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International Journal of Tourism Research

Impact factor: 0.861 Print ISSN: 1099-2340 Online ISSN: 1522-1970 Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)

Subject: Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism

Most recent papers:

  • Impact of cultural distance on international destination choices: The case of Chinese outbound travelers.
    Juan Bi, Xinran Y. Lehto.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 01, 2017
    Given the rapid growth of China outbound market, research pertaining to the specificities of this market bears significance to destination marketers and academicians. The focus of this research is on the impact of cultural distance on outbound tourist destination choices with Chinese travelers as the case in point. Based on outbound tourism statistics of China over the 1995–2014 periods, this research has developed an inverted U‐curve model to account for the relationship between cultural distance and tourists' destination choice. Results show that the optimal cultural distance for Chinese outbound tourists' destination choice is 2.8757. Through evaluating the positions, potential destinations are located relative to the optimal cultural distance. The preference tourists place on potential destinations can be measured. This research bears valuable theoretical contributions and implications for destination marketing practices.
    October 01, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2152   open full text
  • Business and government interdependence in emerging economies: Insights from hotels in Ghana.
    Joseph Amankwah‐Amoah, Yaw A. Debrah, Ben Q. Honyenuga, Paulina N. Adzoyi.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 12, 2017
    Although social science research is replete with scholarly works on capacity building, relatively few studies have focused on how government can induce capacity building among privately owned enterprises in emerging economies. We seek to fill the lacuna in our understanding by examining how a government can induce capacity building among privately owned enterprises. The study adopted a qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews with hotel owners, employees, and managers, as well as government officials in Ghana to examine the issue. We identified three unique stages through which such capacity‐building initiatives unfold encompassing diagnosing, renewal, and customer centricity. The study revealed that capacity building through collaborative partnership was partly motivated by desire to overcome societal resistance to services seen as “tainted.” The concluding section outlines a number of theoretical and practical implications.
    September 12, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2154   open full text
  • A nexus of linear and non‐linear relationships between tourism demand, renewable energy consumption, and economic growth: Theory and evidence.
    Cem Isik, Tarik Dogru, Ercan Sirakaya Turk.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 04, 2017
    The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between tourism development, renewable energy consumption, and economic growth in the United States, France, Spain, China, Italy, Turkey, and Germany using an innovative bootstrap panel Granger causality model. The results show that tourism development and economic growth are interdependent in Germany; whereas tourism development induces economic growth in China and Turkey, the reverse is true in Spain. Causal relationships between renewable energy and economic growth give credence to theories of renewable energy‐led growth in Spain and growth‐led renewable energy in China, Turkey, and Germany. Whereas the Italian and U.S. models demonstrate a bidirectional relationship, the Spanish, Italian, Turkish, and U.S. data show a causal link stemming from tourism development. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed within the realm of macroeconomics and sustainability.
    September 04, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2151   open full text
  • Chinese outbound travel: Understanding the socioeconomic drivers.
    Songshan (Sam) Huang, Xiang Wei.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 30, 2017
    This study used a national sample (N = 36,490) of Chinese urban residents to examine the relationship between outbound travel intention and some key demographic, economic, and geographic variables. Findings indicate that education, income, and paid vacation days significantly predicted outbound travel intention. Compared to residents in Tier‐4 cities in China, those in Tier‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 cities had higher probability of choosing outbound travel by 13.1%, 30.9%, and 15.3%, respectively. This study draws meaningful connections between Chinese outbound tourism and the social and economic realities in China and offers an alternative approach to understanding Chinese outbound tourism.
    August 30, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2150   open full text
  • The Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, and the tourism‐based regeneration of Scottish Canals.
    Andrew McKean, John Harris, John Lennon.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 25, 2017
    This paper examines the transformation of the Scottish Canals network for the purposes of leisure visitation as an element of tourism. It focuses on 2 iconic developments, The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, which are considered in relation to their impact on destination awareness and tourism development in a particular locale. The key attraction sites illustrate successful brownfield regeneration, enduring visitation and the role of canals as multifaceted tourism assets in a specific region of Scotland. In addition, the paper provides a context for the decline and resurgence of canals in lowland Scotland.
    August 25, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2146   open full text
  • The liquid organization of volunteer tourism: Implications for responsibility.
    Jessica Steele, Dianne Dredge.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 17, 2017
    Drawing from developments in sociology and organizational studies, this paper argues for a new understanding of volunteer tourism as liquid organization. It aims to explore the organization of volunteer tourism using a liquid organization perspective and to better understand the potential implications of this liquidity on the responsibility of volunteer tourism organizations to host communities. The analysis is based on data collected from 80 volunteer tourism organizations. The findings reveal that the volunteer tourism organizations show characteristics of liquid organization to varying degrees. The significance of the research is to problematize the way in which the institutional characteristics of volunteer tourism are (not) conceptualized in current literature and to introduce liquid organization as a means of reinvigorating debate about responsibility.
    August 17, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2143   open full text
  • Analysing how cultural factors influence the efficiency of tourist destinations in Chile.
    Víctor Figueroa, Luis César Herrero, Andrea Báez, Mafalda Gómez.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 17, 2017
    The present work is framed within the line of research addressing efficiency evaluation of tourist destinations, where regions are taken as territorial units able to determine their tourist appeal, and tourist flow is taken as the variable to be optimized. A virtual production function is therefore devise considering tourist flows as output and accommodation capacity and other tourist and cultural resources as the main inputs. We examine Chile as case study, a country with a growing number or tourists and increased investment in tourist and cultural infrastructures. We follow a two‐stage model, estimating regional performance using data envelopment analysis and analysing the impact of external variables on efficiency applying bootstrap techniques and truncated regression models. Empirical results show that cultural endowments and activities together with natural resources determine Chilean regional efficiency in optimizing tourist flow, particularly in attracting international tourism. Thus, policy recommendations to improve regional management of tourist and cultural attractions are derived. This study contributes to increase applications in tourist destinations efficiency in Latin America, where works are still scarce.
    August 17, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2149   open full text
  • Service quality, satisfaction, and customer loyalty in Airbnb accommodation in Thailand.
    Constantinos‐Vasilios Priporas, Nikolaos Stylos, Lakshmi Narasimhan Vedanthachari, Pruit Santiwatana.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 14, 2017
    This paper investigates service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty in Airbnb accommodation. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to a nonprobability sample of 202 international tourists in Phuket, Thailand, which is one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. The results verify that a positive relationship among service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty exists and that satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between service quality and loyalty. Furthermore, the paper suggests key steps managers could take to enhance customer experience in a way that would benefit the lodging industry and the destinations.
    August 14, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2141   open full text
  • Tourism and poverty alleviation: An empirical analysis using panel data on Peru's departments.
    Carmen María Llorca‐Rodríguez, Amalia Cristina Casas‐Jurado, Rosa María García‐Fernández.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 03, 2017
    This paper analyses the impact of tourism on total and extreme monetary poverty, in order to illuminate the debate surrounding the links between tourism and poverty. We apply fixed effects models to panel data on the Peruvian departments for the period 2001–2013. We also identify the key factors in the tourism model affecting the empirical results. Our findings show that tourism is important for the poor, but its benefits do not reach the extreme poor to the same extent, and its potential is not fully exploited. The weak macroenvironment and low community participation impede poverty reduction through tourism.
    August 03, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2147   open full text
  • A study on country images, destination beliefs, and travel intentions: A structural equation model approach.
    Arto Lindblom, Taru Lindblom, Miikka J. Lehtonen, Heidi Wechtler.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 03, 2017
    This study explores how individuals' cognitive and affective country images influence destination beliefs, and how these beliefs are associated with individuals' travel intentions. With the product country image and tourism destination image literature, we develop four hypotheses that are tested using structural equation modeling. We use a sample of 605 Japanese respondents. Our results indicate that the cognitive country image is positively associated with the affective country image. The findings suggest that both the affective and cognitive country images are positively related to the destination beliefs, and the destination beliefs are positively associated with the travel intentions.
    August 03, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2148   open full text
  • Forecasting tourism demand with Google trends: Accuracy comparison of countries versus cities.
    Irem Önder.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 01, 2017
    Previously, Google Trends indices have been found to be useful in improving the tourism demand forecast accuracy relative to a purely autoregressive baseline model. The purpose of this study is to extend previous research in terms of comparing the forecasting accuracy of cities and countries using Google Trends Web and image indices. The study compares forecasting models with Web and/or image search indices regarding 2 cities (Vienna and Barcelona) and 2 countries (Austria and Belgium). Overall, the forecast accuracy of Vienna with the Web and/or image indices was the best among the 4 destinations, followed by Belgium, Barcelona, and Austria.
    August 01, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2137   open full text
  • Development of a cruise motivation scale for emerging markets in Asia.
    Cathy H.C. Hsu, Minglong Li.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 27, 2017
    Cruise travel has attracted the attention of researchers because of its rapid development. However, the literature lacks a reliable and valid measurement tool for constructing cruise motivation. The only available scale developed in the North American context, where the cruise industry is considerably mature, may be inapplicable to emerging markets due to cultural and experiential differences. To address this research gap, a measurement scale for cruise motivation in emerging markets, with Mainland China and Hong Kong as samples, was developed by following rigorous procedures that used both qualitative and quantitative methods. This study offers both academic and operational implications.
    July 27, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2140   open full text
  • Who is ethnic neighborhood tourism for anyway? Considering perspectives of the dominant cultural group.
    Naho U. Maruyama, Kyle M. Woosnam, Bynum B. Boley.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 27, 2017
    Past studies regarding “ethnic neighborhood tourism” (ENT) have primarily reflected perspectives of the ethnic minority group whose culture is represented to tourists. Therefore, this study explored how members of the ethnic “majority” group who live in the ethnic neighborhood perceive ENT in their own community. The interpretive analysis of 31 interviews with Japanese residents in a Brazilian neighborhood in Oizumi, Gunma, Japan, revealed that the Japanese residents are reluctant and somewhat antagonistic towards ENT in their community. This study also illustrates that ENT reinforced the ethnic divide within the town rather than healing past tensions between the 2 groups.
    July 27, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2144   open full text
  • The effect of film industry on tourism: Game of Thrones and Dubrovnik.
    Marina Tkalec, Ivan Zilic, Vedran Recher.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 17, 2017
    Nowadays, there is competition in attracting film producers to screen their productions in specific locations, but at the same time, there is also a lack of data‐driven academic research that measures the effects of film industry on local tourism. This study evaluates the effects of film industry on tourism outcomes in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Using the synthetic control approach, we estimate the causal effect of a highly broadcasted TV series, Game of Thrones, on tourist arrivals. The use of such a data‐driven procedure is an important step towards identification‐based empirical work in tourism research as it enables us to build a credible synthetic counterfactual and to answer the “what if” type of questions. We find a robust and positive effect of filming the TV series in Dubrovnik on the number of tourist arrivals. Additionally, we show that there are positive spillover effects on other counties and the whole country. Placebo tests show that the estimated effects are relatively large when compared to other counties implying our results are not driven simply by chance.
    July 17, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2142   open full text
  • Heterogeneous community perspectives of emotional solidarity with tourists: Considering Antalya, Turkey.
    Kyle M. Woosnam, Emrullah Erul, Manuel A. Ribeiro.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 12, 2017
    This work examines emotional solidarity to determine to what extent residents' perceptions are heterogeneous by considering a host of sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables. An on‐site survey instrument was administered to 660 residents living in the popular Turkish tourism destination, Antalya. Psychometric results provide support for the employment of the Emotional Solidarity Scale and its factor structure in an international context. Significant differences in Emotional Solidarity Scale factor means were found across five variables (e.g., gender, age, education level, tourism employment status, and level of tourism dependence). Theoretical and practical implications are offered, as are the limitations and potential future research opportunities.
    July 12, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2136   open full text
  • Do attractions “attract” tourists? The case of Singapore.
    Bob McKercher, Edward Koh.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 12, 2017
    This paper represents an exploratory empirical study testing a proposed framework analysing the importance of attractions in driving tourism. The study is framed within Pearce's travel career pattern model and McKercher's proposed attraction's hierarchy model. Singapore's most important source markets are analysed. The study concluded that individual attractions play a more critical role in driving demand for the most and least destination knowledgeable and for people who travel for Pearce's middle‐ and outer‐layer motives. Individual attractions play a much less important role among tourists who are somewhat destination aware and who are travelling to have Pearce's core motives met.
    July 12, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2138   open full text
  • Surviving the recession with efficiency improvements: The case of hospitality firms in Portugal.
    Pankaj C. Patel, Maria João Guedes.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 06, 2017
    During a recession, lower profitability limits investments in new initiatives; significant cost‐cutting could deteriorate service levels; and sticky tangible and intangible resources limit a hospitality establishment's ability to reduce its asset base. Limited ability to cut costs or reduce asset base shifts the focus on improving efficiency. Drawing on panel data of 1,647 Portuguese hospitality establishments from 2007 to 2014, we find that an increase in the return on fixed assets made the highest contribution to operating profit, followed by an increase in the return on intangible assets. Increasing labour productivity had the lowest effect on operating profit.
    July 06, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2132   open full text
  • Modelling the demand for inbound medical tourism: The case of Malaysia.
    Chor Foon Tang, Evan Lau.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 03, 2017
    This paper empirically examines the macroeconomic determinants for medical tourism demand using time series econometrics methodology. We find that income, price, exchange rate, SARS outbreak, safety, medical quality, manpower, and medical facilities are significantly affecting the long‐run demand behaviour of medical tourism in Malaysia. In order to attract medical tourists, policymakers in Malaysia should (a) reduce the medical prices, (b) reduce the crime rate and improve safety, and (c) continue the improvement of research, medical quality, manpower, and facilities to support the revolution of inbound medical tourism demand in Malaysia. This is to ensure the Malaysia's sustainable economic development.
    July 03, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2131   open full text
  • The effect of culture on brand loyalty through brand performance and brand personality.
    Cigdem Unurlu, Selda Uca.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 03, 2017
    The purpose of this study is to identify the cultural characteristics of tourists who had the experience of accommodation in 5‐star hotels in Istanbul and to determine the effects of these characteristics on personalizing of the hotel brand and the perception of its performance. According to the results of this research, culture directly affects brand personality and brand performance. However, the effect of culture on brand performance is relatively greater. In addition, brand personality and brand performance affect brand loyalty directly, whereas culture does not have a direct effect on brand loyalty.
    July 03, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2139   open full text
  • Living like a local: Authentic tourism experiences and the sharing economy.
    Dominyka Paulauskaite, Raymond Powell, J. Andres Coca‐Stefaniak, Alastair M. Morrison.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 27, 2017
    Travellers are demanding authentic, experientially oriented opportunities with more meaningful interactions with locals. The sharing economy has emerged partly as a response to these consumer trends with major potential impacts for tourism. This research investigated the phenomenon of authenticity‐seeking tourism and its links to the hospitality sector through consumer choices related to accommodation offered by sharing economy providers. It explored the relationship between perceived authenticity of the “local” experience and its significance when purchasing accommodation. The three themes of unique accommodation interiors and atmosphere, interactions with hosts, and interactions with local culture were found to be important to Airbnb users.
    June 27, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2134   open full text
  • An experience‐based typology for natural event tourists.
    Martinette Kruger, Melville Saayman.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 09, 2017
    This research identified viable target markets at one of the largest salmon runs in Canada. We segmented the markets according to the factors these natural event viewers regard as important for a memorable experience. This gave us a typology of viewers that we labelled “selective experience seekers, tranquil experience seekers, comprehensive experience seekers,” and “casual experience seekers.” Our results show that such segmentation is a useful research tool for producing a clear visitor profile. It enabled us to provide strategic insights for managing the salmon run viewing experience, and similar natural events, according to the preferences of specific market segments.
    June 09, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2133   open full text
  • Competitiveness of overseas pleasure destinations: A comparison study based on choice sets.
    Metin Kozak, Seongseop (Sam) Kim, Kaye Chon.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 09, 2017
    This study investigates the competitiveness of overseas destinations as perceived by leisure tourists from mainland China, with a focus on how the competitiveness of destinations varies by choice set. The results of this study confirm the funnel‐down structure of consumer choice sets including the early choice set, the middle choice set, and the late choice set: The size of these sets became progressively smaller as the moment for making the final decision drew nearer. In addition, the results clearly indicate that travel distance is an important determinant of tourism demand: Short‐haul destinations are more competitive than long‐haul destinations.
    June 09, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2130   open full text
  • C2C value co‐creation through social interactions in tourism.
    Ina Reichenberger.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 08, 2017
    This paper examines the social practice of customer‐to‐customer value co‐creation in tourism contexts by considering visitor–visitor interactions, their manifestations, influential factors, and types of resulting value using extended social situation analysis. On the basis of 76 qualitative in‐depth interviews, results show that value co‐creation is not necessarily dependent upon the underlying social interactions but predominantly influenced by personal factors and attitudes towards sociability. The stronger the focus on other social actors is and the longer and more personal the social interactions are, the more complex and multilayered is the co‐created perceived value.
    June 08, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2135   open full text
  • The contribution of human migration to tourism: The VFR travel between the EU28 member states.
    Davide Provenzano, Rodolfo Baggio.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 30, 2017
    This study explores the correlation between human migration and that part of tourism due to people visiting friends and relatives in a foreign country. We first compared the network structure of migration stocks and tourism flows between the 28 member countries of the European Union over the period 2000–2012. Then, we performed several econometric analyses to study the main tourism determinants and the correlations between migration to tourism. The paper derives from the discussion of the results an estimate of the contribution to the overall tourism phenomenon due to visiting friends and relatives. Complex network analysis and gravity models were the investigation methods preferred.
    May 30, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2127   open full text
  • A qualitative research on travellers' destination choice behaviour.
    Pedram Keshavarzian, Cheng‐Lung Wu.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 26, 2017
    The repertory grid technique was used in this paper to investigate the decision‐making process of travellers. Results showed that both destination physical attributes and the travellers' feelings towards the destination play a significant role in the choice of holiday destinations. Notably, a distinct choice pattern emerged from the analysis, which showed some travellers begin their planning process not based on the destination features but on the availability of air tickets on sale. This observation suggested the potential influence of the “sequence” of receiving or searching for transport and tourism information on the choice of a holiday destination.
    May 26, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2128   open full text
  • Understanding the relationship between push and pull motivational factors in cruise tourism: A canonical correlation analysis.
    Lincoln James Whyte.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 23, 2017
    Motivation is one of the greatest drivers of human behavior, yet travel motivation in the context of cruise tourism remains an understudied topic. Although a limited number of cruise specific studies focus on push (travel motives) and pull (destination attributes) factors, the push–pull relationship has not been directly measured. Furthermore, pull factors have not been examined in detail in terms of onboard (ship) and onshore (ports of call) attributes. Understanding this relationship can help inform the marketing and development of the cruise product. This study measures the importance of push and pull factors and the relationship between them in the decision‐making process of cruise travelers. Results identify the main motives driving the desire to travel and the cruise destination attributes that draw travelers to a specific cruise vacation. A number of potential “product bundles” or market segments are also identified on the basis of strongly related push and pull factors.
