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Purpose – The aim of this investigation is to explore opportunities for advancing cross-border tourism in the Iberian Peninsula. Methodology/Design/Approach – In this study, focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted to both public and private stakeholders in the cross-border regions. Findings – Findings indicate that the cross-border areas in Portugal and Spain are perceived by stakeholders from both countries as familiar territories and also that there are signs of transnational cooperation. This indicates there is significant potential for the advancement of cross-border tourism in the Iberian Peninsula. Nonetheless, the study concludes that more initiatives are required, beginning with the creation of an adequate organization to build the cross-border destination. Originality of the research – The research delivers managerial insights to assist public and private actors in developing this cross-border destination, such as the need to curtail contextual expenses or accentuate the public sector’s role in stimulating private sector’s involvement in the process.

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the importance of job burnout when mediating the relationship between perceived top management support (TMS) and the dependent variables of job dedication and guest empathy deficiency. Methodology/Design/Approach – The study gathered data from hotel employees in Opatija who directly interact with guests. A total of 108 valid questionnaires were obtained through an on-site survey. The study employed the partial least squares method within the SmartPLS 4 programme to analyse causal relationships between independent and dependent variables. Findings – The results show that perceived TMS has a significant impact on employees’ empathy towards guests and their dedication to work only in the case when job burnout mediates this relationship, emphasizing the importance of further examining the consequences of burnout in high-intensity interactive service professions. Originality of the research – This paper offers new insights into the mediating role of burnout in the workplace. It is the first paper to examine direct and indirect relationships between perceived TMS and the impact on work engagement in both positive (job dedication) and negative (guest empathy deficiency) directions.

Purpose—This study investigates the attributes of Muslim tourist perceived value as a determinant of destination brand loyalty. This is also related to the discussion in the literature on tourist loyalty, which is still unclear, especially in the context of Halal tourism. Methodology/Design/Approach—This study takes a quantitative approach by designing a questionnaire as a research instrument distributed to 150 respondents. Simple random sampling is used to collect data in several selected tourist destinations in Batu City and Malang City. Structural equation modelling-partial least squares was used to analyse the data Findings—The results indicate cognitive value has a positive but not significant effect on destination brand loyalty, while affective value and Halal value have a positive and significant effect on destination brand loyalty. Originality of the research—This empirical evidence correlates with the development of Halal tourism in Indonesia, as indicated by the Global Muslim Tourist Index report stating that the unique experience felt by Muslim tourists is still low. Therefore, this study replicates the attributes of Muslim tourist perceived value associated with destination brand loyalty, which have not yet been empirically demonstrated.

Purpose - This study aims to explore the potential mediating role of differentiation strategy in the relationship between market orientation and restaurant performance based on balanced scorecard approaches. Methodology - Based on the Vietnamese Yellow Pages database, a sample of 144 small restaurants in Vietnam was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings - The results indicate that differentiation strategy fully mediates the relationship between market orientation and restaurant performance based on balanced scorecard approaches. Originality of the research - This study contributes significantly to the field by deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of differentiation strategy on the market orientation-performance links. Focusing on Vietnam, a collectivistic and transitional economy, enhances our comprehension of the influence of market orientation and differentiation strategy on the performance of small restaurants in these distinctive environments. The study provides robust evidence supporting the positive effects of differentiation strategy on performance by using balanced scorecard approaches. It advances the theoretical development of the resourcebased view by using a contingency perspective to empirically demonstrate how organisations can sustain competitive advantages by leveraging their resources.

Purpose – This study uses hotel employees to examine how green knowledge sharing (GKS), mediated by green autonomy (GA) and moderated by green rewards and compensation (GRC), influences pro-environmental workplace behaviours (WEFB). Methodology/Design/Approach – In this study, cross-sectional data from 415 hotel employees in Ghana were analysed using PLS-SEM. Bootstrapping with 10,000 subsamples was conducted to determine the significance of the hypotheses. Findings – This study established that both GKS and GA influenced WEFB. GKS also influenced GA which in turn played a mediating role in the influence of GKS on WEFB. Practical implications – Organisations are encouraged to enhance the acquisition of green knowledge of their employees and follow it up by encouraging the sharing of acquired green knowledge with their co-workers to boost the adoption of environmentally friendly behaviours. Originality of the research – A rare statistical method in green hospitality research was used to uncover the relationships between GKS, GA, GRC, and WEFB.

Purpose – This study deals with the COVID-19’s effects on the travel sector in ASEAN countries and applies fractional integration methods. Methodology/Design/Approach – The persistence and seasonality of foreign tourist visitors in ASEAN members is investigated using monthly data at different time periods. Findings – The results demonstrate that the series’ nature has undergone significant changes as a result of the present epidemic, moving from mean reversion in the period before Covid, to its absence once the data of the pandemic are incorporated in the series. In fact, using the whole dataset, the hypothesis of a unit root cannot be rejected and seasonality becomes almost irrelevant in all series examined. On this basis, the results suggest for more active involvement of certain governments in recovering the tourism industry with the intention of reaching the original trend. Originality of the research – To our knowledge ne previous study was conducted to analyze the COVID-19’s effects on the travel sector in ASEAN countries through fractional integration methods.

An increasing number of tourism researchers now advance the notion of tourism degrowth as a serious and viable alternative to the mainstream, growth-oriented approach to managing tourism development. The paper seeks to clarify, at a conceptual level, the well-being implications of tourism degrowth, positive and negative. Following a discussion of the basic principles of the degrowth approach, and identification of some major degrowth strategies, the paper overviews the nature of well-being, its sources and indicators. The potential impacts of tourism degrowth on resident well-being, are explored through a lens based on an established well-being framework. Taking sources of both material and non-material well-being into account, it is concluded that the degrowth process, when considered alongside a range of complementary interventions, can potentially make several important contributions to resident well-being. Identification and measurement of resident well-being outcomes in turn provides guidance as to the preferred strategies and types of interventions in support of tourism degrowth. In conclusion, the paper identifies issues for future investigation by tourism researchers.

