Tourism and Hospitality

This paper examines Instagram’s increasing influence on the hotel industry, an area that remains under-researched from both consumer and hotel perspectives. Through a sequential explanatory design, combining a quantitative analysis of 1031 posts with qualitative interviews from hotel professionals, the research uncovers the types of content that resonate most with users and how hoteliers strategically leverage Instagram. The findings reveal which content formats, hotel attributes and post characteristics capture audience attention. Additionally, the study offers unique insights into Instagram’s distinct role compared to other social media platforms in the hotel industry. The study provides a novel definition of what makes a hotel “Instagrammable” from both consumer and industry viewpoints, offering valuable insights into how hotels can strategically harness Instagram to attract and engage their audience. Full article

This study examines how tourists perceive food quality in Berlin using AI-driven sentiment analysis tools. The goal is to understand the factors shaping tourists’ perceptions and provide insights to improve the hospitality industry and customer satisfaction. By analyzing reviews from online platforms, this research identifies key themes and trends in tourists’ feedback. The use of AI, specifically for sentiment analysis, supports efficient and detailed evaluation of customer opinions. This study employed lexicon-based sentiment analysis to evaluate tourists’ feedback on online platforms and compared the sentiment scores of textual feedback with their direct rating scores. The results show that integrating sentiment scores derived from AI tools with tourists’ rating scores provides deeper insights into service quality within the tourism sector. Full article

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of ambience and aesthetics on tourist–tourist interaction and the effects of tourist–tourist interaction on a sense of belonging, intention to recommend, and satisfaction in accommodation establishments. The study was carried out based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model. The study was conducted in 5-star hotels in Istanbul/Turkey. Data were collected from 392 tourists staying in these hotels through a survey. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data obtained. The results of the study reveal that ambience and aesthetics have a significant effect on tourist–tourist interaction in accommodation establishments. It was also found that tourist–tourist interactions have a significant effect on the sense of belonging, intention to recommend, and satisfaction. This study provides contributions to the important field of tourist–tourist interaction, and accordingly fills a gap in the literature. Full article

Creativity is becoming more relevant to increasing destinations’ distinctiveness. While anecdotal evidence suggests that travel to experience any aspect of the agrifood process encompasses key indicators of Creative Tourism (CT), the alignment of agrifood experiences with CT remains unexplored, limiting destinations’ potential to leverage the growing demand for both creative and agrifood experiences. Thus, we assessed the importance of CT indicators across three types of agrifood experiences (agritourism, craft beverages, food) in contrast with beach-going (control) while traveling using hypothetical scenarios. We collected data in 2023 from a non-random panel of 1019 residents across the USA (250 pre-established quotes per travel scenario) using an electronic survey. Results showed that those in the agrifood travel scenarios, notably in agritourism, perceived higher levels of creativity as compared to those in the control group across all creative domains, which supports CT as a suitable scholarly framework to position agrifood travel experiences. Results also indicate that destinations having strong agrifood experiences—and notably agritourism—should build upon their shared creative elements, mainly gravitating around experiencing local livelihoods, to increase their competitiveness. This study’s results can inform destinations seeking to strengthen their distinctiveness by catering to the increasing number of tourists seeking creative food, agricultural, and beverage experiences. Full article

This research aims to determine the behavioral intention of residents to engage in recreational and leisure activities typical of dark tourism, which will enable tourism stakeholders to establish more effective measures and strategies to promote and develop dark tourism worldwide. First, a literature review of the scientific research on dark tourism follows, based on the papers in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Second, this empirical study uses structural equation models (SEMs) and, more concretely, partial least square (PLS) to validate the proposed model, which evaluates residents’ perceptions and motivations towards performing leisure activities linked to dark tourism. The results show that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control have a significant relationship with the intention to visit a dark tourism destination, with attitudes explaining 45.66% of residents’ intention towards this type of tourism. In terms of practical implications, the findings of this study highlight that community participation is a critical factor in the relationship between dark tourism and residents. In terms of practical implications, the findings of this study highlight that community participation is a critical factor in the relationship between dark tourism and residents because of its role in shaping the constructs that determine an individual’s behavioral intentions. Finally, it is imperative to involve local communities in tourism planning and the decision-making processes to develop a more sustainable approach to tourism that respects local sentiments and cultural contexts. Full article

In smart tourism, co-creation involves a collaborative effort among tourists, tourism service providers, and other stakeholders to enhance tourism experiences. This study aims to examine the factors influencing tourists’ co-creation experiences in smart tourism destinations through exploratory sequential mixed methods research. Participants who visited four Chinese smart tourism destinations took part in two study phases. In the first phase, eleven individuals identified the following five dimensions that might affect tourists’ co-creation experiences: smart environment; interactive activity; personalized service; cognitive engagement; and social interaction. In the second phase, an online survey was conducted with 283 respondents to validate these five dimensions. A structured equation model was utilized to analyze the collected data. The results indicated that all five dimensions identified in the qualitative study significantly influence tourists’ co-creation experiences. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights for future research on tourists’ co-creation experiences in smart tourism. Full article

