Business Commons^™

Online Hotel Booking Experience: Flow Theory, Measuring Online Customer Experience And Managerial Implications, Anil Bilgihan, Fevzi Okumus, Khaldoon Nusair

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The past decade has perceived a significant development of various Internet technologies including HTML5, Ajax, landing pages, CSS3, social media and SEO to name a few. New web technologies provide opportunities for e-commerce companies to enhance the shopping experiences of their customers. This article focuses the phenomenon of online experiences from a services marketing aspect by concentrating online hotel booking. Successful lodging management strategies have been associated with the creation of experience, which in turn leads to fruitful performance outcomes such as superior financial performance, enhanced brand image, customer loyalty, positive word of mouth and customer satisfaction. E-commerce researchers and …

Vacation Planning And Route Choice, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to understand the time frame in which decisions are made for vacations and more specifically decisions about driving routes during vacations in Montana. This study examines what factors affect travel route decisions and what specific information sources influence them.

A Relationship Between Family Leisure And Tourism & Hotel Industry: A Importance Of Family Leisure, Boram Lee, Hansheng Wu

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between family leisure behavior and apply its relationship into the tourism and hotel industry. Exploratory sample data (N=50) were collected from international students at Johnson and Wales University, primarily of Chinese and Korean ethnicity. The instrument consisted of three parts: demographic features, past family leisure tendency, and current family leisure tendency. Ho: There is not a significant difference between the past frequency and satisfaction of family leisure and the current family leisure frequency and satisfaction. A t-test for independent samples is used to address the hypothesis. The results of the …

How To Increase Tourism In The Republic Of Georgia?, Kamal Fatehi, Murat Doral

Faculty and Research Publications

The Georgian economy is based on open trade and capitalistic growth model centered on free flow of goods and services and capital. This free market environment is complemented by a democratic political system which renders the status of Georgia as a modern "market-democracy" in the global economic and political order. Georgia is one of a handful of countries which was able to transition successfully from a centrally planned economy into a market based system and from one party communism into a multi-party democracy through the well-known "rose revolution". Georgia, like other emerging economies, has the long-term goal of raising the …

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 …

Research Note: Biometric Technology Applications And Trends In Hotels, Anil Bilgihan, Ersem Karadag, Cihan Cobanoglu, Fevzi Okumus

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The purpose of this study is to investigate the biometrics technologies adopted by hotels and the perception of hotel managers toward biometric technology applications. A descriptive, cross sectional survey was developed based on extensive review of literature and expert opinions. The population for this survey was property level executive managers in the U.S. hotels. Members of American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) were selected as the target population for this study. The most frequent use of biometric technology is by hotel employees in the form of fingerprint scanning. Cost still seems to be one of the major barriers to adoption …

Indonesian Tourism’S Golden Moment, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

With a successful transition to luxury lifestyles in just a couple of generations, Indonesia’s next tourism hurdle is competitiveness. Once Indonesia’s key non-oil and gas revenue earner, luxury tourism needs to compete aggressively for the tourist dollar.

Customer Satisfaction Index Of Singapore 2013: Q3 Results, Institute Of Service Excellence, Smu

Research Collection Institute of Service Excellence

The Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG) computes customer satisfaction scores at the national, sector, subsector, and company levels. The CSISG serves as a quantitative benchmark of the quality of goods and services produced by the Singapore economy over time and across countries. This is the CSISG’s seventh year of measurement

The Beartooth Highway: 2012-2013 Economic Impacts, Use, And Destination Image, Jake Jorgenson, Norma P. Nickerson, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to assess the economic impacts and visitor use of the Beartooth Highway. Data was collected from visitors during the 2012 summer and 2012-2013 winter seasons. In total, over 4,000 summer visitors and 1,600 winter visitors were intercepted during the study. This report is a compilation of three separate studies conducted along the Beartooth Highway with a summary and researcher observations in the introductory pages.

Gardiner, Mt - A Community Tourism Development Case Study: Resident Perceptions, Norma P. Nickerson, Meredith S. Berry

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to assess quality of life and image perceptions of Gardiner by residents, as well as their support/attachment to their community. A door-to-door survey was administered in June, 2013. The survey was completed by 209 Gardiner residents for a 60% response rate. The positive image held by Gardiner residents is a community that is friendly, supportive, and has a unique and rich heritage. On the negative side, the community is one with roads that are not well maintained, has little parking available, and has a lack of retail shopping opportunities. Residents were asked to identify …

Examining Key Drivers Of Customer Delight In A Hotel Experience: A Cross-Cultural Perspective, Edwin Torres, Xiaoxiao Fu, Xinran Lehto

