Towards a tourism industry turnaround: the need for a new metric of social success

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Vargas-Sanchez

PurposeThis review highlights the need for a tourism industry turnaround combining changes in its governance and in its social success metric.Design/methodology/approachAlthough debate was ongoing before the pandemic with the sustainability approach as the main reference, the crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has multiplied and amplified the voices calling for change in order to counteract the inertia of a return to the pre-pandemic “business as usual” scenario.FindingsThis review led to a proposal that combines a tourism governance framework and its principles, with a conceptualisation of social success and guidelines for building a metric for its measurement.Originality/valueThis resides mainly in a transition from a public–private partnerships (3Ps) model to a new scheme of public–private–people partnership (4Ps). The P for “people” represents the need for an alliance with society to contribute to the recovery and transformation that the tourism industry is currently experiencing. In this process, local communities should be empowered to play an active role in it. In the proposal elaborated, host communities are the focus of its conceptual architecture. To-date, analysis of the application of the 4Ps model to tourism is almost unexplored, despite the significant practical implications of a power re-balancing in decisions related to tourism planning and development. In addition, a social success-driven metric supported at the institutional level will contribute to redefining priorities in tourism destinations'/companies' strategies.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Verica Milutinovic ◽  
Jelena Musanovic ◽  
Dejan Beric

Purpose This study made an advance over previous work by providing a modified model for measuring the competitiveness of tourism destinations based on competitive performance from a stakeholder perspective. Furthermore, this paper aims to evaluate the sources of relative strengths and weaknesses perceived of a destination. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative approach to seek opinions of 135 tourism stakeholders. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the profile of the respondents, quantify the main findings and test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results highlight the importance of safety in determining the attractiveness of a destination and its significance for the competitiveness of a destination. The strongest indicator of competitiveness is “Core resources and attractions,” while the weakest indicator is “Destination management.” Also, employees in public institutions and in the tourism industry in general have different opinions about competitive tourism destinations for most dimensions. Research limitations/implications Despite the fact that the findings do not consider the demand side, which has a major impact on the destination, they minimize the research gap and contribute to the existing literature review. Practical implications The results are of particular value to stakeholders and destination management responsible for strengthening the competitiveness of tourism destinations. Originality/value The research progressed over previous studies by developing and empirically testing a modified conceptual model for measuring destination competitiveness from a supply-side perspective and recommending improvements for the emerging tourism destinations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 691-699
Author(s):  
Alfonso Vargas

Purpose The COVID-19 crisis has had a dramatic impact on the tourism industry, with new challenges that calls for a combination of short- and medium-/long-term perspectives. At the destination level, a factor that has a critical incidence in the recovery path is the type of tourism governance. With the spotlight on this factor, the purpose of this paper is to reflect on the need to accommodate the model of tourism governance to the requirements of this new time. Design/methodology/approach The discussion that already existed in the literature about the roles of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) has been brought into the new context of the coronavirus crisis to propose three fundamental changes in them, together with the centrality of host communities in a model based on public–private–people partnerships. Findings Under the principle that the M in DMOs has to stand for management, an evolution of these organizations toward the performance of three different roles is proposed, namely, as the orchestrator of the various players in the destination, the facilitator of opportunities for its members and the intelligence promoter and their strategic mind. Practical implications The practical implications of this proposal are numerous, as it represents a move beyond the usual public–private partnerships of the old normal and goes further than the traditional roles of marketer, intermediary in the value chain and brand promoter. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first work dealing with the topic of tourism governance in the context of the pandemic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erhan Boğan ◽  
Mehmet Sarıışık

PurposeMuslim tourists participating in halal tourism activities represent a valuable niche market for global tourism industry. The purpose of this study is to clarify the concepts of halal tourism and Islamic tourism and to draw attention to some conceptual and practical challenges in the halal tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a critical assessment of the literature in this field. To differentiate the concepts and to discuss practical and conceptual challenges, the authors found some references by reviewing the existing definitions in related literature and the primary source of the concepts which is Holy Book of Islam, Quran.FindingsThe terms “intention” and “Islamic motivation” can be used to differentiate Islamic tourism and halal tourism. The authors suggest calling hotels that provide good and services in halal tourism industry as “halal hotels” and tourists as “Muslim tourists”. One of the leading practical challenges in halal tourism is having lack of halal standards, especially for hotels. As the way Muslims understand and adapt their lives to Islam is quite different, which means this market is not homogenous, the authors suggest that halal hotels should be scaled through different qualifications in different countries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on literature review, and it lacks primary research.Practical implicationsCurrent paper stresses the need for consistent use of Islamic-related tourism terms in industry. Hotel companies should have halal certifications that will provide assurance to customers. It is highly important for hotel companies to inform their target guests about the location of hotel before arriving at hotel. This is because halal hotels and other hotels are usually located in resort destination, especially in Turkey.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the leading papers that differentiates Islamic tourism and halal tourism concepts. It also provides several conceptual and practical issues in halal tourism industry.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Nangpiire ◽  
Joaquim Silva ◽  
Helena Alves