The world is witnessing a rise in the number of international tourists travelling which is mainly caused by the fall in travelling costs and higher living standards. However, this has caused numerous negative impacts on the economy, the environment and the society. In the context of Mauritius, tourism has always been seen as among its key pillars that sustain its economy and helped it to flourish. Consequently, the purpose of this research is to assess the efficiency, robustness and accuracy of the legal framework on sustainable tourism in Mauritius in dealing with new emerging challenges. To achieve the research objective, the black letter research method was adopted to collect secondary data by analysing the related laws on tourism in the context of sustainability and a comparative analysis with some other countries’ rules on the researched topic was conducted. The countries selected for the comparison are the Maldives and Seychelles. It is observed that although there is a legal framework for tourism that is currently in place, there are still gaps in the laws that make it challenging for tourism businesses to operate sustainably. Among other issues relating to the environment and the economy, the socio-economic aspect has been neglected.

Nature-based tourism such as trekking and mountaineering has gained popularity in recent years due to the demand for experience-based tourism. Adventure tourism is one of the mainstays of Nepali economy and a major source of revenue. Trekking has brought employment and income opportunities and contributed to the living standard of local people. However, the influx of visitors has led to the depletion of natural resources and the degradation of environmental conditions in many areas. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a proper balance between social, economic, and environmental dimensions to ensure the viability of these tourism destinations. This study aims to assess the tourism potential and ecotourism attractions of Annapurna Base Camp through appreciative inquiry analysis. Based on the concept of ecotourism and its principles, we carried out the study keeping ecotourism in the center for exploring other possible forms of tourism at the study site. Through our primary and secondary data sources, we have designed a strategic plan to bring the results of appreciative inquiry into practice. The study emphasizes the adoption of strength-based approaches like appreciative inquiry in tourism studies that will help communities and destinations address social, environmental, and economic problems while ensuring their sustainability.

This study investigates the impact of the subjective and personal norms, environmental concerns, and altruism perceptions of recreationists on environment-friendly behaviors and environmental tourism behaviors. The population of the study consists of recreationists visiting the Ida Mountains in the western coast of Turkey. Visitors taking hiking trails as a recreational activity were included in the study and 221 complete responses were received. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was applied to test research hypotheses. The findings show that (a) subjective norms, place attachment, environmental concern, and environmental altruism positively influence environment friendly behavior; (b) personal norms are non-significant antecedents of environment friendly behavior; and (c) environment friendly behavior is a significant antecedent of environmental tourism behavior. This shows that recreationists in Ida Mountains are more sensitive as they partake in tourism-related activities and pay attention to their attitudes and behaviors towards environmental problems when they interact with the environment. Revealing the effects of norms, place attachment, environmental concerns and altruism on environmentally friendly tourism behavior can support the development of sustainable tourism policies and programs. In this way, it can provide sustainability-related information to stakeholders in the tourism industry, policy makers and destination managers.

The paper explores valorisation of hotel service quality elements and puts them in the context of guests’ preferences related with luxury accommodation. The focus of the paper is perception of luxury hotel offer and influence of sustainability labels and excellence awards on tourists’ preferences. The purpose of the paper is a better understanding of consumers’ attitudes when choosing luxury hotel accommodation developed and awarded within the sustainability concept. The methodology includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of the defined quality elements, perception of luxury and impact of sustainable awards and certificates on consumers’ preferences. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire in the last quarter of 2021, and it was carried out on a sample of 102 respondents, guests of upscale and luxury hotels. The research results were processed using quantitative statistical methodology, including mean values, percentages, STDEV, VAR and the Chi-square test of probability, while the open-ended question was processed using qualitative methodology, and the results are presented through the new model. Interpersonal communication followed by physical facilities and characteristics of luxury hotels are highlighted as important parameters, as is the valorisation of sustainable labels and certificates. However, by testing of the research questions and expected values, the authors have learnt that guests, consumers of luxury hotel products, predominantly do not valorise sustainable awards and certificates as key factors of perception of luxury. The findings suggest that sustainable initiatives in modern hospitality are entailed; however, the perception of luxury is not conditioned by awards and certificates.The research results, as well as the acquired knowledge, could encourage hoteliers to a more meaningful and effective promotion of certificates and awards in order to present a series of investments, activities and sustainable initiatives that have resulted in a certificate of excellence. The research bridges a scientific and professional gap in understanding of advantages of labels and awards and presents a platform for future research.

Purpose - This paper conducts a meticulous bibliometric analysis of 659 documents indexed in the Web of Science database, exploring the intellectual evolution of Smart Tourism Destinations (STD) and contributing to understanding the evolution of scientific literature on STD until December 2023, guiding future explorations in this dynamic and evolving field. Methodology/Design/Approach - By unifying the conceptual structure and highlighting key descriptive elements with the application of statistical methods, this research provides insights into the intellectual fabric of STD research. Findings - Our findings show the evolution of the conceptual structure, influential authors, institutions and countries involved in STD research, as well as the evolving social structure within the field. The surge in scientific output, especially since 2019 aligns with the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, immersive mechanisms, big data, and robotics, prompting uncertainty in business implementation and stakeholder responses. Originality of the research - This study sheds light on the intellectual evolution of STD by summarising a wide range of literature, helping the authors to be informed about future research directions in the field

