Business Commons^™

Saba Dutch Caribbean: Strategic Tourism Master Plan, A Beautiful Life Awaits, Robertico Croes, Kelly Semrad, Manuel Rivera, Sergio Alvarez

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

This report documents the Saba Strategic Tourism Master Plan, 2023-2028. The report provides directions to help Saba capitalize on new tourism related opportunities and overcome challenges that have emerged post pandemic. The plan is the outcome of a participatory process that includes multiple layers of tourism stakeholders including the residents, government officials, business owners, NGOs, community leaders, local organizations, and tourists. The plan observes that overall, there is a disconnect in the stakeholders’ message regarding the value of Saba. Tourists appreciate the value and beauty of Saba’s natural resources and authentic culture, yet residents undervalue themselves and Saba due to …

Aruba's Taxing Dilemma: Navigating Tourist Perceptions On Room Tax And Turnover Tax In Paradise, Jorge Ridderstaat, Robertico Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Jeong-Yeol Park

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

This study presents the second part of our assignment for the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). Our study investigated the effects of two tax proposals (a turnover tax rate increase from 6% to 7% and a room tax rate increase from 9.5% to 12.5%) on tourism demand. We used monthly time-series data on tourism arrivals from several markets, including the U.S., The Netherlands, and other markets. We also segmented the arrival data based on the accommodations used in Aruba (high-rise, low-rise, and other accommodations). We applied several procedures to prepare and test the data before applying an Autoregressive Distributed Lag model …

The State Of The Hospitality Industry 2021 Employment Report: Covid-19 Labor Force Legacy, Robertico R. Croes, Kelly Semrad, Manuel A. Rivera

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The purpose of this study is to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic's ongoing impact on the U.S. hospitality industry. The report details the primary economic issues the industry faces as well as provides a unique workforce analysis that anticipates continued labor shortages as the country moves towards an endemic. The research was conducted using a national survey with almost 1,000 U.S. hospitality workers. The survey includes questions pertaining to COVID-19 related hospitality employee topics such as: the impact COVID-19 had on hospitality jobs, employees' intentions to leave the industry, employees likelihood to accept or look for a hospitality job, employees' perceived …

Estimating The Economic Impact Of Vacation Home Rentals In Florida, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Kelly J. Semrad, Jorge Ridderstaat, Valeriya Shapoval, Mehmet Altin

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

This report takes an in-depth look at the economic impact of the Florida vacation rental home industry and its ripple effects across the state. It includes an estimate of the magnitude of the industry's impact on Florida's economy as well as profiles of the main stakeholders who generate this impact.

The report focuses on the economic impact of the vacation rental home industry in 25 Florida counties selected by the client, Florida Realtors® (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Nassau, Duval, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, and …

2019 Cnsjf: A Tantalizing Entertainment Experience Benefiting Curacao's Economy, Manuel A. Rivera, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The 2019 Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival (CNSJF) was held during the U.S. Labor Day Weekend between August 29 and August 31. The festival has generated beautiful memories for many and is a compelling magnet for bringing people together. Its sizeable economic contribution, promotional value, and its appeal to new and affluent market segments are the most significant benefits of the CNSJF to the destination. These gripping results make the festival the flagship platform shaping Curaçao's future.

The festival attracted 5,008 international attendees, which spent US$2,522 per trip per person, and US$413 per day per person. Spending per person was …

2017-2027 Tourism: Synergizing People & Nature For A Better Tomorrow, The Caribbean's 1st Blue Destination, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Kelly J. Semrad, Valeriya Shapoval, Mathilda Van Niekerk

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Impressively, since the 1970’s Bonaire has championed efforts to protect its natural environment and resources. There is no doubt that these efforts have interlaced themselves with the resident’s everyday life and are a fiber in the fabric of Bonaire’s culture. Bonaire is a global gem that has received recognition for its natural areas and enjoys an international reputation for some of the world’s best ocean activities thus leading to a potent economic sector for the island – the tourism industry.

