International Journal of Tourism Policy (7 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Antecedents of domestic tourists' behavioral intentions in visiting water parks: evidence from Iran  
  by Davood Ghorbanzadeh, Hamidreza Saeednia, Atena Rahehagh 
  Abstract: This research examined the antecedents of domestic tourists' behavioral intentions in visiting water parks in Iran. Based on convenience sampling, a sample of 400 visitors from four water parks in Mashhad, Iran was selected. Data were subjected to partial least squares analysis based on structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of this study showed that the quality of visitors' experiences significantly affects water park image, perceived value, and visitor satisfaction. Moreover, perceived value and water park image exert a direct influence on visitor satisfaction, and they also positively affect behavioral intentions. Finally, visitor satisfaction significantly affects visitors' behavioral intentions (e.g., revisit and positive word of mouth). Hence, the findings of this study provide insights for water park managers and marketers, allow them to understand the relationship between the experiences of water park visitors and their behavioral intentions, and enable them to design and organize services to meet the needs of visitors.
  Keywords: Experience Quality; Behavioral Intentions; Water Park Image; Iran.
  
  
• Comparing the effects of service quality and value-for-money on customer satisfaction, airline image and behavioural intention between full-service and low-cost airlines: Evidence from Indonesia.  
  by Ayu Muthia Kusumawardani, Daniel Tumpal Aruan 
  Abstract: This research examines the effects of value-for-money and service quality on customer satisfaction, airline image, and behavioural intention of full-service and low-cost airline passengers. A total of 229 young passengers departed from an airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, participated in the survey. A variance based Structural Equation Modelling was employed to examine the causal-effect relationships. Results revealed that the behavioural intention of full-service and low-cost airline passengers could not be directly determined from value-for-money and service quality, but they are mediated through the chronological path of customer satisfaction and airline image. Further, for full-service airline passengers, service quality plays an important role to affect behavioural intention, whereas, for low-cost airline passengers, perceived value-for-money is more concerned. Also, the effects of both value-for-money and service quality on airline image were found to be different between these two categories.
  Keywords: airline image; behavioural intention; customer satisfaction; full-service airline; low-cost airline; service quality; value for money.
  
  
• Regional Tourism in Inter-Governmental Authority on Development: A Comparative Policy and Institutional Best Practice Approach  
  by Jim Ayorekire, Joseph Obua, Geoffrey Manyara 
  Abstract: Tourism is increasingly being adopted as a path to economic development and integration by Regional Economic Communities (RECs). This study examined tourism policy and institutional frameworks of RECs in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Europe to document attributes and best practices to be adopted for establishing a regional tourism framework for Inter-Governmental Authority on Development region. Multi-case study approach and framework analysis were applied to analyse information from the RECs. Results reveal that most RECs have lean institutional structures with strong regional tourism policy and institutional planning frameworks that have helped to strengthen their global competitiveness. In spite of having a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, the region has continued to lack a policy and institutional framework - a gap which this paper endeavours to fill based on a comparative framework analysis of other RECs. The paper presents best practices and recommends a lean organisational structure for the region with a sustainable financing mechanism.
  Keywords: Regional tourism; policy and institutional framework; framework analysis; Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.
  
  
• Measuring the competitiveness of Iran's health tourism  
  by Hassan Mohammadian Mosammam, Mozaffar Sarrafi, Jamileh Tavakoli Nia 
  Abstract: High competitiveness of the destination is one of the key factors of success and reaping the benefits of tourism in the international tourism market. Accordingly, this paper seeks to identify the determinants of health tourism competitiveness in Iran using customized indicators and Dwyers integrated model. The selection of competitiveness indicators is based on a three-stage web-based Delphi survey. After selecting the 138 indicators and categorizing them into six groups, the questionnaire was developed and 119 questionnaires were completed through a web survey. The results revealed that among six key determinants of health tourism competitiveness, only endowed resources have relatively favorable conditions and the overall images of Irans health tourism are not competitive. Such results may be an important step to understand the strengths and weaknesses of health tourism in Iran and can be used as a guide for tourism planners and policy-makers to adopt appropriate policies.
  Keywords: competitiveness;health tourism;integrated model;Iran.
  
  
• STAKEHOLDERS' MOTIVATION TO ADOPT CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PRACTICES IN THE LODGING INDUSTRY IN AN ISLAND DESTINATION: Balearic Islands case study  
  by Juan Carlos Valdivieso 
  Abstract: The lodging industry is very competitive and hotels have to search for new methods to attract clients. Some firms are applying social and environmentally friendly behavior beyond what is required by law. The tourism industry is one of the most important sectors in the world's economy and the social and environmental responsibility is vital for this industry. This paper is an empirical work showing the motivation that hotel stakeholders located in islands have to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. To prove the motivation, an index containing seven important social and environmental factors was created using three different approaches. The results show significant influence in some of the variables while no positive relations were found in other variables.
  Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility; Hotel industry; Sustainable development; Tourism; Island Destination; Balearic Islands.
  
  
• The impact of Airbnb on hidden and sustainable tourism: the case of Italy  
  by Giulia Contu, Claudio Conversano, Luca Frigau, Francesco Mola 
  Abstract: Aim of this paper is to investigate the extent of the impact of the Airbnb phenomenon on tourism indicators in general and, in particular, on Sustainable Tourism Indicators (STI). We conjecture that, notwithstanding the correctness of STIs construction, these indicators measure the tourism impact partially, since STIs are computed using data recorded by official statistics organization that do not include information about Airbnb flows. We demonstrate that Airbnb data offer a new point of view in the analysis of tourism impact in terms of sustainability. Results provide evidence about the substantial presence of Airbnb guests in Italy and the consequent relevant effect on economic, social and environmental sustainability of Italy as a destination.
  Keywords: Airbnb; Sustainable tourism; measure of sustainable tourism; sustainable tourism indicators; touristic data; hidden tourism.
  
  
• The cultural route of Hercules: mapping the tourists perspective  
  by Valia Chountala, Panos Chountalas, Anastasios Magoutas, Eleni Mavragani 
  Abstract: This study explores the interest of potential visitors to participate in a proposed cultural route, themed after the Labors of Hercules in the Peloponnese. The main objectives of this study are to outline the demographic profile of potential visitors of the route and to explore appropriate means of organization and promotion to ensure its success. To achieve these objectives, we conducted a field survey, distributing a questionnaire, from which 519 valid responses were collected. The survey results showed that there is strong interest for participation in the proposed route. In terms of demographics, most interest was expressed by highly educated women of all age groups. Survey participants expressed a strong desire for guided tours, and interest in modern services provided at waypoints. Finally, we concluded that the most feasible way to promote the route should not be limited to its cultural content, but should also emphasize the natural beauty and alternative tourism activities that it offers. The managerial implications of the present study could be useful for tourist operators, professionals and destination management organizations who may be interested in implementing this proposed route or any other cultural routes in the future.
  Keywords: cultural route; cultural tourism; heritage tourism; tourist demographic profile; the Labors of Hercules.