Purpose – This study aims to evaluate the performance of the Czech spa industry within a dynamically changing external environment, specifically in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the relationship between tourist attractiveness and fiscal policy effectiveness, the research explores the divergences existing among spa companies functioning across discrete spa resort categories within the Czech Republic. Methodology/Design/Approach – The research employs secondary data obtained from the State Statistical Office and the Business Register. The analysis entails an examination of the relationship between the level of tourist attractiveness and alterations in sales. Findings – The study reveals that spa resorts with higher levels of tourist attractiveness encountered a more pronounced decline in sales. Despite the notable allocation of public funds, the impact of subsidies on economic outcomes remained limited. Originality of the research – A contribution lies in its revelation of the adverse implications of over-reliance on tourism for the spa industry. The study highlights the imperative for diversification in resort portfolios. Moreover, the research offers valuable insights into the optimal allocation of subsidies, suggesting directions for more effective utilization and distribution in a manner that supports the industry's long-term sustainability and resilience

Purpose – This paper is presented through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory (SCCT) (Lent et al., 1994), and seeks to examine the role of parental influence and internship programs on Job Pursuit Intentions (JPI) in the Vietnamese Hospitality and Tourism industry. Methodology/Design/Approach – Data were collected through a survey of fourth-year Hospitality and Tourism students at six universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Student responses to a series of prepared questions allowed structural relationships to be developed between key variables, which were illuminated through the deployment of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart-PLS. Findings – The study found that parental support and internship programs significantly affect JPI. This research also revealed the potential for using SCCT in JPI examinations. Further, it indicated that the relationship between parental support and JPI and the relationship between internship programs and JPI are moderated by External Locus of Control (ELOC). Originality of the research - This research deploys a novel application of SCCT within a collectivist society with Confucian values in the context of JPI amongst Vietnamese hospitality and tourism students. It further gives insight for human resources departments of H&T foreign brands and universities on how to better target student and graduate recruitment.

Purpose –Tourism development can provide a sustainable path through which to diversify the economy. The aim of this research is 1) to assess the current economic diversification of a potential tourism region in an emerging economy, that of the Ulytau region of Kazakhstan; 2) to detail the impediments to economic diversification through tourism development, and 3) to recommend ways to foster economic diversification. Methodology/Design/Approach – The research uses secondary data to assess the current situation of the region and in-depth interviews with tourism and economic development experts to understand the current obstacles to economic diversification. Findings – This rural region of Kazakhstan is relatively concentrated in terms of its economic diversification and investment in infrastructure such roads, airports, and telecommunication as well as marking and promotion of the natural and cultural attractions will be a path to diversify the economy through tourism development. Originality of the research – This research uses evolutionary economic geography as a useful framework through which to view how destinations change over time. The research provides a model through which other destinations, dominated by non-renewable resource extraction can pivot towards tourism as a way to diversify the economy.

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to analyse changes in tourism as a local economic development sector, considering environmental degradation and new global scenarios during and after the pandemic. The objective is to propose a sustainable, collaborative, and happinessoriented tourism management model to revive the tourism sector. Methodology/Design/Approach - The study utilizes grounded theory methodology, incorporating a systematic document review and a critical analysis of the successful UsiacuríAtlántico municipality in tourism management. This approach aids in developing the TUGMECOL tourism model, emphasizing collaborative networks and promoting dynamic, productive, participatory, legitimate, and respectful heritage tourism management. Results - The study’s findings converge in the TUGMECOL tourism management model, notable for its emphasis on quality of life and objective happiness as innovative dimensions for sustainable tourism sector development. This model is evident as a manifestation of political trust in local development. Originality of the research - This research is unique in its approach to sustainable tourism management as a collaborative strategy for local economic development. The use of grounded theory and critical analysis in the successful case of Usiacurí-Atlántico enhances the study’s originality and significance for potential replication in similar rural areas, opening avenues for further research to enhance the model.

Purpose – This study aims to explore the customer acceptance of service robots in the hotel industry. Four determinants are analysed: perceived privacy, novelty value, service robots appearance, and attitudes towards service robots. The differences in customer acceptance between international and local hotel brands are also presented, along with the genders’ distinctive results. Methodology – The study was conducted in Indonesia, involving 120 respondents who had prior experience staying in the hotel. Data was gathered from May to June 2022 through online questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS. Findings – Findings show that for international hotel customers, three determinants (perceived privacy, novelty value, and appearance) simultaneously exert a greater influence on customer attitude, compared to local hotel customers. In contrast, the service robots’ acceptance of local hotel customers is influenced more by their attitude, than of international hotel customers. Furthermore, male customers have proven that they have a higher value on all constructs in this research, meaning higher acceptance and attitude, compared to their female counterparts. Originality of the research – This study attempts to go beyond the hotel industry as a whole, but is limited to both international and local hotel brands.

Research issues around tourism development in small town South Africa have generated a growing scholarship. With the announcement in May 2023 by the World Health Organisation of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic the paper reflects both on the pandemic experiences for tourism in South African small towns and of relevant initiatives for revival at the beginning of the post COVID-19 era. Specifically, the aim in this paper to extend the literature on tourism in small town South Africa by focusing on the context of small town recovery from COVID-19 analysing the example of the Overstrand, Africa’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The study shows that under certain circumstances amenity-rich small town localities can be resilient to external shocks such as the pandemic. For the resilience and recovery of small-town tourism destinations it is argued that place-based responses are critical.

