Hospitality Administration and Management Commons^™

Activity Trends Pre/Post Covid-19 In State Park Campgrounds, Patty Janes, Sango Otieno, A. Scott Rood

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

Outdoor related activities surged both during and following COVID 19. Numerous studies support the increase of many outdoor related activities from swimming to bird watching, and biking to geocaching. Understanding the interests and habits of visitors helps organizations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Michigan Department of Natural Resources campground visitor activity participation from before and after COVID. Nearly 40,000 campers each year were compared from 75 campground locations throughout the state of Michigan. Findings indicate the growth of many of their outdoor oriented activities from 2019 to 2024 including beach / swimming, hiking, rock hunting, and …

Stay To Play: Multi-Level Stakeholders And Motivation In Youth Sports Tourism, Brumby Mcleod, Ph.D., John Grady, Ph.D.

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

In this study, the stay to play model of hosting elite youth sports events was investigated by exploring the various stakeholder perspectives in staging youth sport events, specifically soccer. This research explored the motivations and gaps among the event organizers, the housing authorities (booking agencies), governing bodies and leagues, as well as the destination marketing organization. This study explored the relationship, unique value proposition, and gaps between the services provided by the stay to play organizers and participants. By exploring these concepts, a better understanding of the stay to play model is achieved, and destination marketers and management associations can …

Sun, Fun, And Structure: What Resort Activity Schedules Reveal, Phileshia Dombroski, Ph.D., Kayla D. Mohney, Ed.D., Rebecca L. Moriarty, Ava Beal, Libby Scanlon, Emily Bailey, Cyan N. Kvacky

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

Daily activity schedules are central to the guest experience in resort environments, guiding participation, communicating brand identity, and structuring leisure time. This mixed-method content analysis explored how resorts across the United States design and present these schedules, emphasizing accessibility and program diversity. Eighteen publicly available resort activity schedules were evaluated using accessibility tools (PAC 3, Adobe Acrobat, WCAG 2.2) and coded for 4,166 individual activities across eight categories. Findings revealed moderate adherence to accessibility standards. Most schedules met minimum font size and color contrast guidelines, but only 25% were compatible with screen readers and 80% lacked alternative text or structural …

Perceived Value Of Sport And Recreation In Aruba: Resident Perceptions Of Health, Lifestyle, And Physical Activity, Stephen L. Shapiro, Andy Gillentine, Jo-Anne Croes, John Wardlaw

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

Sport and recreation play an important role in shaping community well-being, particularly in small island nations where health and tourism are integrated. This study examines how Aruban residents perceive the value of sport and recreation and how these perceptions vary based on the type of activity and children’s participation in these activities. A mixed-methods design was used across two phases. Phase I employed focus groups with residents, educators, and government stakeholders to explore themes of health, community impact, and education. Findings emphasized concerns over inactivity and identified sport and recreation as essential to promoting healthy lifestyles, sense of community, and …

Drivers Of Policy Support And Political Consumerism Behavior Among Water Recreationists, Mina Kim

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

Individuals who engage in water-based recreation share a distinct bond with water quality due to their direct contact with aquatic environments during leisure activities. Increasing concerns about water quality have led to a rise in research exploring how environmental conditions and perceived risks shape environmental attitudes and conservation actions. However, it remains uncertain whether water recreationists extend their conservation efforts beyond those directly tied to their activities. To explore this issue, the present study investigates whether water-based recreationists in South Carolina support more stringent water management policies and engage in political consumerism behaviors, such as boycotting and buycotting. Data were …

From The Field To The Future: How Experiential Learning Supports Student Success, Joshua Carroll, Ph.D.

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

Field Experiences are often considered extracurricular, and not always a part of traditional college programs. However, these experiences can provide unique opportunities for learning, increase student confidence, broaden student perspectives of their chosen profession, and connect students with their environments, professors, and classmates. Because these programs often require a deep commitment from faculty, administrators, and the students, it is sometimes difficult to justify the resources required to successfully implement these courses. This project sought to identify several of the impacts that a field course may have on students, and to summarize these findings into sharable data for potential college and …

How Did The Pandemic Change The Role Of Recreational Waters In Bringing Visitors? Analysis Of South Carolina Mobility Big Data, Seonjin Lee, Lori Pennington-Gray, Ph.D.

Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on nature-based recreational activities. Outdoor recreation became popular as an alternative to international travel with less risk of contagion. However, the question remains whether there was an enduring change in the role of natural resources in driving visitors. This study investigates the relevance of recreational waters, particularly lakes and beaches, to changes in patterns of domestic visitors to South Carolina between 2019 and 2023. All counties showed growth in recreational visitors, as well as diversification of visitors. However, the magnitude of the increase showed a significant difference based on geographical factors. Eight coastal …

Investigating The Impacts Of Homestay Tourism On A Local Community: Homestay Operators' Perspectives In Anantnag District, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Dr Danish Iqbal Raina, Dr Basith Nabi Wani

Journal of Tourism Insights

Background: Homestay tourism, characterized by travelers residing in the homes of local residents, offers an intimate and authentic experience that fosters cultural exchange. This paper explores the impacts of homestay tourism on a local community, focusing on the Anantnag District in the Kashmir Valley. Drawing upon the insights of homestay operators, this research investigates the economic, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions of this tourism phenomenon.

Objective: To investigate the economic, sociocultural, and environmental implications of homestays on a local community and to determine differences in how the neighborhood perceives these impacts.