    May 23, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2129   open full text
  • Differences in residents' attitudes towards tourism among mass tourism destinations.
    Esther Martínez‐Garcia, Josep Maria Raya, Joaquim Majó.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 16, 2017
    This article contributes to extant knowledge by analysing differences in the attitudes towards tourism of residents living in several micro‐destinations (cities) within a larger tourism destination and by using a new approach, the Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition. Results show that a significant part of the gap in attitudes among cities is explained by residents' perceived tourism impacts; the relevance of each of them in generating gaps is also identified and quantified. However, there is also a significant community adjustment to tourism impacts source of gap, different among cities.
    May 16, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2126   open full text
  • Tourist municipalities and local political corruption.
    Juan Luis Jiménez, Gustavo Nombela, Ancor Suárez‐Alemán.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 15, 2017
    Are tourist municipalities a breeding ground for corruption? Before the 2008 economic crisis, Spain experienced an economic boom, together with a surge in political corruption at the local level. In a tourism‐oriented economy – tourism represents above 11% of country GDP – where most of the tourism activity is focused on certain municipalities, understanding the link between tourism and corruption at the local level is crucial. Whether those municipalities present differences from non‐tourist local governments when it comes to corruption represents the main research question of the present paper. Also, this paper analyzes whether voting behavior in these municipalities hides some particularities related to corrupt activities. This paper gathers information on municipalities' public accounts and fiscal revenues generated by businesses in the local area, together with the results of four local recent elections. Estimations show how tourism contributes to the existence of local political corruption. Interestingly, local governments in tourist municipalities are also proven to be more stable than those in non‐tourist municipalities.
    May 15, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2124   open full text
  • Long memory behavior in Singapore's tourism market.
    Mohammad Al‐Shboul, Sajid Anwar.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 05, 2017
    Using nonparametric, semiparametric, and parametric estimation techniques, this paper investigates the presence of long memory in tourist arrivals to Singapore from 11 countries and 4 geographical regions. Empirical analysis of the monthly data from 1978 to 2012 shows that tourist arrivals to Singapore from all countries and regions are subject to long memory behavior. Analysis of the impulse response functions derived from an autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average model shows evidence of persistence in tourist arrivals. Our analysis suggests that visitors consider Singapore as a long‐term tourism destination and like to return to Singapore to relive their experiences.
    May 05, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2125   open full text
  • Towards a new definition for “visiting friends and relatives”.
    Julio R. Munoz, Tom Griffin, Michael Humbracht.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 26, 2017
    “Visiting friends and relatives” (VFR) is a tourism term used in academic and practitioner vernacular that refers to a substantial amount of activity and is yet commonly disregarded. This paper builds on previous literature that has demonstrated how a lack of understanding of what VFR encompasses facilitates the phenomenon to be undervalued and misunderstood. Without a clear conceptual definition, VFR continues to be presented with inconsistent and conflicting parameters, which creates discursive confusion rather than clarity and appreciation. This is important as tourism is often presented as a positive force for economic development in a wide range of communities, and VFR is almost routinely overlooked with high‐yield (hotel consuming) markets favoured; this is despite a growing body of literature that has explored the sustainability and positive community impacts of VFR activity and potential. A review of existing definitional work on VFR is provided, and a new conceptual definition is offered. Mobility influenced by a host is first distinguished from other forms of human movement; VFR is then positioned as a form of mobility influenced by a host that includes face‐to‐face interaction between a host and visitor who have a preexisting relationship. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
    April 26, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2110   open full text
  • Tourism taxation: A synthetic control method for policy evaluation.
    Bianca Biagi, Maria Giovanna Brandano, Manuela Pulina.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 26, 2017
    To date, few studies have explored the relationship between tourism inflows and city taxes. This study investigates how the introduction of a city tax impacts on both national and international tourism demand by using the synthetic control method. The case study is based on a panel of Italian municipalities, for the time span 2006–2011. Results from estimations with the synthetic control method show that the introduction of a visitor tax leads to a decline in domestic tourism demand. In contrast, there is no effect on international tourism inflows.
    April 26, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2123   open full text
  • An analysis of international employment levels in hospitality occupations using secondary statistics.
    Anna Koens, Roy C. Wood.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 12, 2017
    Frequent claims are made for the importance of the hospitality industry, and wider tourism sector, as potential and actual creators of employment. Many of these claims emanate from industry representative and advocacy organizations, often as part of their legitimate efforts to lobby governments for favourable treatment of their sectors. Good quality universal statistical data on employment in hospitality are noticeable by their absence, although information collected by bodies such as the International Labour Organization is extensive. This paper reviews the current state of data availability on global hospitality employment (with a primary focus on commercial hospitality operations) and seeks to employ these secondary sources in investigating the question as to whether we can in fact make plausible statements about the extent of such employment. This exercise is important both to contextualizing claims made for the employment generating capacity of the hospitality industry and to shedding light on the degree of seriousness with which data might be treated in wider policy contexts. The paper concludes, with cautious optimism, that commercial hospitality is a significant global employer and that the claims made for this employment by representative and advocacy organizations are plausible if treated with circumspection.
    April 12, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2122   open full text
  • Intention to visit Malaysia for medical tourism using the antecedents of Theory of Planned Behaviour: A predictive model.
    Ai Na Seow, Yuen Onn Choong, Krishna Moorthy, Ling Meng Chan.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 11, 2017
    The aim of this study is to examine the extended model of Theory of Planned Behaviour in predicting tourists' intention in seeking medical tourism in Malaysia. The additional variables in this model are perceived risks, perceived benefits and resource availability whereby it is predicted to have influences to the model of Theory of Planned Behaviour. Sample is drawn using a quota sampling technique. A total of 380 completed questionnaires are collected. The partial least square approach is employed so as to conduct a comprehensive and vigorous structural equation modelling analysis. The results show that perceived benefits and perceived costs are significantly related to attitude; resource availability is significantly related to perceived behavioural control; and attitude and subjective norm are significantly related to intention for medical tourism in Malaysia; however, the perceived behavioural control is found to be insignificant to intention. Attitude and subjective norm are also significantly related to intention for medical tourism in Malaysia. However, the perceived behavioural control is found to be not insignificant related to intention. The findings of this study can serve as the blueprint for future research in the similar area with reasonable modification on the model construction in order to enhance and improve the theoretical extension model of Theory of Planned Behaviour.
    April 11, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2120   open full text
  • Host–Guest Orientations of Community‐based Tourism Products: A Case Study in Bali, Indonesia.
    Ni Made Ernawati, Dale Sanders, Ross Dowling.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 10, 2017
    This research provides a greater understanding of community‐based tourism products through an examination of the perceptions of the host communities and tourists. Using a survey, data were collected measuring community‐based tourism products through nine elements including attractions, travel services, transport, accommodation, food and beverage, souvenirs, packaging, amenities and people. The overall results indicate that there was considerable agreement on most product items. The tourists clearly identified their expectations and were supportive of a sustainable industry; however, they were also concerned about safety and hygiene. The host communities were aware of the intrinsic value of the tourist attractions in their villages but lacked the confidence to share them with visitors.
    April 10, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2119   open full text
  • Social distance between local residents and African–American expatriates in the context of Ghana's slavery‐based heritage tourism.
    Aaron Yankholmes, Dallen J. Timothy.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 05, 2017
    This paper explores the social distance between local residents and African–Americans who have settled in Ghana since the 1960s. Data generated from in‐depth interviews suggest the African–American expatriates felt their proximity to collective slave memory or particularly slavery heritage conferred on them certain rights to exclude local residents who are more susceptible to forgetting the past. By appropriating traces of the past, the African–American expatriates provide a range of tourism services, albeit to visitors they believed subscribed to socially constructed meanings elicited at slave sites. The study suggests explicit recognition of African–American expatriates in the levels of contestations that result from slavery‐based heritage tourism.
    April 05, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2121   open full text
  • The long‐term effects of tourist policy adjustments on the development of tourism in Taiwan: Consideration of time trends and Fourier component test results.
    Fang‐Mei Tseng, Wen‐Chou Huang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 24, 2017
    Previous studies have argued that tourism policy has a long‐term positive relationship with tourism development. This study explored temporal trends in and seasonal effects of the number of tourists traveling to Taiwan between 2001 and 2016, and compared the effects of adjustments in tourism policy on tourism development to determine whether Taiwan's international tourism policies have had long‐term effects on tourism development. Temporal trends and seasonal factors were not significantly related to adjustments in tourism policy but there was a relationship between the economic status of tourist exporters and Taiwan's tourist development.
    March 24, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2117   open full text
  • Evaluative event frameworks: A learning destination perspective.
    Debbie Sadd, Alan Fyall, Kenneth Wardrop.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 14, 2017
    This paper introduces the concept of the “learning destination” as a solution to historical challenges of event evaluation. The paper evaluates its relevance and role in the development of an inclusive and strategic approach to event planning and identifies the process (and context) of the development of a strategic evaluative event framework. Using a case study methodology, evidence is provided from a major visitor‐dependent destination to support the development of a strategic framework for the assessment of major events with recommendations advanced for its application and generalizability across other destinations.
    March 14, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2116   open full text
  • What about relative corruption? The impact of the relative corruption on the inbound tourism to Turkey.
    Ender Demir, Giray Gozgor.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 09, 2017
    This paper examines the impact of corruption on the number of tourist inflows to Turkey from 70 countries for the period from 1996 to 2014. For this purpose, it is the first paper to examine the effects of not only the absolute corruption but also the relative corruption on the tourist arrivals in the literature. By using the fixed effects, the generalized methods of moments, and the Hausman–Taylor estimations, we find that level of the relative corruption negatively affects the inbound tourism to Turkey.
    March 09, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2118   open full text
  • Tourism destinations as multiplicities: The view from Assemblage Thinking.
    Helen Briassoulis.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 28, 2017
    The nonreductionist assemblage ontology/analytic is introduced to conceptualize tourism destinations as “multiplicities defined by assemblages” to more satisfactorily theorize and analyze their complex socioecological nature, unpredictable dynamics and motley identity, and guide planning or management decisions. Alternative conceptions of destinations—container, unitary whole, and relational place—are critically reviewed. The main tenets of Assemblage Thinking are presented and guide the ensuing analysis of destinations. The contribution of the assemblage ontology/analytic to destination studies and future research are summarized. The proposed conception calls for synthesizing complex systems and relational theoretical frameworks, employing methodological pluralism, and pursuing adaptive governance to foster the emergence of fittingly cofunctioning tourism and nontourism assemblages at destinations.
    February 28, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2113   open full text
  • Challenges in National‐level Tourism Strategy Implementation – A Long‐term Perspective on the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015.
    Julia Nina Albrecht.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 28, 2017
    This empirical study takes a long‐term perspective on tourism strategy implementation at the national level of a destination. Drawing on political science implementation theory, previous work on tourism strategy implementation and network research, stakeholder networks of the implementation of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 are examined. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews and social network analysis inform a pragmatic mixed‐methods approach. As such, this paper offers an original account of and explanation for the implementation challenges encountered including dilemmas related to the type and number of stakeholders involved in strategy implementation, the strategy goals themselves and systemic issues inherent in public–private sector collaboration. The paper concludes by considering practical and conceptual implications for future tourism strategy.
    February 28, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2115   open full text
  • Measuring the sustainability of Cuban tourism destinations considering stakeholders' perceptions.
    Victor Ernesto Pérez, Alain Hernandez Santoyo, Flor Guerrero, Maria Amparo León, Christian Luiz Silva, Rafael Caballero.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 28, 2017
    The aim of this research consists of measuring the sustainability degree for tourism destinations considering the stakeholder's preferences. Their opinions were included in the overall process during the choice of the initial indicators and determining the weights. Additionally, in the aggregation process, a sustainability index was calculated with a multiple criteria decision theory methodology, according to its ability to embrace the participant opinions in the decision‐making process. Results allows determining the sustainability degree and the identification of strengths and weaknesses in terms of goals attainment. To corroborate the robustness of the index, an analysis of the rankings was performed.
    February 28, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2114   open full text
  • Qualitative Approaches to the Phenomenology of VFR Travel: The use of Literary and Cultural Texts as Resources.
    Tony Seaton.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 20, 2017
    A paradox about visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel is that, although a marginalized category by tourism planners and academics until recently, it has always been, as a domain of behaviour, more central to human experience than leisure tourism. Relationships between relatives and friends have, at all places and times, been forged and sustained by reciprocal visits, a reality borne out by reflection, and one that has been documented widely in cultural texts. This paper explores what these texts tell us about the subjective meaning and significance of VFR travel that is not necessarily disclosed by the quantitative, problem‐centred approaches used in managerial research. The first part examines a sample of, mainly, literary texts from the past and present and identifies some of the diverse scenes and scenarios within them. The paper then moves from the texts to offer a theoretical framework for understanding the phenomenology of VFR travel, derived from the sociological insights of Georg Simmel into social gatherings and informal associations. This qualitative framework, it is proposed, augments the quantitative methodologies that currently dominate VFR research, as a way of exploring the existential features of VFR behaviour. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 20, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2100   open full text
  • Core self‐evaluations and residents' support for tourism: Perceived tourism impacts as mediators.
    Zibin Song, Stephen Pratt, Yutian Wang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 10, 2017
    The role of residents' core self‐evaluations (CSE) in shaping their attitudes towards tourism has been rarely examined in tourism impact literature. This study proposes an integrative model, in which perceived benefits and costs mediate the relationship between CSE and support for tourism. This model has been empirically tested using a sample of 324 respondents from four villages on Hainan Island, China. This study finds that the effects of CSE on support for tourism are both collectively mediated by perceived benefits and perceived costs and individually by perceived benefits. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of managing and developing tourism are discussed.
    February 10, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2111   open full text
  • VFR Travel: A Viable Market for Tourism Crisis and Disaster Recovery?
    Elisa Backer, Brent W. Ritchie.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 10, 2017
    Rebuilding tourist arrivals after crises/disasters is important. However, tourism may have negative impacts in terms of interfering with the destination recovery efforts, and adding distress to local residents. Therefore, consideration should be placed on timing tourism marketing as well as the market segments most suitable to target. This paper integrates both medical literature and tourism literature to consider whether Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel may be viable for destinations to consider after crises/disasters. The authors conclude that VFR travel offers both benefits and risks and recommends that only domestic VFR travellers are targeted to aid destination recovery. Future research avenues are also outlined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 10, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2102   open full text
  • Port hierarchy and concentration: Insights from the Mediterranean cruise market.
    Maria Ines Cusano, Claudio Ferrari, Alessio Tei.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 09, 2017
    The cruise industry provides a tourism service that is performed entirely by means of transportation: the vessel. Although different characteristics of the cruise industry are well documented in the related academic literature, the role and influence of ports (and port cities) in defining cruise organisation is relatively understudied. Using public official data collected from all the major cruise groups operating in the Mediterranean Sea, we investigate the role of the different ports (and cities) within different itineraries. The analysis highlights that although there is some sort of hierarchical structure among some main ports included in the Mediterranean cruise routes, the majority of the ports of call are in a somewhat vulnerable position within the cruise transport network. Moreover, the study discusses how ports' characterising elements, such as excursion packages, have a strategic role in ensuring the inclusion of peripheral ports within the cruise network. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 09, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2106   open full text
  • Tourism Competitiveness, Government and Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Model: The Evaluation of Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras.
    Marketa Kubickova, Hengyun Li.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 06, 2017
    The objective is to investigate the role government plays in tourism competitiveness and understand the relationship based on the Tourism Area Life Cycle model. We argue that tourism competitiveness is influenced not only by the governments' decisions but also by the stage of tourism development of the country. Countries characterized as tourism‐dependent will demonstrate higher levels of government engagement than those less dependent on tourism. Case study was employed, utilizing time‐series analysis. The results indicate that the role government plays in tourism competitiveness may depend not only on the level of freedom provided (proxy for government) but also on the stage of destination development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 06, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2105   open full text
  • Saving energy and water in tourist accommodation: A systematic literature review (1987–2015).
    Christopher Warren, Susanne Becken.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 03, 2017
    Current climate change policy and sustainable tourism goals require tourist accommodation to make substantial resource savings. This integrated energy and water systematic literature review analysed 110 key papers that contribute to understanding savings potentials and new opportunities. Findings identify substantial gaps that suggest that there is insufficient guidance on how to reduce resources and progress sustainability‐oriented innovation. Benchmarks for energy and water were compiled alongside potential resource savings. Findings indicate opportunities for stronger collaborative effort particularly in areas of nonhotel accommodation, water savings, and guest behaviour, which are almost unstudied. A research framework to advance energy and water saving innovations is proposed.
    February 03, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2112   open full text
  • Migrants on Home Visits: Memory, Identity and a Shifting Sense of Self.
    Sabine Marschall.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 31, 2017
    The paper investigates the temporary home visits of African transnational migrants residing in South Africa. Many aspects of such return visits overlap with diasporic tourism, Visiting Friends and Relatives tourism and related types, but they are also uniquely different. Informed by narrative identity theory and an analytical lens focused on memory, the paper explores how memories of home influence the migrants' touristic activities, behaviour and experiences. A qualitative research approach involving in‐depth interviews with 20 participants from two different sectors was pursued. Findings illustrate how the encounter with traces of the person's autobiographical past (spaces, objects, social relations) can lead to a shifting sense of self. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 31, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2103   open full text
  • How Do Service Quality, Experiences and Enduring Involvement Influence Tourists' Behavior? An Empirical Study in the Picasso and Miró Museums in Barcelona.
    Santiago Forgas‐Coll, Ramon Palau‐Saumell, Jorge Matute, Salomé Tárrega.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 25, 2017
    This study develops an integrated model that examines how service quality, perceived experiences and enduring involvement determine tourists' behavior. The model proposes that enduring involvement has both a direct and moderating influence on tourists' satisfaction with the destination. Data were collected from 1091 visitors of two museums in Barcelona: the Picasso Museum and the Miró Foundation. The results suggest that visit experience, service quality and involvement are drivers of satisfaction. Satisfaction influences the behavioral intentions of visitors to the museum. In addition, the visitors' level of art involvement negatively moderates the influence of perceived quality and experience on tourists' satisfaction. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 25, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2107   open full text
  • VFR Tourism and the Tourist Gaze: Overseas Migrant Perceptions of Home.
    Wei‐Jue Huang, Brian King, Wantanee Suntikul.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 24, 2017
    Visiting friends and relatives travellers have personal connections with their homeland, which influence how they gaze upon its people, cultures and landscapes. This study examines the perceptions of children of immigrants towards visiting their ethnic homeland. The tourist gaze provides a theoretical framework to analyse their experiences when navigating dichotomies between home and away and between the self and others during their travels. Findings revealed that rather than gazing at the exotic ‘other’, they are seeking out similarities which allow for a greater connectedness with family and heritage. They also explained problems and issues that they encountered, as a consequence of feeling obliged to defend their homeland. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 24, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2104   open full text
  • European outbound tourism in times of economic stagnation.
