Metaphors and tourism paradoxes

Metaphors can be viewed as discursive elements, in which an image is borrowed from one semantic field to re-describe a quality or attribute in another field, usually, in a symbolic and/or poetic manner. Inspired by previous studies that analyzed metaphors in tourism-related disocurses, this paper seeks to further develop this sociolinguistics angle in order to pinpoint three paradoxes of modern tourism: the familiarty paradox, the staging paradox and the attractiveness paradox.     

Paradox of authenticity versus standardization: Expansion strategies of restaurant groups in China

Restaurant customers demand both personalized innovative, yet, affordable service delivery. Accordingly, restaurant groups that seek expansion must consider how to respond effectively to the standardization–authenticity paradox. This paper addresses two questions: what is the relationship between standardization and authenticity? How can restaurant managers use these concepts for the strategic positioning of their restaurant group? Typically, researchers present the two dimensions as a binary. In contrast, this paper first presents a theoretical model and analyzes the variations in the standardization–authenticity relationship. Subsequently, it classifies restaurant group expansion strategies into four categories: standardization of authenticity, authentic alliance, standardized chains and heterogeneity, and examines their respective level of competence required to increase performance. It concludes by presenting suggestions to position restaurants in terms of the extent of standardization and the extent of flexibility.     

Progress in Tourism Management: Is urban tourism a paradoxical research domain? Progress since 2011 and prospects for the future

This paper reviews progress in the field of urban tourism, revisiting and challenging the validity of the paradoxes presented in the paper by Ashworth and Page (2011). To do this, the paper examines the expansion of research endeavours in urban tourism in relation to these paradoxes, including the outputs in dedicated journals on city tourism along with the wider range of outputs generated since 2011 in social science. It also revisits the initial proposition set out regarding an imbalance in attention in urban tourism research (Ashworth 1989, 2003) and how this has been addressed through a broader development of thinking at the intersection of urbanism and tourism. It is a selective review of progress in the field, highlighting the challenges of deriving theory from western modes of analysis that need re-thinking in relation to the global south, notably Africa as well as developments in Asia and the Middle East.     

Restriction reduction: The effects of mobility restriction on consumers’ preferences for advertisements of tourism products

Individuals frequently experience restrictions in their mobility owing to circumstances outside of their control. This paper examines the effect of mobility restrictions on individuals’ perceptions of personal freedom, and subsequent preferences for tourism advertisements. In a secondary data analysis and three experiments, we show that physical confinement triggered by restricted mobility causes individuals to psychologically feel that their personal freedoms are threatened. In turn, these experiences result in a compensatory response, where people more strongly prefer advertisements that signal scarcity-reduction over advertisements that signal control-restoration. This effect is mitigated when people are prevention-oriented and is reversed when the restrictions are enacted absolutely (without ambiguity and possible mutability). We discuss the implications of our findings for advertising practice and strategies for tourism product placement.     

How does self-construal shape tourists' image perceptions of paradox destinations? The mediating roles of cognitive flexibility and destination involvement

This study proposes the concept of the ‘paradox destination’ as a novel destination positioning strategy for destination marketers. A paradox destination strategy describes the situation where a destination delivers a brand identity with contradictory personalities. Four experiments were conducted to investigate the interactive effects of self-construal (independent vs. interdependent) and destination type (paradox vs. non-paradox) on the image perception of potential tourists. The results revealed that independent potential tourists have a more positive image perception of paradox destinations than do interdependent potential tourists. Moreover, independent potential tourists reported a more positive image perception of paradox destinations than they did for non-paradox destinations. The mediating effects of cognitive flexibility and destination involvement were also tested by this research. In addition to theoretical implications, this paper also provides practical marketing strategies for destination marketers.     

Heritage Tourism in Singapore Chinatown: A Perceived Value Approach to Authenticity and Satisfaction

This study examines object-based and existential authenticity using a multidimensional approach to perceived value. The effects of value perceptions on satisfaction are also examined. Data was collected from tourists at the Singapore Chinatown heritage precinct. The findings revealed that object-based authenticity, existential authenticity, and perceived monetary value positively influenced overall perceived value and subsequently, satisfaction. This paper provides researchers with a theoretical framework of authenticity and perceived value for future empirical studies in the heritage tourism context. It also provides insight into how destination marketers and policy makers can develop effective and sustainable strategies for heritage destinations.     

Exploring the effects of a ‘new’ listing of a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the case of Singapore Botanic Gardens

This study examines how the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site (WHS) listing impacts on push-pull factors, satisfaction and revisit intention. Data were collected on visitors to the Singapore Botanic Gardens before and after the WHS listing was awarded. The pre-listing and post-listing samples were compared and results revealed significant differences between the samples. Differences were observed for the importance of various push and pull factors as well as satisfaction and revisit intention. This study provides researchers and practitioners with greater insight into the effects of the WHS listing and recommends potential strategies for future marketing communications.     