PurposeThe customer as an active and engaged value co-creator raises new challenges for theory and practice, especially in the hospitality industry. However, the connection between engagement and co-creation is little studied in the hotel/tourism literature. This paper proposes a connection between customer engagement (CE) and value co-creation frameworks to ascertain and depict the internal actors' activities and factors that foster or hinder guests' co-creation and destruction of value.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers used qualitative methods (35 in-depth interviews, document analysis and four observation sessions) in seven regions of Ghana to explore the customer's perspective. Data were analyzed with NVivo11 within a thematic analysis framework.FindingsThe findings suggest that positive and negative engagement fosters or hinders guests' interactions, which lead to value co-creation or destruction. The research also discovered that negative interactions occasioned by any factor or actor trigger value destruction at multiple stages of the experience journey.Practical implicationsIndustry players can use the framework developed to assess their businesses, explore and reflect on the proposed value they aim to generate, and thus be more aware of how they can better facilitate value co-creation with their consumers and avoid value destruction.Originality/valueThis research proposes a novel connection between customer interactions, engagement and value co-creation to ascertain and depict the internal actors' activities and factors that foster or hinder customers' experience in the hotel/tourism industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-916
Author(s):  
Aishath Muneeza ◽  
Zakariya Mustapha ◽  
Fathimath Nashwa Badeeu ◽  
Aminath Reesha Nafiz

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to formulate ways in which Maldives could pioneer Islamic tourism on a befitting framework and financing structure as a leverage to develop its tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach The research uses qualitative approach whereby primary and empirical data on tourism practices as well as relevant laws and guidelines, issued in Maldives and in other Muslim jurisdictions of the Muslim, are analyzed. Doctrinal approach is used in analyzing secondary data on the subject. Findings The research reveals the potential of Islamic tourism in Maldives as well as the challenges that have constrained its development in the country. Certainty is needed in halal products, services and conducts. Codifying extant Maldives Halal Tourism Standards will establish legal framework for a standard Shariah-compliant tourism industry. Islamic financing structure enables mobilizing required funds and address financing constraints. Practical implications This research presents an insight into establishing and developing Islamic tourism industry in the Maldives. Harmonizing tourism regulations with Shariah shall bring about the required consciousness on Shariah compliance in target tourists and their desires. Private individuals can contribute in mobilizing the much needed Shariah-compliant resources to finance Islamic model resorts befitting an Islamic tourism industry. Originality/value The research puts forward proposal that identifies and recognizes a more viable Islamic financing alternative as well as Shariah-compliant regulations to pioneer the development of Islamic tourism in Maldives. The research recommends how to overcome related challenges helps government understand the proposed strategies for establishing Islamic tourism industry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-723
Author(s):  
Pedro Machado

Purpose By embracing the entire community of travellers, despite their capacity, tourism destinations that have the opportunity to appeal to the art of inclusive tourism policies in the Center of Portugal, are analyzed, showing the importance for a tourist destination to adapt these policies to the notoriety of the destination brand. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers a practical viewpoint based on the state-of-the-art of public policies relating to inclusive and accessible tourism in the Center of Portugal and their impacts on the destination branding. Findings Taking into account the territorial specificity of the Center of Portugal, the asymmetries of development and cohesion, Tourism Center of Portugal (TCP) has sought to develop projects and actions in partnership with the different actors in the territory that promote territorial cohesion, integrated and sustainable development and the attractiveness of the inland region. Practical implications All the projects developed to support accessible and inclusive tourism, in which TCP is an active part, create a network of tourist services to become destinations more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Originality/value Inclusive and accessible tourism is little explored by DMOs. In this paper, the case of the Center of Portugal region is presented, highlighting a series of unprecedented initiatives that are being developed, aiming to provide the destination with unique points of differentiation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-419
Author(s):  
Hugues Seraphin