    Ulrich Gunter, Egon Smeral.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 23, 2017
    Accounting for the instability of tourism income elasticities in the European Union‐15 since 2004, estimations show that income elasticities in the period 2004–2014 were greater in slow‐growth periods (above 1) than in fast‐growth periods (below 1). Due to the gradual deterioration of the economic environment since 2004, the small income improvements in the fast‐growth periods were used relatively more for satisfying pent‐up demand for necessary consumer goods or precautionary savings than for traveling abroad. The relatively high income elasticities in the slow‐growth periods resulted from negative adjustments due to the effects of the economic downturn.
    January 23, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2108   open full text
  • Motivations and Experiences of Whitewater Rafting Tourists on the Ocoee River, USA.
    Eric Beckman, Jeremy E. Whaley, Youn‐Kyung Kim.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 23, 2017
    This study explored the relationships that adventure motivations have with adventure experiences (i.e. emotional response and place attachment) and behavioral outcomes (i.e. revisit intention and word‐of‐mouth). Based on 690 surveys collected from whitewater rafters at the Ocoee River in Tennessee, structural equation modeling revealed that thrill and nature motivations led to a positive affective response towards the adventure activity, which led to an attachment to the adventure destination and positive behavioral outcomes and that perceived risk was a significant moderator between thrill and affective response. These findings will assist marketers in promoting the activities and locations to attract more adventure tourists. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 23, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2109   open full text
  • Unpacking Directions and Spatial Patterns of VFR Travel Mobilities in the Global South: Insights from South Africa.
    Christian M. Rogerson.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 13, 2017
    Unpacking the spatial patterns of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) mobilities within (and between) countries represents an investigatory void in existing international VFR scholarship. The paper seeks to interrogate the relationships between historical and contemporary migration flows and VFR travel by using the case of South Africa. The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of multi‐locational households, the roots and persistence of circulatory migration flows and their manifestations in the present‐day geography of VFR travel mobilities in post‐apartheid South Africa. Interpreting the changing spatial patterns of VFR travel must be grounded in the historical and contemporary dynamics of local and regional migration systems. For South Africa's poorest areas where VFR travel flows are the dominant if sometimes the only form of tourism, policy issues arise for leveraging this form of tourism for enhancing local development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 13, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2101   open full text
  • Do Terrorist Attacks Leave an Identifiable ‘Fingerprint’ on International Tourist Arrival Data?
    Yeganeh Morakabati, John Beavis.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 13, 2017
    This article empirically examines the postulated effects of at least a single terrorist attack on the measure of monthly international arrivals. The study uses the tsoutliers R package to detect outliers in time series data following terrorist attacks in five destinations. The contribution of this paper is found in the methodological approach that was implemented consistently across all five destinations. The findings suggest that there is no evidence to support the view that there is a consistent disturbance from a well‐fitted time series (a data ‘fingerprint’) created by a terrorist attack across the five different destinations or even, in at least one case, in the same destination, at different times. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 13, 2017   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2095   open full text
  • Hosting Friends Versus Hosting Relatives: Is Blood Thicker Than Water?
    Mohammad S. Yousuf, Elisa Backer.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. December 09, 2016
    Little research has been undertaken to examine visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel from the perspective of hosts. Additionally, little research has explored the differences between VFs and VRs, treating VFR as one homogenous group. This research examined the hosts' perspective of hosting friends versus relatives through in‐depth interviews with 34 local residents in three contrasting destinations in Australia. Key differences were found between the experiences of hosting friends versus relatives, with immigration a key aspect in impacting the outcome. This is the first study to examine hosting friends versus relatives and to consider how immigration and destination impact VFR travel experiences for hosts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    December 09, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2098   open full text
  • The Mediating Roles of the Overall Perceived Value of the Ecotourism Site and Attitudes Towards Ecotourism in Sustainability Through the Key Relationship Ecotourism Knowledge‐Ecotourist Satisfaction.
    M. Ángeles Oviedo‐García, Mario Castellanos‐Verdugo, Manuela Vega‐Vázquez, Francisco Orgaz‐Agüera.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. December 02, 2016
    Tourist satisfaction is a key factor in tourism sustainability. A multiple mediation model is proposed to analyze the relationship between ecotourism knowledge and ecotourist satisfaction, assisting our understanding of the generative mechanism by which ecotourism knowledge influences ecotourist satisfaction. Ecotourists at the Natural Park Saltos de la Damajagua (Dominican Republic) were administered a questionnaire. The results (PLS‐SEM) show that ecotourism site perceived value and attitudes towards ecotourism fully mediate the influence of ecotourism knowledge on ecotourist satisfaction. Ecotourism knowledge will therefore only have positive effects on ecotourist satisfaction when the ecotourism site is of high perceived value and there are positive attitudes towards ecotourism. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    December 02, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2097   open full text
  • Human Development and Tourism Specialization. Evidence from a Panel of Developed and Developing Countries.
    Bianca Biagi, Maria Gabriela Ladu, Vicente Royuela.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 28, 2016
    In the present study, we analyze the relationship between tourism and human development for a selection of 63 countries from 1996 to 2008. Findings confirm that, on average, tourism is positively associated with human development. By decomposing the effect of tourism on each human development indicator, we find that literacy rate appears to be the most affected. This result suggests that the impact of tourism in the host country is much broader with respect to the purely economic effect. Furthermore, it suggests the need of further investigating the relationship between human development and tourism. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 28, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2094   open full text
  • Brand Equity Research Using Online Customer Ratings of Spanish Hotels.
    Ismael P. Soler, Germán Gémar.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 22, 2016
    This study sought to create and test a customer‐based brand equity model for Spanish hotels with TripAdvisor data. Using a sample of 1514 hotels and structural equation modelling with an asymptotically distribution‐free method, a valid basic, unified model was developed. The results confirm the viability of online data for brand equity research. These data reduce the cost of data capture, allowing the collection of a large amount of data and the creation of more dynamic models. The results also show that aspects of brand equity are now under the control of users, a finding that requires further research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 22, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2096   open full text
  • Contesting the Commercialization and Sanctity of Religious Tourism in the Shaolin Monastery, China.
    Kam Hung, Xiaotao Yang, Philipp Wassler, Dan Wang, Pearl Lin, Zhaoping Liu.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 25, 2016
    The Shaolin Monastery annually attracts millions of visitors from around the world. However, the overcommercialization of these sacred places may contradict the values and philosophies of Buddhism. This study aims to comprehensively understand the balance between commercialization and sanctity, engaging with 58 Chinese practitioners and educators in seven focus groups. Participants articulated their expectation to avoid overcommercialization, and they discussed the conflicts between commercialization and sanctity to further explore on how to mitigate overcommercialization. Based on the study findings, a balanced model of religious tourism development is proposed, and specific recommendations are offered to sustainably manage religious sites. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 25, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2093   open full text
  • Identifying the Critical Success Factors and an Optimal Solution for Mobile Technology Adoption in Travel Agencies.
    Sheng‐Wei Lin.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 19, 2016
    To effectively use of mobile technologies, this study develops a multifaceted framework to analyze critical success factors and determine an optimal solution for mobile technology adoption by using hybrid multiple criteria decision‐making methods. The results show that the most important and common critical success factors (CSFs) are top management support and consumer needs. Meanwhile, experienced adopters also addressed market trends and customer relationships, as well as prioritized the adoption of mobile websites, whereas potential adopters were concerned about organizational innovativeness and considered quick response (QR) codes as the most suitable mobile technology. Finally, some academic and managerial implications are offered at the end of the study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 19, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2092   open full text
  • Knowledge Sharing Among Tourists via Social Media: A Comparison Between Facebook and TripAdvisor.
    Shintaro Okazaki, Luisa Andreu, Sara Campo.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 11, 2016
    This paper examines tourists' knowledge sharing behavior in social media. Based on social capital theory, we aim to examine the effects of three dimensions of social capital—structural (social interaction ties), cognitive (shared vision) and relational (trust)—for two different types of social media: Facebook and TripAdvisor. We propose a structural model that connects an antecedent (homophily) and a consequence (knowledge sharing through posting) of these main dimensions of social capital. An online survey is conducted with 1200 Spanish consumers. Based on the full sample, our structural equation modeling supports most of the hypothesized paths, while trust does not affect either social interaction ties or knowledge sharing. Examining the difference between Facebook and TripAdvisor, our multigroup analysis finds that neither trust nor shared vision drives knowledge sharing on TripAdvisor, while shared vision affects knowledge sharing in Facebook. In both media, social interaction ties play an important role in motivating users to post comments. The effects of homophily on social interaction ties and on shared vision were statistically greater in TripAdvisor than in Facebook. Homophily did not affect trust in either media. In closing, both theoretical and managerial implications are discussed, important limitations are recognized and future research directions are suggested. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 11, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2090   open full text
  • Do Attractions Attract Tourists? A Framework to Assess the Importance of Attractions in Driving Demand.
    Bob McKercher.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 10, 2016
    A framework to assess the role attractions play in driving destination choice is proposed. It assesses specificity of need with the number of attraction sets and individual attractions within each set that can satisfy the need. Individual attractions will play an increasingly important role in destination choice as needs become more singular and specific. Alternately, if needs are broad, the number of attraction sets and attractions within each set becomes increasingly substitutable, making it difficult to ascribe visitation to any specific attraction. The framework provides a mechanism for Destination Management Organizations to identify the proximate cause of visitation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 10, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2091   open full text
  • Measuring Stakeholder Perspectives on Environmental and Community Stability in a Tourism‐Dependent Economy.
    Liam M. Carr, Daniel Y. Liu.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 25, 2016
    Tourism is promoted as an environmentally beneficial activity for Caribbean economies. Yet degradation still occurs and more integrated policy approaches are needed. Using Q‐methodology within a social‐ecological system (SES) framework, we quantified the importance of various policy issues to stakeholders in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, where tourism produces 77% of its GDP. Stakeholders agree Providenciales' economy benefits from a healthy marine environment, but disagree over which SES drivers are functionally important. Our results show that Q‐methodology is a robust tool for informing the policy‐making process and quantifying stakeholder views in a tourism‐dependent economy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 25, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2084   open full text
  • Understanding the Proclivity of Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) Travel across Family Life Cycle Stages in Australia.
    Elisa Backer, David Lynch.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 16, 2016
    The Family Life Cycle (FLC) model is frequently used for understanding travel patterns and consumer behaviour. The aim of this research was to consider the relationship between FLC stages and travel engagement in Australia. Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFRs) and non‐VFRs (n = 102 029) were found to be significantly different in their FLC composition. In addition, the prevalence of FLC stages changed between the groups, with families comprising 27.5% of domestic VFRs yet comprising 37.9% of domestic non‐VFRs. This study has provided a valuable assessment of the relationship between FLC stages and domestic travel in Australia and is the first paper to integrate two common approaches used in tourism for market segmentation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 16, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2087   open full text
  • Destination Development: Trends in Japan's Inbound Tourism.
    Joan Catherine Henderson.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 13, 2016
    Japan has seen a marked increase in tourist arrivals since the start of the current decade, and this paper presents a case study of the country as a destination for overseas leisure visitors and recent trends. The factors and forces underlying the upturn are examined to reveal the importance of national conditions in the country as a whole alongside government tourism policy, attractions and amenities, access and mobility and destination marketing. These emerge as key determinants of the destination development process with international conditions also playing a role. Further growth in Japan's inbound tourism is expected in the years leading up to 2020 when it will host the Olympic Games, but the multiple influences at work create some uncertainty about the future as well as new opportunities. While exhibiting distinctive characteristics, the case does afford more general insights into how and why states acquire the heightened popularity attendant on destination development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 13, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2088   open full text
  • Effects of Motivation, Knowledge and Perceived Power on Residents' Perceptions: Application of Weber's Theory in World Heritage Site Destinations.
    S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh, Mastura Jaafar, Rabeeh Barghi.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 07, 2016
    In light of Weber's theory, this paper investigates the effects of residents' motivation, perceived power, knowledge and economic gain on their perceptions toward tourism development. The data for this study was collected from urban residents of the George Town World Heritage Site (WHS), Malaysia. The results reveal positive effects for perceived power, knowledge and economic gain on residents' positive perceptions. A negative effect for motivation and a positive effect for knowledge on residents' negative perceptions was also observed. This study makes a significant contribution by using Weber's theory and by having been conducted in an urban WHS context. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 07, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2085   open full text
  • Destination Management in Chile: Objectives, Actions and Actors.
    Douglas Pearce, Cesar Guala, Katerina Veloso, Sandrino Llano, Jorge Negrete, Adriano Rovira, Trace Gale, Anabel Reis.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 06, 2016
    This paper addresses questions related to the multiple objectives, actions and actors in destination management in Chile. The relationships between these variables in Valparaíso, Los Ríos and Aysén are analysed through a series of matrices, which draw on information contained in tourism and territorial plans and strategies. The current approach emphasizes supply‐side development by many actors and multiple actions. The pattern running throughout the multiplicity of objectives, actions and actors and summarized in a model is that of a common core with complementary variations and a series of main and secondary linkages. The implications of this pattern are then discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 06, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2083   open full text
  • Complementary Contrasts in a Mobile World: ‘In‐Betweenness’ and the Selling of Duty‐free Products.
    Adam Weaver.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 06, 2016
    The field of tourism studies has experienced a recent ‘mobility turn’, a shift whereby movement of various types and via different means is seen to have become increasingly important. This paper explores relationships between mobility and sales strategies deployed by duty‐free retailers. Three in‐between conditions – between moving and waiting, between home and ‘away’ and between standardization and customization – have a connection with tourism‐related movement and represent contrasts deftly reconciled by duty‐free retailers. It is argued that the machinery of duty‐free selling has successfully harnessed various forms of ‘in‐betweenness’ associated with mass mobility for the purposes of revenue generation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 06, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2086   open full text
  • Economic Policy Uncertainty and Tourism Demand: Empirical Evidence from the USA.
    Giray Gozgor, Serdar Ongan.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 01, 2016
    This paper investigates the effects of uncertainty on tourism spending (direct sales) by USA domestic tourists over the period of 1998Q1–2015Q4. For this purpose, for the first time, the Economic Policy Uncertainty index was used as an independent variable in tourism demand analysis models. Unit root and cointegration tests are applied to account for unknown structural breaks. The empirical findings indicate that a higher level of Economic Policy Uncertainty leads to significant declines in tourism spending in the long run. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 01, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2089   open full text
  • Chinese Citizens' Outbound Destination Choice: Objective and Subjective Factors.
    Xiang Wei, Fang Meng, Pei Zhang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 22, 2016
    This study examines the factors influencing Chinese citizens' outbound destination choice to Europe/the USA based on the objective (e.g. demographics and time/money constraints) and subjective measures (e.g. happiness). The study utilizes the nationwide dataset of China Economic Life Survey, which includes more than 100 000 households across 300 counties and 104 cities in China for the analysis. The results reveal that the demographic characteristics (age and education) and constraints (vacation time and money/income) significantly influence Chinese citizens' outbound destination choice. Compared with other outbound destinations, Europe/the USA are more attractive to young, better‐educated people with higher income and more leisure (vacation) time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 22, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2082   open full text
  • Biographical Research Methods and Their Use in the Study of Senior Tourism.
    Dominik Huber, Simon Milne, Kenneth F. Hyde.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 20, 2016
    This paper explores the use of biographical research methods in the study of tourism behaviour among older adults in Freising, Germany. A qualitative biographical participatory research approach is argued to provide an emic perspective on seniors' tourism behaviour over their life course. A variety of techniques for the collection and analysis of biographical data are developed and applied including approaches to the graphical presentation of summaries of biographical data, life history guides, ecomaps and the use of vacation photos and travel records. This study suggests that researching individual biographies in depth can provide a contextualized understanding of tourism behaviour changes in old age. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 20, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2081   open full text
  • Existential Authenticity and Anxiety as Outcomes: The Tourist in the Experience Economy.
    Ksenia Kirillova, Xinran Y Lehto, Liping Cai.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 06, 2016
    The idea of meaning‐making as embedded in the experience economy 3.0 implies that greater consumption does not lead to greater contentment, and thus, products that have the capacity to meaningfully transform a consumer are to constitute the ultimate economic offering. Conceptualizing transformation as changes in tourist existential authenticity and anxiety, this study investigates the effect of tourism on these existential dimensions. Utilizing the survey data, we find positive effects and discover that perceived meaningfulness is the major influencing factor. Additionally, the type of tourism experiences, travel party size, tourist gender, age, and educational level significantly affect tourist existential authenticity and anxiety. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 06, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2080   open full text
  • Financial Disclosure in the Travel and Leisure Industry.
    Andreas Andrikopoulos, Anna A. Merika, Andreas G. Merikas.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 12, 2016
    This study explores the determinants of Internet financial disclosure in the travel and leisure industry. Studying the case of the firms that are listed in the London Stock Exchange, we employ the generalized method of moments in order to investigate the cross‐sectional variation in the quantity of financial information, which is disclosed on corporate websites of travel and leisure firms. We find that disclosure is positively associated with corporate size, financial leverage, concentrated ownership, dual listing and profitability. We also discover that profitability is not only a determinant of financial disclosure in the travel and leisure industry but also its consequence: More profitable firms yield more requests for transparency among their stakeholders, and they also have the necessary resources to respond to these requests. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 12, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2078   open full text
  • Symbolic, Experiential and Functional Consumptions of Heritage Tourism Destinations: The Case of Angkor World Heritage Site, Cambodia.
    Ching‐Fu Chen, Anna Leask, Sambath Phou.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 11, 2016
    This study empirically investigates the effects of three destination consumptions (namely symbolic, experiential and functional) on tourists' destination attachment and satisfaction, and further on destination loyalty at a heritage tourism destinations. Using a sample of 512 international tourists visiting Angkor, Cambodia, results reveal that all three types of consumptions have significantly positive effects on destination attachment and satisfaction, which in turn positively affect destination loyalty. However, the effects of symbolic consumption and experiential consumption are greater than that of functional consumption. The results also support the importance of the role of destination attachment in the quality–satisfaction–loyalty relationship. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 11, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2077   open full text
  • On the Global Determinants of Visiting Home.
    Faruk Balli, Syed Basher, Rosmy Jean Louis, Ahmed Saber Mahmud.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 05, 2016
    In this paper, we examine possible macro‐level determinants underlying the number of trips emigrants make back home by exploiting a panel of data comprising 25 countries over the period 1995–2010. To guide the empirical work, we first construct a simple model of the decision by emigrants to visit their home country. The model predicts, among other things, that the effects of distance on the frequency of visiting home are negative but the impact of the host country's wage on the decision to visit home is ambiguous: It depends on the legal status of the emigrants in the host country. Our empirical results based on a pooled estimator support these predictions. First, the number of trips back home is inversely related to distance but positively related to income and institutional quality. Second, emigrants living in Africa and North America are less likely to visit home, whereas emigrants living in the Arabian Gulf countries visit home more often. The results from cross‐sectional estimations provide very similar results, indicating that our results are robust to alternative estimation approaches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 05, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2079   open full text
  • The Incidence of Smartphone Usage among Tourists.
