Tour. Hosp., Volume 6, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 39 articles

In an increasingly competitive global tourism context, territorial branding plays a key role in enhancing the visibility, identity, and resilience of regions. This study focuses on the Algarve, a region in southern Portugal, and investigates how innovation and competitiveness are reflected in its digital communication strategy. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines the quantitative analysis of 689 social media posts published in 2024 on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube with the qualitative content analysis of 38 documents and the official website of Algarve. The findings reveal a coherent and visually appealing brand narrative centred on the coastal identity of the Algarve, complemented by content related to nature, gastronomy, and cultural heritage. Instagram stands out as the most engaging platform, particularly when posts adopt a participatory tone, emotional storytelling, and references to specific locations. However, only 6.4% of the content surpassed the 1% engagement threshold, suggesting limited audience connection. The website presents a broader thematic range but under-represents intangible heritage and local products.The Algarve brand successfully projects an aspirational image based on landscape and leisure but would benefit from greater content diversification, enhanced stakeholder integration, and expanded narrative strategies to strengthen digital engagement and destination competitiveness. Full article

This study explores the relationship between perceived quality and happiness among self-driving tourists, focusing on the impact of the self-driving journey and sightseeing stages on multi-stage satisfaction and happiness. An online survey was conducted, and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) of perceived quality, satisfaction, and happiness was constructed to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that overall satisfaction with the self-driving experience significantly affects tourists’ happiness, with the indirect effect of attraction satisfaction being particularly notable. Perceived quality indirectly influences happiness by enhancing satisfaction, with key factors including unique attractions, guide services, and innovative entertainment products. Additionally, the development of self-driving parking facilities, public information dissemination, road key nodes and scenery design, and vehicle intelligence levels are critical to enhancing tourists’ happiness. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the overall tourism experience. Full article

The current study aims to explore the early adoption of the metaverse in the hospitality and tourism industry, with a particular focus on understanding adoption drivers for tourism providers and the anticipated benefits for end-users. Addressing the need for practical insights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the review identifies 33 real-world early cases of metaverse and non-fungible token (NFT) adoption, spanning from the first metaverse hotel in 2006 to ongoing digital twins of tourism destinations up to 2023. This study follows the PRISMA technique and examines early metaverse adopters at both the enterprise and destination levels, categorizing them into metaverse-based, NFT-based, and complementary-to-tourism cases. The analysis applies two theoretical frameworks: the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine adoption drivers and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess expected end-user benefits. Key findings highlight promotion, brand engagement, new revenue streams, and community building as primary motivations for adoption, while user benefits include enhanced entertainment, social interaction, improved decision-making, and immersive experiences. By bridging theory and practice, this study contributes both actionable guidance for tourism stakeholders and a theoretical foundation for future research on digital transformation in tourism. Full article

This paper provides a conceptual analysis of pollution control in the hospitality industry, focusing on pollution generated by hotel operations. Hotels produce significant waste, emissions, and wastewater, impacting environmental and public health. We propose a framework distinguishing between flow and stock pollutants to highlight how both immediate emissions and long-term pollutant accumulation inform pollution management strategies. Using a conceptual framework, with an optimal dynamic model for pollution control, we illustrate the trade-offs hotels face in optimizing pollution control. Practical methods, from regulatory compliance to voluntary sustainability initiatives and economic incentives, are explored to support effective pollution mitigation. While achieving zero emissions is often impractical, an optimal pollution level allows hotels to balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility, contributing to sustainable tourism and aligning with the values of eco-conscious consumers. Full article

