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on Tourism Economics |
| By: | Slobodan Ivanović (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Krešimir Mikinac (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Vedran Milojica (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | Purpose – Over the years numerous world destinations have recognized the advantages of organizing events and manifestations, and have focused their efforts towards that direction in order to expand their tourist offer and make it, as well as the destination, more competitive and recognizable. As a country with a long tourist tradition, rich cultural-historical heritage, etc., Croatia still hasn´t reached the true level of competitiveness of its (event) tourism offer, despite its potential as well as the activities undertaken until now. The purpose of this paper is to present the characteristics and current state of the offer of tourist events in the Republic of Croatia, as well to propose strategic guidelines for its future development. Methodology – The authors have conducted an analysis of the scientific literature, as well as the available secondary data. Findings – The paper presents possibility of development of a competitive event tourism offer in Croatia, based on its natural, cultural-historical and other particularities. Its successful development will result in increase of the tourist turnover, and reduction of the seasonality in Croatian tourism. New theoretical findings in strategic managing and application of positive practical experiences will ensure growth of recognizability and competitiveness of Croatia as a tourist destination. Contribution – Contribution of this paper manifests in increasing the understanding of importance of event tourism and strategies in its development, as well as how its successful development can positively influence on the preservation of Croatian tradition and through that the improvement of total Croatian tourist offer |
| Keywords: | event tourism, strategies, strategic management, competitiveness, Croatia |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:08&r=tur |
| By: | Daniela Gračan (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Marina Gregorić (University College Nikola Subic Zrinski, Zagreb, Croatia); Tanja Martinić (Management of Tourism and Sport, Polytechnic of Međimurje in Čakovec, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | Purpose – of the research is to present current situation of nautical tourism in Croatia and to indicate advantages, obstacles and threats of its future development. The objective is to find out the satisfaction of nautical tourists with services provided in Croatia. Results provided by qualitative and quantitative research methods prove the hypothesis that the management of nautical tourism is an important factor for its development and it can increase the competitive position amongst international competitors. Methodology – consists of descriptive method in order to describe current situation of nautical tourism while the comparative method presents trends of nautical tourism in Croatia. Qualitative research method is applied in the form of in-depth interviews. There is also quantitative research conducted by distributing surveys in ACI marinas and charter agencies in Croatia. Findings – indicate that considering the quality and infrastructure of marinas, Croatia is behind other competing tourism destinations in Mediterranean. More investment is required in creation of additional services, such as sport, hospitality and entertainment services in order to satisfy demands of nautical tourists and attract segment of higher spending power, looking for „greater value for money“, together with better service quality. In order to become competitive, Marinas should comprise specific set of services and well-designed infrastructure. Brand creation and positioning should be built for better promotion and recognition amongst tourists, to create awareness of unique attractions in Croatia. Strong nautical brand would differentiate nautical tourism in Croatia from the competitors. By building and offering contemporary and diverse services and amenities in existing marinas, nautical tourism would become high quality tourism product, more utilized amongst international and domestic nautical market which would benefit the economic and social development of Croatia. Contribution – of the paper findings are seen in better understanding of management in nautical tourism and problems to be addressed in order to improve nautical tourism as selective type of tourism in Croatia. The results of the scientific methods used in this research contribute to broaden scientific and applied knowledge and to form the solid ground for further improvement of nautical tourism from the perspective of satisfaction of guests and service quality. Natural resources and attractions significantly influence the development of nautical tourism and represent the vital element of tourism supply. Once the nautical tourism in Croatia reaches its maximum of power efficiency it will also play an important role in economic aspect of tourism development. The contribution of the research results emphasizes the role of government, the need to redefine confusing and non-efficient fiscal policies applied on charter companies and other service providers, influencing success of nautical tourism and charter agencies. |
| Keywords: | charter, competitiveness, management, nautical tourism, satisfaction, service quality |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:06&r=tur |
| By: | Ashley Hirashima (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii); James Jones (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii); Carl S. Bonham (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii); Peter Fuleky (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii) |
| Abstract: | We evaluate the short term forecasting performance of methods that systematically incorporate high frequency information via co-variates. Our study provides a thorough introduction of these methods. We highlight the distinguishing features and limitations of each tool and evaluate their forecasting performance in two tourism-specific applications. The first uses monthly indicators to predict quarterly tourist arrivals to Hawaii; the second predicts quarterly labor income in the accommodations and food services sector. Our results indicate that compared to the exclusive use of low frequency aggregates, including timely intra-period data in the forecasting process results insignificant gains in predictive accuracy. Anticipating growing popularity of these techniques among empirical analysts, we present practical implementation guidelines to facilitate their adoption. |
| Keywords: | Nowcast, Ragged edge, Mixed frequency models |
| JEL: | C22 C82 L83 Z32 |
| Date: | 2016–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hai:wpaper:201611&r=tur |