Purpose The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to discuss whether children can play a role in the sustainability of the tourism industry as a whole. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a literature review of key terms: sustainable tourism; mountain tourism; children; and empowerment. Findings Children could potentially play a role in the sustainability of tourism if they are empowered to do so. mini-clubs in mountain resorts could, for instance, contribute to their social empowerment using a catalytic strategy. Practical implications Practitioners involved in the sustainability of the tourism industry should investigate ways to make the sustainability endeavour of the industry more inclusive. As for academics, they should devote time for research on children, as they are an important stakeholder group for the industry. Originality/value This paper focusses on children in the tourism industry. There is a dearth of research in this area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung-Che Wu ◽  
Chi-Han Ai ◽  
Ching-Chan Cheng

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the structural relationships between the dimensions of virtual reality (VR) experiences (immersion, interaction, usability and illusion), the dimensions of VR attachment (VR dependence, VR identity, VR affect and VR familiarity) and the dimensions of VR experiential outcomes (VR experiential satisfaction, VR experiential loyalty and VR experiential advocacy). Design/methodology/approach A total of 490 visitors who tried 360 VR travel video games in the TripMoment VR were surveyed. Findings In this study, there are positive relationships between VR experiential satisfaction and immersion, interaction, illusion, as well as VR identity, VR affect and VR familiarity. In addition, VR experiential satisfaction has a positive relationship with VR experiential loyalty. In addition, VR experiential advocacy has a positive relationship with both VR experiential satisfaction and VR experiential loyalty. Practical implications The results show that tourism operators should focus on increasing VR experiential satisfaction and experiential loyalty to enable visitors to have intentions to advocate their VR experiences. Originality/value This paper provides the data that lead to a better understanding of the relationship between the dimensions of VR experiences, VR attachment and VR experiential outcomes in the tourism industry.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine A.L. Yeap ◽  
Say Keat Ooi ◽  
Husna Ara ◽  
Muhamad Faizal Said

Purpose This study aims to identify the key variables which determine intentions to visit coffee/tea tourism plantations particularly those adopting sustainable practices. Also, this study ascertained the perception of risk in travelling due to the fear of Covid-19 on travel intentions to such coffee/tea tourism destinations. Design/methodology/approach Using the theory of planned behaviour as a basis for this study’s framework, data was gathered from 302 eco-conscious Generation Y and Z consumers via an online survey. Partial least squares were then applied to analyse the data. Findings Learning and relaxation motives were important in determining consumers’ attitudes towards sustainable coffee/tea tourism. The intention to engage in sustainable coffee/tea tourism is most strongly affected by the risk of travelling, followed by attitude. Research limitations/implications The addition of contemporary variables was given to the theory of planned behaviour’s core constructs to better reflect consumers’ attitude and behaviour towards a growing form of tourism under unprecedented times. Practical implications Travel or tourism operators will have first-hand insights on the factors that drive intentions to visit sustainable coffee and tea destinations, thus enabling more strategic action to be undertaken to reach the targeted young consumers. Originality/value This study examines young, environmental-conscious consumers’ perspectives on novel travel destinations which adopt sustainable practices. Risk in travelling was assessed which is necessary given Covid-19 has severely disrupted consumers’ travel patterns.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-122
Author(s):  
Angela Peacock

Purpose – The challenges and problems that organizations face nowadays are often due to there being a gap between their current situation and where they want to be. Often this disparity between perception and reality is caused by something deep and fundamental in the company culture – something that may not be readily apparent to those working there. This paper aims to deal with the question of how to create genuine, lasting change in organizational climate so that all employees feel they can bring all of themselves to work, without fear or judgment and with a deep belief that their contributions will be heard. Design/methodology/approach – There are a number of reasons why driving an inclusive culture is so difficult and this paper identifies a new perspective on developing and embedding inclusion. Most importantly, it addresses how a bespoke, blended approach to any input will allow you to implement training that really works. Findings – Many organizations view fixing problems with company culture as an expensive luxury with unpredictable outcomes. As a result, the kind of training that embeds genuine, lasting change is often overlooked in favor of short-term solutions that do not get to the root of the problem. A bespoke, blended approach allows for training that really works long term and therefore ensures the greatest possible value for your organization. Practical implications – A blended approach done well should be a powerful, joined up and strategic driver that enables an inclusive culture to be created, resulting in it becoming business as usual, where the best available talent is attracted, thrives and drives your strategic aims and your business forwards. Originality/value – Often the kind of training that gets done in this area is short term and does not get to the root of the problem. This paper provides guidance in developing and embedding inclusion and although it may challenge beliefs if these principles are followed it will guarantee rapid, lasting improvements at all levels.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document