Market orientation and business performance: Evidence from franchising industry

This paper examines the relationships between top management factors, franchisor market orientation, competitive strategy, and business performance within the context of Korean franchisor companies. 156 food-service franchise firms provide the basis for this empirical investigation. Findings show that top management factors such as management emphasis and risk aversion can lead to market orientation. Franchisor market orientation was found to lead differentiation and cost strategies, which, in turn, increase financial and non-financial business performance. Also, market orientation directly increases financial and non-financial business performance. The context of the franchise industry differs from other industries, and this paper discusses the implications of these findings for researchers and managers in the franchise industry.     

Using ethical leadership to reduce job stress and improve performance quality in the hospitality industry

Given an increased call for examining ethics in the hospitality industry, this research examines how ethical leadership influences the job stress and performance quality of customer-contact employees in the hospitality industry. Results indicate that customer-contact employees’ views of their supervisor’s use of ethical leadership behaviors is related to lower levels of ethical ambiguity and job stress. Ethical ambiguity is positively associated with job stress, which is negatively associated with customer-contact employees’ performance quality. Perceived ethical leadership behaviors positively influence performance quality. Based on the findings, implications are provided for both theory and management, and directions for future research are offered.     

An exploratory inquiry into destination risk perceptions and risk reduction strategies of first time vs. repeat visitors to a highly volatile destination

The paper examines the relationships between first-time vs. repeat visitors to a highly volatile destination in terms of destination risk perceptions, risk reduction strategies and motivation for the visit. The exploratory research question centers on possible differences in tourist behavioral profiles associated with their decision to visit a foreign destination again. Set in Israel, a highly volatile tourist destination, researchers interviewed 760 international tourists using a questionnaire classifying them as either first-time or repeat visitors. Discriminant analysis revealed that first-time visitors were characterized by human-induced risk, socio-psychological risk, food safety and weather risk. In contrast, repeat visitors were associated with the destination risk factors of financial risk, service quality risk, natural disasters and car accidents. First-time vs. repeat visitors were also compared and contrasted in terms of risk reduction strategies such as consulting with people who had previously visited specific destinations and gathering information from travel agents. Differences between first-time and repeat visitors were also found regarding motivations for the visit. Similar analyses were conducted on the three sub-groups of repeat visitors, classified in terms of number of visits.     

A creative-mix or variety-mix fusion experience? Examining marketing strategies for ethnic fusion restaurants

According to the National Restaurant Association, ethnic fusion cuisine is identified as a top food trend for the next decade. To that end, it is important for hospitality researchers and practitioners to understand consumer behavior in this fast-growing sector and derive appropriate marketing strategies for fusion restaurant brands. The present research examines the joint effects of fusion type (creative-mix vs. variety-mix), restaurant price tier (high vs. low), and cuisine compatibility (high vs. low) on consumers’ judgments and decision-making processes. The results show that ethnic fusion restaurants in the higher-price tier will generate higher levels of perceived chef expertise and visit intention through the creative-mix strategy, regardless of cuisine compatibility. However, ethnic fusion restaurants in the lower-price tier will generate higher levels of perceived chef expertise and visit intention through the variety-mix strategy only when cuisine compatibility is high. Implications for marketing ethnic fusion restaurants are discussed.     

The “bule” paradox in Indonesian tourism research: issues and prospects

The aim of this study is to explore the role of local and bule scholars (an Indonesian term for a white foreigner) in contributing to the international literature on tourism research about Indonesia. The conceptual underpinning of the study lies in the contemporary adaptation of Lewin’s force field theory for understanding behaviour. The researchers also consider insights from critical theory to evaluate the research. A thorough bibliometric approach for appraising tourism study at the national or regional destination scale is used to shape the data collection and coding process. The interpretation of the findings reveals a powerful bule paradox: local voices are rarely present in the English literature about Indonesian tourism. The researchers reflect on the forces shaping this state of affairs. Five positive possibilities (patronage, partnerships, professionalism, pathways, and patriotic pride) are suggested for ensuring that the muted local voices become more audible.     

Customer Satisfaction,Training and TQM

Abstract

Managers within the hospitality industry make frequent reference to TQM principles. The extent to which these principles are applied effectively within the human resource management area of hospitality however remains under-researched. By applying TQM principles, this paper focusses on the relationship between customer service and training drawing upon comparative data from Western and Thai hotels. The paper also examines the perceptions of staff towards of hotels' guest-orientation and the provision of quality guest services. The researchers found that guest assessments of the performance of hotel frontline staff depend on their services function (e.g., front-office, housekeeping). The service quality skills needed by frontline staff were also found to differ in the case of Western and Thai hotels. Such differences merit proper consideration on the part of managers within the major hotel chains. The various findings may assist hospitality managers to determine appropriate strategies for the enhancement of guest services particularly in cross-cultural settings.     