    Colin F. Mang, Linda A. Piper, Natalya R. Brown.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 03, 2016
    We explore smartphone utilization by tourists from 24 countries visiting either Rome, Italy or Athens, Greece. By extending a standard technology acceptance model, we identify common travel uses for smartphones, which include taking photos, social networking, viewing maps, finding transportation and searching for shops and restaurants. Younger cohorts utilize their phones more than older cohorts, but there is no difference in utilization between females and males. The most important factors affecting behaviour are how often the tourist normally utilizes their smartphone when at home, and whether or not the tourist has non‐WiFi data access. We conclude with recommendations for future research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 03, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2076   open full text
  • Developing a Country‐wide Tourist Loyalty Scheme: A Barren Landscape.
    Anastasios Zopiatis, Antonis L. Theocharous, Petros C. Kosmas, Craig Webster, Yioula Melanthiou.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 28, 2016
    Loyalty programs, popular in today's competitive business environment, have been capturing the attention of the tourism industry since the mid 80's. While many segments of the industry have successfully utilized loyalty programs, the development of a country‐wide loyalty scheme still poses major challenges. Reflecting the findings of an extensive mixed methods research, the paper set out to empirically investigate tourists' willingness to participate in a country‐wide loyalty scheme, define the incentives they expect from such a scheme, and, explore the perceptions of hospitality stakeholders towards this potential development. Findings are of interest to both academic scholars and industry stakeholders. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 28, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2075   open full text
  • Non‐participation of Domestic Tourism: Analyzing the Influence of Discouraging Factors.
    Hengyun Li, Fang Meng, Ziqiong Zhang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 29, 2016
    This study analyzes the factors that discourage non‐tourists' participation in domestic tourism. Data were collected in 15 cities in China and analyzed using a comparative analysis and non‐parametric ridit analysis. The findings indicate that (i) non‐tourists have low internal travel motivation and attitude and are more likely to be under 25 or above 55 years old, less educated, less healthy, with small child(ren) and lower income; (ii) non‐tourists consider less on destination environment and attraction, but focus on price and travel expenses when making a travel decision and destination choice; and (iii) economic and leisure time are their main situational travel constrains. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 29, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2074   open full text
  • Guided Tour Influence on Cruise Tourist Experience in a Port of Call: An eWOM and Questionnaire‐Based Approach.
    Silvia Sanz‐Blas, Daniela Buzova.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 03, 2016
    The study aims at exploring the importance of guided tours in cruise tourists experience while visiting a port of call and analyzing qualitative (electronic word of mouth from Tripadvisor) and quantitative (personal interviews with tourists) data. The results obtained from the electronic word of mouth analysis suggest that taking a guided tour is a highly satisfactory and sentimentally positive experience for the cruise tourist. Moreover, the empirical findings revealed that taking a guided tour has a moderating effect on (1) the interaction between destination image–satisfaction, (2) the satisfaction–loyalty causal relationship and (3) the destination image formation process regarding the infrastructure and atmosphere, and tourism resources image dimensions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 03, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2073   open full text
  • The Use of Intelligence in Tourism Destination Management: An Emerging Role for DMOs.
    Lorn Sheehan, Alfonso Vargas‐Sánchez, Angelo Presenza, Tindara Abbate.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 16, 2016
    Over time, the acronym DMO has evolved from a meaning centered on marketing (i.e. Destination Marketing Organization) to a meaning centered on management (i.e. Destination Management Organization). Expanding the role of DMOs to one of management implies a greater need to engage stakeholders both within the destination and external to the destination. We assert that this places the DMO in a fundamentally unique position of being a boundary spanner between the internal destination environment and the external competitive environment. This boundary‐spanning role requires higher capabilities in knowledge management. The successful DMO of the future will be an intelligent agent of the destination that is able to identify, engage and learn from disparate stakeholders both within and outside the destination. It must acquire, filter, analyze and prioritize data and information from various sources to create knowledge that can be used to fulfill its role in destination management. Our paper is conceptual in nature, advocating an organizing framework to help understand the DMO's role as an intelligent agent that acts as a boundary spanner between the destination and the external competitive environment generating and disseminating knowledge. Outside the destination, the DMO must gain knowledge about the competitive environment, opportunities and threats, and trends that will change the future competitive landscape. Within the destination, the DMO must use this knowledge to strategically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the destination, align the resources of stakeholders and develop adequate competencies to formulate a strategy that is both competitive and sustainable. We conclude with a set of prescriptions for destination managers seeking to create an intelligent DMO that maximizes their knowledge management capabilities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 16, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2072   open full text
  • Tourism Innovation in the Global South: Evidence from the Western Cape, South Africa.
    Irma Booyens, Christian M. Rogerson.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 11, 2016
    A research gap exists for the conceptual strengthening, measurement and analysis of innovation at the tourism firm and systems levels, especially in the context of the global South. This paper investigates tourism innovation in the Western Cape region of South Africa. In particular, the nature and types of innovation by tourism firms and system actors are interrogated. It is revealed that innovation by tourism firms is widespread, albeit is largely incremental in nature. The main contribution of this research is the development of an expanded evidence‐based tourism innovation typology from a cross‐sectoral survey of tourism firms and qualitative interviews undertaken with tourism system actors. In addition, recommendations are provided regarding measurement of innovation in tourism. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 11, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2071   open full text
  • Memorable Tourist Experiences and Place Attachment When Consuming Local Food.
    Chen‐Tsang (Simon) Tsai.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 06, 2016
    The purpose of the study was to model the memorable travel experiences, place attachment and behavioral intentions for consuming local food. Data were collected by self‐administered surveys of 378 tourists visiting Tainan, Taiwan. The survey results show that the experiences of consuming local cuisines enable tourists to create positive and unforgettable memories, and such positive memories further enhance their identification with or strong attachment to local attractions and behavioral intention. Place identity under place attachment also revealed mediating effects between memorable travel experiences and behavioral intention. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 06, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2070   open full text
  • Personality, Risk Perception, Benefit Sought and Terrorism Effect.
    Yeganeh Morakabati, Grzegorz Kapuściński.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 04, 2016
    Risk perception can affect travel decision‐making. It is subjective and variable among different people. The purposes of this study are threefold: it examines the relationship between personality and risk perception, risk perception and benefit sought and finally tests to see whether willingness to travel alters after a terrorist attack and how this differs across different personalities. To do this, a random sample of 475 British households was selected to facilitate the analysis. The findings show that there are differences in terms of people's personality and risk perception. Benefit sought and risk perceptions are partially related, but not in the context of terrorism attacks in seaside resorts, where terrorism creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that leave the door open for fear, and the lack of ability to control the risk stops even the most confident traveller. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 04, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2068   open full text
  • Click to Share: Patterns in Tourist Photography and Sharing.
    Esther Konijn, Nienke Sluimer, Ondrej Mitas.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 04, 2016
    Differences between tourists in photographing and photo‐sharing behaviours have been under‐researched. We examined the influence of geographic origin and travel group composition on tourist photographing and sharing. Questionnaires were used to measure photographing and sharing frequency, while participant observation afforded a deeper examination of sharing processes. Findings showed differences in photography behaviour between solo and accompanied tourists. Tourists from some continents also took and shared photographs more frequently. Observations uncovered processes connecting sharing, photographing, and content of photographs. As user‐generated content becomes increasingly influential in tourism management, attention to origin, group composition and other individual differences can help engage tourists in photographing and sharing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 04, 2016   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2069   open full text
  • Does a Terroir Product Tell the Same Story to Tourists, Day‐trippers and Local Consumers? The Moderating Role of Variety‐seeking Tendency and Perceived Authenticity.
    François Lenglet, Jean‐Luc Giannelloni.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 16, 2015
    The issue of segmentation of the culinary tourism market is central for local economic actors because many products and activities address several marketing targets, including tourists and residents. This research shows that the assessment of the attributes of a terroir cheese is not altered by the consumer's tourist status. In contrast, taking into account the underlying motivations behind culinary tourism, an individual variable (the variety‐seeking tendency) and a variable related to the product (its perceived authenticity) appear as relevant segmentation criteria for such a culinary tourism product. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 16, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2067   open full text
  • Reflections Upon the Experience of Longitudinal Research into Cultural Event Production in a Developing Destination.
    Nancy Stevenson.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 27, 2015
    Longitudinal studies have the capacity to provide more nuanced explanations of tourism and event phenomena, taking account of complexity, change and context. This paper is a self‐reflexive, methodological study of research practice. It investigates my experience of engaging with cultural event producers in an emerging destination over a seven‐year period. Focussing on my research journey, it considers the social and relational dynamics associated with longitudinal research. Reciprocal relations and co‐production of cultural events reveal nuanced information and expose fluid relationships and networks. Long‐term engagement uncovers evolving practices and develops understanding of event processes embedded within their wider context. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 27, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2066   open full text
  • Tour Guide Styles and Penal History Museums in Canada.
    Matthew Ferguson, Kevin Walby, Justin Piché.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 15, 2015
    Although the existing penal tourism literature examines displays at penal heritage sites, little research has explored the work of tour guides within them. Drawing from interviews and observations, this article assesses the styles of tour guides working at penal history museums in Canada. We situate carceral guides' styles along a continuum encompassing those who claim to convey historical facts as well as ones who explicitly engage in staging and performance, which are primarily responsive to penal tourists' expectations for fun and entertainment. In the discussion and conclusion, we address the practical implications of this assessment of guide styles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 15, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2065   open full text
  • Tourism Development: The Challenges of Achieving Sustainable Livelihoods in Bhutan's Remote Reaches.
    Wantanee Suntikul, Ugyen Dorji.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 24, 2015
    Merak–Sakteng is a remote area of Bhutan, which is targeted for development of tourism owing to the unique culture and way of life of the semi‐nomadic local ‘Brokpa’ people, whose livelihoods depend on herding yaks and sheep. These livestock enter forests where local residents and government see their grazing as threatening their crops and causing environmental degradation. The semi‐nomadic life centred on livestock, which has long been essential to Brokpa culture and economy, thus comes under threat. The opening of Merak–Sakteng to tourism is intended to address this conflict by lessening the Brokpas' economic dependence on livestock. This paper reports on research into the potential of tourism to transform this ethnic minority's economic way of life through the introduction of tourism into the local livelihood mix. Sustainable livelihoods issues are investigated through a consideration of both economic and socio‐cultural aspects of the local way of life, based on observation, and the findings of a survey of local people, semi‐structured interviews with village leaders and government officials concerning development of the area. The survey found that despite land‐use conflicts and limited grazing land, Brokpas still aspired to spend money gained from tourism on purchasing more yaks, which may escalate land‐use conflicts and threaten environmental sustainability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 24, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2062   open full text
  • Roots Tourists' Internal Experiences and Relations with the Ancestral Land: Case of Second‐generation Chinese Americans.
    Naho U. Maruyama.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 17, 2015
    Studying ‘roots tourism’ provides insights regarding various relationships between diasporic people and their ancestral countries. The goal of this study was to classify second‐generation Chinese American roots tourists based on the meanings of visiting China and a sense of belonging to China. Through the interpretive analysis of 34 interviewees, five categories emerged. The findings indicated various meanings of visit, although, overall, ties to the ancestral land seemed ceasing. Roots tourism, a temporal, infrequent visit, may not foster strong ties to an ancestral land. Yet, the study also revealed that the ancestral land still signifies as a special destination for diasporic people. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 17, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2064   open full text
  • Agglomeration Density and Labor Productivity in China's Tourism Industry.
    Yong Yang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 11, 2015
    The primary objective of this study is to examine the extent to which tourism agglomeration density contributes to tourism labor productivity across the provinces of China. This objective is achieved by analyzing a panel dataset from 2000 to 2011. Our estimation results indicate that tourism industry agglomeration density and per capita capital stock are important determinants of labor productivity and that the benefits of locating in dense areas can offset the associated costs for tourism firms. However, diverse industrial circumstances have a negative effect on tourism labor productivity of tourism firms, such as star‐rated hotels, travel agencies, scenic spots, transportation enterprises and other firms. These results are robust for a large series of empirical tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 11, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2061   open full text
  • ‘Does it Really Affect Me?’ Tourism Destination Narratives, Destination Image, and the Intention to Visit: Examining the Moderating Effect of Narrative Transportation.
    Jehn‐Yih Wong, Shu‐Ju Lee, Wen‐Hwa Lee.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 08, 2015
    The extent to which tourism destination marketing narratives with different themes influence readers by imaginatively ‘transporting’ them is quite varied. This study investigates the different degrees of influence such narratives have on destination image and the intention to visit, exploring how the intensity of readers' experiences of being transported by narratives with different themes can influence their intention to visit the places described. Our results reveal the extent to which different narrative themes affect destination image and significantly influence readers' intention to visit. The extent to which narratives with different themes make readers feel transported also has a significant moderating effect on their intention to visit. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 08, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2063   open full text
  • The Effects of a Negative Travel Experience on Tourists' Decisional Behavior.
    Anna Pavesi, William Gartner, Basak Denizci‐Guillet.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 19, 2015
    This study examines the influence of a negative experience at a destination on tourists by identifying its effects on individuals' judgment. Empirical evidence of the tangible effects of a single travel experience on individuals' decision‐making is lacking. Prospect theory and negativity bias theory are introduced for theoretical support. The ratings of generally important criteria for destination selection and the evaluation of the destination on those criteria were collected before and after visitation. A mean comparison showed that the effects of a single travel experience are tangible and affect tourists' future decisional behavior intentions by contributing to shaping the individuals' destination selection criteria. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 19, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2060   open full text
  • Explicit and Implicit Attitudes and Attitude Changes toward Tourism Destinations: Las Vegas, USA, versus Jeongseon, South Korea.
    Dongsuk Jang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 01, 2015
    Implicit and explicit attitudes toward two casino cities, Las Vegas, USA, and Jeongseon, Korea, were compared in this study. Seventy‐two Koreans willing to visit both cities participated in the study. Implicit attitudes gaged by the Implicit Association Test were more favorable to Las Vegas than to Jeongseon. This was in accord with explicit attitudes. That is, participants had positive attitudes to Las Vegas and negative attitudes to Jeongseon at the explicit level. After watching 15 min of film showing negative aspects of the casino in Jeongseon, implicit attitudes did not change; however, explicit attitudes to both cities became negative. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 01, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2057   open full text
  • A Study of TV Drama Series, Cultural Proximity and Travel Motivation: Moderation Effect of Enduring Involvement.
    David Y. Chang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 21, 2015
    This paper empirically investigates the relationships of TV drama series, cultural proximity and travel motivation, especially examining the moderating effect of enduring involvement in this relationship. The findings reveal that only TV drama series, not cultural proximity, has positive effects on travel motivation. The viewer's enduring involvement with the drama shows its moderating effects on the drama–motivation relationship but only on the cultural proximity–motivation relationship for the high‐enduring‐involvement viewers. Overall, this study highlights a viewer's enduring involvement role in enhancing/changing the effects of TV dramas and cultural proximity on the viewer's travel motivation to the places depicted in the programs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 21, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2058   open full text
  • Synthesis of City Branding Literature (1988–2014) as a Research Domain.
    Senay Oguztimur, Ulun Akturan.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 14, 2015
    The purpose of this study is to systematically review the city branding literature, organize the subject matters and draw a map of the development and change in the city branding research domain. As a result, city branding literature is categorized under four thematic areas: (1) city branding concept, processes and measurement; (2) branding strategies; (3) social urbanism; and (4) branding culture and tourism. Most of the studies are research based. The qualitative methods are commonly used. There is a general tendency to describe the data but not to interpret the relations between the concepts and theories. Therefore, the knowledge is idiographic.
    July 14, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2054   open full text
  • The Evolution of Gay Travel Research.
    Oskaras Vorobjovas‐Pinta, Anne Hardy.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 14, 2015
    This paper explores literature relating to the gay travel market. It argues that the current discourse in this area has largely concentrated on the demand‐led approaches such as the motivations and demographic profiles of gay travellers and the use of gay space. However, in light of societal change as well as the increasing role of technology, there is a need to revisit the demographic, motivational and behavioural characteristics of gay travellers, particularly in the context of their use of gay space. With this in mind, this paper highlights a number of significant opportunities for future research into the gay travel market. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 14, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2059   open full text
  • Profiling the Heritage Experience in Macao's Historic Center.
    Wantanee Suntikul, Timothy Jachna.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 07, 2015
    This paper applies Pine and Gilmore's four realms of experience – Esthetic, Escapism, Entertainment and Education – to investigate Macao's Historic Center in terms of the experience value attached to different heritage sites by tourists, with implications for understanding the experience profile of heritage tourism sites in general. The research is based on a survey of 700 tourists. Dominant experience profiles for the sites, which differ from that of the Historic Center as a whole, are identified and discussed, as are the implications of specific synergies identified between different dimensions of the experience of these heritage sites. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 07, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2050   open full text
  • Stakeholder Influence on the Implementation of Environmental Management Practices in the Hotel Industry.
    Patricia S. Sánchez‐Medina, René Díaz‐Pichardo, Maricela Cruz‐Bautista.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 07, 2015
    Based on the stakeholder theory, this research aims to analyze the relationship between hoteliers' perceptions of stakeholders' interests and the implementation of environmental management practices in Oaxaca, Mexico, incorporating the effect of three hotel characteristics: size, age and economic capacity. Empirical evidence, obtained from hotel owners and/or managers, reveals a direct and positive relationship between the hoteliers' perceptions of stakeholders' interests and the implementation of environmental management practices, with hotel age and size having a moderating effect. Economic capacity, as an independent variable, is also an important factor in the implementation of environmental management practices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 07, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2056   open full text
  • Modified Importance–Performance Analysis for Evaluating Tourism Businesses Strategies: Comparison of Slovenia and Serbia.
    Larry Dwyer, Tanja Armenski, Ljubica Knežević Cvelbar, Vanja Dragićević, Tanja Mihalic.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 25, 2015
    A modified nine‐quadrant importance–performance analysis is employed to assess the importance which Slovenian and Serbian tourism industry stakeholders attach to 48 nominated strategic activities to promote business and destination competitiveness. An important finding is that respondents in each country allocated the bulk of activities to the ‘keep up the good work’ strategy. In both destinations, this strategy was dominated by activities related to product development and innovation. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the identified priority activities require close examination to determine their ‘enabling conditions’ and the implications of an action based on them. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 25, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2052   open full text
  • Up in Smoke? The Impact of Smog on Risk Perception and Satisfaction of International Tourists in Beijing.
