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 …

Site, Sight, Swipe, Prada Marfa: A Case Study In Public Art, Cultural Tourism, And Image-Based Social Media Engagement, Ha'ani Joy Hogan

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Through a case study of Prada Marfa, a site-specific public art sculpture located in West Texas, this dissertation examines the connection of public art, cultural tourism, and image-based social media engagement. Little scholarship that combines all three areas of study exists. To fill this gap, this study incorporates five methods of research to determine how one public art sculpture's existence can contribute to its surrounding community by prompting economic activity and influencing the way that community is seen through a public lens. The five methods encompass a historical analysis of news articles about The City of Marfa and Prada …

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 …

Emotions, Feelings, And Moods In Tourism And Hospitality Research: Conceptual And Methodological Differences, Maksim Godovykh, Asli Tasci

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Researchers often tend to use the words emotions, feelings, moods, and affect interchangeably, which creates confusion in both conceptual and methodological domains of tourism and hospitality research. However, the insights from neuroscience and psychology demonstrated that there are fundamental differences between these concepts, including their causes, duration, intensity, and outcomes. This research note aims to discuss conceptual and methodological aspects related to using emotions, moods, feelings, and affect, provide comprehensive definitions, and outline opportunities to capture them comprehensively in tourism and hospitality research.

Vr In Tourism: A New Call For Virtual Tourism Experience Amid And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Maksim Godovykh, Carissa Baker, Alan Fyall

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Virtual reality has become a more common phenomenon in both destination marketing and on-site experience. The recent challenges such as overtourism and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a pressing need to examine virtual tourism as an alternative to traditional travel. This conceptual article aims at clarifying virtual experience in tourism, discussing the main antecedents and outcomes of virtual experience, and proposing a conceptual model of virtual tourism experience. The review of the literature revealed that virtual experience in tourism is influenced by factors related to information, quality, technology acceptance, and affective involvement and has significant effects on tourists' attitudes and …

Covid-19 And Tourism: Analyzing The Effects Of Covid-19 Statistics And Media Coverage On Attitudes Toward Tourism, Maksim Godovykh, Jorge Ridderstaat, Carissa Baker, Alan Fyall

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

COVID-19 has significantly influenced tourism, including tourists’ and residents’ attitudes toward tourism. At the same time, attitudes and consumer confidence are important for economic recovery in the tourism sector. This study explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s attitudes toward tourism by analyzing time-series data on the number of COVID-19 positive cases, vaccinations, news sentiment, a total number of daily mentions of tourism, and the share of voice for positive and negative sentiment toward tourism. The applied data analysis techniques include descriptive analysis, visual representation of data, data decomposition into trend and cycle components, unit root tests, Granger …

An Empirical Modeling Of Transformation Process Through Trip Experiences, Asli D.A. Tasci, Maksim Godovykh

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Transformative experience has been the buzzword in recent years. Tourism and hospitality experiences in natural, historical, cultural, and authentic spaces are some of them. However, to this date, specific dimensions of transformation or its process have not been empirically identified. This study reviewed the literature on transformation, used open-ended questions to collect free-elicited responses on the meanings of transformation, collected expert opinion, and developed a 101-item scale reflecting different dimensions and the steps of the transformation process. The scale was validated with a sequential scale validation procedure; Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used …

Rethinking Sleep Quality In Fotels: Examining The Risk And Protective Factors Associated With Travel-Related Insomnia, Wei Xiong, Meijiao Huang, Bendegul Okumus, Fang Fan

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This study attempts to illustrate how traveling affects the sleep and well-being of hotel guests. We collected data from hotel guests and looked at various factors affecting their sleep quality during travel. The particular impact of said variables on insomnia was analyzed using a binary logistic regression. Study results show that the risk factors of developing insomnia while traveling include unhealthy sleep habits at ordinary times, being an early riser, short sleep durations, business trips, and sensitivity to unfamiliar environments. Protective factors include being a late sleeper and being satisfied with the accommodation facilities. The research findings offer specific theoretical …

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 …

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 …

The Development Of An Eco-Gastronomic Tourism (Egt) Supply Chain-Analyzing Linkages Between Farmer, Restaurants, And Tourists In Aruba., Marcelino Kock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose of this study is to holistically analyze existing linkages between Aruba’s tourism industry, restaurants and local farmers, by examining strategies that constrain the development of linkages between these stakeholders. Previous research indicated that tourism development is often accompanied with increased demand for imported food, which results in foreign exchange leakages, inflation and competition with local production. This phenomenon is very common in the Caribbean, where Aruba, with its heavy reliance on imported goods and services, is no exception to this occurrence. To comprehend potential problems associated with linking both sectors, these in-depth case study addresses three fundamental questions: a) …

