Entrepreneurial Orientation And Performance Of Microfinance Cooperatives: Evidence From Tanzania,
2026
University of Dar es Salaam
Entrepreneurial Orientation And Performance Of Microfinance Cooperatives: Evidence From Tanzania, Grace Thomas Mori, Omari Khalifa Mbura
Business Management Review
Microfinance cooperatives (MFCs) play a key role in socio-economic development, predominantly in developing countries. However, studies focusing on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and the performance of MFCs are limited, particularly in Tanzania. This study was informed by the resource-based view to examine the influence of EO dimensions on the performance of MFCs in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on four dimensions of EO namely; innovativeness, proactiveness, risk taking, and competitive aggressiveness behaviours. Data were obtained from 299 stratified sampled managers of MFCs through the administration of a structured questionnaire. In testing this relationship, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation …
From New Orleans To Orléans: How Perceived Connections Shape Destination Image,
2026
University of West Florida
From New Orleans To Orléans: How Perceived Connections Shape Destination Image, Hilmi A. Atadil, Helena F. Allman, Erol Pala, Qiulin Lu, Alison J. Green, Felicia N. Morgan
AMTP Proceedings 2026
Have you ever enjoyed a dish so much that it sparked an interest in experiencing the place where it was originally created? Culinary encounters may spark interest in distant destinations, but broader cultural, historical, and symbolic meanings often drive this interest through perceived connections. For example, exposure to French-influenced cuisine in New Orleans may draw individuals to France, driven not only by culinary authenticity but also by historical ties to Orléans. Grounded in social exchange theory, this study pursues two objectives: (1) to examine the underlying dimensions of perceived connections between destinations, and (2) to assess how these dimensions influence …
Framing Emirati Womanhood: Heritage, Modernity, And Soft Power In Tourism Discourse,
2026
Zayed University
Framing Emirati Womanhood: Heritage, Modernity, And Soft Power In Tourism Discourse, Valerie Priscilla Goby
All Works
This paper examines how Emirati womanhood is framed within the tourism discourse of the United Arab Emirates, analysing how gendered representation operates as both a cultural and political instrument in nation branding. Drawing on framing theory and informed by feminist perspectives on tourism and media representation, this study explores the visual and textual portrayal of women on official online platforms, including Visit Dubai, Visit Abu Dhabi, Emirates Airlines, and the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth. These materials constitute a state-sanctioned narrative of national identity that integrates cultural heritage with modernity. Through qualitative framing analysis, four recurrent interpretive frames were …
Preserving The Past, Innovating The Future: Integrating Metaverse, Blockchain, And Generative Ai For Tourism And Cultural Heritage Preservation,
2026
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
Preserving The Past, Innovating The Future: Integrating Metaverse, Blockchain, And Generative Ai For Tourism And Cultural Heritage Preservation, Mousa Al-Kfairy, Amna Ahmed Aaber Ahmed Alqubaisi, Omar Alfandi
All Works
The preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage are seriously threatened by urbanization, mass tourism, neglect, and natural disasters. This study utilizes cutting-edge technologies to address these issues by presenting a novel framework that combines generative AI, blockchain, and the metaverse. The Metaverse provides immersive virtual experiences that lessen the physical strain on delicate locations by enabling the creation of lifelike digital replicas of cultural heritage sites. By creating immutable records, blockchain technology ensures the legitimacy, ownership, and traceability of digital assets, enabling open access and NFT monetization. Rebuilding lost or damaged artifacts, creating lifelike 3D models, and customizing user interactions …
Beyond The Barn: An Analysis Of The Agritourism Expansion Opportunities At Butcher Family Farm,
2026
Liberty University
Beyond The Barn: An Analysis Of The Agritourism Expansion Opportunities At Butcher Family Farm, Sarah Thomas
Senior Honors Theses
Agritourism is a rapidly expanding industry full of business opportunities. From wedding barns to pumpkin patches, agritourism comprises a niche intersection of agricultural business and experiential tourism. Heavily contested definitionally over a period of years, agritourism is a continually emerging source of business for a variety of locations across the US and global economy. This unique industry is composed of a conglomerate of elements and enterprises that vary widely. One agritourism segment that has undergone the most development is family owned and operated farms, such as Butcher Family Farm in Washington, West Virginia. Standing as the perceived focal point of …