Domestic tourism has garnered much attention recently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, being identified as a key solution to the post-pandemic recovery. The worth of domestic tourism prior to the pandemic, however, despite its tremendous economic value, has largely been overshadowed in scholarship and amongst many governments in lieu of the more glamorous international tourism. Notwithstanding, the current emphasis on domestic tourism, a gap still exists in the literature on specific sub-segments of the domestic tourist market and understanding their profiles and perceptions in order to address issues related to growing such markets and thus contributing to the overarching growth of domestic tourism and strengthening its role in the recovery of the tourism sector. This paper thus seeks to unpack the profile of 297 domestic road trip tourists surveyed from the Gauteng province of South Africa. The results outline the socio-demographic characteristics in terms of age, race, income and education levels, and their travel preferences and behaviour. Findings reveal facets linked to the importance of youth tourists, the need to address access to travel, availability of products and facilities geared to the needs of domestic tourists, the conditions of roads and the ease of travel, as well as issues related to financial access to tourism through pricing and affordability. The study provides a springboard to better understand the domestic road trip market by uncovering key socio-demographic components of this lesser studied market in the context of South Africa and provides recommendations for addressing the issues at hand.

Sport tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry worldwide and has received increasing attention from scholars in the last decades. In this context, literature reviews have been written analysing various aspects, including factors influencing sport tourism competitiveness. However, sport tourism competitiveness in general has not been reviewed to date. This paper applies a systematic literature review to research sport tourism competitiveness articles published in the Scopus database from 2012 to 2022. It was found that quantitative studies are prevalent with the survey as the main method. Additionally, the multidisciplinary character of sport tourism studies has been confirmed, with developing economies, especially China, being the most researched territories. Winter sports as an activity and its impacts continues to be the most researched among scholars, nevertheless, our research revealed that water sports are also of interest, and active sports practised in natural environments in general had more attention than sport events. Finally, we observed that the use of the concept of sport tourism is still problematic and requires further clarity.

This study aimed to determine how public-private partnerships could be used to promote inclusive tourism development in South Africa. Using the case of partnerships forged through Airbnb in the Waterberg biosphere region. Adopting a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with individuals involved in the planning and hosting the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, Airbnb partners and academy graduates. Findings reveal that the aligned interest of local stakeholders and the need for alternative planning and development approaches enabled the establishment and implementation of partnerships for fostering inclusive tourism. However, challenges posed by these partnerships included a lack of tourism knowledge and the lack of resources, which further posed challenges in maintaining the positive outcomes of Airbnb’s intervention. Moreover, the findings highlight how public-private partnerships increased the advocacy for inclusive tourism and the sharing economy. The study concludes that while public-private partnerships played a pivotal role in fostering inclusive tourism growth, these partnerships need to be aligned with destination development needs.

Given the skills and competencies that culinary arts students possess, the purpose of this study is to create a conceptual framework for defining and raising the bar for postsecondary culinary education. Graduates are certain to be well-equipped with the knowledge and abilities that employers value in Botswana. A quantitative approach was utilised, with questionnaires, based mainly on graduates’ competencies. Data were sought from executive chefs and 105 effective responses were received covering views on skills and competencies possessed by culinary arts graduates in the hospitality industry. The findings suggest that group tests be implemented to evaluate students' abilities in communication and management, including overseeing kitchen operations. The effectiveness and applicability of the assessment methods should be regularly reviewed by institutional administrators. Stakeholders should work with higher educational institutions to provide the required training, to develop the right competencies and skills that graduates need to benefit the industry. Proficiency in menu design and food costing makes individuals more marketable in the hospitality industry.

The airport industry plays a crucial global economic and connectivity role as the aviation sector rapidly expands; therefore, understanding airports’ workforce psychology is vital. However, little research exists on how airport employees' demographic traits shape organisational commitment as a critical indicator of their work performance at international airports. Therefore, this study uniquely investigated these relationships among 380 staff at the Cairo International Airport in Egypt. A survey assessed affective, continuance, and normative commitment considering employees’ gender, age, education, job role, and job tenure. Findings revealed affective ties were most substantial for females, while continuance peaked for younger employees and normative increased with tenure. Significant differences emerged by education level. This addresses gaps by linking social identities to mindsets. Insights implications guide managers: targeted relationship-building and career support can bolster affective commitment in specific subgroups, like younger males. Tailoring initiatives to each demographic's unique profile maximises loyalty integral to airports' success in a competitive, skilled labor market.

This paper sought to explore the adventure tourism activities that are preferred by adventure tourists in Gauteng, South Africa. The research data were collected quantitatively through a self-administered questionnaire. 206 Respondents were chosen utilizing a snowball sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics, the Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, were applied and the results were presented using tables, figures, and charts. Based on the results presented, adventure tourists in Gauteng have certain adventure activities they prefer more than others. They prefer participating in hard adventure activities that are land-based. The results further indicate that gender, age, highest qualification, and income significantly affect the level of preference for adventure tourism activities. These findings will help adventure tourism organizations plan and develop adventure activities according to the participants' preferences.

The main aim of the investigation is to explore how the interaction between hosts and tourists influences tourists' intention to revisit a particular destination. Furthermore, the study seeks to examine the role of place attachment in mediating the relationship between host-tourist interactions and revisiting intention. In this regard, a questionnaire was developed based on existing literature and subjected to a pilot study to ensure its validity and reliability. The research employed a descriptive research design and adopted a positivist approach. A total of 360 valid questionnaires were analysed for the study, which were collected from tourists visiting Kashmir Valley using convenience sampling. The collected data were processed using SPSS and Smart-PLS software. The results of the analysis indicated a significant and positive correlation between host-tourist interaction and tourists' intention to revisit the destination. Additionally, the findings demonstrated that place attachment played a mediating role in the connection between host tourist interaction and revisit intention. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting interactions between hosts and tourists, as they have the potential to positively influence tourists' likelihood of revisiting the destination. By fostering meaningful connections and attachment to the place, the destination can enhance the overall experience for tourists, increasing the probability of their return visits.