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Welcoming all guests is the calling shared by those who work in the hotel industry. Everyday hoteliers strive to provide a service of excellence to all of those who visit. This can be somewhat of a complex endeavor, as hotels receive guests from different nationalities and cultures. Previous research in the area of customer delight has revealed some of the factors that define and drive the customer delight experience. Despite the emerging literature on the subject, the question remains: are guest from different cultures likely to be delighted by different things? In the present study, the researchers conducted extensive semi-structured …

Gaming Opportunities, Attractions, And Monorail Ridership In Las Vegas, Davor Jedlicka

Occasional Papers

The history of Las Vegas monorail is presented in three stages: ideas, development and operations. The decline of ridership on the Las Vegas monorail is explained based on this history. The gravitational theory of people movement is used to propose overcoming the inertia to ride among the resorts. The gravitational theory suggests that monorail could contribute to the “Las Vegas Experience” as a force in attracting visitors from around the world. An increase in inter resort visitation rates via the monorail is likely to increase the overall gaming revenues and prevent the end of monorail operations.

Evaluation Of Tourism Competitiveness And Its Effects On Destination Management: Making A Difference In Costa Rica?, Robertico Croes

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This study investigates whether the focus on inputs as measurement of tourism competitiveness provides a comprehensive understanding of the competitive position of a destination. Specifically the investigation is applied to Costa Rica in the context of the Central American region aiming at evaluating the impact of tourism competitiveness. The study applied descriptive and inductive statistics for an evaluation impact. This study found that the inputs focus is inconsistent with competitiveness as measured on the performance of a destination aiming at enhancing the quality of life. This inconsistency could confound a rational process of decisionmaking at the destination level. Two relevant …

Dragon Boat Festival Visitor Study: 2013, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to provide the organizers of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival with an understanding of their attendees and the total money spent by those surveyed in the area (Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork, and Polson). The population of interest was participants and attendees of the 2013 Montana Dragon Boat Festival.

Montana Folk Festival Visitor Study: 2013, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to provide the organizers of the Montana Folk Festival with an understanding of their attendees and the total money spent by those surveyed in Butte.

Tourism Specialization And Economic Output In Small Islands, Robertico R. Croes

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Purpose– This study aims to investigate growth differentials among small islands and the impact of tourism specialization on the growth and the economic performance of small islands.

Design/methodology/approach– The study is based on trade theory and uses data from a panel of small islands for 1995-2007. It applies panel regression and standard time series methods combined with a qualitative approach.

Findings– Small islands experienced stronger basic patterns of growth than many developed countries, especially where economies of scale are not an issue. The findings further suggest that tourism specialization is not harmful to growth, and, in lieu of technological gaps …

Acquário Ceará: The Future Of Tourism In Fortaleza, Elizabeth Duffield

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In 2014, Fortaleza will put on display for the entire world to see as it is one of the Brazilian cities hosting the World Cup. In preparation for such a massive event and a staggering amount attention, the state of Ceará and the Secretary of Tourism embarked on a plan to develop tourism in Ceará and the capital city, Fortaleza, into a modern tourism destination. One project in progress, Acquário Ceará, will be largest aquarium in Latin America and the third largest aquarium in the world. Situated right on the coastline of Praia de Iracema in Fortaleza, the aquarium is …

El Papel De Ecoturismo En La Comunidad Nativa De Shintuya, Alto Madre De Dios, Peru: Las Percepciones De La Misma Comunidad, Dylan Barnes

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Este informe examina el rol de ecoturismo en la comunidad nativa Shintuya, Madre de Dios, Perú. Para hacer eso, uso las percepciones de los mismos comuneros sobre el ecoturismo y el futuro de su comunidad. La comunidad y la región alrededor tiene muchas atracciones turísticas, y por eso hay un gran potencial de turismo para la comunidad. También hay una presencia de una empresa de petróleo, con que los comuneros están trabajando. En estas páginas siguientes, voy a argumentar que esta situación no es tan blanca y negra como parece. No hay un lado a favor y un lado en …

One Experience And Multiple Reviews: The Case Of Upscale U.S. Hotels, Edwin Torres, Howard Adler, Xinran Lehto, Carl Behnke, Li Miao

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Purpose– The present study aimed to understand the relationships between the various kinds of feedback received by hospitality operators. Information from guests, experts, and internal sources are often received, valued, and processed in various ways. The researchers sought to further explore the usage of such feedback and implications for theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach– A survey was sent to hotel general managers of four‐ and five‐diamond properties around the USA using the listing of the American Automobile Association (AAA). A total of 140 responses were received. The researchers utilized correlations and canonical correlation analysis to help understand the relationships among the …

Nonresident Values Of Montana's Natural Areas, Megan Tanner, Norma Nickerson, Elizabeth Covelli

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Three quarters of nonresident vacationers to Montana are primarily attracted to characteristics of public lands such as national parks, mountains, forests, and open space. Viewing and recreating on Montana's public lands are vitally important to the success of the travel industry in the state. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess public land values held by nonresident visitors to Montana and to compare values between groups of outdoor recreation participants.