Tourists consistently demonstrate the need to touch wildlife, although policies often deny these experiences because of the psychological and physiological impacts on animals. However, philosophers contend that humans can learn to empathize with animals by feeling their way into the plight of animals through touch. Facing this dilemma, the paper asks if human touch can be ethically experienced in tourist interactions with animals by employing animal health warning labels. Using the case of “holding a panda” at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan, China, the study investigates this dilemma through Johann Gottfried Herder’s philosophy on empathy and touch against the no-touch policies. A survey containing four scenarios shows that the use of payment can serve as a more effective tool than ethical appeal in reducing people’s decision to hold a panda through its inclusion of additional factors in the decision process. However, ethical touch building on animal health warning labels demands spaces for mutual respect, conservation awareness, and the recognition of health risks through a direct confrontation of the established emotional and sensual aesthetic appeal of cuteness between visitors and the panda. It is found that a combined use of payment and ethical appeal is necessary to restructure visitors’ willingness to hold a panda. Full article

While tourism boycotts can have a considerable economic impact on a target entity, critics often question their effectiveness in changing the target entity’s behavior, particularly in international contexts. Despite these challenges, tourism boycotts have increased over time. This study explores the dynamics of tourism boycotts amid international political conflicts and investigates the motivations behind consumer participation. During an ongoing national boycott in South Korea, we conducted an online survey with a nationally representative adult panel, gathering 962 responses for analysis. Our findings reveal that tourism boycott participants—primarily women, older individuals, those with higher education and income, and the progressive—resemble consumer boycott participants in Europe and the U.S. While perceived efficacy (instrumental motivation) is often emphasized in consumer boycotts as a key variable for participation, our study suggests that tourism boycotts are primarily driven by expressive motivations, such as self-esteem and guilt, rather than a mix of instrumental and expressive factors. This suggests that consumers engage in tourism boycotts not necessarily to achieve tangible outcomes, but to express personal or ethical values, highlighting a distinctive nature of tourism boycotts in the landscape of consumer activism. Full article

This research applies a model-based teaching approach aimed at scrutinizing trends in the leisure, tourism, hospitality, recreation, and sport (LTHRS) field by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) along with ChatGPT, project-based learning (PBL), systems thinking, and industrial analysis tools to foster trend recognition skills. The study employs a quasi-experimental design to compare the efficacy of two instructional approaches (exploratory vs. confirmatory) concerning AI literacy and learning outcomes. Notably, the exploratory group exhibits marked improvements in AI knowledge, while the confirmatory group demonstrates enhanced trend recognition ability. Additionally, the research delves into the application effects of AI-based text mining and ChatGPT (AITM) as content analysis tools through four distinct projects (5G’s impact on tourism industries, travel trends caused by metaverse, daylily tour in Huatan Township, and Taiwanese elements in spectator sports), underscoring the substantial efficacy of AITM in capturing diverse themes, albeit with challenges in discerning subtle and subjective labels. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the model-based teaching approach and the multifaceted utility of AI and automated text mining in augmenting trend recognition skills. Full article

Tourism development should be economically viable, environmentally responsible, and aligned with community goals. Participation in decision-making ensures that community values are reflected in sustainable tourism guidelines. Traditional methods of public engagement in tourism planning include public meetings, focus groups, and interviews, as outlined in the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) framework, which ranges from education to empowerment. However, the rise of information technology and digital platforms has brought about new participatory channels, such as Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGISs), which use geospatial technologies to improve decision-making. This paper investigates the use of PPGISs in the tourism industry based on a thorough review of peer-reviewed literature from 2000 to 2024. By examining the use of PPGISs in tourism, the study identifies common characteristics and the scope of existing research, emphasizing how PPGISs can be applied across various tourism sectors. The study discovered that PPGIS is a credible alternative to traditional public participation methods and provides useful insights into residents’ perspectives on tourism-related issues. This study contributes to the tourism field by thoroughly understanding PPGIS applications, proposing future research strategies, and suggesting how these technologies can enhance public engagement and decision-making in tourism planning. Full article