This study explores the phenomenon of nougat cracker syndrome among Korean tourists in Taipei, Taiwan, foregrounding the evolving concept of authenticity in tourism food souvenirs. Using a phenomenological case study approach, the study conducted interviews with 12 tourist groups (21 tourists) and four popular nougat cracker vendors, along with field observations. It investigates how authenticity is achieved beyond local food traditions through entrepreneurial emergence, municipal-level campaigns, social influence via online platforms, and shifts in the local business landscape that diversify tourism experiences. Authenticity, understood as a process of emergence, is examined through various factors: the prominent nougat cracker vendor MIMI and Taipei’s municipal-level campaign as pre-authenticity; memory of taste as the interaction of pre-, proto-, and post-authenticity; the increasing number of nougat cracker vendors in the city, viewed from a phenomenological perspective, as in situ authenticity; and the role of social media in both pre- and post-authenticity. This study contributes to the theoretical expansion of food souvenir authenticity and offers practical implications for developing food souvenir items that transcend conventional notions of authenticity. Full article

In an era of increasing global uncertainty, tourism destinations face significant challenges due to political instability and social unrest, which shape travelers’ perceptions and decision making. This study examines the relationship between perceived risk, resilience, and destination choice, focusing on the extent to which political and social conditions influence travel intentions. Using the social amplification of risk framework (SARF) and a quantitative survey, this research identifies key determinants of tourism resilience and risk perception management. Our findings indicate that political instability, safety concerns, and negative media coverage deter travelers, while effective crisis communication, strong governance, and high-quality public services can enhance a destination’s appeal. Based on these findings, the study recommends that destination marketers and tourism policymakers invest in targeted safety communication, service quality improvements, and strategies that address the specific concerns of more risk-sensitive demographics, such as women. The study offers strategic insights for destination marketers, tourism policymakers, and hospitality stakeholders on how to mitigate perceived risks and foster resilience in tourism-dependent economies. Future research could explore cross-cultural traveler behavior and incorporate perspectives from tourism professionals to further inform resilience strategies. By addressing these challenges, destinations can develop sustainable strategies to navigate crises and maintain competitiveness in an unpredictable global landscape. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between demographic factors and travel motivations among Generation Z leisure tourists through the lens of the Travel Career Pattern (TCP) theory. More specifically, the research focuses on how gender, age, and area of residence influence the travel motivations of Generation Z. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 303 respondents aged 18 to 28 through an online survey. The questionnaire assessed 14 motivational factors and analyzed them in relation to the participants’ demographic characteristics using linear regression models. Results indicate that gender and age significantly influence travel motivations, with women showing higher interest in personal development and social relationships, while men prioritize nature and adventure. Furthermore, rural residents exhibit greater motivation for autonomy, self-development and self-realization, while urban residents lean towards novelty and social interactions. The findings offer valuable insights for tourism marketers, emphasizing the importance of creating segmented marketing campaigns based on demographic factors. It also contributed to overcoming the lack of studies that specifically cover this interrelation between the motivational factors of Generation Z and the demographic factors of age, gender and area of residence. Nevertheless, this study also has limitations, such as the use of a non-representative sample and the focus on quantitative methods, suggesting that future research should adopt qualitative approaches and examine additional demographic variables to gain deeper insights into youth travel motivations. Full article

A new way of life and work—digital nomadism—is increasingly appealing to a growing global workforce, while many destinations are beginning to view this form of tourism not only as an economic opportunity but also as a strategic tool for mitigating seasonality and promoting sustainable destination development. This paper aims to identify the key criteria that digital nomads consider when selecting a temporary residence base, contributing to the growing body of research on digital nomadism by analysing the relative impact of various factors influencing destination choice. The originality of this study lies in its mixed-method approach, which combines secondary and primary data through a netnographic analysis of online communities and semi-structured interviews with digital nomads. Findings from the secondary data highlight the cost of living, internet quality, and lifestyle offerings of a destination as the most influential factors in nomadic decision-making. Additionally, primary data further illustrate the hierarchy of digital nomads’ needs and preferences, which are classified and prioritised based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These insights carry significant implications for destination managers and tourism stakeholders. Understanding and responding to the evolving expectations of digital nomads can help destinations not only attract this emerging market segment but also design policies and infrastructure that align with principles of sustainable tourism. Full article