Missoula Marathon Participant Study: 2013, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to provide organizers of the Missoula Marathon with an understanding of their 2013 race participants and the money they and their travel group spent in Missoula.

Trail Rail Run: 2013, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to provide the organizers of the inaugural Trail Rail Run with an understanding of their race participants and the money they spent in the local community of St. Regis. The Trail Rail Run course utilized old railroad grades from both the Northern Pacific Railroad and the Milwaukee Railroad.

Visitor Comments About Montana: 2012 Nonresident Survey, Norma Nickerson, Ashley Napier, Doris Cooley

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report provdes an analysis of comments written by nonresident visitors to Montana in 2012. Eight general themes emerged from the comments. Nonresident visitors generally love Montana. Their experiences were positive, they enjoyed the scenery, open space, the friendly people, and they want to return. Full listing of all comments are provided in the appendix.

Exploring Pull Factor Influences At Campgrounds By Rv Association Members, Jill Fjelstul

Rosen Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are owned and/or rented by travelers of diverse ages, traveling parties, and agendas. RVs, in most cases, will be parked at a campground during use, lending to the question of what factors influence campground selection. The current study explored pull factors specific to RV campground attributes by members of a RV association, identified the general demographics of the respective RV association, and investigated campground travel decisions by members of the RV association. Findings from the current study can assist campground owners/operators in developing effective marketing strategies for attracting RV travelers with customized products, onsite amenities, and/or services. …

Looking At Shirt Sponsorships From Both Sides Of The Pond: Comparing Global Trends Versus America's Major League Soccer, Ric W. Jensen, Nicolas D. Bowman, Brian V. Larson, Yawei Wang

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This paper seeks to compare shirt sponsorship in professional football (soccer) in the United States with global trends. We try to answer why America has been slow to accept shirt sponsorship. In 2007, Major League Soccer (MLS) became the first professional team sports league in the USA to embrace shirt sponsorships, breaking a long-standing taboo that banned this practice. To date, 14 of the 19 MLS clubs wear a sponsored jersey. Only a few fledging professional sports leagues in the USA allow shirt sponsorships (e.g. the Women's National Basketball Association, the United Football League, and the Women's Professional Soccer League). …

The Relevance Of Cultural Tourism As The Next Frontier For Small Island Destinations, Robertico R. Croes, Kelly J. Semrad

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The purpose of this study is to apply the cultural tourism typology of McKercher and to estimate the economic relevance of cultural tourism to the context of a small island destination tourist market. Small island destinations may be confronted with environmental constraints that restrain the traditional small island tourism development model, which is based on sun, sand, and sea. The cultural tourism typology is used in order to determine whether the typology may be used to segment tourists thereby allowing researchers to determine the economic impact of different cultural tourist segments. This study draws attention to some of the foundational …

Building Co-Operation Between Tourism And Culture In The West Of Ireland, Bernadette Quinn, Ziene Mottiar, Theresa Ryan

Conference papers

Redressing regional imbalance is now a key challenge in Ireland. Dublin is the destination of choice for more than two fifths of the market and the number of visitors holidaying outside of the Dublin region has declined significantly between 2003 and 2009. One way of redressing regional imbalance is to harness the tourism potential of the cultural sector. Spread throughout the regions is a wealth of cultural activity and a well developed infrastructure of venues staging vibrant arts activity of international calibre, be it in visual arts, film, literature or the performing arts. This activity engages 2.3 million Irish citizens …

Shipwreck With Speculator Early Modern Representations Of Risk And Gambling, David J. Hart

Occasional Papers

Charles Cotton’s Compleat Gamester, one of the best known manuals accompanying a virtual pandemic of gambling fever across early modern Europe, likens gaming to shipwreck since there are “but few Casts at Dice betwixt a rich man and a beggar,” “but few inches between [living] and drowning.” This conjunction of shipwreck and gaming recurs in early modern literature and constitutes a rhetorical topos in the sense of philosopher Hans Blumenberg. I examine several instances of this conjunction (e.g. in Cardano’s autobiography, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Spinoza’s Theological-Political Treatise, and Joseph de la Vega’s Confusion de Confusiones) and suggest that the conjunction …

Spartan Race Visitor Study: 2013, Christine Oschell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to provide the organizers of the Spartan Race with an understanding of their attendees and the total money spent by those surveyed in the area (Kalispell and Whitefish). The population of interest was participants and attendees of the 2013 Spartan Race.