Overservice Backfires: The Impact Of High Robot Attentiveness On Tourists' Discontinuous Usage Intentions,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Overservice Backfires: The Impact Of High Robot Attentiveness On Tourists' Discontinuous Usage Intentions, Jinwei Wang, Yingzong Tang, Xin Chen, Songshan (Sam) Huang
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
AI-powered robots can meet both functional and emotional consumer service needs through proactive engagement. Yet, excessive attentiveness may produce unintended negative outcomes. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this research employs four studies and a single-paper meta-analysis to investigate how highly (vs. moderately) attentive robotic service influences tourists' intentions to discontinue use. Results show that highly attentive robotic service increases discontinuous usage intentions, and this effect unfolds sequentially through perceived threat to freedom and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, information sensitivity and technology anxiety moderate the relationship between robotic attentiveness and discontinuous usage intentions. These findings offer strategic insights for tourism practitioners …
Dynamic Knowledge Practices In Tourism Village Development: An Activity Theory Perspective,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Dynamic Knowledge Practices In Tourism Village Development: An Activity Theory Perspective, Xianyang Hu, Jie Chen, Songshan (Sam) Huang
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
This study investigates why tourism village development models often fail to replicate success despite cultural and geographic similarities. Using activity theory and knowledge management concepts, we analyze two adjacent Chinese villages to trace explicit knowledge flow and examine disrupted tacit and indigenous knowledge practices. Findings show that while surface-level knowledge transfer occurs, contradictions within activity system elements, especially the marginalization of indigenous knowledge and community capacity, hinder effective knowledge application. Knowledge flow is inherently nonlinear and deeply context-dependent. We develop a comparative activity system model that highlights how success hinges less on knowledge transfer and more on the integration of …
Connectivity And Tourism Flow In Small Island Developing States,
2026
Universidade de Cabo Verde
Connectivity And Tourism Flow In Small Island Developing States, Edmir Luciano Dos Santos Ferreira, João Paulo Madeira
International Journal of Islands Research
Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) faces unique sustainability challenges, with connectivity emerging as a critical factor. These nations, often situated in remote locations, encounter significant accessibility constraints and limited infrastructure, which restrict tourist flows and adversely affect economic development. The primary aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between connectivity and tourism flows in SIDS, exploring how connectivity, proxied by geographical and cultural-political distance, influences tourism in these regions. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine whether belonging to different SIDS regions or exhibiting varying levels of development helps destinations attract greater tourist flows, by examining several …
Check-In With A Chatbot: How Robots Are Redefining The Smart Hotel Experience,
2026
University of Central Florida
Check-In With A Chatbot: How Robots Are Redefining The Smart Hotel Experience, Jiaxin Sylvia Wang, Xiaoxiao Fu
Rosen Research Review
The research by Wang and Fu explores how guests perceive and experience smart hotels, with a particular focus on human–robot interaction. Analyzing 546 online reviews from Chinese travelers, the study identifies five key dimensions of guest gratification: utilitarian, sensual, social, experiential, and overall satisfaction. Guests praised smart servicescapes, robot efficiency, and novelty, while also expressing emotional connections and expectations for personalized interaction. The findings offer hospitality leaders a roadmap for designing smart hotel experiences that are not only functional but emotionally engaging.
Co-Working With Machines: How Service Robots Shape Frontline Employee Experiences And Well-Being,
2026
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Co-Working With Machines: How Service Robots Shape Frontline Employee Experiences And Well-Being, Cynthia Mejia, Hannah A. Crandell, Emily Broker, Mindy Shoss
Rosen Research Review
The research by Mejia, Crandell, Broker, and Shoss reveals the complex realities faced by restaurant workers navigating the rise of service robots. Through in-depth interviews with 42 frontline employees, the study uncovers how robot adoption affects collaboration, productivity, emotional well-being, and perceptions of job security. While robots reduce physical strain and offer entertainment value, they also spark frustration, resentment, and fears of displacement. This research offers hospitality leaders a human-centered roadmap for integrating service robots in ways that support—not replace—the workforce.