This study introduces a novel Recency, Monetary, and Duration (RMD) model for customer classification in the hospitality industry. Using a hybrid approach that integrates data mining with multi-criteria decision-making techniques, this study aims to identify valuable customer segments and optimize marketing strategies. This research applies the K-means clustering algorithm to classify customers from a hotel in Iran based on RMD attributes. Cluster validation is performed using three internal indices, and hidden patterns are extracted through association rule mining. Customer segments are prioritized using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method and Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) analysis. The outcomes revealed six distinct customer clusters, identified as new customers; loyal customers; collective buying customers; potential customers; business customers, and lost customers. This study helps hotels to be aware of different types of customers with particular spending patterns, enabling hotels to tailor services and improve customer retention. It also provides managers with appropriate tools to allocate resources efficiently. This study extends the traditional Recency, Frequency, and Monetary (RFM) model by incorporating duration, an overlooked dimension of customer engagement. It is the first attempt to integrate data mining and multi-criteria decision-making for customer segmentation in Iran’s hospitality industry. Full article

This study introduces a novel forecast combination method for monthly Japanese tourism demand, analyzed at both aggregated and disaggregated levels, including tourist, business, and other travel purposes. The sample period spans from January 1996 to December 2018. Initially, the time series data were decomposed into high and low frequencies using the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) technique. Following this, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Neural Network (NN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) forecasting models were applied to each decomposed component individually. The forecasts from these models were then combined to produce the final predictions. Our findings indicate that the two-stage forecast combination method significantly enhances forecasting accuracy in most cases. Consequently, the combined forecasts utilizing EEMD outperform those generated by individual models. Full article

The Canary Islands have long been a major European destination for mass tourism, often associated with ‘sun-and-beach’ vacations. Critiques of mass tourism have intensified in recent years, as reflected in the 2024 protests in the Canary Islands, which linked mass tourism to economic inequalities and concerns about sustainability. Through the case example of Icelandic tourism to the Canary Islands, this research asks two questions: (a) why mass tourism destinations are appealing, and (b) how these reasons can be more fully understood within a broader geopolitical and structural context. The research methods include a survey conducted in Iceland in 2022 and an analysis of media coverage in Iceland related to the Canary Islands from 2017 to 2022. Survey data indicate that the islands are primarily perceived as an easily accessible, well-established holiday destination. Simultaneously, an analysis of media discussions reveals a limited discourse on the islands in Icelandic media, mainly focusing on tourism. The results illustrate how specific destinations become desirable by prioritizing infrastructure associated with mass tourism, where tourism’s impact on host communities, economies, and environments tends to be invisible. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected Japan’s tourism-related industries, leading to significant revenue losses in the accommodation, restaurant, and tourist facility sectors. Many businesses experienced difficult situations, resulting in closures and layoffs as a result of the prolonged decline in tourism demand. Focusing on the first half of the pandemic (2020–2021), this study analyzes the loss of sales and the influencing factors among tourism-related businesses in the Nishimikawa region of Aichi Prefecture. A questionnaire survey was conducted in November 2021, and changes in sales from April 2020 to September 2021 were estimated to assess the economic impact across different sectors. A quantitative analysis was also performed to examine the relationship between sales and the state of emergency, the domestic travel subsidy program Go To Travel campaign, and business attributes. The results indicate that COVID-19 severely impacted business sales, especially in the accommodation and food service sectors, while the tourism facility and retail sectors were less affected. In the Nishimikawa region, popular for day trips from nearby areas, the Go To Travel campaign had a limited effect, highlighting the need for region-specific support measures. Full article