The growing popularity of cultural tourism destinations has been the subject of numerous studies for decades. These destinations significantly contribute to the tourism industry by promoting and developing tourism products, attracting many tourists. Thus, it requires a thorough understanding of mapping the tourist's revisit behavioural intention to this destination. This also requires investigating what antecedents contribute to tourists' revisit behavioural intentions. Therefore, through a bibliometric analysis, this study addresses the overview of the current scope and boundary of knowledge to map the tourists’ behavioural intentions to revisit cultural destinations. Data from 125 Scopus articles from 2003 to 2023 were analysed, and a review analysis was carried out using VosViewer and Biblioshiny software. A PRISMA approach is used to identify the research articles. The findings revealed that articles published from 2019 onwards have gradually increased in this area of research. Similarly, the author's contribution and network analysis results have been produced that revealed the antecedents of behavioural intention to revisit, such as Tourists' Destination Image, Tourists' Satisfaction, Tourists' Memorable Experience, Tourists' Motivation, and Perceived Authenticity. The study concludes that tourism managers and policymakers need to look at these aspects to develop the tourism industry while focusing on the cultural destination of the region.

This descriptive-interpretive qualitative study aimed to determine the expectations of instructors working in the Adventure-based Experiential Learning industry of a potential industry governing body. 23 Participants from across South Africa completed an online descriptive survey that revealed four central sub-themes: (1) Function; (2) Determine; (3) Guidance and (4) Centralised access. Participants highlighted the necessity and specific requirements of a South African professional body to provide a distinct career path for instructors. Considering the responsibilities of an industry body, participants expressed a strong concern for payment and employment conditions, whereas standards received strong agreement from the participants. It would require careful evaluation of the variety of fields instructors operate in, the specific requirements for each one of the fields and the expectations of the relevant industry role-players. This study was the first to provide insights into industry body requirements from a South African instructor's point of view, and these insights can assist in creating a reputable and well-recognised industry.

Crises have negative effects on companies and lower demand for hospitality services worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine how technology can be used by the hospitality industry to manage crises. A qualitative research methodology was used to assess the impact of crises in the hospitality industry. Purposive sampling was used to select 13 hospitality managers participants within Johannesburg and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Despite their lack of preparation for COVID-19, managers in the hospitality industry were able to effectively manage the effects well due to their knowledge, skills, and experience. Since there had never been a crisis like COVID-19 before, managers responded to it reactively and put plans in place to mitigate its impact. Furthermore, the research revealed that hospitality managers reduced their costs by laying off workers and temporarily closing businesses. Owners in the industry requested financial support from the government to maintain their operations and to introduce innovations. The management implications of this research will encourage a greater awareness of preparations for future pending crises. Owners of hospitality businesses will find this study helpful because it offers improved technical techniques and recovery preparations.

This study aims to ascertain Visitors’ satisfaction with services and post-visit behavioural intentions with the Kakum National Park of Ghana and to explore the relationship between the satisfaction dimensions and visitors’ post-visit behavioural intentions. Quantitative methods were used for analysis using the responses of 367 sampled visitors with the aid of questionnaires. The study found that visitors' overall satisfaction and future intentions about the attraction are positive. Irrespective of a positive satisfaction with the attraction, visitors were uncertain about their satisfaction with the prices of services at the attraction. Moreover, visitors suggested that they would not revisit but would recommend the attraction to other patrons. A statistically significant association existed between some dimensions of satisfaction (Tangibles, Price, Reliability, Assurance, and Empathy) and post-visit behavioural intention of visitors at the Kakum National Park at p≤0.05. It is recommended that the price of services at the attraction should be reviewed to balance services at the attraction and managers of KNP should also put up measures to diversify and rejuvenate the attraction to influence the revisit intentions of visitors who visit the attraction.

The aim of this study was to assess basic nutritional knowledge and food preparation practices of Volunteer Food Handlers (VFHs) in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)The study used a qualitative approach. Individual interviews were conducted with 29 VFHs using semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. The survey was conducted in four school districts of Gauteng; six mainstream primary schools, one secondary school and four special schools participated in the study. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach of coding and characterisation for analysis on Microsoft excel. Findings show that many of the VFHs, as well as their coordinators, lacked good nutritional knowledge. The survey also revealed that nutritional knowledge, food preparation and handling skills were all influenced by educational level and socio-economic status. Most VFHs reported not strictly following the NSNP menus and recipes. In order to improve the nutritional quality of the school meals, the NSNP, needs to re-visit its VFH policies and practical manuals. More training needs to be organised to teach the VFHs about child nutrition and good kitchen practices that enhance food quality. This study has shown that VFHs need adequate training to ensure good food quality.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and efficacy of marketing strategies tour operators use for promotion of township tourism small enterprises in KZN province. This research utilized a quantitative approach to measure and analyse numerical results in the context of small tourism enterprises in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Statistical tests such as correlation coefficient and regression analysis were conducted to establish the relationship between marketing strategies and tour operators' sales performance, as well as to examine the effectiveness of promotional strategies employed by tour operators for marketing and promoting township small tourism enterprises. The findings suggested that having a broad product line may not necessarily lead to improved sales performance. Efficient customer service had a significant positive effect on sales performance. Regression results were also presented for the influence on business growth in net profit performance. Focusing on customer needs and integrating activities for customer satisfaction had a non-significant or negative impact on sales performance. These findings provide insights into the importance of specific strategies for small tourism enterprises in achieving business growth in sales volume and net profit performance. Further research is recommended to explore the complex relationship between marketing strategies, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance in the context of small tourism enterprises.

