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on Tourism Economics |
| By: | Giannopoulos, Antonios; Skourtis, George; Kalliga, Alexandra; Dontas-Chrysis, Dimitrios-Michail; Paschalidis, Dimitrios |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Adopting the service-ecosystem perspective, this is the first empirical study conceptualising tourism as an ecosystem. Based on the institutional theory and focusing on high-value hospitality services, it aims to unveil the components of the multilayer tourism ecosystem that enable stakeholders’ interactions at and between different levels. Methods: Applying a qualitative research design in Rhodes, the study focuses on value co-creation to explore the structure of the tourism ecosystem and its underlying mechanisms. Triangulation and bracketing were employed to ensure the reliability of the data collected through ten semi-structured interviews with high-ranking tourism policy-makers and hotel/restaurant managers. Results: The results led to the identification of the three-level service ecosystem (micro, meso, macro) that incorporates myriads of actions and interactions shaping tourism activity in order to provide high-value hospitality services. The analysis also revealed the institutional logic that permeates all levels (rules, norms, practices, meanings and symbols). Implications: The study goes beyond the destination-visitor and firm-guest interactions to incorporate multiple stakeholders co-creating value in the tourism ecosystem, including tourists, locals and employees, hotels and restaurants, DMOs and other organisations supporting the tourism value chain. It sheds light on the new paradigm shift from the notion of tourism industry to the concept of an inclusive tourism ecosystem, paving the way for future research to address global challenges in the COVID-19 era. |
| Keywords: | tourism marketing, hospitality services, institutional theory, service ecosystem, value co-creation |
| JEL: | L83 Q57 |
| Date: | 2020–05–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:100670&r=all |
| By: | IJspeert, Ruth; Hernandez-Maskivker, Gilda |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Active sport tourism is one of the fastest rising leisure segments. Considering the extensive growth of both the millennial and baby boomers generation in this sector, there are large-scale economic potentials for tourism practitioners. The aim of this study is to explore the characterics of baby boomers and millennial active sport tourists and to differentiate them by relevant factors. Methods: Applying a qualitative research design numerical data is collected by using online surveys about the characteristics, needs and motivations of baby boomer and millennial active sport tourists. Results: Significant differences were found between the groups regarding social-economic characteristics (gender, education level, marital status and income) and motivations. For millennials, ‘Escaping from daily routine’’, ‘Thrill & sensation’, ‘Overcoming challenges’ and ‘Adrenalin’ appeared as relevant motivations. For baby boomers, ‘Health’ highlights as a principal motivation. Recommendations for professionals in the sector are suggested. Implications: Current study was considered to be important due to an extensive growth seen for both the millennial and baby boomers generation in the active sport tourism market and considering the fact that limited understanding of the characteristics, needs and motives was contradicting this enormous growth in the market. Differences were found between the millennial and the baby boomer active sport tourists. |
| Keywords: | sport tourism, millennials, baby boomers, consumer behavior, leisure tourism |
| JEL: | L8 L83 Z0 |
| Date: | 2020–05–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:100674&r=all |
| By: | De Ridder, Kaat; Vanneste, Dominique |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to present and explore the landscape approach as an innovative management model for heritage tourism, applied to the case of the Brussels Art Nouveau heritage. The main objective of this paper is to gain insight in discrepancies regarding visions on the tourism potential of the Brussels’ Art Nouveau and the Art Nouveau patrimony’s integration within a (themed) tourism landscape. Methods: The research used an appropriate methodological approach for each of the stakeholder groups. The survey among visitors (N=105) was organized in the heart of Brussels and analyzed with statistical techniques (cross tabling and associations). Interviews (5) were conducted with key informants (policymakers, heritage managers and the Brussels DMO), after which content analysis was applied to the transcripts. Results: The research resulted in an innovative perspective to increase common ground between a landscape centered perspective with a focus on heritage and a tourismscape centered approach. The research deduced several hidden mismatches in perception and appreciation of the Art Nouveau and showed that there are major information and promotion problems, fostered by politically influenced fragmentation and lack of collaboration. Implications: By gaining insight in the visitor experience of a tourism product’s potential, valuable knowledge is created for DMO’s. The implementation of a themed landscape approach has the dual potential to increase the consistency of the heritage while developing a higher level of tourist experience. |
| Keywords: | Art Nouveau, Brussels, landscape, theming, heritage tourism, tourism destination |
| JEL: | L82 Z10 |
| Date: | 2020–05–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:100679&r=all |
| By: | Schuhbert, Arne; Thees, Hannes |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Under the title of Belt-and-Road-Initiative (BRI), China has launched a global development program, which spans many regions and sectors. Tourism initiatives in particular, can occupy an interlinking position between infrastructure and services, and between global and local projects. This paper addresses the problem of the global-local link by critically examining a case at the southern Caucasus, as tourism is considered as a key industry for economic diversification in all three countries examined. Methods: Based on a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, the study is about critically investigating the current state of challenges and opportunities for tourism-induced, integrated regional development, with particular focus on potential obstacles for regional and national destination competitiveness. Results: Results reveal that the BRI offers a basis for export-diversification in tourism and non-tourism economic sectors. Azerbaijan has the potential to integrate BRI activities into its local economic system but depends highly on the development of the Trans-Eurasian Corridor and the readiness of local entrepreneurs and institutions to support and extend development initiatives. Implications: The implementation of the BRI offers a significant opportunity for many rural regions to proactively benefit from increasing tourism demand, by linking local initiatives and industries with tourism-related projects embedded in the BRI. |
| Keywords: | destination management, competitiveness, belt-and-road-initiative, new silk road, Azerbaijan |
| JEL: | L80 M10 Z00 |
| Date: | 2020–05–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:100676&r=all |