This study explores the motivations of students pursuing a university degree in hospitality and tourism and their intention to build a career in the sector. The research focused on students and recent graduates (up to two years post-graduation) from two universities in Portugal’s largest cities, Lisbon and Oporto, offering Hotel/Tourism Management programs. A quantitative study was carried out, and out of 610 questionnaires distributed, 346 valid responses were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. Findings indicate that personal motivations, as well as macro and micro perspectives, influence the decision to pursue a degree in hospitality and tourism. Younger individuals with no prior industry experience tend to have a more optimistic outlook compared to older students or those with work experience. A key challenge is sustaining this optimism throughout their careers, which can enhance job satisfaction and improve retention in a sector known for high turnover rates. Unlike previous studies, this research links students’ motivations to their “Ikigai”—the pursuit of purpose and fulfilment. The desire to create meaningful experiences for others adds another dimension to understanding students’ motivations, particularly when considering differences in age and work experience. Full article

Through empirical analysis, this paper uses panel data from 30 provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as Tibet) from 2010 to 2022 to explore in-depth and empirically test the relationship between the impact of digitalization technology on tourism economic growth and the intrinsic mechanism of its action. The results found that: first, digital technology has a significant impact on tourism economic growth, and second, digital technology has a significant impact on tourism economic growth. Significant promotional utility and, secondly, tourism industry efficiency, play a partial mediating role in the relationship between digital technology and tourism economic growth, i.e., digital technology can promote tourism economic growth by positively affecting tourism industry efficiency. This paper also reveals the role of digital technology in promoting the efficient development of the tourism industry, including the optimal allocation of resources and the improvement of service efficiency, which in turn promotes the innovative development of the tourism economy. Finally, in response to the challenges posed by digital transformation, suggestions are made to strengthen regulation and standardize the market order to ensure the sustainable and high-quality development of the tourism industry. Full article

This study investigates how workplace stressors influence the intention to quit among male employees working in five-star hotels in Egypt, with a focus on the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of psychological flexibility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 334 full-time male hospitality workers. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the study examined the relationships between workplace stressors, psychological distress, the intention to quit, and psychological flexibility. The results showed that higher levels of workplace stressors were significantly associated with increased psychological distress and a stronger intention to quit. Psychological distress partially explained (mediated) the link between stressors and quitting intentions. Moreover, psychological flexibility acted as a buffer (moderator), reducing the negative impact of workplace stress on distress and, in turn, on quitting intentions. These findings highlight the unique contribution of the study in applying the transactional model of stress and coping within a Middle Eastern hospitality context, focusing exclusively on male workers—an understudied group in the existing literature. To address these challenges, hospitality managers are encouraged to adopt evidence-based interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to strengthen employees’ psychological flexibility and reduce the turnover risk. The study offers valuable insights for researchers, organizational leaders, and HR practitioners aiming to improve employee well-being and retention in high-pressure service environments. Full article

This paper explores the energy-saving behavior of hotel guests in the Vietnamese context. We adapted the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the norm activation model (NAM) to develop a research model with six determinants of energy-saving intention and behavior. A self-administered online survey was implemented to collect data from hotel guests in Hanoi and Quang Ninh provinces. After 4 months, we received 253 valid responses for further analysis. SmartPLS 4.0 software was employed for structured equation model testing. Our findings showed that TPB variables and NAM variables jointly explain the energy-saving intention and energy-saving behavior of Vietnamese hotel guests. Among the three factors of TPB, subjective norms have the most substantial impact on energy-saving intention and a significant direct effect on energy-saving behavior. Meanwhile, awareness of consequences does not significantly affect personal norms, and in turn, personal norms do not directly affect energy-saving behavior. Thus, we proposed several solutions to hotel managers to promote energy-saving initiatives and attract the engagement of their guests in these initiatives. Full article

