International Journal of Tourism Policy (18 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Determinants of customers’ intention to stay in homestays and mediation role of hidden camera  
  by Kshitiz Sharma, Anand Ellur 
  Abstract: This study aims to find the factors involved that influence customers’ intention to stay (ITS) in homestays. The role of hidden cameras in defining customers’ ITS in homestays has been studied here. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to establish these factors. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to establish the model and association of factors such as host-guest interaction, hidden camera, accessibility, privacy, and aggregator’s tech enablement on customers’ ITS. Data was collected using Google Forms posted on social media sites. The hidden camera and aggregator’s technology enablement factors were found to be significant. The mediating role of the hidden camera was also studied and found to be insignificant. A multi-group analysis did not establish gender-wise differences in customers’ ITS. The study triggers the association of hidden cameras and other notable factors on customers’ decision making which is a scarce research area.
  Keywords: host-guest interaction; hidden camera; homestays; PLS-SEM; partial least squares structural equation modelling; ITS; intention to stay.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10059115
   
  
• The Effect of COVID-19 Crisis on the Tourist Behaviour: The case of Greek Post-Millennials  
  by Lambros Tsourgiannis, Stavros Valsamidis, Pavlos Efraimidis, George Drosatos 
  Abstract: This paper explores how COVID-19 has affected the attitudes of post-millennials regarding their decision to go on holidays or not. It aims to identify the main attitudes of those Generation Z people that will go on holidays within the COVID-19 crisis, and of those that will not, and to cluster them into groups according to their behaviour. Therefore, the researchers elaborated a primary survey on 1287 Generation Z persons in Greece, in the summer of 2020. About 45% of the respondents declared that would not go on holidays, whilst 55% of them answered that they would. The key factors that describe their main attitudes towards the above-mentioned issues were detected through Principal Component Analysis, whilst cluster analysis classified the respondents into groups regarding their attitudes. Quadratic discriminant analysis was performed to assess cluster predictability, and chi-square analysis was employed to profile each group regarding their demographic characteristics.
  Keywords: Tourism Marketing; Consumer Behaviour; COVID-19; Generation Z.
  
  
• Assessment of the relationship between perceived financial risk, destination image, tourist satisfaction and intention to revisit Riau Island  
  by Keni Keni, Nicholas Wilson, Lydiawati Soelaiman 
  Abstract: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government has eased travel restrictions to help revive the country’s tourism industry. The study discussed in this paper aims to identify the relationships between perceived financial risk, destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourists’ intentions to visit Riau Island, a popular destination in Indonesia. To collect data for this study, the researchers used closed questionnaires with a 7-point Likert scale distributed to 222 respondents. Meanwhile, these data were analysed using the PLS method with SmartPLS 4 software. This study found significant associations between financial risk, destination image, tourist satisfaction, and intentions to revisit Riau Island. By understanding these relationships, policy makers and tourism stakeholders in Indonesia can develop crucial strategies to attract more tourists to Riau Island.
  Keywords: destination image; Indonesian tourism sector; perceived financial risk; revisit intention; Riau Island; tourist satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10060269
   
  
• Does the tourist’s incivility relates to the tour guide’s professionalism? The case of destination Zanzibar  
  by Moh’d Juma Abdalla, Kayode Kolawole Eluwole, Ali Öztüren 
  Abstract: As part of the service delivery process of tour operations, tour guides are often faced with rude behaviour from tourists. The present study develops a conceptual framework that empirically tests the linkages of tourist incivility (TIN), professional knowledge (TPK), professional attitude (TPA), and professional skills (TPS). Using SMART-PLS to analyse the data collected from 277 tour guides in Zanzibar, the study’s findings revealed that TIN has insignificant direct effects on both tour guides’ TPA and tour guides’ TPK. The results also suggest that TPS mediates the impact of tourist incivility on TPK but fails to support TPA mediation. Lastly, importance-performance map analysis revealed that TPK is of utmost importance to tour guides, although it leads to slightly lesser performance behind TPS and tourist incivility. Recommendations for novel coping mechanism for practitioners were suggested.
  Keywords: professionalism; incivility; tour-guide; Zanzibar; tourist.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10060527
   