Currently, the tourism industry underperforms for the economic welfare of the majority of Bonaire's residents. Although the tourism industry could …

2016 Happiness Survey: Aruba Happiness & Tourism, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Kelly J. Semrad

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

A research team from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management (RCHM) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) investigated the perception of happiness and satisfaction with life in Aruba. This investigation is the result of an assignment granted by the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). This study updates a similar study conducted by the UCF team in 2011. Similar to 2011, this study estimates the impact of tourism on residents’ happiness and satisfaction with life. Aruba is one of the first small island destinations in the world to employ a happiness index as one of its metrics to assess the impact …

Disclosing The Economic Impact Of The Vacation Home Industry On Osceola County: A 2016 Affirmative Report, Robertico R. Croes, Tadayuki Hara

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The purpose of this report is to assess the economic impact of the vacation home segment in the Kissimmee/Osceola area. The report was commissioned by Experience Kissimmee in response to the growing significance of the vacation home segment in the tourist industry of the county. The 2008 report from the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies (DPITS) of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida served as the baseline for the current DPITS report.

Curacao North Sea Jazz & Destination Convergence: A Harbinger Beckoning?, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Kelly J. Semrad

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The CNSJF was held at the World Trade Center in Curaçao on September 3-5, 2015, marking the 6th annual CNSJF. This year’s festival offered, similar to the previous year, a unique promotion with one free admission to a show on Thursday night (September 3) featuring Juanes and Oscar de Leon. Friday and Saturday featured an impressive line-up of twenty-five top performers including Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriters John Legend and Lionel Ritchie, R&B legends The Isley Brothers, Grammy-winning star jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, Enrique Iglesias, and Usher.

The festival attracted 7,216 international tourists mainly from the Netherlands, the USA, Venezuela, Colombia, Aruba, …

Curacao: Building On The Power Of The Past, Robertico R. Croes, Kelly J. Semrad, Manuel A. Rivera

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Curaçao faces hard choices in the upcoming years. High unemployment (especially among the youth), a stagnant economy, and low confidence levels may spiral the island into dangerous socio-economic waters. These domestic challenges are occurring in the midst of the global economic uncertainties that have been triggered by a shaky Chinese economy, a weakened European Union and Euro, and the deepening economic travails and budget problems of Brazil and Venezuela.

Yet, despite these challenges, Curaçao has made great strides in the tourism sector compared to other economic sectors on the island. The tourism sector demonstrated resilience against outside shocks and was …

The Dick Pope Sr. Institute For Tourism Studies, Marketing Flyer, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

This pamphlet describes mission and services of the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies.

The Curaçao North Sea Jazz: A Lustrum Churning Economic And Promotional Opportunities For Curaçao, Manuel A. Rivera, Robertico R. Croes, Kelly J. Semrad

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The experience of the first lustrum of the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival (CNSJF) has been nothing short of astonishing and spectacular. Since 2010, nearly 45,000 international tourists have attended the festival contributing US$75 million to the local economy. These international tourists stayed on average 6.07 days on the island and spent nearly US$263 per day. More significant is that this daily average expenditure by international tourists attending the festival was nearly four times higher than the typical tourists visiting Curaçao. The spending performance prompted by the festival is indeed impressive news in a tourist environment typified lately by stagnation …

Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival: Through "The Looking Glass", Manuel A. Rivera, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The study was commissioned by Fundashon Bon Intenshon (FBI), through its sole Director and Founder, Mr. Gregory Elias, and was conducted through an intercept survey on site during the two major concerts on August 30 and 31, 2013. The study was carried out by the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies (DPITS) of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. This is the fourth time in a row that the DPITS conducts the study on behalf of FBI. This report documents the economic contribution and the experience of the international visitors attending the Curacao …

The Economic Footprint Of The Rosen College Of Hospitality Management In The Metro Orlando Area, Robertico R. Croes, Tadayuki Hara

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The report documents the economic value of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management (RCHM) to the Metro Orlando area. The purpose of estimating the economic value of the program is to calculate the increased economic activities in the Metro Orlando area as generated by college degree attainment through the RCHM. The report is the result of an assignment commissioned by the Dean of the RCHM. The report assessed the economic impact of the alumni of the College during the period from 2000 to 2012. In that period, more than 5,000 students earned a degree either at the undergraduate or graduate …