When the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were proposed, they provided a reality check, questioning the ways in which organisations were addressing the needs of society and the planet, across all sectors worldwide. In response, this study contributes to SDG 12, Responsible Production and Consumption, more specifically considering support for restaurant owners as they transition into environmentally focused and sustainable operations, in particular with the proposal of a researched and informed sustainability toolkit. To understand the factors underpinning successful sustainability practices in restaurants, we utilise the motivation, opportunity, and ability (MOA) framework, applying a two-step focus group methodology. The first focus group included restaurant owners/managers who had effectively applied sustainable operational practices. For the second focus group, we utilised MOA factors uncovered in the first group as discussion points to engage with restaurant owners/managers who had yet to embrace environmentally sustainable practices in order to understand the reasons preventing them from applying sustainability practices. Continuous networking and dynamic support were highlighted as crucial elements needed by restaurant owners to enable them to adopt and fruitfully implement sustainable practices. Theoretical contributions include the value of the MOA framework for evaluating sustainability practices, informing the development of a sustainability toolkit, and its suitability as a framework to support non-chain tourism businesses in developing practices to support sustainability, inclusivity, and access. Full article

Motorsports tourism has a significant impact on host communities, especially when they are small communities. This research aims to segment the resident population of a very small rural municipality, Obejo, before the celebration of the Sierra Morena Rally in the province of Cordoba, Spain. The study is based on the principles of social exchange theory (SET) and the triple bottom line (TBL). In addition, it follows calls from the existing academic literature to explore a fourth dimension of impact perception, related to inclusion from the point of view of gender, age, and functional diversity. exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and non-hierarchical cluster analysis were used on a sample of 281 residents. A structure of four dimensions of impact perception is obtained: economic, social, environmental, and inclusive. Together, they explain just over 80% of the total variance. Three population segments are defined: motor enthusiasts, environmentally conscious fans, and admitted critics. This study underlines the need to expand the TBL framework with an inclusive dimension in motorsports tourism, emphasizing gender equality, intergenerational participation and functional diversity to foster more sustainable and socially cohesive events in rural areas. Full article

The study investigates how information asymmetry affects customer satisfaction in the tourism industry by examining trust and perceived value as mediating factors. The research implements an integrated model to test and prove information asymmetry’s direct and mediating effects on customer satisfaction by examining the literature gap. The research used a quantitative approach based on opinion polls distributed to 408 customers of hotels, tourism companies, and travel agencies who were in Egypt. SmartPLS 3 software implemented the data analysis process using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Previous studies have developed scales to measure information asymmetry and its related constructs, including customer trust, perceived value, and customer satisfaction. Multiple tests showed that the measurement tools possess both reliability and validity. Results strongly support all hypotheses: information asymmetry demonstrated significant direct negative effects on customer satisfaction (β = −0.187), trust (β = −0.520), and perceived value (β = −0.453). Conversely, customer satisfaction received significant positive direct effects from both trust (β = 0.273) and perceived value (β = 0.263). Importantly, trust (indirect effect β = −0.142) and perceived value (indirect effect β = −0.119) acted as powerful mediators, confirming that information asymmetry diminishes satisfaction largely by eroding these crucial factors. Crucially, the results demonstrate that the negative impact of information asymmetry on customer satisfaction is significantly mediated jointly through two parallel pathways: the erosion of customer trust and the impairment of perceived value. The research adds theoretical support to information asymmetry theory with its findings while also extending trust theory, perceived value theory, and expectancy disconfirmation theory in the field of e-commerce. E-commerce entities must establish clear communication to gain customer trust and create perceived value that helps compensate for information asymmetry to create enhanced customer loyalty and superior market position. Full article

This article analyzes the application of artificial intelligence in the tourism sector in Lithuania, Latvia, and Sweden. This paper aims (1) to identify the benefits of AI-based digital tools for the operations of tourism organizations, and (2) to identify the challenges in using AI-based digital tools in tourism organizations. An analysis of scientific literature has been carried out and the primary data have been obtained from 17 semi-structured interviews conducted in tourism enterprises of three countries. The survey sampling method used is criterion sampling. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, applying a conventional approach to content analysis using an inductive coding process. The main benefits of AI-based digital tools for tourism organization activities are personalization of services, automation and increased operational efficiency of tourism organization activities, etc. Tourism organizations implementing or already using artificial intelligence in their activities are usually faced with the challenge of ensuring data privacy and security, the high costs of implementing artificial intelligence systems, etc. Full article