    Jing Li, Philip L. Pearce, Alastair M. Morrison, Bihu Wu.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 11, 2015
    This research explored the perceptions of on‐site international tourists towards the smog in Beijing. A scale measuring the degree of tourists' concern about smog conditions was developed. The links among smog concern, risk perception, trip satisfaction and destination loyalty were tested with a structural equation model. Direct relationships were found for the hypothesized effects of smog concern on risk perception and satisfaction. Further, the influence of risk perception on reducing satisfaction as well as the role of satisfaction in forming revisit intention (loyalty) was identified. The broad concerns of this study are applicable across all key Chinese tourism cities visited by international tourists. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 11, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2055   open full text
  • The Importance of Internal Resources and Capabilities and Destination Resources to Explain Firm Competitive Position in the Spanish Tourism Industry.
    César Camisón, Alba Puig‐Denia, Beatriz Forés, María Eugenia Fabra, Azahara Muñoz, CÉSAR Muñoz Martínez.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 11, 2015
    This study draws on the Resource‐Based View to analyze the effects of distinctive competences in tourism firms and location in a tourism district on competitive position, and explores the moderating effects of the tourism destination. Multiple linear regression was used to test the research hypotheses on a sample of 1019 Spanish tourism firms. Results reveal that financial resources and dynamic and production capabilities favor a better competitive position for tourism firms in general; however, coordination and marketing capabilities are key factors for firms embedded in a tourism district, while dynamic capabilities have a negative effect in this case. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 11, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2053   open full text
  • Social Tourism and Healthy Ageing.
    Jordi Garcés Ferrer, Mireia Ferri Sanz, Estrella Durá Ferrandis, Scott McCabe, Javier Sánchez García.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 10, 2015
    Recent research in social tourism notes possible links between tourism participation and improvements in health. However, there is a lack of quantitative evidence concerning the potential links between tourism participation and self‐reported health amongst older people. An ageing society requires measures to promote independent living and enhance older people's quality of life. This paper provides evidence that older tourists are more active and healthy than non‐tourists, from a study comparing health perceptions amongst Spanish older people. The results provide tentative conclusions of causal relationships between tourism and dimensions of physical and mental health through a Structural Equation Model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 10, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2048   open full text
  • Trip Cultural Activities and Tourism Expenditure in Emerging Urban‐cultural Destinations.
    Juan Ignacio Pulido‐Fernández, Pablo Juan Cárdenas‐García, Isabel Carrillo‐Hidalgo.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 03, 2015
    Although tourism expenditure is determined by different factors, the literature has not analysed the extent to which trip cultural activities affect tourism expenditure in the destination. The focus of this paper is a microeconomic analysis performed in 14 emerging urban‐cultural destinations in Andalusia (Spain). The results confirm that there are activities related to cultural visits, attendance at events or gastronomic activities that determine tourism expenditure. These results guide the implementation of specific actions by the policy‐makers in these destinations aimed at increasing the economic impact of tourism, based on the creation of high value‐added tourism products to overcome their mere dependence on built heritage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 03, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2047   open full text
  • Professional Development Barriers and Benefits in a Tourism Knowledge Economy.
    Kevin D. Lyons, Tamara Young, Joanne Hanley, Paul Stolk.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 26, 2015
    This study investigates small to medium tourism enterprise (SMTE) owner–managers' intentions to seek professional development. SMTEs in a regional tourism destination were surveyed, and an exploratory factor analysis identified barriers to, and benefits of, professional development factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict SMTE owner–manager's intention to pursue professional development based on perceived benefits of and barriers to training factors, education level and business size. ‘Staff performance benefits’ and ‘time/cost barriers’ of owner–manager's intention to seek professional development opportunities for staff. ‘Business performance benefits’ predicted owner–manager's intentions to seek professional develop for themselves. Implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 26, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2051   open full text
  • Transformation of Tourism in Beijing after the 2008 Summer Olympics: An Analysis of the Impacts in 2014.
    Neha Singh, Huiqiong Zhou.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 12, 2015
    Many countries compete for the opportunity to host the Olympics because of the resulting positive impacts. However, there are also high costs associated with hosting this event. The participants of this study provided insight on how the 2008 Olympics influenced Beijing's tourism industry. This study explores the impacts of hosting the renowned Olympic Games on the transformation of the host city from the supplier perspective. Beijing tourism industry professionals and Beijing residents were considered suppliers and interviewed for the purpose of this study. Collected data reveal that the city of Beijing rapidly developed because of the mega event. Suppliers including Beijing's tourism department, government organizations, hotels, and restaurants have changed their marketing strategies over time because of the impacts of the Olympics. Additionally, Beijing has shifted to promoting a new destination image: fashion and vitality. The present findings will help future host destinations better understand the impacts of hosting the Olympics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 12, 2015   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2045   open full text
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy in the Hotel Industry: Evidence from the Balearic Islands.
    Aleix Calveras.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 25, 2014
    This paper attempts to identify some of the main factors affecting a hotel establishment's decision to adopt (or not), and to what extent, socially and environmentally responsible business practices. Salient among the results obtained is the fact that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is likely to be part of a hotel's product differentiation strategy; additionally, it is shown that productivity aspects such as scale economies, as well as the hotel's internal organization, also impact a hotel's CSR strategy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 25, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2007   open full text
  • Mix between Satisfaction and Attributes Destination Choice: A Segmentation Criterion to Understand the Ski Resorts Consumers.
    Dina Alexandra Marques Miragaia, Marco Alexandre Batista Martins.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 20, 2014
    This study examined the attributes prioritized by tourists when choosing a winter sports destination and their degree of satisfaction with the services provided by Portugal's only ski resort. Two hundred tourists completed a questionnaire with factor analysis then deployed to extract the data that served as the basis for cluster analysis. Our results report discrepancies between the attributes valued by tourists when choosing winter sports destinations and their degree of satisfaction with the ski resort's services. Moreover, the combination between attributes/motivations prevailing in destination selection and the subsequent satisfaction with the services provided may generate information of relevance to evaluating organizational competitiveness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 20, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2009   open full text
  • Strategies for Adopting Consumer‐generated Media in Small‐sized to Medium‐sized Tourism Enterprises.
    Stephen Burgess, Carmine Sellitto, Carmen Cox, Jeremy Buultjens.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 12, 2014
    Consumer‐generated media (CGM) are created when consumers submit, review or respond to online content. The bulk of research into CGM has focussed upon its use by consumers, with less research examining the use of CGM by small businesses. This article discusses small business sector use of online technologies such as CGM, concentrating on tourism small businesses as a key industry sector affected by CGM activities. A CGM ‘strategy’ framework, developed from an existing small business strategy framework, is proposed. This serves as a practical tool for developing CGM strategies and as a theoretical foundation for conducting research into the use of CGM. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 12, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2008   open full text
  • Revealing the Nature of Contemporary Tourism Research: Extracting Common Subject Areas through Bibliographic Coupling.
    Yulan Yuan, Ulrike Gretzel, Yuen‐Hsien Tseng.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 30, 2014
    This study aims at identifying recent subject areas and citation patterns of tourism research by applying a bibliometric tool to analyze over 2000 publications since 2008 from 10 tourism journals. Twelve subject areas were identified, and interesting citation patterns were revealed. From this analysis, the tourism research was found to be quite dynamic but at the same time very much focused on marketing and management aspects. This article contributes to ongoing efforts to reveal the nature of tourism research and its knowledge bases by applying the methodology of bibliographic coupling. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 30, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2004   open full text
  • Nonutilitarian Tourism Destination Positioning: A Case Study in China.
    Ying Qu, Hailin Qu.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 18, 2014
    This paper develops and applies a conceptual model of nonutilitarian tourism destination positioning. Tourist's nonutilitarian decision mechanisms (affective choosing and self‐congruity) are linked with destination positioning. A repositioning case of Dalian as a marine city destination versus its four competitors is used to demonstrate the model's guiding value. Through statistical analyses of MANOVA, ANOVAs and independent t‐tests, the findings indicate the differentiating affective image attribute and brand personality trait most useful for Dalian's positioning. A suggested nonutilitarian positioning strategy for Dalian, corresponding managerial and theoretical implications and future study considerations are finally summarized. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 18, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2005   open full text
  • Game‐angling Tourism: Connecting People, Places and Natures.
    Tom Mordue.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 17, 2014
    Freshwater game‐angling is a growing tourism phenomenon creating modern, increasingly global, spaces of consumption where performances are acted out in varied destinations. These performances uphold sporting traditions dating from fifteenth century England, cemented in the Victorian era. This paper demonstrates how and why freshwater angling has grown to become one of the largest leisure activities. It questions whether game‐angling tourism has become a profound ecotourism, drawing insights from sociology and geography to explore how game‐angling tourism traverses the society/nature dualism. It finds that angling tourism is a compelling, relatively undiscovered, vehicle for understanding our passion for consuming the natural world. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 17, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2003   open full text
  • Country Image of Pakistan: A Preliminary Study.
    Ying Fan, Akram Shahani.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 12, 2014
    This paper reports an empirical study of the country image of Pakistan. The purpose is to analyse key factors that influence perceptions. Four focus groups were conducted with both Pakistani nationals and people from other countries. Findings include the following: (i) there was little positive image of Pakistan as a country; (ii) most non‐Pakistani respondents lacked knowledge of the country; (iii) the self‐perception of Pakistanis was also largely negative; and (iv) media was the main source of information about the country. However, perceptions could be changed simply, as respondents gave very different responses after watching a slide show of Pakistan. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 12, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1998   open full text
  • What's Occurring? Barry since Gavin & Stacey.
    Heather Skinner.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 12, 2014
    This paper presents the analysis of internet content relating to the UK family seaside resort of Barry that has been the key location setting of a popular television comedy series, which appears to be contributing positively to changing the town's destination image. While offering insights into the regeneration of UK seaside towns in particular through diversification into the creative and cultural industries, this study offers clues to the way destinations in general may draw together fragmented antenarratives from popular media representations, social media and the internet, and incorporate these when planning campaigns to affect the induced destination image. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 12, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2001   open full text
  • The Value of Region of Origin, Producer and Protected Designation of Origin Label for Visitors and Locals: The Case of Fontina Cheese in Italy.
    Elena Maria Marcoz, T.C. Melewar, Charles Dennis.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 06, 2014
    Purpose: Food and tourism have a very close relation and food can be considered an essential tourism resource. This research is focused on the analysis of consumers' and tourists' food buying behaviours. The aim of this paper is to understand the value that can be generated by linking a typical food product to the region of origin/producer/certification. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that these elements (region of origin, producer and certification) have a different weight for consumers living in different places. Moreover, the research aims at segmenting typical food product consumers, to enable producers and tourism operators to achieve communication goals effectively. Methodology: The paper is based on an empirical survey of locals and visitors that considers the case of Fontina cheese, a typical Italian cheese. Findings: The research reveals that the origin of the product is, generally, more valued than protected designation of origin (PDO) certification. The perceived value of these attributes is then found to vary according to the distance between the region of origin of the product and consumers' residence. In particular, the importance of PDO certification for consumers increases with increasing distance from the region of origin of Fontina cheese. PDO is thus valued more by tourists than by locals. Originality/value: The analysis supports and builds on previous studies on the importance of PDO certification (Bruwer and Johnson 2010; Dimara and Skuras 2005). Importantly, this work contributes by eliciting consumers' preferences for PDO according to territorial differences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 06, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2000   open full text
  • Destination Brand Personality: An Application to Spanish Tourism.
    Alejandro Gómez Aguilar, María Jesús Yagüe Guillén, Nieves Villaseñor Roman.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 06, 2014
    In the current economic climate, destinations increasingly attempt to differentiate themselves. Brand personality (BP) is a useful tool for understanding differentiation in terms of identity and image perceptions. The authors are unaware of any prior study that develops and analyses to what extent Jennifer Aaker's BP scale is reliable and valid in destination branding. This paper studies UK visitors to two specific Spanish destinations: Granada and Torremolinos. The study concludes that the BP model is second‐order. The results help to more adequately establish the personality trait dimensions that create favourable evaluations of tourism destinations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 06, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1997   open full text
  • Benefits from Service Bundling in Destination Branding: The Role of Trust in Enhancing Cooperation among Operators in the Hospitality Industry.
    Elena Maria Marcoz, Chiara Mauri, Isabella Maggioni, Chiara Cantù.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 26, 2014
    Service bundling helps tourism organizations develop competitiveness. Cooperation within destinations builds service bundles and positively impacts image. This paper aims to shed light on the role of trust in cooperation among tourism operators in place branding strategy and investigates the impact of perceived benefits achievable through service bundling on hoteliers' orientation to networking, that is, willingness to cooperate with restaurants, theme parks, spas, and so on. A survey of 164 hoteliers finds that trust in other tourism operators mediates the impact of perceived relational benefits on networking orientation. Operators' innovativeness mediates the relationship between perceived economic benefits and networking orientation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 26, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.2002   open full text
  • The Influence of Holidays on Wine Purchasing Behaviour: Marketing and Tourism Insights Based on a Holiday Experience in Greece.
    Eleftherios Alamanos, Sharron Kuznesof, Christopher Ritson.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 24, 2014
    This study explores the influence of holiday experience in a wine producing country on consumers' future wine purchasing intentions. Findings from eight focus groups with UK wine consumers who have holidayed in Greece suggest that the effect is greater on highly involved wine consumers and depends on their knowledge of wines from the country, specifically grape varieties, wine producing areas and territorial certifications. This post‐holiday effect facilitates regeneration of memories from holidays when back in the home country, which can also generate interest for wine from the holiday destination and facilitate development of alternative tourism activities such as wine tourism. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 24, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1999   open full text
  • Achieving Competitiveness in Greek Accommodation Establishments during Recession.
    Nikolaos Pappas.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 19, 2014
    The article examines the strategies that Greek hotels have implemented to strengthen their competitiveness during recession. The research is based on a nationwide e‐mail survey to hospitality managers/owners. The results reveal that the most important perceived competitiveness factor is cost reduction and implementation of actions against crisis, followed by innovation, human resource management and marketing. The study also proposes actions that can improve the competitiveness of accommodation establishments. The article helps fill the gaps in our understanding of how hospitality firms tackle competition during crises, and suggests managerial policies that can help hospitality firms to strengthen their positioning and competitiveness during crises. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 19, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1995   open full text
  • Does Consumers' Feeling Affect Their Quality of Life? Roles of Consumption Emotion and Its Consequences.
    Seonjeong (Ally) Lee, Aikaterini Manthiou, Miyoung Jeong, Liang (Rebecca) Tang, Lanlung (Luke) Chiang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 10, 2014
    Emphasizing the importance of attendees' consumption emotion, this study investigates the impact of festival attendees' consumption emotion on their psychological outcomes such as satisfaction, perceived quality of life and loyalty toward the festival. Structural equation modeling is used to test the dynamics of festival attendees' consumption behavior and its consequences. Results of this study indicate that festival attendees' emotional behavior has a positive relationship with their overall satisfaction, which is identified as a key predictor for their loyalty and quality of life. The study's theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed in detail along with its limitations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 10, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1988   open full text
  • Interpreting Tourism at Olympic Sites: A Cross‐cultural Analysis of the Beijing Olympic Green.
    Graham Brown, Songshan (Sam) Huang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 05, 2014
    An examination is made of tourism at Olympic sites by reflective analyses of experiences gained at the Beijing Olympic Green. An account of experiences at the site, accompanied by photographs, was analysed through different cultural lenses to reveal distinctive characteristics of the setting and divergent interpretations of tourist behaviour. The findings enhance understanding of the role of Olympic sites as tourist attractions and the importance of photography as part of the tourist experience and as a research tool. The study demonstrates the utility of post‐experience interpretations when informed by relevant theoretical frameworks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 05, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1994   open full text
  • A Case Study on Culture Brokers and Their Role in Tourism Management in the Indigenous Community of Taquile Island in Puno, Peru.
    Sandra Guisela Cherro Osorio, Gary Best.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 04, 2014
    This study examines the role of culture brokers in the management of tourism in the indigenous community of Taquile Island. Culture brokers are individuals that have the ability to understand visitors' culture as well as their own. In‐depth interviews were conducted with culture brokers, members of the community and tourists to explore the topic from multiple perspectives. The findings suggest that their strong sense of identity has determined that culture brokers direct the course of action from inside and outside their society, while members of the community contribute from their positions, and this collaborative effort positively influences the tourist experience. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 04, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1992   open full text
  • Using GPS Supported Speed Analysis to Determine Spatial Visitor Behaviour.
    Michael Bauder.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 04, 2014
    In this paper a new approach to determine spatial visitor behaviour using GPS‐based measurement of tourists' velocity is given. I prove that GPS‐based velocity measurement is valid and feasible, even in urban areas. Furthermore, I illustrate that the possibility to interpret spatial visitor behaviour, as well as the choice of transportation type, can be drawn out of the recorded data. The suggested procedure delivers several benefits for destination and tourism management, given that the knowledge of spatial visitor behaviour is central to a successful and sustainable destination management. As an example, two studies (Freiburg, Berlin) are presented in this paper. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 04, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1991   open full text
  • Stakeholder Network Integrated Analysis: The Specific Case of Rural Tourism in the Portuguese Peneda‐Gerês National Park.
    Sónia Nogueira, José Carlos Pinho.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 04, 2014
    This study addresses the structure, nature and composition of stakeholder networks related to rural tourism in a Portuguese National Park (Peneda‐Gerês National Park). In particular, it examines their interactions along the following dimensions: marketing information (marketing exchanges such as flyers, tourism information and information on specific events), administrative resources (logistic and technical support), human resources (allocation of human resources), training (training of local stakeholders in the area of promotion) and financial resources (financial support). In terms of methodology, it uses both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The analysis of the type and nature of interactions among different stakeholders within a specific rural tourism destination is the main focus of this study. Among these, the marketing information network shows both a high number of connections and high centrality indices, which may indicate that there is a significant share of information about common projects, products and services among stakeholders. In contrast, the training network evidenced the opposite behavior pattern. The study also contributes to a better understanding of how different local stakeholders are positioned in a complex structure of interactions that are critical in providing useful directions to maximize potential opportunities that may contribute to promote rural tourism and local development efficiently. Several limitations and implications are offered in the final section. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 04, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1989   open full text
  • Conceptualising Customer‐to‐customer Value Co‐creation in Tourism.
    Ivana Rihova, Dimitrios Buhalis, Miguel Moital, Mary‐Beth Gouthro.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 29, 2014
    The notion that tourists actively co‐create value with organisations is increasingly acknowledged in tourism marketing. Yet, not much is known about the processes in play when customers co‐create value with each other. This conceptual paper offers a theoretical basis for the study of customer‐to‐customer co‐creation in tourism contexts, while debating the epistemological assumptions of value‐related research in tourism. Proposed conceptual framework posits that value is socially constructed and embedded in tourists' social practices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 29, 2014   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1993   open full text
  • The Tourism Industry and the Process of Internationalization in the Middle East: The Example of Jordan.