Economic Impact Of Visitor Segments In Osceola County 2012, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The main purpose of this report is to document the economic effects of tourism in Osceola County. Few industries have as much impact on the economy of Osceola County. In 2012, a total of 5.9 million tourists visited the area, spending on average $5.8 million per day, resulting in $2.1 billion in direct spending effect. The total economic contribution of tourism to the county is $3.1 billion, resulting in an estimated multiplier of 1.48. The total economic contribution of tourism accounts for about 28% of the gross economic product of the county. In total, the tourism industry supported one in …

Cnsjf 2012 Report: Exceeding Expectations, Manuel A. Rivera, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival (CNSJF) attracted during the past three annual festivals 12,542 tourists, generated nearly US$22 million in direct spending due to the festival and had a total contribution of nearly US$40 million to the Curacao economy. These unprecedented results are even more significant considering the unique funding source of this festival, which is backed by a private investment source. Private investments in festival production are a financial funding source that is not common in the event industry, especially when considering the significant economic benefits the CNSJF has generated for Curacao. This festival has functioned as a …

Maintaining Relevance In A Changing World, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Seung Hyan Lee, Valeriya Shapoval, Nancy Kageyama, Milos Bujisic, Anil Bilgihan, Eric D. Olson

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Bok Tower Gardens (BTG) is located in Lake Wales, between Tampa and Orlando, and offers the Singing Tower, the gardens, the Pine Ridge Trail and the Pinewood Estate along with a visitor center and a café. BTG stretches nearly 50 acres of Olmsted Gardens and is built on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Peninsular Florida. The Gardens is listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. BTG recorded 149,888 visits in 2011, slightly more than its 2002‐2010 average of 133,045. Increasing total visitation is an important goal for BTG. At the request …

The Signature Event In Curacao: A Source Of Brand Equity And Economic Significance, Manuel A. Rivera, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

For a second year, the organizer of the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival (CNSJF) commissioned the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies (DPITS) to prepare a report on perceptions of attendees of the festival. Additionally, the project investigated the value of the event as well as the economic benefits the event brings to Curacao. A survey instrument was designed and used to assess the perceptions of perceived value of event attendees. The survey was completed during the event which was held September 2-3, 2011. A total of 400 surveys was collected and analyzed by DPITS. The survey revealed that …

Florida Turnpike Service - Retail Store Project, Duncan Dickson, David Kwun, Khaldoon Khal Nusair

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

This report summarizes the findings of the Florida Turnpike Service Plaza retail Store survey, which was conducted October/2010- February 2011. Customers were surveyed in five service plazas, specifically Turkey Lake, Port St. Lucie/Ft. Pierce, West Palm Beach, Canoe Creek, and Fort Drum. A focused group research was also conducted by the Rosen College Faculty. Rosen's College- University of Central Florida- graduate and undergraduate students collected data using intercept method of data collection. Customers inside the 5 plazas were randomly selected to participate in the study. A total of 419 surveys were collected across the 5 plazas, after removing the outliers …

Perceptions, Behaviors & The Economic Impact Of Tourism In Curacao, Robertico Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Kelly Semrad

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The Curacao Tourist Board commissioned the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to conduct an analysis of tourists' perceptions with regard to the Curacao tourism product, the tourist profile, and the spending behavior of tourists frequenting the island. In addition, the CTB requested that the DPI provided recommendations to the CTB regarding the enhancement of the tourist data collection process, the data analysis, and the re-design of the Tourist Exit Survey itself. Of the 3,390 survey respondents assessed according to year (2007 = 1,938; 2008 = …

Why Do Restaurants Fail? Part Iii: An Analysis Of Macro And Micro Factors, H.G. Parsa, Amy Gregory, Michael "Doc" Terry

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Restaurants are a significant part of American life. According to the National Restaurant Association (2009), total revenues for the restaurant industry exceed $580 billion with nearly 1,000,000 operating restaurants in the US; providing jobs for over 13 million people. The sizeable economic impact of the restaurant industry can be measured by the 4% contribution it makes to the Gross Domestic Product in the United States. In addition, the restaurant industry has been expanding at a steady rate of 2 to 4 % over the past three decades. In 2009, despite the economic downturn, the restaurant industry grew by 2.5% (NRA, …