Seasonality, a defining characteristic of tourism, is recognized as a significant challenge for regional tourism, affecting local economies and limiting sustainable development. Among the various strategies that the literature suggests to alleviate its negative effects, the organization of events stands out. In particular, sport events have gained recognition as an essential element for all-year round tourism development. However, a deeper understanding of how tourism practitioners (those experiencing the personal and financial difficulties of seasonality) perceive the potential of sport events to smooth its challenges has not yet been explored enough. This study aims to fill this gap by examining tourism practitioners’ views on the role of sport events, particularly running ones, in mitigating tourism seasonality. To achieve this, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with tourism practitioners from selected regions of Greece who, as active stakeholders, shared their perspectives in the development of regional tourism through the year round. The data gathered from these interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that most of the respondents recognize seasonality as a significant challenge and they share a common concern regarding its adverse effects on both regional tourism and on their local businesses. Themes of survival and sustainability emerged consistently, emphasizing the need to implement various initiatives, aside from sport events, to mitigate its effects. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on seasonality, focusing on its economic and social implications, particularly from the perspective of tourism professionals. It also provides practical recommendations for destination managers on utilizing sport events as a tool for promoting tourism during off-season periods. Lastly, the findings highlight the need for localized and collaborative initiatives to address seasonality issues and support sustainable development. Full article

Work-related constraints significantly hinder individuals’ ability to engage in leisure travel, impacting mental health and work–life balance. This study investigates the influence of work-related travel constraints on travel intentions using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework. By integrating work-related constraints into the TPB model, this study examines how these barriers shape attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, as well as their subsequent impact on travel intentions. Data were collected through an online survey of 274 employed individuals in South Korea and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that work-related travel constraints negatively affect attitudes and perceived behavioral control, which in turn reduce travel intentions. Subjective norms, however, positively influence attitudes and perceived behavioral control, highlighting the critical role of social support in mitigating constraints. Additionally, attitudes mediate the relationship between work-related constraints and travel intentions, as well as between subjective norms and travel intentions. These results emphasize the psychological and structural effects of work-related constraints on leisure travel decisions. The research offers both theoretical and practical insights, advocating for workplace policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing work–life balance and facilitating leisure travel for individuals facing constraints. Full article

Airports are critical global transit points, yet their medical services often overlook emergency dental care—a vital component of comprehensive passenger assistance. This study examines the availability of dental services at 28 European airports accommodating over 20 million passengers annually. Using content analysis of official airport websites, the presence of terms like “dental” and “dentist” was documented. Results reveal that only six airports provide dental services, with Istanbul Airport being the sole facility offering 24/7 emergency care airside. Other airports limit services to landside and operate within standard hours. The lack of widespread dental care in airports highlights a significant gap in passenger health services, with implications for traveler satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall public health. This analysis underscores the need for broader integration of dental facilities into airport infrastructures to meet the diverse and urgent needs of global travelers and staff. Full article

This study examined the trends and key themes of artificial intelligence in the field of tourism and hospitality research. On 5 March 2025, a search was performed using “artificial intelligence” and related terms in the “Title, Abstract, and Keywords”, focusing on tourism and hospitality journals indexed in Scopus. The identified documents were subjected to performance analysis and science mapping techniques. The search yielded 921 documents, comprising 882 articles and 39 reviews. The number of documents increased from 3 in 1987 to 277 in 2024. R. Law from the University of Macau was the most prolific author, while the Hong Kong Polytechnic University recorded the highest publication count. Chinese researchers produced the most documents, totaling 262 articles and reviews. A keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed four key themes: “machine learning and sentiment analysis of online reviews”, “adoption of AI including robots and ChatGPT in the hospitality industry”, “artificial neural networks for tourism management and demand analysis”, and “random forest models in travel”. Additionally, the study noted a shift in research focus from tourism demand forecasting and sentiment analysis to using service bots and applying artificial intelligence to enhance service quality, with a recent emphasis on generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Full article