When Robots Say Sorry: Emotions, Apologies, And The Future Of Service Recovery,
2026
University of Central Florida
When Robots Say Sorry: Emotions, Apologies, And The Future Of Service Recovery, Ruby Hong Ngoc Nguyen, Ngoc Tran Nguyen, Murat Hancer
Rosen Research Review
The research by Nguyen, Tran Nguyen, and Hancer reveals how human–robot collaboration and apology styles shape customer retention after service failures. Using experimental scenarios, the study shows that robots can effectively lead recovery efforts—especially when paired with economic apologies—while human involvement enhances the impact of social apologies. Comfort emotions and continued robot usage mediate the path to loyalty, offering hospitality leaders a blueprint for designing emotionally intelligent service recovery strategies.
Reviews That Reveal Return: When Guest Feedback Becomes A Predictor Of Future Visits,
2026
University of Central Florida
Reviews That Reveal Return: When Guest Feedback Becomes A Predictor Of Future Visits, Jeong-Yeol Park, Wookjae Heo, Jongwon Lee, Shinyong Jung
Rosen Research Review
The research by Park, Heo, Lee, and Jung reveals how online hotel reviews do more than express opinions—they predict whether guests will return. By blending the Theory of Planned Behavior with machine learning, the study uncovers how attitudes, social influence, and perceived control embedded in review language shape actual revisit behavior. This innovative approach transforms unstructured text into actionable insights, offering hospitality professionals a powerful new lens on customer loyalty.
Paws And Persuasion: How Dog Influencers Shape Hotel Booking Decisions,
2026
University of Central Florida
Paws And Persuasion: How Dog Influencers Shape Hotel Booking Decisions, Wei Wei, Lu Zhang, Tianyu Ying, Yanyan Zheng
Rosen Research Review
The research by Wei, Zhang, Ying, and Zheng explores how pet influencers—specifically dog influencers on Instagram—impact hotel booking intentions. Through two experiments, the study reveals that message appeal (rational vs. emotional) interacts with audience characteristics like prior experience and perceived attractiveness of the pet influencer. Rational messages are more persuasive for less experienced travelers and when the pet influencer is perceived as less attractive. Emotional messages, while engaging, are less effective in these contexts. This research uncovers the nuanced power of pet influencer marketing and offers practical strategies for hospitality marketers seeking to tap into the booming “cute economy” of …
Intelligence Unleashed: How Generative Ai Is Rewriting The Rules Of Tourism Education And Research,
2026
University of Central Florida
Intelligence Unleashed: How Generative Ai Is Rewriting The Rules Of Tourism Education And Research, Tarik Dogru, Nathana Line, Lydia Hanks, Fulya Acikgoz, Je'anna Abbott, Selim Bakir, Adiyukh Berbekova, Anil Bilgihan, Ali Iskender, Murat Kizildag, Minwood Lee
Rosen Research Review
The research by Dogru, Line, Hanks, Acikgoz, and colleagues explores how generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming higher education and academic research in tourism and hospitality. From personalized learning to automated data analysis, GAI offers unprecedented opportunities— but also raises ethical and legal concerns. The study frames GAI as a disruptive innovation, challenging traditional models of teaching, authorship, and intellectual property. It calls for structural changes in curricula, transparent policies, and collaborative efforts to ensure responsible integration. With tools like ChatGPT already reshaping classrooms and research labs, this paper offers a timely roadmap for educators, researchers, and administrators navigating the …
Level Up Your Stay: How Energy-Saving Games Are Changing Green Hotel Loyalty,
2026
University of Central Florida
Level Up Your Stay: How Energy-Saving Games Are Changing Green Hotel Loyalty, Aili Wu, Juhee Kang, David J. Kwun, Wei Wei
Rosen Research Review
The research by Wu, Kang, Kwun, and Wei reveals how gamification—specifically achievement-based energy-saving games—can transform hotel guests’ attitudes and behaviors toward sustainability. By integrating achievement-goal theory and the theory of planned behavior, the study shows that when guests feel challenged and motivated, they are more likely to engage in green practices and return to the hotel. Interestingly, perceived control over the game sometimes reduces revisit intentions, suggesting that too much ease can lead to boredom. Guests with prior green hotel experiences respond even more positively to gamified sustainability. This research offers a fresh perspective on how hotels can use game …
When Customers Collide Online: The Hidden Power Of Approval In Digital Service Failures,
2026
University of Central Florida
When Customers Collide Online: The Hidden Power Of Approval In Digital Service Failures, Wei Wei, Lu Zhang, Bobbie Rathjens, Sean Mcginley
Rosen Research Review
The research by Wei, Zhang, Rathjens, and McGinley reveals a surprising twist in how restaurant customers respond to online interactions after a service failure. When fellow customers chime in—either with support or mockery—their comments can dramatically shape how the original complainant feels, engages, and judges fairness. But the real game-changer? Whether the customer craves approval. Those with low need for approval react strongly to the tone of others’ comments, while high-approval seekers remain emotionally steady. This study uncovers the psychological undercurrents of electronic customerto- customer interaction (eCCI), offering fresh insights into empathy, justice, and digital engagement in hospitality.