    Markus Pillmayer, Nicolai Scherle.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 12, 2013
    Ongoing internationalization processes have resulted in significant changes on the supply side in many fields of the economy and specifically in tourism. Although the scientific discourse is working hard to keep pace with these rapid changes, there is nevertheless a considerable deficit in research on the problems and risks as well as the potential and opportunities associated with intensifying processes of internationalization. This paper focuses on the internationalization process of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) in the Middle East, specifically in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which continues to be a tourist destination for Westerners in spite of major political and other crises. Internationalization of SMTEs is a complex process, and studies that take a more holistic view of this phenomenon are needed. This paper will therefore attempt to investigate the internationalization process in Jordan from a problem‐centred perspective and to critically examine and discuss it on the basis of comments made by leading actors in the Jordanian tourism business. The thus gained insights should help to reduce the still existing theoretical deficits in the study of the internationalization process. Particularly, the impact of the Arab Spring on the Jordanian tourism market must be included in a critical assessment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 12, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1964   open full text
  • Research on China's Tourism: A 35‐Year Review and Authorship Analysis.
    Lina Zhong, Bihu Wu, Alastair M. Morrison.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 07, 2013
    This study reviewed 333 articles on China's tourism from 96 English‐language academic journals within and outside of tourism from 1978 to 2012. Tourism policy and impacts, and tourism industry development and promotion were the two predominant research themes. Tourism development, policy, ecological impacts, attractions and markets were the five most popular topics. On the basis of an authorship relationship analysis, three research networks were producing most of the China tourism research output in English. A majority of the authors were based in Mainland China, the USA and Hong Kong. Trends and gaps in the literature on China's tourism were identified. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 07, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1962   open full text
  • Measuring the Conservation Aptitude of Surf Beaches in Phuket, Thailand: An Application of the Surf Resource Sustainability Index.
    Steven Andrew Martin, Ilian Assenov.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 28, 2013
    The research seeks to measure the conservation aptitude of nine surf beaches in Phuket, Thailand by employing the Surf Resource Sustainability Index, an assessment methodology comprising 27 social, economic, environmental and governance indicators used to frame and quantify attributes for conservation development. The research identifies and documents key areas of concern for the sustainability of the island's coastal surfing resources and distinguishes steps forward to address emergent issues. The study finds that by improving the awareness, legislative status and management of surfing sites, the overall conservation aptitude for the island could be raised considerably. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 28, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1961   open full text
  • A Typology of Technology‐Enhanced Tourism Experiences.
    Barbara Neuhofer, Dimitrios Buhalis, Adele Ladkin.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 12, 2013
    Experiences constitute the essence of the tourism industry. While the literature has recognized the recent impact of technology on experiences, its empirical exploration remains scarce. This study addresses the gap by empirically exploring five leading industry cases to generate a holistic understanding of technology‐enhanced tourism experiences. The main contribution of this paper lies in the development of a nine‐field experience typology matrix based on the increasing intensity of co‐creation and technology implementation. The final contribution of this study is the development of an experience hierarchy and discussing its relevance for experience enhancement in tourism research and practice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 12, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1958   open full text
  • Conceptualizing Trade Show Visitors' Consumption Behavior.
    Jehn‐Yih Wong, Tzu‐hui Li, Norman Peng, Annie Huiling Chen.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 11, 2013
    Tourism trade shows have become an increasingly attractive channel for practitioners to meet potential buyers. However, few studies have conceptualized non‐industrial buyers' consumption behavior during these events. This study proposes a model to conceptualize trade show visitors' buying behavior. The analysis of 738 trade show visitors shows that variety‐seeking tendency and deal proneness directly influence visitors' tourism product consumption behavior. In addition, price sensitivity can affect deal proneness and variety‐seeking tendency. Nevertheless, contrary to existing literature, service quality will not moderate visitors' buying processes. The implications of this study are discussed within tourism management literature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 11, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1960   open full text
  • Developing a Pet Owners' Tourism Constraints Scale – The Constraints to Take Dogs to Tourism Activities.
    Annie Huiling Chen, Norman Peng, Kuang‐peng Hung.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 11, 2013
    The objectives of this research were to develop a scale for constraints on bringing dogs along on tourism activities and to examine the influence of these constraints on owners' intentions to take dogs along on tourism activities. The responses of 518 Taiwanese dog owners were examined through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The findings revealed three dimensions of pet‐related tourism constraint (i.e. pets' specific constraints, pets' interpersonal constraints and pets' structural constraints). This measurement scale was found to be both valid and reliable. In addition, the constraints were found to negatively influence owners' intentions to take pets along on tourism activities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 11, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1959   open full text
  • An Exploratory Study to Develop a Geotourism Typology Model.
    Hasoly Hurtado, Ross Dowling, Dale Sanders.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 27, 2013
    This paper offers a starting point to the development of a future geotourism typology model through the adaptation of McKercher's (2002) cultural tourism typology model. This approach is tested by surveying visitors from Crystal Cave in Yanchep National Park, Western Australia. The results indicate a need to include some new elements and adapt some of the existing cultural tourism typologies to fit the geotourism context. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 27, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1954   open full text
  • Motivations and Use Context in Mobile Tourism Shopping: Applying Contingency and Task–Technology Fit Theories.
    Myung Ja Kim, Namho Chung, Choong‐Ki Lee, Michael W. Preis.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 20, 2013
    Mobile tourism shopping is an emerging market, but there is little theoretically based research on the topic. This study investigates the impact of motivations (value, enjoyment, time saving and mobility) on consumer satisfaction by applying contingency and task–technology fit theories in the mobile tourism shopping context. The results show that value and enjoyment have significant effects on satisfaction. Use context is found to have a full mediating role between time saving and satisfaction as well as between mobility and satisfaction. This study offers theoretical and practical contributions to the tourism literature and mobile tourism industry. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 20, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1957   open full text
  • Beyond the Work‐to‐Leisure Conflict: A High Road through Social Support for Tourism Employees.
    Jo‐Hui Lin, Jehn‐Yih Wong, Ching‐hua Ho.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 20, 2013
    The purpose of this study was to test the direct and moderating effects of job strain variables on the Job Demand–Control–Support model. A total of 422 tourism employees completed a questionnaire. Hierarchical and moderated regression models were employed to test the proposed relationships between job strain variables and work‐to‐leisure conflict. Results indicated that job demands had a positive relationship with work‐to‐leisure conflict, whereas the schedule flexibility and the time‐off flexibility were negatively related to work‐to‐leisure conflict. Results also found that supervisor support could moderate the influence of tourism employees' job demands on work‐to‐leisure conflict. Implications of stress management and job design for human resource department are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 20, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1956   open full text
  • Destinations: Tourists' Perspectives from New Zealand.
    Douglas G. Pearce, Heike a. Schänzel.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 14, 2013
    This paper examines how tourists view destinations by drawing together two key components of tourism research, which are tourists and destinations. The study is based on a series of focus groups with youth hostel guests at three locations in New Zealand. Analysis of the focus group transcripts reveals that destinations are expressed and discussed primarily in trip‐related terms rather than with regard to the place attributes stressed in much of the literature and that the concept of destination is seen to be a very personal and fluid one. The conceptual and practical implications of these findings are then explored. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 14, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1955   open full text
  • Residents' Perceptions of Tourism Impacts on Island Destinations: A Comparative Analysis.
    Joan B. Garau‐Vadell, Ricardo DÍaz‐Armas, Desiderio Gutierrez‐Taño.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 03, 2013
    This paper presents a comparative analysis of the resident's perception of tourisms impacts on two very successful major mature island destinations (Tenerife and Mallorca). To do so, we conducted a study based on the social exchange theory by using a scale that measures residents' perceptions of tourism's positive and negative impacts on the economy, culture, society and the environment. The results based on more than 1100 interviews show that similar opinions arise on both islands; however, significant differences in terms of the level of perception of the impacts in the two destinations have also been unveiled. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 03, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1951   open full text
  • A Comparative Analysis of Three Types of Tourism Demand Forecasting Models: Individual, Linear Combination and Non‐linear Combination.
    Shuang Cang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 30, 2013
    This paper investigates the combination of individual forecasting models and their roles in improving forecasting accuracy and proposes two non‐linear combination forecasting models using Radial Basis Function and Support Vector Regression neural networks. These two non‐linear combination models plus the standard Multi‐layer Perceptron neural network‐based non‐linear combination model are examined and compared with the linear combination models. The UK inbound tourism quarterly arrival data is used and the empirical results demonstrate that the proposed non‐linear combination models are robust and outperform the linear combination models that currently dominate in the tourism forecasting literature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 30, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1953   open full text
  • Love and Satisfaction Drive Persistent Stickiness: Investigating International Tourist Hotel Brands.
    Shu‐pei Tsai.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 29, 2013
    Switching resistance loyalty manifests in persistent stickiness to the incumbent brand as the sole choice in the presence of other attractive alternatives. Empirically, it is the crucial determinant of retaining customers for long duration. However, specific drivers of such loyalty in the hospitality and tourism brand categories are still unclear. The current study, integrating the brand love and customer satisfaction paradigms, addresses this issue with a focus on international tourist hotel brands. Brand love proves to be a powerful driver of switching resistance loyalty toward the hotel brand. Noteworthy, overall customer satisfaction serves to reinforce the loyalty‐driving effect of brand love. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 29, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1950   open full text
  • Environmental Management Practices of Hotels in Malaysia: Stakeholder Perspective.
    Yee Hooi Tang, Azlan Amran, Yen Nee Goh.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 26, 2013
    This article described the level of hotel participation in environmental management practices (EMPs) in Malaysia. It aimed to identify the level of stakeholder influence on EMP participation and whether EMPs contribute to overall hotel performance. To achieve these objectives, stakeholder theory was selected as the theoretical basis to explicate the proposed hypotheses. The analysis showed that stakeholder influence and the level of participation in EMPs among Malaysian hotels are only at a moderate stage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 26, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1952   open full text
  • On the Sale of Package Tours to Infinitely Many Possible Types of Tourists.
    Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Olabisi Alao.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 20, 2013
    Alao and Batabyal (2013) have recently used contract theory to study the sale of package tours to tourists when the tourists can be of two possible types. In this note, we first generalize their analysis by studying the case in which the tourists can be of infinitely many types. Next, we compare our results with those obtained by Alao and Batabyal. Finally, we conclude and then discuss extensions of this note's research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 20, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1948   open full text
  • Intention to Revisit Traditional Folk Events: A Case Study of Qinhuai Lantern Festival, China.
    Suyan Shen.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 20, 2013
    The present study aims at analyzing revisit intention of traditional folk events based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and a Consumer‐based Model of Authenticity. The survey data were collected by a questionnaire survey in Nanjing Qinhuai Lantern Festival 2012, China. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed research model. The result shows that perceived behavioral control, motivation and perceived food authenticity of the event, but not attitude and perceived overall authenticity of the event, are valid predictor constructs for visitors' intention to revisit Qinhuai Lantern Festival. The findings have implications for the promotion of traditional events and festival tourism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 20, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1949   open full text
  • Rural Tourism Partnerships and Actor Mobility.
    Gunjan Saxena.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 16, 2013
    In this paper, I examine actor mobility within the context of rural tourism partnerships (RTPs). The term ‘actor’ refers to those who have a stake in tourism planning, promotion and development such as policy makers, businesses, non‐profit making sector and community groups. Mobility is embedded in personal and social histories of actors as well as the policy framework that impacts their daily lives and informs their motives for being (dis)associated with RTPs. While exploring how actors' journeys transform rural localities' socio‐economic fabric, I find the writings of Lefebvre and de Certeau particularly useful because of their focus on counter‐hegemonic practices that shape the ‘everyday life’. Given that most rural societies in current times comprise an intricate mix of long‐term residents, seasonal‐home owners and migrants, each with their distinct set of life stories and value preferences with regard to their place of dwelling, my thrust in this paper on actor mobility is likely to identify new areas of future research on RTPs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 16, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1942   open full text
  • The Impact of Host Community on Destination (re)branding: A Case Study of Hiroshima.
    Chuntao Wu, Carolin Funck, Yoshitsugu Hayashi.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 03, 2013
    This paper investigates local groups’ opinions on interpreting a dark heritage site for the promotion of tourism and analyzes their roles in tourism activities, through a case study of Hiroshima, Japan. As the first city suffered nuclear bombing, Hiroshima is a primary tourism destination in Japan but faced the challenge of revitalization. Fieldwork investigation methods, including semi‐structured interviews, were applied. The results suggest that local people hold favorable attitudes toward tourism development. They conduct an alternative approach to rejuvenating Hiroshima by identifying the essence of the place – a cheerful and peaceful city – and incorporating it into tourism events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 03, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1946   open full text
  • Determinants of the Adoption for Travel Information on Smartphone.
    Eunjung No, Jin Ki Kim.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 29, 2013
    Many travelers are interested in the usage of smartphones for their trips. This study aims in investigating the determinants of their intentions to adopt information on smartphones for travel decision making. This paper suggests a combined model to examine travelers’ intentions to use travel information on their smartphones from two standpoints: hardware using the united theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and software using the e‐satisfaction (E‐SAT) model. The results show that four main determinants influence travelers' intentions to use travel information on smartphones for their trips: usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and satisfaction with travel websites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 29, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1945   open full text
  • Islamic Attributes of Destination: Construct Development and Measurement Validation, and Their Impact on Tourist Satisfaction.
    Mohamed Battour, Moustafa Battor, Muhammad Awais Bhatti.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 22, 2013
    The objectives of the paper are to first develop a measurement scale for Islamic attributes of destination and then to investigate the influence of Islamic attributes on overall tourist satisfaction. This study followed the sequence of steps that should be performed in developing measures of constructs. The measurement was tested and found to be both reliable and valid. The study found positive relationship between Islamic attributes of destination and overall tourist satisfaction. Important marketing implications are also presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 22, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1947   open full text
  • Ideal Standards and Attitude Formation: A Tourism Destination Perspective.
    Christopher J. White.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 22, 2013
    This study investigates the way attributes of an individual's ideal destination influence attitudes towards a holiday destination. Traditionally, ideals are used as comparison standards or to weight perception measures, but literature from outside the tourism and business management domains suggest new possibilities exist. A conceptual model was developed and empirically tested using path analysis, and the results indicate that ideal attributes directly influence perceptions of a holiday destination and indirectly influence attitude components of emotion and conation. The implications of the findings are discussed from both a practical and theoretical perspective and raise a number of interesting future research possibilities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 22, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1938   open full text
  • Generation Y: An Agenda for Future Visitor Attraction Research.
    Anna Leask, Alan Fyall, Paul Barron.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 17, 2013
    This study provides a comprehensive secondary‐based synthesis of previous studies on the profile and patterns of consumption of Generation Y, their consumption experiences and the role of information communication technologies and social media in determining their emerging patterns of behaviour at visitor attractions. The paper concludes by advancing a management‐oriented attraction research framework specific to Generation Y with a set of research propositions proposed to stimulate further research and management action on this specific and highly influential generational cohort. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 17, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1940   open full text
  • Tourism and Long‐run Economic Growth in Aruba.
    Jorge Ridderstaat, Robertico Croes, Peter Nijkamp.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 15, 2013
    This study examines the long‐run relationship between tourism development and economic growth in a small island destination. Determining whether the nature of the relationship is unidirectional or bidirectional provides insightful information as to policies to be implemented. This information is crucial in a resource‐poor environment, such as a small island destination. The study employs an econometric methodology consisting of unit root testing, co‐integration analysis, vector error correction modeling and Granger causality testing. Results confirm the reciprocal hypothesis. The policy implication is that resource allocation supporting both the tourism and tourism‐related industries could benefit both tourism development and economic growth. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 15, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1941   open full text
  • Geographic Information Systems in the Service of Alternative Tourism – Methods with Landscape Evaluation and Target Group Preference Weighting.
    Viktor Varjú, Andrea Suvák, Péter Dombi.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 04, 2013
    There is a large variety of types of rural areas and many of them are rich in landscape beauty. However, their preserved culture and traditions are revalued in today's rapid transformation of lifestyles. Alternative tourism is thus an emerging potential to economically support these areas, at the same time helps to preserve natural and cultural heritage. The methods provide sophisticated means to analyse the characteristics and the potential attractiveness of landscape and cultural attractions from the viewpoint of alternative tourism development. Homogenous tourism sub‐regions can be defined, and the most suitable development scenarios can be found to the certain areas. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 04, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1943   open full text
  • Different Shades of Green: Environmental Management in Hotels in Accra.
    Ishmael Mensah.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 01, 2013
    This paper assesses the environmental management practices of different categories of hotels in Accra, Ghana. Managers of 200 hotels were surveyed, employing the stratified random sampling method. Results of the study indicate significant differences in the extent of environmental management of the hotels suggesting that the better the quality of a hotel, the better the environmental management performance. Suggestions are made towards improvement in waste management and voluntary environmental programmes in small and medium hotels that did not perform well in those areas of environmental management Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 01, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1939   open full text
  • The Attractiveness of Wellness Destinations: An Importance–Performance–Satisfaction Approach.
    Diego R. Medina‐Muñoz, Rita D. Medina‐Muñoz.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 26, 2013
    The attractiveness of tourism destinations is a topic of great interest to researchers and professionals wishing to understand the ability of destinations to attract and satisfy tourists. However, there is a lack of consensus on the attributes that could explain the attractiveness of destinations, attributes that can also vary according to the tourist product under analysis. An importance–performance–satisfaction approach is adopted, to identify the attributes that are important for tourists travelling to enjoy wellness vacations, assess the performance of Gran Canaria in those attributes and analyze the possible association between the performance of Gran Canaria and tourist satisfaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 26, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1944   open full text
  • Perspectives on the Regional Economic Value of a Pilgrimage.
    Andrea Saayman, Melville Saayman, Agyapong Gyekye.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 25, 2013
    Pilgrimages around the world attract large numbers of followers, often classified as religious tourists. More than a million people attend the annual Easter weekend meeting of The Zion Christian Church in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world and could be expected to have a significant impact on the regional economy. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the spending behaviour of pilgrims at the gathering and the impact that the event has on the economy of Limpopo – one of the poorest provinces in South Africa. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 25, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1936   open full text
  • Exploratory Space–time Analysis of Inbound Tourism Flows to China Cities.
