Z test. The study results revealed that the restorative servicescape perceived by casino integrated resort visitors significantly influenced both place attachment and place loyalty. Visitors’ place attachment had a positive and significant impact on place loyalty, and place attachment was found to serve as a partial mediator in the relationship between restorative servicescape and place loyalty. Based on the research findings, the academic and practical implications of this study were presented, along with the study’s limitations and suggestions for future research.
Abstract: This study examined the Impact of restorative servicescape perceived by casino integrated resort visitors on place attachment and place loyalty, and the effect of place attachment in the relationship between restorative servicescape and place loyalty. Through this research, the aim is to explore ways to effectively create a service environment for ...
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Assessment of the Potential of Adventure Tourism in the Mt. Kenya Region
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
37-43
Received:
18 April 2023
Accepted:
12 May 2023
Published:
24 May 2023
Abstract: Today, adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism. It has experienced phenomenal growth in the last twenty or so years. However, despite this phenomenal growth, there is still conceptual ambiguity in literature on this niche market. Research on adventure tourism is limited but this is gradually changing. The purpose of the study was to discuss the prospects of developing adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region and challenges likely to be faced. The area has been a major tourist destination since colonial times, especially for mountaineers and campers. However, little effort if any has been made by various stakeholders to develop adventure tourism in the area. Available literature on adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region is scanty. This study aims to fill this research gap. A descriptive research design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data provided information on opinions of tourists and industry officials interviewed concerning prospects and challenges for developing adventure tourism in the study area. Quantitative data provided information on major tourist attractions for adventure tourism in the study area. Data collection techniques such as questionnaire survey and interview schedules were used to assess the possibility of developing a viable adventure tourism industry in the area. SWOT analysis was used in the study to explain the current constraints and potential for adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region. In-depth literature review and SWOT analysis revealed that many prospects exist for adventure tourism in the study area. Mountaineering, rock climbing, camping and bungee jumping were identified as possible activities that can be developed and expanded for adventure tourism. Therefore, all the stakeholders in the tourism industry in the region should market the area more aggressively locally and internationally.
Abstract: Today, adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism. It has experienced phenomenal growth in the last twenty or so years. However, despite this phenomenal growth, there is still conceptual ambiguity in literature on this niche market. Research on adventure tourism is limited but this is gradually changing. The purpo...
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Building and Heritage Conservation: A Potential Source for Enhancing the Socio-Economic Development of Local Communities in Nigeria
Abdullahi Yusuf,
Oluwafemi Kehinde Akande
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
44-48
Received:
1 May 2023
Accepted:
19 May 2023
Published:
29 May 2023
Abstract: A growing need for natural resources to meet basic requirements, a changing environment, and a socioeconomic situation that is changing quickly have all been factors that conservation scientists and professionals around the world have been examining. These factors have led to the economic importance of heritage and the improvement of social progress and cohesiveness. Cultural heritage currently supports the economic foundation of many communities, raises the level of living for the local population, and improves their quality of life. Despite the fact that Nigeria is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and economic resources, the majority of its communities are still among the least developed in the world. This is despite the fact that the natural and cultural heritage is, in large part, the property of the communities where it is situated. This paper examined the socioeconomic circumstances of the local populations living in or close to heritage sites, as well as their arts, music, and dance traditions. It made recommendations for tactics that communities may use to launch innovative initiatives and initiatives that could lead to socioeconomic growth and the eradication of poverty. It suggested implementing educational initiatives for the local populations to raise their awareness and appreciation of their cultural heritage and uncover its potential for contributing to their socioeconomic development. It concluded that the government need to help the communities develop their entrepreneurial skills so they may become self-sufficient.
Abstract: A growing need for natural resources to meet basic requirements, a changing environment, and a socioeconomic situation that is changing quickly have all been factors that conservation scientists and professionals around the world have been examining. These factors have led to the economic importance of heritage and the improvement of social progres...
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