Winning The Future: Strategic Plan For The Development Of Tourism, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Abraham Pizam, Eric D. Olson, Seung Hyan Lee, Yun Ying Zhong

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Aruba has developed and positioned its tourism sector as one of the premier destinations in the Caribbean over the past twenty-five years. The push towards tourism development was primarily aimed to create jobs and to enhance the quality of life of its population. The results have been astounding: not only has the island successfully transformed from an industrial-based economy to a tourist- and service-based economy, but the island now boasts one of the highest living standards in the Caribbean. The prosperity on the island is broadly shared among Arubans. Tourism has become an engine of economic growth, totaling U.S.$2.3 billion …

Uncovering The Potential Of A New More Affluent And Loyal Market: The Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera, Kelly Semrad

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

No abstract provided.

Tourism To Japan: Quantitative Analyses On Perceived Image Of Japan As A Travel Destination, Abraham Pizam, Tadayuki Hara

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

While some previous reports in Japanese claimed several factors as important and effective to attract foreign visitors to Japan, namely inbound visitors, this report may be the one of a few with scientific and quantitative data analysis to back up the findings. Respondents' profiles were collected at the same time so that we can not only view the general profiles of respondents but also conduct advanced statistical analyses.

Small Island Tourism Competitiveness: Expanding Your Destination's Slice Of Paradise, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

The lecture consists of two sections. The first section discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the competitiveness theory as it applies to the tourism development debate. The second section focuses on the empirical testing of four propositions derived from the tourism competitiveness literature Proposition 1: small island destinations engage in fierce competition. Proposition 2: simplicity rather than richness is a more useful benchmarking criterion for small island destinations. Proposition 3: non-price competition is the most significant driver of destination competitiveness. And, proposition 4: tourism competitiveness increases the quality of life for the destinations' citizens.

Investigating The Economic Footprint Of Cultural Tourism In Aruba, Robertico R. Croes

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the economic impact of the cultural tourism market in Aruba and determine whether cultural tourism could enhance the Aruba product. Design: 386 intercept surveys to international tourists at the Reina Beatrix Airport were conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics of Aruba during the month of July, 2009. The survey design was the result of a series of focus groups with industry and local cultural stakeholders. The data collected was assessed with SPSS 17 by the researcher to identify the segments and their spending behavior. Based on their spending behavior, an …

Guayas: Descubre El Mejor Secreto Guardado De Sur America: Plan Maestro De Desarrollo Turistico De La Provincia Del Guayas (Tourism Development Master Plan Of The Province Of Guayas), Robertico R. Croes, Manuel A. Rivera

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

No abstract provided.

The Future Of Tourism In Aruba: Part One, Kevin S. Murphy

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Global issues dominated the discussion at the Aruba Timeshare Association (ATSA) sponsored think tank on visioning the future of Aruba. Global competition, global foreign policy, changing demographics and the global environment emerged as primary concerns by participants at the ATSA event on November 30, 2006. They also expressed major concerns over the lack of public-private cooperation to assist the Aruba tourism industry in addressing the challenges in these areas. Additionally, they also were quick to identify the lack of serious industry-wide leadership in moving the industry's collective level of understanding of these challenges to the next level. While discussion and …

Discounting Works: A Structural Approach To Understanding Why, Robertico R. Croes, Kelly J. Semrad

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

Hotel managers have long toiled over a course of action that would help them preserve hotel revenue during diminished demand seasons. They have responded to this challenge by discounting hotel room rates to sustain revenue and the means by which they could determine how discounting could increase hotel financial performance. That revenue would otherwise be lost when supply of rooms exceeds the demand. Their need to find a procedure to aid them in solving hotel occupancy problems that threaten that revenue has been a source of discussion throughout the industry. However, most of the studies are more prescriptive and normative …

Marketing Orlando As A Tourism Destination: Collaboration And Competitiveness, Youcheng Wang

Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications

No abstract provided.