    Yang Xing‐zhu, Wang Qun.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 25, 2013
    The integration of space and time generates much closer interactions between geography and other social sciences in general while providing new perspectives for the role of geography in tourism flow studies. This paper aims to apply exploratory space–time analysis to provide insights into inbound tourism flow patterns in China's cities over the period of 2000–2009 using city‐level Geographical Information System datasets. First, this paper ascertains that there exists geographic neighborhood effect at city level by testifying significantly positive spatial autocorrelation. The hot spots and temporal stability are identified. The hot spots are locally concentrated in metropolitan areas. Local Markov matrix has also shown significant transitions with negative or positive influence of geographic neighbors upon a city. Specifically, three‐dimensional surface is created to visualize tourism flows. The spatial inequalities have the pattern of ‘the east more dense than the west, the south more dense than the north’. There simultaneously exist spatial agglomeration and spatial dispersion. The intensity of spatial agglomeration has become stronger. At the same time, smaller peaks of tourism flow centers developed around the main cities and spread toward surrounding cities. These potential tourism flow centers have gradually emerged and grown larger. Furthermore, the space–time covariance matrix uncovers correlation, which shows strong regional integration over years. Eight hundred and ninety links are identified and visualized. Two hundred and sixty nine links forming 10 spatial clusters represent strong positive correlation. One hundred and thirty‐four links are negative correlation, which is about 15.06 per cent of all links. In conclusion, our comprehensive evidences offer deeper insights and have important policy implications. These enable the tourism‐oriented governmental agencies, as well as the tourism industry professionals, to better understand the changes of inbound tourism flows in China's cities and relevant tourism partners/competitors for cities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 25, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1932   open full text
  • Promoting Relationship Marketing of Tour Leaders' Blog: The Role of Charisma.
    Sheng‐Hshiung Tsaur, Der‐Huang Wu, Chang‐Hua Yen, Ming‐Hsiu Wu.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 25, 2013
    Whether blogs possess relationship marketing outcomes is a subject that has not been analyzed empirically. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between blog function characteristics and relationship marketing outcomes as well as to clarify the role of tour leaders' charisma. Online survey data from 415 customers indicate that blog function characteristics have a positive effect on relationship marketing outcomes. Tour leaders' charisma also has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between blog function characteristics and relationship marketing outcomes. Implications of these findings as well as future research are subsequently discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 25, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1935   open full text
  • An Application of the Capability Maturity Model for Evaluating Attraction Websites in Mainland China.
    Lina Zhong, Daniel Leung, Rob Law, Bihu Wu, Jun Shao.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 21, 2013
    This paper extends the applicability of the Capability Maturity Model to attraction website evaluation. Based on input by 120 respondents from four groups, including tourists, tourism academics, attraction managers, and IT professionals in Mainland China, an attraction website maturity model (AWMM) with six key performance areas and 48 key criteria was developed. To validate the applicability of the model, the AWMM was used to evaluate 357 websites of 4A‐level attractions in Mainland China. Empirical findings revealed that the development of the China's attraction websites was at an infancy stage, while eCommerce in China has been adopted rapidly. Major improvements are required in relation to the interaction and commerce functions of these websites. Implications of the results of such improvements, as well as future research, are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 21, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1937   open full text
  • Becoming a Tourist.
    Bob McKercher, Sau‐Lai Lui.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 18, 2013
    This paper explores the processes of entry into and disentanglement from touristhood by a group of inexperienced long haul tourists making their first pleasure trip to Asia. Tourism is seen as an activity that occurs in liminal time and space, enabling the participant to adopt a new role with a different set of social structures and expected behaviors, to a greater or lesser extent, when he or she travels. While the original paper investigating this topic written by Jafai (1987) infers that the process of engagement and disentanglement is relatively quick and seamless, this study found both processes were much more complex, prolonged and subtle than previously envisioned. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 18, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1934   open full text
  • Hotel Innovation and Its Effect on Business Performance.
    Jan Mattsson, Francina Orfila‐Sintes.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 29, 2013
    This paper explores the dynamics of hotel innovation and its impact on hotel performance with a representative sample of the whole hotel sector operating in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The managers of sampled hotels (N = 331) answered questions about innovations over a 6‐year period. On the basis of an earlier developed model of innovation types, we investigate the effect on performance of different types of innovation. We find that two combinations of innovation types impact hotel performance in a positive way, namely the combinations termed, Full and Service&Back‐Office innovation. We therefore suggest that these combinations are used to create synergies for hotel performance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 29, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1933   open full text
  • Tourism Firms' Strategic Flexibility: the Case of Slovenia.
    Larry Michael Dwyer, Ljubica Knežević Cvelbar, Deborah J. Edwards, Tanja A. Mihalič.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 24, 2013
    Strategic flexibility provides an approach for tourism destinations to respond more readily to turbulent environments. It is a management method that can assist tourism suppliers to meet the challenges of achieving competitive advantage. The paper also explores the importance that is accorded to the facilitators or drivers of strategic flexibility by Slovenian tourism industry stakeholders along with their performance in actioning these drivers. Importance performance analysis suggests the priority strategic actions to reduce the risk of strategic drift. The paper concludes with an assessment of the implications of these findings for emerging destinations generally. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 24, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1931   open full text
  • Segmenting Chinese Backpackers by Travel Motivations.
    Ganghua Chen, Jigang Bao, Songshan (Sam) Huang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 08, 2013
    This study examined travel motivations of Chinese backpackers and classified Chinese backpackers according to their travel motivations and related demographics. The study identified four motivation factors driving Chinese backpacker travels: social interaction, self‐actualization, destination experience and escape and relaxation. K‐means cluster analysis further identified three distinct Chinese backpacker segments with different travel motivations: self‐actualizers, destination experiencers and social seekers. Explanations and discussions within the background of China's ongoing tremendous social and economic transformation are also provided. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 08, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1928   open full text
  • Addressing the Measurement of Tourism in Terms of Poverty Reduction: Tourism Value Chain Analysis in Lao PDR and Mali.
    Frederic Thomas.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. January 07, 2013
    Although tourism obviously contributes to the economic growth of developing countries, the idea that it can be an efficient tool to alleviate poverty does not always receive unanimous support. The absence of a consensual methodology to measure the employee pro‐poor income impact of tourism has had a negative impact on two major levels: on research, to begin with, and on the acknowledgement of tourism as a tool to alleviate poverty. This paper discusses two recent tourism value chains, which allow the use and then the comparison of different poverty measures and then show that tourism impact strongly depends on the chosen poverty threshold. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    January 07, 2013   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1930   open full text
  • Understanding the Benefit Sought by Rural Tourists and Accommodation Preferences: A South Korea Case.
    Duk‐Byeong Park, Hee‐Jung Lee, Yoo‐Shik Yoon.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. December 17, 2012
    Rural tourism has been widely acknowledged for its effectiveness in contributing to rural areas’ development. With strong government support, rural tourism has developed in many countries during the last several decades. This study aims to improve the understanding regarding tourism in Korean rural areas using a segmentation approach. The responses of 442 tourists in 23 rural villages were analyzed. Four segments of tourists were identified based on the different benefits they sought for their vacation in rural establishments. The estimation of a multinomial logit model determined the socio‐demographic characteristics and the preferred accommodations of a rural tourist. Discussions and implications of the detailed findings are provided in the last section. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    December 17, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1929   open full text
  • Key Foresight Attributes of Tourism Companies in the City of Krakow and the Region.
    Krzysztof Borodako.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. December 13, 2012
    The purpose of this paper is to understand differences in tourism companies' potential participation in foresight projects (regional or tourism policy‐oriented) by focusing on companies' attitudes towards participation, cooperation and the culture of future‐oriented thinking. This study used an email survey sent out to tourism companies in the Malopolska region (Poland), and in particular its capital city, Krakow. The data received were statistically analysed using the cluster analysis method and the Mann–Whitney U test. The statistically significant results generated in the study made it possible to determine and understand the differences in the foresight orientation of tourism enterprises. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    December 13, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1927   open full text
  • Examining the Effects of Tourism Impacts on Satisfaction with Tourism between Native and Non‐native Residents.
    Hui ‘Jimmy’ Xie, Jigang Bao, Deborah L. Kerstetter.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 22, 2012
    By using a sample of residents in Huangshan, China, this study examined whether tourism impacts affect the overall satisfaction of native and non‐native residents in different ways. Results of multiple‐group analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups regarding the effects of environmental degradation and loss of traditions and norms. Specifically, environmental degradation negatively affects non‐native residents' satisfaction but does not affect native residents' satisfaction. Loss of traditions and norms has a negative effect on native residents' satisfaction but has a positive effect on non‐native residents' satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 22, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1922   open full text
  • Hungry for Growth? Small and Medium‐sized Tourism Enterprise (SMTE) Business Ambitions, Knowledge Acquisition and Industry Engagement.
    Brian Edward King, John Breen, Paul A. Whitelaw.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 13, 2012
    Differences are identified between the preferred information and learning channels of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprise (SMTE) proprietors, who have an interest in business operations (growers) or who have relatively less interest (lifestylers). Lifestylers sign up frequently to tourism industry associations, whereas growers have a tendency to join generic business groupings. The most common information for both groups is marketing related, and intensive use is made of online information to support day‐to‐day business operations. In aggregate, SMTE proprietors are avid information seekers, attaching importance to the advice provided from experienced and trusted sources. Growers proactively gather information about general management as well as tourism‐specific knowledge. Adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach to providing information for the SMTE sector is unlikely to be effective. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 13, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1926   open full text
  • Psychographics: Static or Dynamic?
    Jeong‐Yeol Park, SooCheong (Shawn) Jang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 13, 2012
    Plog has suggested that psychographics are determinants of travel patterns and preferences. However, given that satisfaction is an important factor determining revisit intention, this study questioned Plog's static model of psychographics. We proposed that allocentrics could have high revisit intentions if they are satisfied. Thus, this study attempted to verify whether Plog's psychographics are static or dynamic. Revisit intentions were compared among psychographics at different satisfaction levels, and the results showed that the revisit intention of allocentrics did not differ from psychocentrics when satisfied. The results provide evidence that psychographic segmentation may not be static, especially when satisfaction is considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 13, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1924   open full text
  • Measuring Congruence of Affective Images of Destinations and Their Slogans.
    Xinran Y. Lehto, Gwangjin Lee, Joseph Ismail.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. November 07, 2012
    This study examines whether consumers' emotive responses to a destination slogan are consistent with their reactions to the destination that the slogan is created for and whether affective image congruence between the two contributes to destination brand awareness. Findings conclude that destinations and their slogans may not evoke similar emotions and that affective similarity between a destination and its slogan significantly improves consumers' ability to correctly identify a destination from its slogan. This study proposes and tests a practical tool to aid destination marketers in their effort to evaluate the effectiveness of their brand slogans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    November 07, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1923   open full text
  • Releasing Control: Parents on Vacation.
    Yael Ram, Natan Uriely, Ayala Malach‐Pines.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 29, 2012
    The paper examines the family vacation phenomenon by comparing parents on vacation (n = 203) with parents during daily life (n = 246) in terms of two psychological constructs: regulatory focus and parenting style. Results revealed that parents in both samples were similar in their ‘regulatory focus of promotion’ (need for challenges) and ‘parenting styles’ (permissive and authoritarian), but parents on vacation scored lower on both need for security (‘regulatory focus of prevention’) and authoritative ‘parenting style’. The findings suggest that parents, especially mothers, view family vacation as an opportunity to relax and release parental control. The findings' theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 29, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1921   open full text
  • Toward A Community‐driven Development Model of Rural Tourism: the Chinese Experience.
    Tongqian Zou, Songshan (Sam) Huang, Peiyi Ding.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 14, 2012
    Based on three case studies of rural tourism practices in suburban Beijing, China, this paper proposes a community‐driven development (CDD) model in rural tourism. The paper illustrated three principles of the CDD model: localization of supply chain, community‐external investor symbiosis, and democratization of decision making. The three principles as a whole serve as key to understanding and successfully implementing the CDD in China. Although the three principles come from the practice of rural tourism development in China, it is hoped that theoretical implications could be derived from this paper to direct tourism planning exercises in other countries, especially those developing countries with similar economic development backgrounds to China. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 14, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1925   open full text
  • Customer‐based Brand Equity for a Destination: the Effect of Destination Image on Preference for Products Associated with a Destination Brand.
    Yumi Lim, Pamela A. Weaver.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 11, 2012
    This study investigated how destination image of customer‐based brand equity for a tourist destination can be transferred to products associated with a destination brand. The effect of destination image on preference for products associated with a destination brand (PPADB) and the relationship between tourists’ destination preference and PPADB were investigated. Two hundred and ninety six individuals replied to a self‐administered questionnaire distributed to 318 students at a major US university. The results revealed that both cognitive and affective image of a destination are positively related to PPADB; preference for a destination is also positively related to PPADB. Suggestions are provided for a successful destination brand extension strategy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 11, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1920   open full text
  • A Comparison of Residents' Perceptions in Two Cruise Ports in the Mediterranean Sea.
    Juan Gabriel Brida, Giacomo Del Chiappa, Marta Meleddu, Manuela Pulina.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. October 02, 2012
    This paper examines residents' perceptions of a wide set of externalities exerted by the development of cruise tourism. The research involved data collection in two ports located in the two largest Mediterranean islands, Sicily and Sardinia, during the summer peak of the cruise season 2011. These two cruise destinations are especially interesting as they are characterized by a distinct life cycle. The empirical findings show that the two groups of residents have statistically equal perceptions on cruise activity in their destination. A correspondence analysis shows that residents have an overall positive attitude on the development of cruise tourism with respect to social, cultural and economic impacts. Nevertheless, they also feel that cruise activity has a negative impact, especially on the environment. Heterogeneity in occupation is explicitly taken into account. These findings provide directions for local policy‐makers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    October 02, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1915   open full text
  • Segmenting Cruise Passengers Visiting Uruguay: a Factor–Cluster Analysis.
    Juan Gabriel Brida, Raffaele Scuderi, María Nela Seijas.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 27, 2012
    The study aims to provide a better understanding of cruise travel from passengers' characteristics and experience in two ports of call in Uruguay. A multivariate market segmentation analysis was used, on the basis of 5151 survey data collected during the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 seasons. A correspondence analysis revealed the underlying latent factors in the set of variables. A hierarchical clustering from correspondence analysis segmented the sample into homogeneous groups. Finally, a decision tree highlighted the most predictive variables for each cluster. The study identifies distinct segments by country of residence, occupation, locations visited in Uruguay, satisfaction and previous visits to the country. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 27, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1916   open full text
  • Attracting Convention and Exhibition Attendance to Complex MICE Venues: Emerging Data from Macao.
    Julie Whitfield, Leonardo (Don) A. N. Dioko, Don Webber, Lingue Zhang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 21, 2012
    This study presents an importance‐performance analysis of multi‐level attributes (event, facility and destination) evaluated by delegates attending an exhibition event in a ‘complex meetings, incentive, convention or exhibition (MICE) venue’ in greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). The study's findings expound the relevance of various attributes in light of the emergence of complex MICE venues and destination resorts and, in particular, emphasizes the relative importance of destination – vis‐à‐vis facility – and core event‐related attributes towards determining exhibition attendance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 21, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1911   open full text
  • Structural Relationships among Destination Preference, Satisfaction and Loyalty in Chinese Tourists to Australia.
    Iris Yue Mao, Hanqin Qiu Zhang.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 21, 2012
    This study quantifies the relationship among destination preference, destination satisfaction and destination loyalty. Destination loyalty consists of two dimensions: word‐of‐mouth (WOM) and destination attachment (DA). It is found that WOM is directly affected by destination satisfaction, whereas DA is predetermined by the destination preference of tourists before a visit. Thus, the destination experience is the crucial factor in the spread of positive WOM about a destination. Nevertheless, to develop tourists' DA, effective loyalty schemes should be implemented through marketing efforts before they visit a destination. The findings of this study can be used by destinations to analyze and evaluate their loyalty‐building process and marketing strategy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 21, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1919   open full text
  • Family and the Rate of Tourism Development as Factors Generating Mobility in the Greek Tourism Sector.
    Smaragda Zagkotsi.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 21, 2012
    The present study aims to determine the importance of two elements as factors favouring social and occupational mobility in the tourism sector, namely family and the corresponding rate of local tourism development. The research methods employed were of quantitative and qualitative nature. Our analysis of intragenerational and intergenerational mobility focuses on the transitions effectuated from one type of tourism enterprise or occupational status to another. The conclusions point out the existence of familial professional strategies and a pronounced intergenerational professional heredity and underline the role played by the tourism labour market in the achievement of upward social and occupational mobility. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 21, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1918   open full text
  • An Exploratory Use of Web Content Analysis to Understand Cruise Tourism Services.
    Paul Brejla, David Gilbert.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. September 05, 2012
    Research within the cruise industry now has the ability to utilize Web‐based content analysis. This paper provides an example of a methodology that explores patterns of co‐creation of value on board cruise ships using holiday reviews retrieved through Web content mining from CruiseCritic.com. The aim is to add to the field of co‐creation and cruise tourism by providing an approach to exploratory Web‐based data collection. With the use of a data‐driven approach to knowledge discovery, this paper provides a means to achieve a deeper understanding of guest‐to‐guest and guest‐to‐staff interactions on board cruise ships. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    September 05, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1910   open full text
  • Dive Tourism and Local Communities: Active Participation or Subject to Impacts? Case Studies from Malaysia.
    Bilge Daldeniz, Mark P. Hampton.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 22, 2012
    Dive tourism impacts were examined in three Malaysian islands: Perhentian (backpackers), Redang (package tourism) and Mabul (upmarket dive tourism). Qualitative local participation approaches were applied to investigate whether host communities were merely reactive to dive tourism's impacts. Dive tourism affected many aspects of community life. Besides physical/ environmental impacts (new infrastructure), research found varied economic impacts including employment/business opportunities and differing economic linkages. Participation varied between locations, and obstacles to increased participation were revealed. Mainly negative socio‐cultural impacts were observed with minimal participation in cultural productions (handicrafts, performances). However, positive educational impacts emerged, especially environmental awareness and English language acquisition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 22, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1897   open full text
  • Transport Accessibility in Business Travel – a Case Study of Central and East European Cities.
    Krzysztof Borodako, Michał Rudnicki.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 09, 2012
    The objective of this study is to conduct a network analysis of the air and train connections between selected cities in Central and Eastern Europe in the context of business tourism. The selected cities are key destinations for the meeting industry in this part of Europe. The study was initiated due to the huge significance of business travel for these cities. The authors of this paper analysed the interconnections between these cities and identified the leaders of the industry in the region. This paper is also based on a case study approach and analysis relating to the cities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 09, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1908   open full text
  • Community Participation in Tourism at a World Heritage Site: Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, China.
    Ming Ming Su, Geoffrey Wall.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 08, 2012
    Community participation is crucial for successful heritage tourism and community development. Levels and ways of participation vary, depending on nature and context of heritage sites. This paper explores community participation in tourism at Mutianyu Great Wall, China. General positive perceptions toward World Heritage, tourism development and tourism impacts are held by different groups of the local community. Between‐group differences indicate that local opinions are influenced by different levels of impacts from and participation in tourism. Community members receive benefits with minimal participation in decision making. This study provokes reflections on community participation theory and management practices in the Chinese context. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 08, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1909   open full text
  • A Tool For Measurement of Innovation Newness and Adoption in Tourism Firms.