| By: | Lorena Dadić (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | The rise of the civil society and the increasing number, significance and influence of associations in their surroundings call for a need to investigate their role in tourism development. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the structure of funding associations with city budget resources indicates the importance and role of associations in creating a tourism offer and in increasing the quality of tourism destinations and to determine the level of dependency of associations in a select tourism destination on public funds by means of analysis. Methodology – For this purpose, Register of Associations' data on number and type of associations that are active in a tourist destination was analysed. Furthermore, City of Opatija's structure of several annual budgets was analysed as well as the reports on revenues and expenditures of associations funded with the City of Opatija's budget. Findings – The growing economic crisis has caused a decrease in available public funds in all areas, thus also the financing of civil society organizations, which also casts doubt on the associations' survival and future work. Contribution – The expected contribution of the work is reflected in the overview and systematization of previous research on importance, activities and sources of funding associations. By analysing the budget of the City of Opatija and budgets of various associations the current system of funding associations will be determined and analysed. |
| Keywords: | nonprofit organizations, tourism, funding sources, public grants and donations |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:02&r=tur |
| By: | Daniela Gračan (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Marina Barkiđija (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Andrea Dugandžić (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | Purpose – Business tourism is recognized as the largest holder of income for a particular destination but it is problematic in terms of sustainability. More and more countries are beginning to recognize the negative effects of business tourism on environment, turning to the organization of environmentally friendly business meetings, which are the main subject of this paper. Methodology – The research was conducted using a questionnaire with 23 questions which examined the attitudes of participants about the environmental sustainability of business meetings and the assessment of hotel performance, taking into account the environmentally sustainable performance during the business meeting. Since the one hotel that placed the congress has the "sustainable management" certificate, and the other one does not, the aim of this work is determining whether there is a difference in the business meeting participants’ environmental awareness in different hotels. Findings – Based on the results of the surveyed business meeting participants, it can be concluded that main hypothesis: Participants show awareness of the need for environmentally sustainable behavior, is confirmed since none of the respondents declared that they would initially choose a hotel without a "green" certificate if it is offered a possibility to go to a hotel with an environmentally certified business. Contribution – In the near future, "green" meetings will become recognized as the main feature of business tourism, and that all business meeting organizers will follow the rules of sustainability, achieving greater benefits with less harmful effects for the whole community. |
| Keywords: | green meetings, business tourism, sustainable development, "sustainable management" certificate |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:05&r=tur |
| By: | Jelena Đurkin (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Margareta Kolarić (Faculty of tourism and hospitality management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines concept and examples of diffuse and integrated hotels as a new and innovative form of accommodation introduced to Croatian tourism practice in 2014. Diffuse hotel as a term and concept was originally initiated in Italy as a form of hospitality oriented on accommodation facilities distributed in different buildings but all located in the same village/town with a common reception hall, common room for socializing and other tourist facilities. Purpose – to provide overview of the main principles of diffuse hotels and their potential benefits and to conduct analysis and comparison between goals targeted at the Croatian policy-making level and application of proposed models through (so far) registered diffuse and integrated hotels in Croatia. Methodology – Desk research of available literature, relevant websites and examples was performed and in order to analyse current situation regarding management practices and models of existing Croatian diffused/integrated hotels, case study method was used, based on available secondary qualitative and quantitative data. Findings – Results show significant discrepancy between the initial idea and aims of diffuse and integrated hotels and the actual implementation in Croatian tourism practice in terms of number and management characteristics of (currently) registered diffuse and integrated hotels. Contribution – This paper provides systematic review of the main characteristics, management practices and organizational forms related to the diffuse and integrated hotels with emphasis on their benefits in terms of sustainable tourism and local community development. Analysis provided in this paper gives new insights on the important differences between planned positive changes intended by the introduction of diffuse and integrated hotel models in Croatian practice and their recognition and interpretation in real tourism sector. |
| Keywords: | diffuse hotels, integrated hotels, management, organizational forms |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:03&r=tur |
| By: | Slobodan Ivanović (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Luka Perman (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Jelena Komšić (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine manager attitudes about innovative processes in Croatian hospitality and to compare the research results with previous research. Customers in hospitality – guests, have low levels of brand loyalty, they are always looking for the best value, and service innovations can make benefits for hospitality firms. Methodology – The objective of this research was to discover what factors impact the performance of innovation processes. The study took place in Croatian regions Istria and Kvarner which represent a benchmark of Croatian tourism. A survey was performed to examine manager attitudes of hotel innovation, and it used a five-point Likert-type scale measuring levels of agreement with the given statements. Findings – The research results reveal that new service development success for innovative new services depends on four key factors (Service product, Market, Process and Organizational), which are the focus of this research. The study results are limited with regard to generalizability since the study was conducted only in four and five-star hotels in the regions Istria and Kvarner resulting in a small sample size and a weak statistical analysis. Contribution – Managers involved in processes of new service development are tied to the key success features and innovative or new service development (NSD) increases the likelihood of success. The findings present the foundation for future scientific research. The analysis provided guidance for organizational leaders in designing the process to address critical paths or control points to increase the likelihood of successful implementation. |