  
• Gastronomic delights for community growth: unravelling the impact of sustainable tourism in Sikkim, India  
  by Rupa Sinha, Sumit Haluwalia 
  Abstract: Community development (CD) and sustainable gastronomy tourism development (SGTD) are mutually beneficial. Therefore, this study calls for a thorough investigation and interpretation of the phenomenon. In the context of Sikkim, India, this study examines the effects of SGTD on CD. The research question of whether sustainable gastronomy tourism (SGT) influences CD is addressed through a narrative analysis. The stories of ten local food vendors are gathered and examined using the categorical-content approach. However, the narratives indicate that local food vendors do believe that SGTD can act as a catalyst for local development, and that using traditional food as an alternative source of income can offer them a number of benefits. Other facets of gastronomic tourism are identified in the stories that may have unfavourable effects. Several ways to promote SGTD are suggested. The paper concludes that, to endorse gastronomic tourism (GT), local community involvement and strict policies are crucial.
  Keywords: SGTD; sustainable gastronomic tourism development; gastronomy tourism (GT); community development (CD); narrative analysis; categoricalcontent approach; Sikkim.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10060770
   
  
• Service quality in religious tourism: a review of literature  
  by Ana Lúcia Da Cunha, Alamir Costa Louro 
  Abstract: Religious tourism involves religion, culture, and the economy, making it a complex subject. This study focuses on service quality. It analyses the current state of service quality in global religious tourism using a Scopus and Web of Science database review. Key findings include trends in Muslim religion-related tourism, concepts like experience, satisfaction, and loyalty in religious tourism service quality, and the strong link between trip attraction satisfaction and repeat intention. The paper also discusses quantitative analysis methodology and future research directions.
  Keywords: religious tourism; pilgrimage; service quality; bibliometric; foundations; trends.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10061160
   
  
• Enhancing qualitative tourism research through reflexivity and rigour: an experience from a doctoral study  
  by Kevin Fuchs 
  Abstract: This paper aims to discuss the author’s experiences in embracing reflective practices within doctoral research and explores the potential of reflexivity to enhance the quality of research outputs. The paper argues for the importance of situating oneself within a specific research paradigm and encourages qualitative tourism researchers to incorporate reflexive writing as a tool. Reflexive writing preserves the integrity of research outcomes but also enriches their quality by cultivating researcher self-awareness and facilitating a deeper interpretation of findings. By adhering to rigorous protocols and embracing reflexivity, researchers ensure the integrity and validity of their results. This paper emphasises the significance of recognising and challenging the misconception that self-inclusion in research constitutes improper practice. When employed appropriately, reflexive writing enhances the overall quality of qualitative research. Moreover, it fosters an understanding that researchers are an integral part of the research process, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.
  Keywords: reflexivity; tourism research; research methodology; rigour; reflective practices.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10061161
   
  
• Halal tourism review from a supply chain management perspective  
  by Mohamed Syazwan Ab Talib 
  Abstract: Supply chain management (SCM) substantially benefits the tourism industry. However, SCM research in halal tourism receives little attention. Thus, this paper aims to review extant research in halal tourism from an SCM perspective. Specifically, the review focuses on the scope of SCM implementation in halal tourism to ascertain the extent of past research. This paper reviews existing halal tourism literature sourced from the Scopus database. The review and analysis revealed that most of the gathered literature indirectly points out SCM. Besides, the review also uncovered connections between SCM elements and tourism, with supply chain collaboration and integration among the frequently studied. The review shed light on the glaring gap in the halal tourism literature. Despite the dearth of focus on SCM in halal tourism studies, it brings more research opportunities. This paper is among the first to synthesise the knowledge about the scope and relationship of SCM in halal tourism. This piece could be a platform for future research in uncovering a more in-depth understanding of the two domains.
  Keywords: halal; halal tourism; SCM; supply chain management; tourism management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10061440
   
  
• Identifying tourism cluster characteristics on the central Namibian coast: policy implications  
  by Jay Sarro, Andrea Saayman, Carike Claassen 
  Abstract: A rise in adventure travel in the early 1990s has boosted the growth of tourism in Namibia’s coastal town, Swakopmund. This has led to the concentration of tourism SMEs. This research aims to investigate whether this concentration of SMEs has the qualities of a tourism cluster, delineate inter-industry linkages and measure interdependencies to identify levels of collaborative and competitive behaviours. Using an exploratory mixed-method design joining agglomeration literature, personal interviews, a business count, and a questionnaire survey, the local tourism industry in Swakopmund was confirmed to exhibit tourism cluster characteristics. The results exposed strong interdependencies of cooperative behaviour and coopetition between tourism and tourism-dependent firms despite motivational responses uncovering destructive business methods of aggressive commission actions and intellectual property theft. This research underscores the significance of understanding a tourism cluster’s structure and history in conjunction with uncovering industry strengths and weaknesses to establish policies in support of SME growth.
  Keywords: tourism clusters; agglomerated industries; Swakopmund; adventure tourism; SMEs; location quotient; mixed method.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10061973
   