This study determined how food handlers apply menu planning principles in food waste prevention in supermarket kitchens. The objective was to assess whether menu planning principles that positively impact minimising food waste are applied by food handlers in supermarket the kitchens in Soweto, South Africa, and to understand the underlying causes of food waste. The quantitative, structured observation was conducted using a checklist to observe food handlers' practices throughout meal production. The study found that food handlers lacked proper menu planning and execution principles for food waste prevention, including not following standardised recipes, poor food preparation skills, lack of food texture variety, improper meal distribution, and poor food storage practices. The findings revealed that food handlers overlook menus' importance as communication tools in planning, operation, and waste minimisation. This highlights a gap in poor practices that needs to be addressed as a step-in meeting target 12.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to halve global food waste and loss. per capita by 2030 and recommends developing food waste guidelines specific for food handlers in supermarket kitchen. This paper contributes to the existing theoretical literature. The significant practical implication of this study is to enforce sustainability practices in supermarket kitchens.

The social and cultural aspects of destinations are key products in the international tourism market. The extent and patterns of host-visitor interaction depend on residents’ attitudes and their level of tourism tolerance which may range from euphoria to tourismphobia, depending on the level of exposure. Tourism is paradoxically viewed as a sector with doubtful advantage producing both socio-economic benefits as well as corrosive socio-cultural externalities. While socio cultural mixing may yield some desirable results, it may also threaten the fabric that makes families and communities. The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions on the socio-cultural impact of tourism on the residents of the Golden Mile. The study adopted a qualitative approach using 101 household representatives from 10 randomly selected blocks of flats along the Golden Mile. The study found that challenges faced by residents especially during peak holiday seasons included disruptive noise, unbearable traffic congestion, long queues at service centres, altered lifestyles as well as displacement of property owners, leading to the place being mainly occupied by tenants among others. Residents recommended better planning, visitor management, education and improvement of safety and security as measures to improve their socio-cultural lives.

The development of community-based tourism has seen many communities in rural areas take control of their economic well-being, social justice issues, and environmental integrity. In many quarters, this kind of freedom has been attributed to the availability of competent leadership that can mobilise the community and the resources endowed to the community. This study investigated the role of community leadership in the development of sustainable community based tourism. The study assumed a qualitative research approach that followed an exploratory design. The chosen approach employed semi-structured interviews of 15 respondents through a non-probability sampling technique to solicit data. The collected data was analysed using NVivo software version 12, producing a comprehensive observation report accompanied by word trees, word clouds, cluster analysis, and tree maps. The study's findings produced themes indicative of the community’s views concerning the role played by community leaders in the development of sustainable community-based tourism. These findings presented orations by respondents indicating contributions of community leaders in the development of sustainable community based tourism together with the shortcomings in terms of the leaders’ capacity and skills required to lead a community away from poverty and vulnerability.

Township tourism in South Africa is an increasingly attractive phenomenon, especially for foreign tourists. For many international tourists, the motivation resides in their quest for an authentic local African cultural experience. However, due to its complex phenomenon, the notion of 'township tourism' has been relatively subjective in its promise of an authentic (African) experience. While some scholars suggest that township tourism exploits the "poor", others argue that township tourism is a poverty alleviation mechanism. This study works on the premise that a complex cluster of issues surrounds what we understand as 'township tourism'. It examines how South Africa's rich culture and heritage products, such as township tourism, are constructed and enacted to attract tourists in the Umlazi township in the eThekweni Municipality. The exploratory, descriptive design using semi-structured interviews was employed to obtain qualitative data. Analysis of findings revealed that constructing and enacting indigenous heritage spaces as products for tourism consumption in Umlazi is a move to change the trajectory that views township tours as an exploration of poverty. Based on empirical engagement with the community, it becomes evident that culture and heritage are viable resources that can be used as tools for township tourism development.

Racism has been imprinted on the landscape of South African tourism. This paper offers a glimpse of the early impact of race on the development of tourism as the travel movements of most Black South African travellers were restricted by pass laws and segregation legislation. The research adds to an emerging scholarship and debates surrounding the historical development of tourism in South Africa. It provides a window on the traces of the past and of a travel movement by Black South Africans during the 1930s. Analysis is undertaken of the content of The Bantu World newspaper which shows that among the Black urban elite there is marked evidence of tourism mobilities. This period was dominated by VFR flows albeit with elements of overlapping leisure and health-related travel movements. In addition, the appearance is observed of an incipient tradition of business travel by Black South Africans at this time.

Travelling families contribute significantly to the domestic tourism market in South Africa. This study aimed to determine why families go on holiday and what their needs are during a holiday from the perspective of a mother. A quantitative study was undertaken, and 115 responses were obtained. A typical mother travelling with her family was depicted, paired with the required amenities such as Wi-Fi, kids' entertainment and washing machines. It was further determined that mothers go on holiday, mainly to spend time with their families. The results further indicated that mothers’ quality of life was positively impacted by single families going on holiday, every six months and they reported being less stressed after the holiday. Concluding, the more family members join in on a holiday, the more challenging it may be to maintain a positive quality of life. Recommendations include providing the required amenities and accommodating families to ensure a good quality of life. The optimal family holidays would be with the least amount of extended family members and limiting holidays to once every six months. The results of this study will guide family accommodation establishments on what to focus on in their service offering should they want to attract more families.

This study aims to investigate how consumer-celebrity match impacts brand engagement and loyalty in the hospitality industry with an effort to understand better consumer-celebrity marketing and its underlying principles the Meaning Transfer Model (MTM) and Customer Brand Engagement (CBE) were applied to assess the direct and indirect impacts of measurement model variables on celebrity marketing. The quantitative methodology was used in this study with data from 490 respondents. The outcome reveals that consumer-celebrity match has a favourable effect on brand engagement and brand engagement also leads to a positive correlation with brand loyalty. The research provides insightful conclusions for managers looking to optimize their marketing strategy based on the result.