Putting Humanity First In Service Robotics: For Me, Robotics Is About Giving Hospitality Teams The Breathing Room To Care More Deeply For People.,
2026
University of Central Florida
Putting Humanity First In Service Robotics: For Me, Robotics Is About Giving Hospitality Teams The Breathing Room To Care More Deeply For People., Manuel Rivera, Cynthia Mejia
Rosen Research Review
In an engaging conversation with Juan Higueros, Co-Founder and COO of Bear Robotics, we explore his vision for human-centered robotics and how technology can empower hospitality teams to deliver deeper, more meaningful guest experiences.
Sky-High Expectations: How Drones And Emotions Are Reshaping Food Delivery In Africa,
2026
University of Central Florida
Sky-High Expectations: How Drones And Emotions Are Reshaping Food Delivery In Africa, Frank Badu-Baiden, Weisheng Chiu, Eudora Hagan, Victor Anderson Hodibert
Rosen Research Review
The research by Badu-Baiden, Chiu, Hagan, and Hodibert unpacks the emotional, social, and psychological puzzle behind consumer acceptance of drone food delivery in Ghana. Using complexity theory and fsQCA, the study shows multiple adoption paths. Motivation, emotion, perceived risk, and social influence shape intention and willingness to pay. Positive emotions and usefulness drive interest, while privacy concerns and negative feelings hinder it. Trust and cultural context matter deeply.
Boarding By Biometrics: How Smart Technology Is Reshaping Passenger Experience,
2026
University of Central Florida
Boarding By Biometrics: How Smart Technology Is Reshaping Passenger Experience, Xiaoting Chi, Frank Badu-Baiden, Seongseop (Sam) Kim, Junwei Cao, Elena-Nicoleta Untaru, Heekyoung Jung, Heesup Han
Rosen Research Review
The research by Chi, Badu-Baiden, Kim, Cao, Untaru, Jung, and Han explores how biometric boarding transforms airline travel. Using technology acceptance, agenda setting, and behavioral reasoning theories, the study reveals how ease of use, usefulness, media exposure, and attitudes shape adoption. Findings stress convenience, engagement, and targeted communication, with age and gender influencing responses. For airport managers and designers, the research offers practical strategies for secure, efficient, and passenger-centered boarding systems.
The Pleasure Principle: Why Enjoyment May Be The Missing Link In Ai Adoption,
2026
University of Central Florida
The Pleasure Principle: Why Enjoyment May Be The Missing Link In Ai Adoption, Arthur Huang, Ahmet Bulent Ozturk, Tingting Zhang, Efren De La Mora Velasco, Adam Haney
Rosen Research Review
The research by Huang, Ozturk, Zhang, de la Mora Velasco, and Haney reveals a compelling insight: enjoyment—not just efficiency—is a key driver of whether guests will continue using AI in hospitality and tourism. By expanding the expectation-confirmation model, the study shows that perceived enjoyment, alongside performance and satisfaction, plays a pivotal role in shaping future use intentions. This shift toward hedonic value reframes how hoteliers and tourism professionals should design and promote AI services. The findings suggest that delight, fun, and emotional resonance are just as important as functionality when it comes to long-term engagement with AI-powered experiences.