This study aims to find a correlation between tourist motivation and satisfaction to provide several recommendations for developing tourist facilities according to tourist needs. Data mining was conducted in-depth through a phenomenological approach and inductive data analysis. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews are aimed at gathering information related to the motivation for traveling, perceptions and assessments of tourist attractions, activities, tourist expectations, and the attractiveness of cultural tourist attractions. This study found a linear correlation between cultural tourism motivation, tourism assessment, intensity of cultural tourism activities, acquisition of cultural tourism experiences, and tourist satisfaction. Tourism motivation also creates tolerance, fosters understanding and respect between cultures, and lowers expectations of tourism conditions so that tourists quickly get satisfaction. High tourist satisfaction creates a positive image of tourism, which may create loyalty. Tourist satisfaction can build a relative attitude related to repeat purchases, which in the context of tourism is the intention to revisit or recommend a tourist attraction to others. This study shows a tendency for tourist activity patterns based on cultural motivation in tourism practice. Tourism activity patterns, tolerance, and tourist satisfaction information can be essential in cultural tourism development programs. Full article

This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impoverished residents in the urban area of La Candelaria, Bogotá, and the rural area of La Macarena, Meta. The participants were recruited using Colombia’s SISBÉN classification system by approaching individuals in public spaces such as bakeries, markets, and restaurants. After confirming their residency, only those classified in categories A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), or C (vulnerable population) were included in the study. Data collection took place in May 2017, resulting in 307 surveys from the participants across both locations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that economic benefits are the most influential factor, significantly enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. While cultural and environmental benefits are acknowledged, they are less directly linked to personal well-being. The study highlights tourism’s complex role in promoting economic growth and shaping the social, cultural, and environmental aspects of community life. However, it also identifies potential risks, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, particularly in different spatial contexts. The research underscores the need for tourism development to provide tangible, personal benefits that align with residents’ economic and emotional priorities, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes, especially considering the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas that influence tourism’s effectiveness in improving well-being and alleviating poverty. Full article

In the context of armed conflicts, regions often face infrastructure destruction and economic difficulties. The development of tourism can be a key factor in recovery and economic growth. Geospatial platforms for interactive charitable tourism offer a promising solution for attracting tourists and stimulating the development of affected regions. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of geospatial platforms for interactive charitable tourism as a tool for attracting tourists and promoting the recovery and development of regions affected by armed conflicts. This study employed regression and correlation analysis methods. The analysis revealed significant positive correlations for all variables. The correlation coefficient for audience reach was 0.75, for the effectiveness of attracting donations—0.8, for the economic impact on the region—0.9, for user interaction with the platform—0.85, for platform sustainability—0.78, and for social impact—0.92. The t-statistic values exceeded the critical thresholds, and the p-values were below 0.05, confirming the statistical significance of the results. The coefficient of determination was 0.91, indicating a high explanatory power of the model. For the four obtained clusters, approaches to the development and use of geospatial platforms were justified. For regions of Cluster 1 with high audience reach (0.75) and moderate effectiveness of attracting donations (0.8), it is recommended to use technologies to improve connectivity and effectively promote their strengths. For regions of Cluster 2 with high sustainability and high tourism potential (high social impact = 0.92), it is necessary to include advanced geospatial solutions to increase visitor engagement and optimize recovery strategies, building on existing strengths to attract more tourists and stimulate sustainable development. For regions of Cluster 3, significant investments are required both in geospatial platforms and in tourism infrastructure to benefit from high tourism potential (economic impact on the region = 0.9). Strategic development and targeted marketing should be a priority to attract tourists and stimulate economic growth. Regions of Cluster 4 with low sustainability and tourism potential (low user interaction with the platform = 0.85 and platform sustainability = 0.78) require comprehensive support, as they are in a crisis situation. Full article

The level of expenditure by cruise passengers in the various cities visited during their journey is a crucial variable for the key stakeholders involved in this industry. Promoting higher spending by cruise passengers in non-overnight stay ports is a challenge led by the destination manager. This study aims to shed light on the effect that different phases in the cruise passenger’s travel cycle have on their propensity to spend during their stay. Our case focuses on the city of A Coruña, a non-overnight stay port on Europe’s Atlantic arc routes, where the average spending per cruise passenger during their visit is quite low. The analysis considers the impact of passenger profiles and the cruise product consumption phases on the average spending per passenger. From a methodological perspective, we have applied logistic regression. The results indicate that the profile of the cruise passenger, variables related to the onboard journey, and the experience of the city are the factors with the greatest potential to increase cruise passenger spending during their visit to the city. This has allowed the areas of greatest impact and where actions should be focused to be identified for both the destination manager and key stakeholders. Full article

The recreational waters of hotels are widely used by locals and travelers all around the world, and this impacts public health. In this regard, the WHO frequently offers recommendations—especially during the COVID-19 era—that operators and managers of public pools, hot tubs, or splash pads should continue to follow. This study aims to evaluate the microbiological results of COVID-19 sanitation protocols in recreational waters in hotels during the summer periods post-COVID-19 (2020–2022) and compare them with those pre-COVID-19 (2019). Of the samples tested during the pre-pandemic period, less than 1/5 were positive for total coliforms, common aerobic bacteria, and P. aeruginosa, while less than 3% of the samples tested were positive for E. coli. During the pandemic years, the percentages dropped by half for total coliforms, common aerobic bacteria, and E. coli, while only the percentage for P. aeruginosa remained the same. The relative risk (RR) for the presence of P. aeruginosa in recreational waters was greatly affected by chlorine levels, pH values, and water temperature. Our results elucidate the impact of sanitation protocols on the safety of recreational waters in hotels during public health crises. Moreover, the challenges operators face in maintaining long-term implementation of these protocols are highlighted, which in turn dictates the appropriate choice of preventive and applicable measures to ensure health and safety. Full article