  
• Intercultural competence, memorable experiences influence on Asian tourists’ decisions  
  by Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi, Avinash K. Shrivastava 
  Abstract: Cultural tourism is a vital part of the tourism industry, where travellers explore and experience the unique culture, heritage, traditions, art, history, and lifestyle of a place or community. This research aims to investigate the relationships between tourist intercultural competency (TIC) and the quality of their memorable cultural tourism experience (MCTE) during their visits to the Asian countries of India and Nepal. Additionally, the study also investigates how this MCTE influences tourist decisions (TD). This study employed structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore the connections between the constructs TIC and MCTE along with MCTM influences on TD. The research identified three crucial factors within TIC and six factors within MCTE that have a substantial impact on the cultural tourist experience and play a significant role in travel decisions. These findings create opportunities for the tourism industry, event managers, and tour planners to develop innovative and highly effective destination marketing strategies.
  Keywords: Asian tourist; cultural tourism; intercultural communication; intercultural competency; tourism industry; tourist decision.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10063290
   
  
• The challenge of formulating tourism policy in small island developing states (SIDS): evidence from Seychelles  
  by Kei Wei Chia, Betrand Loze 
  Abstract: Most small island developing states (SIDS) have tourism policies that guide the country’s tourism development. However, formulating a policy is far from straightforward as it involves many stages and revisions. Furthermore, policymakers typically confront an array of difficult and complex policy formulation challenges - which have seldom been delineated in previous research. This study was undertaken in Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean, using a qualitative approach, with intensive in-depth interviews conducted with fifteen tourism elites involved in the policy formulation process. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings show that poor cooperation, scarcity of information, lack of public consultation, inadequate policy dialogue, and shortage of human resources are major challenges for tourism policy formulation. The findings offer valuable groundwork for policy researchers, particularly in SIDS.
  Keywords: challenges; elites; policy formulation; SIDS; small island developing states; thematic analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10063369
   
  
• (Dis)engaging with green hotels: behavioural reasoning, willingness to pay and patronage intention: a developing country perspective  
  by Asphat Muposhi, Kaitano Dube, Chengetai Nyakudya 
  Abstract: The actual behaviour of supporting green practices in Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector remains low although hotel guests are reporting high levels of environmental concern. This study employs the behavioural reasoning theory (BRT) to examine hotel guests’ responses to green practices and relationship with green hotel patronage intention. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 418 hotel guests drawn from seven luxury hotels in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the posited hypotheses. Functional value, economic value and hedonism emerged as the main factors that constrain hotel guests’ willingness to pay for green hotels. Eudaimonism and perceived value fit were identified as enabling factors. The findings of this study provide input to policymakers and hoteliers who intend to develop guest-centred strategies to promote the adoption of green hotel practices.
  Keywords: green hotel practices; BRT; behavioural reasoning theory; willingness to pay; patronage intention; Zimbabwe.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2024.10063480
   
  
• Online news reflexivity of war and tourism using the news analytics method  
  by Toney K. Thomas, Jishnu P. Thampy, P.P. Anjusha, P. Harish, K.K. Mohammed Niyas, Noufal Naheem Kottekkadan, Raji Vipin, Rigin Sebastian 
  Abstract: This study explores how newspapers are responding to tourism in an extreme political crisis. The study analyses the news published in international newspapers using news analytics techniques. A qualitative inquiry by adopting a detailed analysis of the top ten online newspapers on the topics of war and its impact on tourism is used to analyse the data. Despite several studies on the political crisis and tourism, there are no studies conducted analysing online newspaper articles on how tourism shapes and reshapes due to the impact of war through a thematic analysis of online news. This paper explores the reflective views of news on the social, economic, behavioural, political, geopolitical, and international relations aspects of tourism during the Russia-Ukraine war. Our analysis reveals that the war impacts tourism with varied intensity throughout the world. Importantly, our study also contends the emergence of a 'gesture of solidarity'.
  Keywords: tourism; war; Russia; Ukraine; politics; news analytics; tourism planning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10058584
   