    Dejan Krizaj, Andrej Brodnik, Boris Bukovec.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. August 02, 2012
    The paper focuses on the newness characteristic of realized innovations and their adoption in tourism firms. For that purpose it investigates three research problems: (i) measurement of newness level and adoption of tourism innovations; (ii) definition of tourism innovations taxonomy (needed for the measurement); and (iii) statistical analysis of innovations' adoption in tourism destinations (result of the measurement). The main aim of the research was to develop and validate the tool used for such measurements. The tool should help researchers and managers in tracking and benchmarking how innovative tourism firms are. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    August 02, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1905   open full text
  • Conjoint Analysis of Tourist Choice of Hotel Attributes Presented in Travel Agent Brochures.
    Rubén Huertas‐Garcia, Marta Laguna García, Carolina Consolación.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 31, 2012
    The purposes of this study are to demonstrate how it is possible to determine which attributes are the most important in the final choices of tourists who use a travel agent brochure as a source of information and how these attributes influence perceived value in a pre‐purchase stage. We conduct the study in three phases: (i) a qualitative study, (ii) an experiment using choice‐based conjoint analysis by means of a fractional factorial experimental design and (iii) another experiment using a full factorial derived from the same design. Results suggest advertisement size, a hotel's starred rating and price influence perceived value at this stage. The presence of a positive combined effect of price and advertising was found. Implications and directions for future applications are offered, focusing particularly on marketing services. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 31, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1899   open full text
  • Service Quality Perception and Satisfaction: Buying Behaviour Prediction in an Australian Festivalscape.
    Johan Bruwer.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 27, 2012
    The study was conducted on 358 attendees at a major wine festival in Australia. A positive relationship between quality perception and overall satisfaction constructs exists. New insight to festivalscape knowledge is provided through the first‐time and repeat visitor dynamic as predictor of actual buying behaviour. Higher percentage of repeat visitors correlates with higher likelihood of (wine) buying. Overall satisfaction is a stronger predictor of buying behaviour than any individual service quality dimension and of these quality dimensions overall. Repeat visitors, 35 years and older, are the highest yielding visitor group from a financial viewpoint. First‐time visitors are more short‐term oriented in their planning when making the final decision to attend the event. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 27, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1901   open full text
  • Developing Rural Tourism: the PAT Program and ‘Nong jia le’ Tourism in China.
    Baoren Su.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 24, 2012
    Despite the fact that the last three decades have witnessed the rapid development of rural tourism (RT) in China, which is being promoted by the Chinese government as an important new type of tourism due to its special role in revitalizing China's rural economy, there is still little knowledge about the economic impacts of RT on Chinese rural communities in terms of socio‐economic development and regeneration. Accordingly, this study represents an attempt to address this issue by examining the Poverty Alleviation through Tourism program and ‘Nong jia le’ (Happy Farmer Home) tourism within the Chinese context. The findings not only confirm the widely held importance of RT, as expected, but also identify the problems and challenges relating to the sustainable development of RT in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 24, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1903   open full text
  • Rural Resident's Perceptions Toward Tourism Development: a Study from Iran.
    Gholamhosssein Abdollahzadeh, Abolqasem Sharifzadeh.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 24, 2012
    This paper focuses on the identification and explanation of rural resident's perceptions toward the impacts of tourism development and their grouping with respect to these attitudes. Data from 262 households are used in the empirical analysis. Because of emerging stages of tourism development in the study area, most residents expressed a quite strong support for tourism development, although some social and environmental concern was expressed. The results revealed that respondents most value economic objectives, but the community was not homogeneous in its views. Education, gender, age, income, employment and a high degree of community attachment were found to be the major factors affecting the attitudes of residents. Findings of this study indicate that local people value the tourism in ways consistent with the social exchange theory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 24, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1906   open full text
  • Do Tourism Receipts Contribute to the Sustainability of Current Account Deficits: a Case Study of Barbados.
    Troy Lorde, Shane Lowe, Brian Francis.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 23, 2012
    Given Barbados' recent history of persistent current account deficits and reliance on tourism as a major source of foreign exchange and driver of the economy, this paper investigated the contribution of tourism receipts to the sustainability of Barbados' current account deficits. Utilizing an inter‐temporal budget approach, it was found that Barbados' current account deficits were weakly sustainable as a result of tourism's contribution, underscoring the island's dependence on the industry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 23, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1907   open full text
  • Exploring the Moderating Effects of Value Offerings Between Market Orientation and Performance in Tourism Industry.
    Ching‐Fu Chen, Odonchimeg Myagmarsuren.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 18, 2012
    Market orientation as a business strategy has recently been adopted in the travel and tourism industry, as well as other industries, to enhance performance. Value offerings have also emerged as a new research interest within the strategic marketing domain. Based on the theory of strategy–environment fit, this study investigates the relationship between market orientation (i.e. customer and competitor orientations) and performance, and the moderating role of value offerings (i.e. service emphasis and price emphasis), using a sample of 132 Taiwanese travel agencies. The research results obtained from hierarchical regression analyses indicate that only both customer and competitor orientations, but not value offerings, have positive and direct effects on performance. However, the results show that one dimension of value offerings, i.e. service emphasis, has a moderating role in the market orientation‐performance relationship. The managerial implications of these results are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 18, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1900   open full text
  • To Gamble or Not? Perceptions of Macau Among Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong Visitors.
    ZhongLu Zeng, Catherine Prentice, Brian Edward King.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 17, 2012
    Macau's casino sector has been expanding rapidly, particularly targeting mainland Chinese gamblers. The novelty and under‐researched nature of this market is a challenge for Macau's casino and destination marketers. This study explores the characteristics of the mainland market and compares this with the second placed and more mature Hong Kong market. The profiling of visitors from Macau's main source markets including demographic, region of origin, trip behaviour and motivation characteristics provides insights into the future success of the destination. Adaption theory is used to explain the implications of differences between Gambling and Non‐Gambling visitors from the two source markets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 17, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1902   open full text
  • Employee Turnover Intention Among Newcomers in Travel Industry.
    Namhyun Kim.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 16, 2012
    The continual high turnover rate in the tourism and hospitality industry is the most problematic managerial topic. Using a sample of 304 travel agency employees, this research aims to identify differences in turnover antecedents between newcomers from graduate school or other industries and newcomers from the same industry. The results suggest several differences in both newcomer groups. Supervisor support is an antecedent for veterans, whereas personnel management, prospects and job‐related factors are only significant for neophytes. External causes were revealed as the most significant antecedents in both groups, whereas co‐worker support was not significant for turnover intention in either group. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 16, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1898   open full text
  • Tourism and Governance in Small Island Developing States (SIDS): the Case of Zanzibar.
    Richard Sharpley, Miraji Ussi.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 15, 2012
    Tourism in small island developing states (SIDS) has long been defined in terms of dependency. However, less attention has been paid to the role of the state in SIDS, particularly the extent to which it supports tourism as an agent of development. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to consider the governance of tourism development in SIDS, specifically the extent to which the state may promote or hinder tourism‐related development. Drawing on research in Zanzibar, it reveals the ways in which poor governance has acted as a barrier to development through tourism, concluding that the state has an unwillingness to support tourism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 15, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1904   open full text
  • Internet‐enabled Tourism Entrepreneurs. International Entrepreneurial Values Elicited through Repertory Test and Laddering Analysis.
    Charmaine Glavas, Steven Pike, Shane Mathews.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. July 03, 2012
    Although the tourism industry has been dramatically altered due to the Internet, there has been limited research published about international entrepreneurial values and Internet use in tourism firms. The findings of this study point to a relationship between the values of Internet‐enabled international entrepreneurs in small‐sized to medium‐sized enterprises and the inclination of the firm to develop and initiate international activity. The findings of this study suggest that Internet‐enabled tourism entrepreneurs share similar construct values. Two effective but underutilized qualitative methods were used in this study. The first method, repertory test, is an efficient technique for exploring constructs in decision making; the second method, laddering analysis, facilitates understanding of the perceived consequences and personal values guiding behaviour. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    July 03, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1896   open full text
  • Distributed Fascinating Knowledge Over an Online Travel Community.
    Edward C. S. Ku.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 27, 2012
    The research goal of this study was to investigate how website design quality and website service quality affect participation behavior in the online travel community by moderating tacit knowledge and commitment.The design of the questionnaire linked it to the invitation message on the three travel communities, of which 235 were returned completed. The finding of the study shows that an online travel community that allows quick manipulation capabilities is likely to attract its members. To succeed, online travel communities have to rethink the way in which they embrace a new art of dialog and collaboration with their members. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 27, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1895   open full text
  • Job Embeddedness as a Moderator of the Impact of Organisational Justice on Turnover Intentions: a Study in Iran.
    Osman M. Karatepe, Safoora Shahriari.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 24, 2012
    The purpose of this study was to examine job embeddedness as a moderator of the effects of distributive, procedural and interactional justice on turnover intentions. This study also investigated the relationship between the aforementioned justice dimensions and turnover intentions. Data were gathered from a sample of full‐time frontline hotel employees with a time lag of 2 weeks in Iran. The results demonstrated that the negative effects of distributive, procedural and interactional justice on turnover intentions were stronger among frontline employees with high levels of job embeddedness. The results further revealed that these justice dimensions had negative relationships with turnover intentions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 24, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1894   open full text
  • Time, Tourism Consumption and Sustainable Development.
    Janet E. Dickinson, Paul Peeters.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 19, 2012
    The availability of time has played a pivotal role in the analysis of tourism. An examination of social theory and time suggests that tourists experience time in multiple ways, which has implications for the traditional temporal and spatial reference frame. This article calls for a better understanding of ‘time’ in tourism and sets the agenda for further research into time and the sustainable development of tourism. It analyses the role of time in shaping tourism consumption and illustrates the challenges posed by new temporal understandings and distance concepts to create less greenhouse‐gas‐dependent tourism in our society. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 19, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1893   open full text
  • Tourism Experience Network: Co‐creation of Experiences in Interactive Processes.
    Chouki Sfandla, Peter Björk.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 13, 2012
    This article launches a new framework, the Tourism Experience Network (TEN), which explores co‐creation of experiences. The TEN framework absorbs value as experience logic in tourism marketing. Its uniqueness illustrates structuring processes and includes consumers/tourists in the service management. A theoretical explorative technique based on literature was used to construct the TEN. It departures from interactive networks, new service paradigm and tourism marketing, and contributes to tourism experience theories. Inspiration from the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) group was embraced to modify issues inherent from traditional networks—the ARA model. By linking this approach with experience, actors are defined as experience facilitators in tourism and networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 13, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1892   open full text
  • The Factor Structure of Tourist Satisfaction at Pilgrimage Destinations: the Case of Medjugorje.
    Damir Krešić, Josip Mikulić, Katarina Miličević.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. June 13, 2012
    Although there is an abundance of studies on secular tourist satisfaction and perceived quality of respective tourist destinations, these issues have remained largely neglected when it comes to pilgrimage destinations. The objective of this paper thus is to investigate the key drivers of tourist satisfaction in a pilgrimage destination context by using the case of Medjugorje, one of the most renowned shrines to the Virgin Mary in the world. A recently proposed moderated regression analysis is used to explore whether individual destination attributes can be classified into factors with either a larger or smaller potential to generate satisfaction than dissatisfaction, according to the three‐factor theory of customer satisfaction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    June 13, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1891   open full text
  • Zoos, Sanctuaries and Turfs: Enactments and Uses of Gay Spaces during the Holidays.
    Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt, Jane Chor, Nina Ballegaard Milan.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 22, 2012
    Extant theory suggests that the existence of gay space is an important (or even critical) element of gay people's holidays. However, more knowledge on the roles that gay spaces play during the holidays is needed. Drawing on interviews with 53 gay tourists, this paper suggests that the roles gay spaces play differ across gay tourists. Some interviewees enact gay spaces as ‘sanctuaries’, at which one can feel free and openly show one's sexuality. Others feel that gay spaces resemble ‘zoos’, i.e. tourist attractions at which straights gaze upon gays. Finally, some tourists find that gay spaces are too male oriented or even men's turfs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 22, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1890   open full text
  • The Role of Online Social Network Travel Websites in Creating Social Interaction for Gen Y Travelers.
    Khaldoon ‘Khal’ Nusair, Anil Bilgihan, Fevzi Okumus.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 22, 2012
    This paper aims to evaluate Generation Y users' social interaction with online social networks (OSNs) by testing a theoretical model, which consists of antecedents and consequences of social interactions in an OSN travel context. An online self‐administered questionnaire was sent to a systematic random sample of 12 000 college students at six US universities, and 513 respondents in total participated in the study. Study results suggest that innovativeness, perceived utility, and information sharing are effective for developing online social interaction. The paper discusses theoretical and practical implications of study results and provides suggestions for future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 22, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1889   open full text
  • Turning a Global Crisis into a Tourism Opportunity: the Perspective from Tuvalu.
    Bruce Prideaux, Karen Elizabeth McNamara.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. May 22, 2012
    The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008/2009 had a major impact on many small island states. In the case of Tuvalu, the GFC uncovered structural weaknesses in the national economy including the need to build alternative sources of income. Given the country's location and its rich marine resources, tourism is possibly the only new industry that has some capacity to generate new revenue streams. This article examines the problems that the country will face if it decides to pursue tourism and offers three options for tourism development including diving, ‘off the beaten track’ experiences and voyeuristic ‘last chance’ tourism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    May 22, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1883   open full text
  • Analysis of Network Activities in Geoparks as Geotourism Destinations.
    Neda T. Farsani, Celeste O. A. Coelho, Carlos M. M. Costa.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 23, 2012
    Geoparks as an innovation for the protection of natural and geological heritage play an important role in the development of geotourism and knowledge exchange. The European Geopark Network and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network have introduced geotourism as one of the main target for geoparks in parallel with conservation and education. For that purpose, it is crucial to apply the network concept to geotourism activities. This paper is aimed at analysing network activity between geoparks and evaluating the connectivity rate of the Global Geoparks Network and the European Geoparks Network. It was concluded that UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and European Geoparks Network have concentrated their network activities on the areas of meetings, conferences and exchange of knowledge. Moreover, the authorities of geoparks have attempted a development of tourism marketing in their territory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 23, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1879   open full text
  • Pro‐Poor Tourism in a First World Urban Setting: Case Study of Glasgow Govan.
    Richard Butler, Ross Curran, Kevin D. O'Gorman.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 18, 2012
    This research investigates pro‐poor tourism (PPT), which has only been considered in a third world context, in a first world country, determining whether PPT principles are being used to alleviate poverty in a developed location, Glasgow Govan, in Scotland. The research develops and applies a new PPT principles tool to regeneration projects in the area and reveals a significant level of PPT application there. The findings suggest that PPT can be an over‐complication of a common sense development approach that any responsible government should promote. The results also question the validity of community based tourism initiatives. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 18, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1888   open full text
  • Tourism and identity‐related motivations: why am I here (and not there)?
    Nigel Bond, John Falk.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 15, 2012
    This paper examines past and present literature relating to identity development and identity‐related tourism motivation. It presents a theoretical model of identity‐related tourism motivation that is based on multidimensional rather than unidimensional theories of identity as well as acknowledging both individual and social influences on identity development. It is argued that identity‐related motivations are fundamental to all tourist experiences and vital to understanding not only why individuals engage in tourism but what benefits they derive from the experience, suggesting that tourism is often used by individuals as a means to explore, maintain and even disengage from particular aspects of identity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 15, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1886   open full text
  • Valuing Tourist Destinations: an Oaxaca‐Blinder Approach.
    Josep Raya Vilchez.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. April 12, 2012
    Destination branding influences destination selection process and future tourist behaviors. However, measuring brand equity is difficult in the case of tourist destinations. The aim of this paper is to determine which part of the price of a tourist service can be explained by differences in characteristics and which part can be explained by differences in destination branding. Data from Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands and Languedoc‐Roussillon are used as well as the Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition method. More than a half of the gap (between prices paid by French and Spanish tourists for an equivalent hotel) can be attributed to destination branding. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    April 12, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1884   open full text
  • Capital City Museums and Tourism Flows: an Empirical Study of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
    Simon Carey, Lee Davidson, Mondher Sahli.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 06, 2012
    This study uses time series analysis to explore the extent to which the opening of the Museum of New Zealand in 1998 contributed to tourism growth in the nation's capital, Wellington. With the use of a series of different measures for tourism and major events in the city, econometric regressions are undertaken to better understand the relationship between visitors to the museum and tourism growth in the city's short‐term commercial accommodation sector. The findings are consistent with the museum having a positive impact on tourist arrivals and overnight stays. These results contribute valuable empirical evidence of the positive role of museums in attracting tourists to urban centres. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 06, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1874   open full text
  • Dependency, Globalization and Overseas Sex‐related Consumption by East Asians.
    Chin‐fen Chang, Mei‐Hua Chen.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 02, 2012
    Previous research has used dependency theory to explain sex consumption by rich, northern men travelling to ‘developing countries’. Little is known about how this perspective can be applied to sex‐related consumption by tourists from non‐western regions. Analyzing the East Asian Social Survey of 2008, we found that many eastern Asians had engaged in sex‐related entertainments abroad. People from the newly rich countries had become exploiters of sexual services in peripheral countries. East Asian tourists also went west and north bound overseas for sexual pleasures. We argue that the increasing economic activities and travelling opportunities across borders may better explain the overseas sex‐related consumption of eastern Asians than dependency theory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 02, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1872   open full text
  • The Stein Effect: an Alternative Film‐induced Tourism Perspective.
    Graham Busby, Rong Huang, Rebecca Jarman.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. March 01, 2012
    Cornwall, in the far west of England, has long been a popular holiday destination, attracting visitors with a range of motivations, both domestically and internationally. At the same time, gastronomy has become more of a motivation, and when viewed on the small screen with celebrity chef involvement, it is argued that a form of film‐induced tourism occurs. The research identified the influence of television celebrity chef Rick Stein upon visitors to the small, coastal town of Padstow, also now known as Padstein. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    March 01, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1875   open full text
  • Trouble in Paradise: the 2007–2009 Global Economic Recession and Hawai'i's Visitor Industry.
    Daniel M. Spencer.
    International Journal of Tourism Research. February 28, 2012
    This is a case study of the impact of the global economic recession of 2007–2009 on Hawai'i's visitor industry. The industry responded to the downturn largely with advertising blitzes to its primary market on the US mainland. Notwithstanding these efforts, diminished lift capacity and visitor arrivals, combined with widespread discounting, resulted in a 26% decrease in real visitor spending in 2009 versus that in 2006. The industry recovered during 2010 and 2011, but major hotel foreclosures, State bond downgrades and lost accommodations jobs are enduring scars. The experience demonstrated anew Hawai'i's need to strengthen its visitor industry and diversify its economy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    February 28, 2012   doi: 10.1002/jtr.1873   open full text