nep-tur New Economics Papers
on Tourism Economics
Issue of 2014‒02‒15
six papers chosen by
Laura Vici
Universita' di Bologna

  1. INSTITUTIONAL THEORY IN TOURISM STUDIES: EVIDENCE AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS By Lavandoski, Joice; Albino Silva, João; Vargas-Sánchez, Alfonso
  2. TOURISTS' EXPERIENCES AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL EFFECTS ON THE DESTINATION IMAGE. A THEORETICAL MODEL By Matos, Nelson; Mendes, Julio; Valle, Patrícia
  3. STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING APPLIED TO SEX, ROMANCE AND LIMINAL BEHAVIOUR IN TOURISM CONTEXT: THE CASE OF FARO INTERNATIONAL BIKE MEETING By Lança, Milene; Filipe Marques, João; Valle, Patrícia
  4. SPORTS EVENTS AS A TOOL TO LEVERAGE THE TOURISM DESTINATION IMAGE By Pereira, Elsa; Mascarenhas, Maria Margarida; Pires, Gustavo
  5. THE INTERVIEW: METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK IN THE STUDY OF "TOURISM AND ECONOMICS: THE FARO AIRPORT (1946-73)" By Pereira, Renato; Leite, Joaquim; Albino Silva, João
  6. Price Discrimination through Refund Contracts in Airlines By Escobari, Diego; Jindapon, Paan