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 = …

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 …

Analysis Of Future Economic Opportunities For Branson, Missouri, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

The Branson/Lakes area, and the City of Branson in particular, experienced rapid growth in the early 1990s, driven largely by creation of music shows in an increasing number of new theaters. The growth of music shows slowed in the latter part of the decade and some theaters are now dark. Recognizing the change, the Board of Directors of the Branson Regional Economic Development Association (BREDA), which represents the diverse business and civic interests of the area, established an Entertainment Product Advisory Council (EPAC) consisting of representatives of business, entertainment and government to review the current situation and make recommendations for …

Feasibility And Implementation Planning For The Pan-Am Centennial, Mcm Group International, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

Can a centennial edition of the Pan American Exposition in 2001 be used to reinvigorate the regional economy? Will a celebration of international magnitude help reposition the image of Buffalo as a vital and energetic community? Does Buffalo have the will to reclaim its past glory? The Buffalo Niagara leadership, along with grass-roots community groups fascinated with the potential of a centennial celebration to catalyze a halt to the regions decades long decline, has urged an answer to these vital questions. In the fall of 1998, a Pan American Centennial Exploratory Committee was formed to evaluate the potential impact and …

Feasibility And Implementation Planning For The Centennial Of Powered Flight, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

In 2003 Dayton will produce an international yearlong celebration of the Centennial of Powered Flight. The 2003 Committee authorized Harrison Price Company (HPC) to prepare a Feasibility and Economic Planning Study for the Festival of Flight. The study is divided into nine sections including this Introduction which describes the Centennial of Flight background, the purpose of the 2003 Committee, the role and structure of the National Historic park and the study scope and methodology. Section two, Program Concept Parameters, outlines the content of the program. This includes programmatic content, and descriptions of the Festival of Flight program, Air Force Museum …

Preliminary Project Assessment: The Centennial Of Flight Dayton, Ohio, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

In 2003, Dayton was to produce an international yearlong celebration of the Centennial of Powered Flight. The 2003 Committee authorized Harrison Price Company (HPC) to prepare a Feasibility and Economic Planning Study for the Festival of Flight. In follow-up to the Dayton site visit by Buzz Price and Mike Mitchell August 19 - 21, 1997 Harrison Price Company (HPC) was asked to submit a preliminary outline by September 15th concerning the developmental issues that needed to be addressed by the Committee. The report includes two sections: I. Study Scope and Methodology and II. Key Developmental Issues. HPC identified 14 key …

Expansion Potentials At Citywalk, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

In June of 1996, MCA requested that Harrison Price Company (HPC) review the expansion potentials of CityWalk once again, this time with the advantage of three years' operating experience. The proposal written in response to that request contained these tasks: CityWalk and its theater complex lead the way in defining a new concept for a mixed venue urban entertainment mix. The question before the house is how far to drive it? What is its rational expandability? The sequence of work contemplated is as follows: 1. Define attendance and revenue generation in existing Universal City elements 1990-1995, including the tour, cineplex, …

A Study Of Historic Development Of San Antonio's River Walk, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

A draft version of a study of the historical development of the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Harrison Price Company (HPC) isolated factors which appear to have contributed to the success of the River Walk as well as factors that delayed success. HPC conducted a search of historical literature on key development events relating to the San Antonio River Walk. The 30-year period covered was 1962 through 1994. Profiled the hotel industry in downtown San Antonio from 1965 through 1994: chronicling the number of rooms available, occupied rooms, and average daily room rate. Developed a time line for developments …

Preliminary Feasibility Analysis Of Visitor Attractions At The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

Since July 1964, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DBRA) operated a car ferry service linking Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware across Delaware Bay. The ferry served as general transportation as well as a tourist sightseeing excursion service. DBRA engaged in a comprehensive master plan to redevelop and modernize landside terminal facilities at both ends of the route with the goal of increasing operating efficiency, and adding visitor services, and amenities including enhanced shopping, as well as adding revenue generating attractions to offset ferry operating deficits. Harrison Price Company (HPC) was retained to undertake a consulting program to …

Briefing Materials - Attraction Concept Charrette For The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminals, Delaware - Nj, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

Since July 1964, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DBRA) operated a car ferry service linking Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware across Delaware Bay. The ferry serves as general transportation as well as a tourist sightseeing excursion service. DBRA engaged in a comprehensive master plan to redevelop and modernize landside terminal facilities at both ends of the route with the goal of increasing operating efficiency, and adding enhanced shopping, visitor services, and amenities, as well as adding revenue generating attractions to offset ferry operating deficits. Harrison Price Company (HPC) was retained to undertake a consulting program to determine …

Preliminary Briefing - Nature Of The Reno Casino Hotel Market, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

A comparison study of Reno and Las Vegas in terms of: resident market, resident economy, interernational visitors, ground transportation, seasonality, and hotel occupancy.