Tourism development has a significant contribution to the sustainable development of countries and regions through job creation, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, community empowerment, and revenue increase. Within this context, digitalization in the different facets of the tourism marketspace is a powerful tool that promotes competitiveness and economic growth, sustainability, innovation, and regional coherence. Digitalization also calls for the industry actors to have meaningful integration of novel technologies and practices in their operations and strategy. Despite the importance of digital technologies as a competitive antecedent for hospitality ventures, the extant research is mainly anchored on digital marketing and its associations with traditional mass tourism activity. Evidence on other facets of digitalization is far less appreciated, especially in the niche segment of the alternative tourism marketspace. Considering the above developments, our research aim is to assess the contribution of a digital business ecosystem, including a wide array of digital applications, to the competitiveness of the hospitality industry in Greece, with a focus on alternative tourism activities. Our research draws on data collected from a sample of local ventures to investigate the impact of digital technologies on tourists’ attraction and company growth. In the main, our findings record the positive impacts of digitalization, with internet-based technologies standing out as the most influential medium to boost growth and hotels’ sustainability. We contribute by showing that in cases where hospitality ventures remain digitally illiterate, they will most probably face severe competition losses. Full article

Smart Heritage, a concept closely linked to Smart Cities and Smart Tourism, is an emerging field focused on enhancing heritage identity, visitor experience, and cultural sustainability. While initial frameworks have been developed, there is a gap in applying Smart Heritage at the precinct level, especially in large-scale heritage sites. This study addresses this gap by examining how open-access data can be utilised in a real-world case study of Chinatown Melbourne, a key urban heritage precinct. Data sources include archival maps, open-access databases, and 3D models provided by the local city council, covering resources such as on-street parking, pedestrian activity, microclimate, and dwelling functionalities. This study employed a structured methodology that transitions from global best practices to local applications, linking these data resources to Smart Heritage applications and identifying opportunities for improving urban management, heritage curation, and the tourism experience within the case study precinct. The findings offer practical insights for researchers and policymakers, demonstrating how data can support the development of culturally sustainable and technologically integrated heritage precincts. Future research should explore additional data types and case studies to further advance the field of Smart Heritage. Full article

The level of success in tourism is gauged by several metrics; however, the most widely used is the level of tourist arrivals. However, this research answered the call for greater investigation of the impacts of qualitative factors and intangible cultural–heritage assets on destination performance. The primary research purpose was to analyze the effect of implementing a local well-being philosophy (Tri Hita Karana) on tourist revisit intentions for Bali and the mediation of destination quality and destination image. A research model was developed to examine the relationships among local wisdom (TKH), destination quality, destination image, and revisit intentions. Data were collected via a survey of 520 digital nomadic tourists and analyzed using SmartPLS 4. The results indicated that the implementation of THK positively and significantly affected revisit intentions, destination image, and destination quality. Destination image and destination quality had positive and significant effects on revisit intentions, and destination image and destination quality also significantly mediated the effect of THK implementation on revisit intentions. The findings suggested that implementing local wisdom values such as THK in the management of a destination makes visitors feel more favorably about the quality and image of the destination and they have the intention to revisit. Full article

The purpose of the study is to investigate the notion of Necessity-driven Entrepreneurs (NDEs) and Opportunity-driven Entrepreneurs (ODEs) among IME (Immigrant Micro Enterprise) owners in the hospitality industry and how changes in motivational traits influence business practices, innovation, and growth aspirations. In many geographical contexts, the ever-challenging hospitality industry is dominated by businesses that are immigrant-owned and of micro sizes that experience additional challenges compared to their native and large counterparts. Through qualitative research and interviews with 18 owners of restaurants and eateries in the IME category in eastern Norway, the study found that while NDE traits are dominant during start-ups, ODE traits also exist, revealing a dynamic relationship between the two and thus problematic to classify hospitality IMEs as either NDE or ODE. Experiences and close customer interactions rather than formal R&D activities inspire changes and innovations in business practices, growth aspirations, and perceptions of success. This study offers new insights into hospitality IME owners’ motivations and goals, which may be relevant in other similar industries and geographical contexts. It underscores the importance of understanding the interplay of NDE and ODE traits among IME owners and their impact on business success in the challenging industry in which they operate. Full article