| Keywords: | innovation, new services, success, hospitality, statistical analysis, Croatia |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:09&r=tur |
| By: | Milena Peršić (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Dubravka Vlašić (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | Purpose of this research is to indicate the importance of influential factors, relevant for shaping the profile of managers in the Croatian health tourism sector, based on the following research questions: (1) Are these kinds of requirements defined in the Croatian strategic documents and to what extent? (2) Is the development of health tourism in Croatia following the global trends and tourism market needs? (3) Are capabilities provided by the Croatian Qualification Framework (CROQF) good starting point for achieving an interdisciplinary education for management in the health-tourism sector? (4) How should the education framework for manager be designed in order to be able to respond to the challenges in the health tourism? Methodology – To answer these questions the authors conducted the research in 2015. The representative sample consisted of all Croatian health spa/resorts (3), 90% of special hospitals (10) and the most important thermal-spa hotels (4). The achieved results were critically reviewed according to the theoretical knowledge and globally recognized practice. In this process the basic hypothesis that “in Croatia relevant preconditions for interdisciplinary education of manager, necessary for the development of health-tourism on a new basis, have not been created yet” was proven. Findings – The goal of this paper is to recognize the best way for shaping interdisciplinary approach of specific knowledge, skills and competencies directed to achieve the synergy among medical, wellness and spa services, that will be presented in accordance with the global trends and modern customer needs. Ensuring appropriate human resources with the specific interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and competencies in order to achieve the ambitious targets of institutions involved in the health-tourism services, For this purpose the legal framework and the achievement of best practice, will be taken into account. Contribution to the theory is recognized through defining interdisciplinary approach to creating a profile of manager education for health-tourism business needs. Contribution to the practice is recognized through assessment the areas and activity that should be improved, gaining knowledge through new interdisciplinary programs as a prerequisite for increasing the healthtourism efficiency and effectiveness. |
| Keywords: | curriculum, Croatian Qualifications Framework, interdisciplinary approach, manager’s education, health-tourism business |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:21&r=tur |
| By: | Marija Ivaniš (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia); Rose Marie Šturlić (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, University of Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Abstract: | Understanding ethical/unethical conduct is difficult, given that the ethical/unethical choice of actions is under the influence of different personal values. Individuals are strongly and permanently stimulated towards a specific action, and their cultural background also contains a framework for permitted and prohibited behavior. The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of terminal and instrumental values of top-level management, and to know what values motivate and direct the management of the most ethical/unethical behavior. This paper presents the results of empirical research of ethical/unethical behavior of top-level management and performance indicators in large hotel enterprises in Croatia. Data analysis used descriptive statistical analysis, Fisher's test, rank correlation, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of reliability. The obtained results confirmed the academic hypothesis: “Top-level management of large hotel enterprises in the Republic of Croatia who opt for an ethical progress of behaviour achieve better business results in the long term than those who opt for a non-ethical progress of behaviour.” The role of strategic managers in promoting ethical conduct as well as establishing and implementing ethical values in enterprises has strengthened, while understanding the relationship between ethical behaviour and business success indicators paved the way for creating and enforcing ethical business policies and strategies in the process of strategic management, in order to ensure economic progress. |
| Keywords: | personal values, strategic management, ethical behavior, business success |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:07&r=tur |
| By: | Márta Bakucz (Faculty of Business & Economics, Institute of Economics and Regional Studies, University of Pécs, Hungary); Ádám Köbli (Institute of Geography, The Doctoral School of Earth Sciences of the University of Pécs, University of Pécs, Hungary) |
| Abstract: | Purpose of Study – Health Tourism in Hungary is a unique product which also has a unique background in its spas based on a nearly unlimited supply of natural thermal and medicinal waters.These provide capacity for continuous, sustainable development and growth. Nevertheless, although Hungary is only a modestly sized country, there are huge regional disparities on the supply side of spa facilities in terms of history, development, competiveness, client base and even seasonality. Research Methods – We hope to offer an accurate picture of the supply and demand factors in two (2) neighbouring regions of Hungary (West and South Transdanubia). The regions are at different levels of development regarding competitiveness and the utilisation of their spas. We examined four (4) spas in each of these regions, analysing and comparing data on guests from the domestic and incoming markets; we explored differences in terms of average stay and income levels and also the role of spa development and various new trends. The selection of four spas in each region was made on the basis of their size and the specialised or innovative services offered. Findings – In Hungary, West Transdanubia performs more successfully than South Transdanubia (and all other Hungarian Regions) in domestic market terms, whilst, regarding inbound guests, the neighbouring cross-border regions of Austria and Slovenia are extremely serious competitors due to their thoughtful investment planning and execution, to effective market research and to a degree of positive collaboration (‘co-opetition’). Contribution – The growth of wealth and disposable income is not unlimited and so considerations of competitiveness are crucial in both the public and private spheres. Inertia and complacency are potentially fatal diseases and the authors are not convinced that the Hungarian business sector is immune to them. |
| Keywords: | spa tourism, local environmental care, innovative tourism products, spillover-effect, regional co-opetition |
| JEL: | L83 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tho:iscthi:01&r=tur |