  
• Commitment factors and career intentions of tourism undergraduate students to a career path in the tourism industry  
  by Nermin A. Khasawneh, Ramzi Al Rousan, Malek Bader, Hussein Ibrahim 
  Abstract: This study analyses the commitment factors and career intentions of Jordanian undergraduate students in tourism management programs. To collect the data, a self-administered questionnaire was used. Data were tested for normality of distribution, and then the mean was used for ranking. Afterward, the independent sample t-test was used to test the significant differences between males and females. The study reveals that the life-threatening COVID-19 is not efficient in determining students' career intentions or commitment factors. Their commitment to employment in the tourism industry is shaped by four main categories: industry, personality, education, and society. Significant differences between male and female commitment factors and career intentions toward the tourism industry may be due to cultural, social reservations, and traditional social norms. The findings of the study can help tourism educators, employers, and policymakers better understand students' commitment factors and career intentions.
  Keywords: Jordan; tourism industry; commitment factors; career intentions; undergraduate tourism students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10058995
   
  
• Unravelling perceived travel risk: a regression study with implications for tourism planners  
  by Kevin Fuchs 
  Abstract: Understanding the factors that shape travel risk perception is essential for developing effective risk management strategies and targeted marketing campaigns in the tourism industry. This study investigated the relationship between social media usage, personal prior experiences, healthcare concerns, information preferences, and gender in shaping perceived travel risks toward the intention to travel. Through an examination of 256 survey responses utilising multiple regression analysis, the study reveals a noteworthy connection between the utilisation of social media and personal past experiences, and their relationship with the intention to travel in relation to travel risk. The findings have implications for the tourism industry, as they enable tourism stakeholders to develop customised risk management strategies and targeted communication approaches by understanding the contributions that the investigated factors make to travel risk perception. Furthermore, the study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence into the complex interplay of factors influencing travellers' risk perception.
  Keywords: travel risk; travel decision-making; social media; Thailand; personal experiences; healthcare.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10059994
   
  
• Walking tourism in the city of Amman: a behavioural and spatial approach  
  by Mairna Hussein Mustafa, Islam M. Elgammal 
  Abstract: Walking tourism is one of the common practices that tourists engage in while travelling to many destinations, particularly in urban contexts. This study aims to test the relationship between the qualities and benefits of walking areas as independent variables and the satisfaction of walking tourists. 118 individuals in the city centre of Amman responded to a questionnaire that was designed for this purpose. Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyse the study data. Findings revealed that only the benefits (feelings) of the respondents had a significant relationship with the satisfaction variable, which confirms the need to improve different urban qualities to be more appealing, and not only rely on the historical and social significance of the area.
  Keywords: walking tourism; quality of urban areas; behaviour of walking tourists; area of downtown Amman; satisfaction; walkability; urban tourism; domestic tourism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10059242
   
  
• Talent management practices and the motivation of female employees of five-star hotels in Antalya, Turkey  
  by Jeetesh Kumar, Gül Erkol Bayram, Ridhima Sharma, Marco Valeri, Shakeel Basheer 
  Abstract: This study analyses various factors' impact on female employees' perceptions of talent management practices. These factors include trust, self-efficacy, organisational support, job satisfaction, and competence, affecting intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. By employing quantitative methodology with a non-probability convenience sampling approach, 438 responses were gathered from women employed full-time in five-star hotels in Antalya, Turkey. The findings validate the links between motivation, job satisfaction, and staff retention. Moreover, trust in management, self-efficacy, institutional support, and competence are positively associated with intrinsic motivation. However, job satisfaction does not influence extrinsic motivation. The study enhances the theoretical groundwork of talent management, which is crucial for strategic implementation and achieving goals.
  Keywords: talent management; organisational support; motivation; female employees' perception; job satisfaction in the hospitality sector; Turkey.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10059916
   
  
• The usability growth of smart tourist guide applications and quality dimensions  
  by Arvind Mahajan, Sunil Kumar, Sachin Kale 
  Abstract: Smart tourism is an advanced form of smart cities and the use of intelligent technologies at tourist destinations. The smart tourist guide application (STGA) is a new tourism application that allows travellers to improve their experience and utilise it as a tour guide. This study's objective is to evaluate the quality of applications, evaluated in different publications between 2013 and 2021 by applying a systematic review. The authors have done multiple investigations on app performance, functionality, information quality, facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. The quality of any type of tour application influences the tourist experience, user happiness, and re-use intent. The finding of this research is that it provides a complete literature review so that readers can have a comprehensive picture of the various features of different STGAs. The 142 app characteristics and the principles influence app users' intentions. The outcome of the study has potential for future research and app developers.
  Keywords: app quality dimensions; smart tour guide application; tour guide app experience; app characteristics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.10057613