  1. By: Lavandoski, Joice (University of Caxias do Sul); Albino Silva, João (University of Algarve); Vargas-Sánchez, Alfonso (University of Huelva)
    Abstract: The present article focuses on the effective application of the Institutional Theory as a theoretical perspective in scientific studies. The particular goal is to present a literature review about the Institutional Theory applied to the tourism industry, particularly the wine tourism segment. Different research areas are identified among those developed within institutional premises in tourism studies. The present review discusses the influence of the institutional framework in the organizational behavior and the pursuit of social legitimacy of tourism organizations. The Institutional Theory presents itself as a consolidated theoretical perspective used to explain organizational behaviors; however, it has been poorly used in tourism studies. It is in this sense that this article offers significant contributions by gathering a theoretical discussion body of the Institutional Theory in the tourism industry, which could lead to practical implications concerning the public and private management of this sector. This article provides theoretical reflections for future research directions with the Institutional Theory in wine tourism and adds to the few tourism studies developed with an institutional perspective.
    Keywords: Institutional Theory; Tourism; Wine Tourism; Tourism Organizations
    JEL: M10 M20 M21
    Date: 2014–02–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:cieodp:2014_003&r=tur
  2. By: Matos, Nelson (University of Algarve); Mendes, Julio (University of Algarve); Valle, Patrícia (University of Algarve)
    Abstract: In the present era of social and media mobility the importance of meeting and exceeding the tourists’ needs by offering added value is a key factor to the future and sustainability of any region or tourism destination. However, the financial resources available are gradually scarcer and managers need to find alternative ways to provide added value at lower cost. One option at their disposal is to deliver unique and powerful experiences that may enable tourists to feel engaged with the destination and ultimately satisfied. Despite of the extensive research of previous studies regarding the destination image and the tourism experiences, few have captured in a holistic perspective, the relationship between both constructs. Thus, this paper purpose is to assess the image of the Algarve, before and after the tourism experience at the destination to evaluate the impact(s) of the different tourists’ experiences and its relationship with the tourism destination. The spatio-temporal conceptual model presented, will be later verified using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM).
    Keywords: Tourism Experiences; Destination Image; Image Formation
    JEL: L80 L83
    Date: 2014–02–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:cieodp:2014_005&r=tur
  3. By: Lança, Milene (University of Algarve); Filipe Marques, João (University of Algarve); Valle, Patrícia (University of Algarve)
    Abstract: Sex and romance are part of everyday life and therefore are part of the contemporary tourism experiences. Tourism, such as has been stressed by the literature, consists of a rupture with the everyday life – a liminal space-time which enables liminal behaviours. In these behaviours one can include a greater willingness for romance and sexual relationships. One of the dimensions of the theoretical articulation between tourism, romance and sexuality consists of the role played by these latter two dimensions in the decision of travelling and in the destination’s choice. Sex and romance may be the main motivators for travelling or, if they are not important drivers, may occur in an “accidental” way while already at the destination. This research investigates an event where the environment (e.g. the omnipresence of erotic shows), combined with the liminal experiences, may contribute to attract tourists whose main motivations are sex and romance. The correlation between these variables was tested using structural equation modeling with latent variables, applied to 449 data surveys carried out with the bikers who visited the 29th Faro International Bike Meeting, in 2010. The results suggest that bikers come motivated not only by participation in the event but also by the expectations of having sex and getting involved in a romance. These aspects have influence in the experienced environment which, in turn, has influence in the adoption of liminal behaviours. Bikers’ satisfaction is evident, as well as their intention to return, proving that a new market segment is rising up in the Algarve because of this event.
    Keywords: Sex; Romance; Tourism; Liminality; Faro International Bike Meeting; Structural Equation Modeling with Latent Variables
    JEL: Z13
    Date: 2014–02–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:cieodp:2014_006&r=tur
  4. By: Pereira, Elsa (University of Algarve); Mascarenhas, Maria Margarida (Faculty of Human Kinetics (FMH)); Pires, Gustavo (Faculty of Human Kinetics (FMH))
    Abstract: Sports events have been used to promote host communities in the global marketplace. A model of strategic leveraging of sport events was created by Chalip (2004), where one of the strategic goals is to “enhance host´s destination image”. This paper presents the findings of a research related with the leveraging process of a portfolio of nautical sports events hosted in a tourist community of Algarve- Portugal, in order to reinforce the destination image of one of its main tourist resorts - Portimão. A case study method was used in this research and fieldwork was conducted from February 2008 until June 2009, based on qualitative interviewing before and during the events, direct observation and documental research of the events. We analyzed the data using the qualitative content analysis (Mayring, 2000) through qualitative data software, the NVivo version 9 from QSR International. The empirical study showed that the strategic goal “enhance host destination´s image” was applied in the research setting and several actions were developed in order to implement it, which confirmed the application of the theoretical model proposed by Chalip (2004) in real contexts.
    Keywords: Sports Events; Nautical Events; Leveraging; Destination Image; Tourism
    JEL: L83 M31
    Date: 2014–02–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:cieodp:2014_004&r=tur
  5. By: Pereira, Renato (University of Algarve); Leite, Joaquim (University of Aveiro); Albino Silva, João (University of Algarve)
    Abstract: This methodological paper defines how to interview people regarding the decision-making process, construction and operation of Faro Airport and its role in the Portuguese tourism policy for the Algarve between 1946 and 1973. The interviewee’s age makes these interviews urgent and unique. We will hear retired workers and people who held head positions at the airport or in other relevant public or private organizations. The interviews will allow the access to data otherwise not attainable or not sufficiently evident in other sources, such as documents. The interview consists of hearing the stories of the people, as a narrative, being the interview a semi-structured, guided and unstructured mix. The use of photographs during the interview will help respondents recall events that occurred decades ago. The interviewee will be selected by snowball sampling technique. Content analysis is the method to obtain data from the transcripts of the interviews, in order to construct a coherent narrative and with the contribution of all the interviews and interviewee. As field instruments, we will use an informed consent form, photographs and the confidentiality form after the interview, which responds to the ethical requirement for confidentiality, consequences of the interview and the role of the researcher.
    Keywords: Interview; Methodology; Historiography; Tourism; Economics; Airport; Aviation; Algarve
    JEL: N10
    Date: 2014–02–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:cieodp:2014_007&r=tur
  6. By: Escobari, Diego; Jindapon, Paan
    Abstract: This paper shows how an airline monopoly uses refundable and non-refundable tickets to screen consumers who are uncertain about their travel. Our theoretical model predicts that the difference between these two fares diminishes as individual demand uncertainty is resolved. Using an original data set from U.S. airline markets, we find strong evidence supporting our model. Price discrimination opportunities through refund contracts decline as the departure date nears and individuals learn about their demand.
    Keywords: Price discrimination; Refund contracts; Airlines; Individual demand learning
    JEL: C23 D42 D82 L93
    Date: 2014–02–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:53629&r=tur

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