Changes in tourist personal values: impact of experiencing tourism products and services

This study examines how tourist personal value networks are constructed, and examines whether the structure of such networks differs if experience or consumption of tourism products or services influences the importance of these personal values. Through laddering and implication matrix, the abstraction score of each value can be computed and its position within the value structure identified for constructing a personal values network. By comparing the structure of the personal values network before and after traveling experience, the researchers found that tourists may hold identical values but assign them different degrees of importance, changing the value network structure. Thus, marketers targeting before-the-trip tourists should emphasize that their products or services meet tourist desires for “imaginative” and “an exciting life” and can help tourists achieve a feeling of “freedom.” If marketers targeting tourists who have just come back from a trip, they should emphasize the “cheerful” feelings of the trip and project an image of “happiness” and “freedom” to attract tourists and satisfy their desire for “inner harmony.” This finding not only provides marketers with information regarding tourist cognitions, but also helps marketers to effectively formulate marketing strategies.     

Threshold concepts in teaching Leisure Studies

Recent debates about the decline of Leisure Studies have turned to considerations of pedagogy as a means to attract more recruits. However, the curriculum is also important according to recent work on ‘powerful knowledge’. Work on ‘threshold concepts’ provides a way to identify powerful and valuable knowledge. This work also predicts disorientation and liminality for some students. The political and ethical issues involved are considered via Boler and Zembylas on ‘discomforting pedagogy’. Personal reflections on teaching Leisure Studies were stimulated by some research on these topics and problems, and these are critically assessed. A case is made for using journal articles in pedagogy and assessment to provide threshold experiences, and some emergent paradoxes are discussed. The reactions of Leisure Studies students can be interpreted as showing particular emotional resilience and effective coping strategies to deal with challenging, liminal and disorienting experiences. Coping strategies can transfer from experience back to academic argument particularly well in this field, as well as the other way around. Leisure Studies can thus stake a claim for particular relevance in attempts to teach powerful knowledge with minimal disorientation.     

我国旅行社市场的进入悖论与旅行社企业的"套中套黑箱定价"模型

我国旅行社市场的恶性竞争,一直是旅游学界十分关注的研究领域.许多研究者认为,这是旅行社市场门槛过低,使得企业数量进入过度造成.但是本文研究发现,旅行社市场存在一个进入的悖论,即市场的企业进入与盈利水平呈反向变动的趋势.这种市场进入与盈利的变动趋势,不符合市场竞争的一般规律.经过研究,本文提出一个旅行社企业的定价模型,作者称之为"套中套黑箱定价"模型.通过这个定价模型,我们可以比较合理地解释旅行社市场存在的这种市场悖论现象,并揭示了旅行社市场表面竞争,实际上仍然属于垄断的事实,而这种垄断造成了对社会福利的损害.     

Hosting in turbulent times: Hoteliers’ perceptions and strategies to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic

This research examines hoteliers’ perceptions and strategies in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and their predictions about an uncertain industry that has shifted attention to safety and hygiene concerns to regain guests’ trust. A cross-sectional study comprised of four assessments with hoteliers worldwide (N_{study 1} = 144; N_study2 = 100; N_study3 = 97; N_study4 = 66) was conducted between April and June 2020. Hoteliers’ forecasts and operating procedures were assessed in light of crisis management, providing important insights for researchers and the hotel industry. Remarkably, most of the hoteliers predict that the crisis is recoverable and believe that sales revenue will reach 2019 levels in 2021. They have implemented extraordinary recovery measures to make up for the loss of revenue caused by the crisis. From special health and safety protocols to long-term vouchers to promote reservations, strategic efforts to recover from the pandemic are ongoing.     

Internationalization of US multinational hotel companies: Expansion to Asia versus Europe

Internationalization has been a major expansion strategy for many US corporations including hotel companies. Some researchers argue that internationalization adds value to firms while others hold an opposite perspective. This study examines impacts of general internationalization of US multinational hotel companies (MNHCs) on firm value, estimated by Tobin's Q. Second, the study examines differences between internationalization of US MNHCs in different regions, that is, Asia and Europe. Lastly, the study tests a curvilinear relationship between internationalization and firm value.     

Directional bias in vacation travel

Vacation travel between regions is usually asymmetrical. This causes a problem when one tries to use a gravity model to forecast inter-regional travel. Although researchers have adopted strategies for coping with this problem, none of these strategies adequately resolve the complication of asymmetrical flows. This paper presents a measure of directional bias that accounts for unequal flows between two regions, and applies it to inter-provincial flows in Canada for the years 1968 to 1978. The directional bias appears to be stable over the period considered, and the index can be easily incorporated into forecasting models. Its use will allow researchers to add greater precision and power to their predictive models.