This article explores the development process of a sharing platform in the tourism industry, drawing on a longitudinal case study of a sharing-based business in adventure tourism in Sweden. The purpose is to explore how sharing business models emerge through processes of ideological narration—the strategic use of stories to shape and sustain a business. Over a two-year period, empirical data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document study. The findings suggest that sharing business models are developed in processes of ideological narration designed to attract labour, capital, and users to a digital platform. Four master narratives are identified—sharing, sustainability, shared identity, and profit-making—narratives grounded in conflicting ideological logics. The dominance of these narratives shifts over time, reflecting different priorities and challenges encountered at various stages of a sharing business model’s development. This dynamic highlights the fluid and multi-faceted nature of narratives in shaping and sustaining sharing businesses in the tourism industry. Full article

It is necessary for the allocation of resources to be more efficient, and making more adequate operational strategies to realize productivity change is contributed to by the kind of output sources in the hotel’s production process. This study tries to propose hotel productivity change models from overall and disaggregate perspectives by using the Luenberger productivity index based on directional distance function. Empirical findings briefly show that the overall productivity change of ITHs in Taiwan has a growing trend and is driven from a technical change rather than an efficiency change. Moreover, the disaggregate hotel productivity growth comes from the service of hotel facilities, but improving the performance of the catering service is more important to a hotel’s overall performance. Individual ITHs can grasp the contribution of disaggregate hotel productivity growth on the overall productivity change, maintaining or developing competitive advantages in the hotel’s operation and management. Therefore, the viewpoint of this study can not only be used to examine the hotel issues but also be applied to other issues in the hospitality and tourism industry that target overall and disaggregate productivity growth. Full article

This study analyses social media networks in tourism using graphs focusing on user influence, hashtag patterns, and engagement. This study aims to reveal the structural function of core users, development of hashtags, and interaction patterns that construct tourism discourses. Using NodeXL 2024 for social network visualization and clustering analysis, this study measures centrality, modularity, and geodesic distances for influential user detection, topical dissemination, and engagement pattern identification. The results uncover bridging nodes between different communities, the proliferation of thematic hashtags related to sustainability and cultural heritage, and the role of emotional and visual storytelling in the use of engagement patterns. The theoretical implications also progress SNA application in tourism studies by illuminating aspects of how online discourses coalesce and the effect of SNA on access. In practical terms, this study indicates that destination marketers must consider leveraging key influencers, using strategic types of hashtags, and by monitoring engagement at key times to maximize effective destination marketing and to enhance crisis communication. These contributions notwithstanding, limitations involve the omission of sentiment analysis and the necessity for longitudinal data. By exploring new emerging platforms like TikTok and Instagram, researchers can begin to understand the more relevant trends of digital engagement. The present research offers a data-driven approach for facilitating the significance of integrating social media strategies with network externalities for tourism operators. Full article

Cruise ship tourism in port cities, while offering opportunities, has brought its own challenges, including overcrowding, disruption to local community mobility, and growing resident concerns, which recently escalated to anti-tourism activities. This article aims to understand the mobility patterns, transportation preferences, and spatial behaviors of cruise ship passengers within the City of Barcelona (Spain). The study is based on a survey conducted with cruise ship tourists visiting the city (n = 793). The key findings reveal the concentration of tourist activity in the old part of the city, and the similarity in spatial behaviors within the city, while the primary mode of exploration is walking, supported by motorized modes of transfer to access distant attractions. Socio-demographic factors and visit characteristics, such as age, group composition, and expenditure levels, are associated with mobility and spatial behavior. This article adds new evidence on the mobility patterns and spatial behaviors of cruise ship tourists visiting a major tourist city. With better knowledge of where cruise ship passengers concentrate, what activity patterns they show, and their preferred modes of transport, policymakers can manage more effectively the influx during peak times and in high-density areas. Strategies to distribute visitors more evenly across the city could be devised to alleviate pressure on heavily frequented zones. Full article