Tourism Development Strategy For Springfield, Missouri, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

Leaders of Springfield, Missouri were interested in an action plan that would ensure Springfield of a maximum opportunity and share revitalization of tourism and development. This report contains the results of Harrison Price Company’s (HPC) research and consulting efforts. Section 2 contains a description of the resident market. Section 3 evaluates the existing visitor market. Section 4 presents data on the current tourist infrastructure. Section 5 extrapolates the prior data in an estimate of potential future visitation. Section 6 contains recommendations of a strategy to be pursued by the client to achieve a greater share of the future visitor market. …

Theme Park Potential In Sevilla, Andalucia, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

In February 1992, Exploraciones Alcor, a development company headed by Mssrs. Bryan Jones and Wolfgang Herr, retained Harrison Price Company (HPC) to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the potential for developing a major themed attraction in or near Sevilla. The project would capitalize on the improving economic condition and tourist infrastructure in Andalucia and Spain, increased mobility in Europe attributable to the 1992 reforms and the extraordinary exposure Sevilla will receive from hosting the 1992 Universal World Exposition, the "Age of Discovery."

Hollywood Entertainment Industry Attraction/Retention Action Plan, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of the City of Los Angeles was engaged in a 30-year effort to revitalize Hollywood. A key to this effort was the maintenance of the economic health of the entertainment industry businesses which have historically been the backbone of the community's economy. The CRA was concerned that continued out migration of entertainment industry businesses to surrounding areas such as Burbank, Miracle Mile, West Hollywood and West Los Angeles would negatively affect the long-term health of Hollywood's resident and commercial base. Accordingly, the agency elected to prepare an Action Plan aimed at enhancing Hollywood's position as …

Hollywood Entertainment Industry Attraction/Retention Action Plan, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of the City of Los Angeles was engaged in a 30-year effort to revitalize Hollywood. A key to this effort was the maintenance of the economic health of the entertainment industry businesses which have historically been the backbone of the community's economy. The CRA was concerned that continued out migration of entertainment industry businesses to surrounding areas such as Burbank, Miracle Mile, West Hollywood and West Los Angeles would negatively affect the long-term health of Hollywood's resident and commercial base. Accordingly, the agency elected to prepare an Action Plan aimed at enhancing Hollywood's position as …

Comparative Economic Parameters For Alternative Regional Attraction Venues, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

The task of this Phase 2 research program was to examine the economic performance of several recreation/attraction venues which might serve as role models for entry into various regional and major markets around the United States. The types of operations examined include: I. Family recreation centers, free-standing and mall related (like Forrest Fair in Cincinnati, River Falls in Clarksdale, Indiana, 49th Street Galleria in Salt Lake City and North Philadelphia, and Fame City in Houston). II. Adult-oriented night life activity expressed in venues such as the Sports Bar or Dave and Busters and other similar food and drink night spots …

Charette Briefing Book, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

Report no. 323 was sent to Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Charrette Participants. The report includes background information about the workshop, agenda, as well as participant names. The idea of the CRA Charrette was to turn to the entertainment industry for recommendations on ways to attract and retain entertainment industry businesses in Hollywood. Participants were invited to address this issue in a one-day workshop scheduled for September 20, 1991. Representatives from a wide range of entertainment industry businesses, big and small attended. The product of this meeting will be an Action Plan for Hollywood aimed at enhancing its position as …

Briefing Book And Background Data For Regional Attractions And Children's Parks, Harrison Price Company

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

This report provides market analysis of the regional attractions in the US, background information for children's parks at Universal City & Orlando and gives insights on investment opportunities in regional parks and children's parks at Universal City and Universal Studios, Florida. Includes appendices: Legoland, Sesame Place, Idlewild Park and Castle Amusement Park. Prepared for MCA Recreation Services Group. Includes tables and appendices. Report no. 488.

Strategic Reinvestment Planning For Suzuka Circuitland And Tamatech Amusement Parks With Photographs And Drawings And Japanese Translation, Harrison Price Company, Grady Larkins Associates

Harrison "Buzz" Price Papers

Harrison Price Company (HPC) and Grady Larkins Associates conducted an analysis of recommended improvements for Suzuka Circuitland Amusement Park (SCAP) AND Tamatech (TT), two long Motopia or motorsports based attractions developed by Honda Motor Corporation. This report is organized as follows, Sections 2 and 3 deal with essential economic factors in present operations in SCAP AND TT related to attendance and capacity. Section 4 treats profitability of the two parks. Section 5 presents Larkin’s observations on thematic and design approaches at the two parks which influence the reinvestment program. Detailed program recommendations are presented in Section 6.