The study aims to address the key success factors in the tourism and hospitality industry in Ghana using the balanced scorecard. The study involved 300 participants from selected tourism and hospitality establishments in the Central and Western regions of Ghana. The Cluster sampling technique was adopted in selecting the participants for the study. Quantitative data in the form of a five- Likert scale questionnaire ranging from “not at all important” to “extremely important” was analyzed using the SPSS statistical tool. The study’s findings showed that establishments set ethical standards to govern their operations, establishments developed cash operating budgets, as well as expected turnover budgets, advertising was ranked as the most important and that recruitment was important in ensuring the right people are employed at the right time. It was concluded that there are various key success factors which are relevant in the tourism and hospitality industry in Ghana, specifically the Central and Western regions that need to be harness. This study contributes to the theoretical orientation of key success factors and the balanced scorecard in Ghana and the literature related to the tourism and hospitality industry, which addresses some relevant concepts about the industry.

This article is based on a study that investigated the impact of Porter’s generic strategies on firm competitiveness (FC) and the mediating role of organisational innovation (OI) amongst small, micro, and medium tourism enterprises (SMMTEs). A quantitative approach was adopted, with questionnaires distributed to 320 SMMTEs in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data adequacy tests were performed followed by structural equation modelling. The findings showed that innovation – particularly market innovation (MI) – acts as a crucial mediator between business strategies and FC and that neither of the two forms of innovation is significantly impacted by differentiation strategy (DS). In addition, the overall low-cost leadership strategy (OLCLS) has a major effect on MI but not technological innovation (TI). It was thus concluded that the OLCLS via MI is central to SMMTEs achieving competitiveness. The study enhances understanding of how innovation mediates the relationship between Porter’s generic strategies and firm competitiveness in a developing country. The findings will assist managers to develop effective business strategies to enhance firm competitiveness.

The tourism industry has experienced a profound evolution in recent years, largely due to the influence of information technology. The rapid advancement of information technology has revolutionized the tourism sector. This study gives an overview of the research in Information Technology and Tourism from 2014 to 2023. The aim is to identify the publication trends, conceptual structure, intellectual structure, and collaboration structure with the help of bibliographic analysis including descriptive, co-citation, co-word and collaboration analysis. Scopus database was used to obtain the data for the study. 203 research articles published between 2014 and 2023 were extracted from the Information Technology and Tourism (ITT) journal and the data was analysed using the biliometrix tool of the R software version 4.3.1 and VOSviewer. Information Technology and Tourism (ITT) is the first scientific interdisciplinary journal focusing on the nature and role of information technology within the context of tourism, travel and hospitality. The findings of the study indicate that research in Information Technology and Tourism has shown remarkable growth in terms of both publications and citations, with a pronounced emphasis on collaborative research. Keyword and co-word analysis highlighted the applications of technology in the tourism and hospitality sector.

This paper presents the findings of a study carried out to identify the challenges and prospects to retaining knowledge in Botswana’s tourism and hospitality industry. The study adopted a questionnaire survey approach for data collection. A total of 80 questionnaires were administered to staff members of tourism and hospitality organizations. The criteria used for selection of eligible organizations was that they had to be legally licenced to operate by the Department of Tourism and graded by the Botswana Tourism organization. Organizations were purposively sampled from three industry strati being accommodation, travel agencies and tour operators. The results show that some of the challenges faced by hospitality organizations in retaining knowledge include difficulty in the utilization of retained knowledge because of long requisition procedures, lack of trust and knowledge hoarding. These challenges result in the retention of knowledge in the industry appearing to be optional. The study further reveals, supporting strategic objectives and self-fulfilment as the leading motivators for knowledge sharing. The industry therefore must turn these motivators into opportunities to cultivate a culture of knowledge retention.

In terms of satisfaction connected to health and safety, advancement in career, self-esteem and actualization, recognition, rewards, physical working environment, and management relationship, quality of work life (QWL) is a contributing aspect to increased levels of satisfaction among employees. To ascertain the current status of work-life linkage while taking into account the demographics of chosen hotels in India and the characteristics of the quality of work-life practices is the objective of this study. Additionally, the study was able to determine the differences in the demographic profile of the hotels that responded to the survey. Descriptive statistics, reliability tests, Spearman's correlation, Levene's Test of Homogeneity, and Kruskal Wallis tests were utilised by the author in order to arrive at the conclusions that were drawn. In Indian hotels, the existence of QWL procedures was found to be lacking, according to the findings of the study. The dimensions of QWL and the demographic profile of the hotels were shown to have significant relationships with one another. This study has the potential to be utilised as a practical reference for implementing quality of work life (QWL) initiatives for the hotel sector. It can also serve as a tool for doing future research on other areas of job satisfaction.

This study aims to examine tip predictors in restaurants alongside tip amounts during and post-COVID-19 era. A face-to-face cross-sectional survey was carried out to obtain data from restaurant customers on several tip predictors. A probit model and limited dependent-variable technique are used in verifying the effect of each determinant on tipping behaviors. While examining tip predictors in study 1, results show that good service quality, religious background, education level, income level, financial social status, gender, and the effect of COVID-19 on service quality positively and significantly affect consumers’ tipping behaviours. However, results of consumer tip amounts revealed that consumers’ monthly income, holidays, weekends, and month ends positively affect consumers' tip amounts. These findings imply that though there are many factors affecting people to tip, tip amounts increase during month end when workers have received their wages, during weekends when people spend more time dining out, and during holidays when family responsibilities such as meeting school needs have reduced. This study is therefore unique as it examines the effect of COVID-19 on consumers’ jobs and service quality. Likewise, works are scanty in the context of this study and the theoretical background of consumer tipping behaviours is thus elaborated hereafter.

Purpose – This research aims to observe the attitudes and behavioural intentions of young tourists in relation to their experiences of consuming PBF, including value consumption, concern for the environment and perceived cost as influencing factors. Methodology/Design/Approach – Considering that it is almost impossible to determine the sample frame for young tourists in Indonesia, this research used a non-probability sample to collect the sample. The study focused on young tourists aged 18 to 35 years old who have experience of consuming PBF while travelling. A self-administered online questionnaire was provided to tourists visiting a destination from July to September 2022, resulting in 267 usable responses. Findings – Tourists’ attitude towards PBF leads to their intention to buy again during or after their visit and to offer profitable e-WOM. In addition, perceived cost moderates the relationship between attitude and e-WOM; however, it does not provide evidence for the moderating role between attitude and repurchase intention. Originality of the research – This study highlights the value of consumption, concern for the environment and perceived costs as factors influencing tourists’ attitudes and behavioural intentions towards public transport.

Purpose – This study investigates the barriers to the adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) in the tourism industry. Although VR has great potential to enhance the tourist experience, the adoption of this technology is still limited in the tourism sector. Building on the fundamental principles of the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory and its contribution to perceptions of technology adoption, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the specific barriers to VR adoption by tourism enterprises. Methodology – To achieve this objective, interviews were conducted with managers of tourism companies, and the data was analysed using qualitative methodology through MAXQDA 20 software. Conclusions – The results reveal that the main barriers identified by managers mainly include lack of knowledge about VR, particularly in the tourism sector. The perceived lack of usefulness, limited experience with the technology, and reluctance to invest in technological equipment also emerge as barriers to VR adoption. Originality of research – This study can help companies in the tourism sector to develop more effective strategies to overcome these barriers, thereby improving the tourist experience and increasing their competitiveness in the market using VR equipment.

Purpose – Most green hotel studies are dominated by quantitative approaches, which are limited in their ability to understand the complexity of consumers’ choice of green hotel. This research note employs a qualitative method to examine the entire consumers’ decisionmaking process in regard to green hotel selection. Methodology/Design/Approach – This study utilises an interview approach, using the fivestage consumer decision-making model as a framework. Data is analysed through content and thematic analysis. Findings – In the real world, respondents are motivated to travel by their personal needs rather than the attractiveness of a green hotel. To plan for traveling and hotel selection (including a green hotel), they usually search for hotel information from various sources, and it is not necessary for them to choose a green hotel, depending on their personal reasons. Before making a purchase decision, the respondents will compare and evaluate several factors in order to choose a hotel (including green and non-green hotels) which mostly matches their preference and budget. Their decision may be either self-decision or joint decision which may be influenced by other people. In the post-purchase stage, the respondents would evaluate overall hotel services with their expectations, and are likely to revisit a hotel which meets their expectations, rather than concerning environmental obligation. These findings are the reflections from consumers’ actual decision-making process which may challenge the selection of a green hotel, particularly the process of comparison and evaluation of hotel choices. Originality of the research – This is a first study that provides a different perspective on consumers’ choice of an eco-friendly hotel based on the real-life situation using Thailand as a case study.

The perception of well-being through tourism improves the quality of life of tourists, and for senior tourists, this relationship is even more promising. While the association between tourism and mental health is clear, the processes involved are not always clarified. Thus, this systematic literature review aims to explore and systematise the benefits of senior tourism for well-being, happiness, and satisfaction with life. Following the PRISMA method, the search was undertaken on platforms SCOPUS and Web of Science, using the research terms “senior tourism”, “elderly tourism”, “well-being”, and “life satisfaction”. Articles were included, if published after 2018, peer-reviewed, in English, concerning an overview of senior well-being and tourism. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample comprised 16 articles. Senior tourists experience higher well-being, happiness, and satisfaction with life when their goals are of high valence, more likely to be achieved, coherent with the activities, and when they feel pleasure associated with achieving those goals. Still, senior tourists' happiness, life satisfaction and well-being are associated with four central elements: interpersonal relationships; time and resource management; achievement of goals and objectives; and management of the personal meaning attributed to the experience. Theoretical and empirical implications are further discussed.

In today's rapidly changing work landscape, ensuring a good balance between work and personal is a critical concern for employees. This equilibrium significantly influences their overall well-being, affecting work attitudes and behaviours. Research on the tourism and hospitality (T&H) workforce has covered many topics, but there remains an evident gap in scholarly investigations specifically addressing the well-being of employees in this industry. This work intends to fill the void by undertaking a thorough systematic literature review (SLR) focusing explicitly on employee well-being within the T&H sector. This thorough technique helped us identify and evaluate the most relevant studies from an extensive literature. The main goal of this academic paper is to address the identified research gap and provide practical insights for various stakeholders. Policymakers could benefit from recognising T&H workers' challenges and opportunities. Practitioners, including businesses in this sector, can gain valuable guidance on implementing strategies that promote work-life balance among their workforce. Scholars will also discover a consolidated resource that informs their future research and assists them in contributing to employee well-being discussions. Our results may also help T&H organisations develop work-life-balanced workplaces. Our rigorous literature analysis and practical insights seek to improve employee well-being, organisational performance, and industry vitality.

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the current literature on the connection between tourism and quality of life in the Web of Science database. A total of 154 relevant studies were analyzed using predetermined criteria to identify primary areas for assessment and evaluation. The scientific articles were subsequently scrutinized via the VOSviewer software on 20 October 2023 to determine key parameters for analysis and interpretation. The research has revealed that in 2019, the highest number of studies on tourism and quality of life were conducted, with the most cited study being from 2022. Most of the studies on this topic comprise of articles in English publications, with frequently used keywords including “quality of life”, “tourism” and “tourism development”. Based on the findings, the following results were obtained. The highest number of publications and cooperation related to quality of life and tourism are contributed by the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China. “Tourism Management” journal has been the foremost contributor to the literature concerning quality of life and tourism. In this investigation, a neutral evaluation of worldwide research on tourism and its effects on quality of life was carried out. In this context, the research offers a thorough evaluation of quality of life and tourism, outlining opportunities for further investigation.