Methods: This study uses a quantitative research design, including a …

Valuate Jammu & Kashmir Tourism In Breadth Of Media Dailies And Time Period: A Content Analysis, Tahmeed Ahmad Badam Mr

Journal of Tourism Insights

Background: The study takes in to consideration Jammu & Kashmir tourism industry from media’s point of view; quantitative cum qualitative content analysis for articles has been carried out to evaluate different trends and aspects.

Objectives: Firstly, to analyze reportages in the index of assigned nomenclatures regarding Jammu & Kashmir tourism among selected local and national dailies. Secondly, measure the average mean values and their variance in respect to number of contents and classified themes.

Sampling selection: Four renowned media dailies have been selected conveniently for content analysis on the basis of their circulation. Systematic random sampling framework has been carried …

Tourist Expectation And Their Perception Towards Service Quality : The Case Of Baidyanath Dham Jyotirlinga, Deoghar, Vaishali Singh, Anjan Bhuyan

Journal of Tourism Insights

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions and expectations of tourists regarding the Service Quality attributes at Baidyanath Dham Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The aim is to identify the significant areas of shortcomings in the tourist amenities/services offered at the pilgrimage site and suggest ways to improve the overall pilgrimage experience. The study used the scale development procedures provided by Churchill (1979) and Hinkin (1995) as the initial step in developing a service quality scale. First, a thorough literature analysis highlighted six crucial factors: accommodation, information accessibility, transportation, safety and security, hygienic food and drink, and temple …

Exploring Boondocking Through Time: Evolution And Challenges For Outdoor Hospitality In The United States, Julien Bousquet

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study delves into the evolution of boondocking from a survival strategy to a lifestyle choice among RV enthusiasts, called boondockers, who cherish nature and self-reliance. Through a historical approach, it charts boondocking's evolution and assesses its societal, economic, and environmental impacts. The analysis highlights a dynamic progression, driven by advancements in RV technology, a shift towards sustainability, and digital community engagement. Environmental challenges underscore the necessity for sustainable practices, while future outlooks point to innovations in eco-friendly RV technologies and a stronger focus on Leave No Trace principles. The study forecasts a significant role for boondocking in the future …

Why Do Consumers Switch? The Role Of Relational Uncertainty In Service Failures, Jungyun Hur, Soocheong (Shawn) Jang

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study explores the role of relational uncertainty in consumers’ switching intentions in a service failure encounter. The results reveal that in an established consumer-service provider relationship, relational uncertainty plays a significant role in the process of consumers’ switching intentions whereas dissatisfaction with service failures does not influence switching intentions. Further, the findings suggest that relational uncertainty mediates the effect of perceived loss on switching intentions. These findings were integrated into a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications for effective service management emphasizing the influential role of long-term relational value in comparison with incident-specific transaction value in an established relationship.

On-The-Go Dining In America: Comparing Convenience, Service Quality, And Satisfaction In Qsr Versus Gas Station Food, Shiva Jahani, Mohammed Lefrid, Lorie A. Tuma

Journal of Tourism Insights

Purpose

The objective of this multi-group study is to examine the influence of service quality and convenience on customer satisfaction in quick service restaurants (QSRs) versus gas stations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected online from 552 participants in the USA and analyzed using partial least square structure equation modeling (SmartPLS).

Findings

Service quality and convenience are strong predictors of customer satisfaction in both QSR restaurants and gas station food outlets. In addition, this study concluded significant differences between QSRs and gas stations in terms of these relations.

Research limitations/implications

This study makes a significant contribution to the foodservice and consumer behavior …

Understanding The Factors Influencing Tourist Adoption Of Peer-To-Peer Accommodation Services: Attitudes, Intentions, And Behavioral Insights, Maya Talwadker, M.S. Dayanand Dr., Edgar Dsouza Dr.

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation services among Indian tourists, integrating Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were collected from 526 tourists using self-administered online and paper-based surveys. The findings reveal that modern lifestyles significantly enhance perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which positively influence behavioral intentions toward P2P accommodations. Psychological ownership emerged as a critical factor, indicating that emotional attachment to the accommodation enhances user engagement and satisfaction. Interestingly, privacy concerns did not significantly impact behavioral intentions or perceived usefulness but did influence …

The Impact Of Soft Skills Training On Guest Satisfaction In The Hospitality Industry, Lawrie Colaco Mr

Masters Projects

The hospitality industry has become immensely fast-paced, and prioritizing guest satisfaction levels has been one of the main objectives. While hard skills such as technical expertise and operational proficiency are important aspects which are required by the hospitality staff, soft skills also play a pretty significant role. Soft skills enable the staff to be adaptive and communicative, it raises their empathy levels and teaches them to control their emotions and perform under stressful working environments. The importance of soft skills in this sector cannot be overemphasized, not only does this help with harbouring a positive attitude among the employees but …

Testing The Alcohol Consumption Experience Scale In A Touristic Environment., Edgar Dsouza Dr., Dayanand M.S. Dr., Nilesh Borde Dr.

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study examines how a tourist's alcohol consumption is impacted by their choice of alcohol, drink environment, social context, and service experience. Employing the Alcohol Consumption Experience (ACE) scale, the study uses a quantitative research approach. This study attempted to gather tourists' views and perceptions on the factors that influence the alcohol consumption experience and their behavioural intention based on their experiences in Goa. A total of 962 completed questionnaires were used in the analysis. The new measurement scale, the Alcohol Consumption Experience scale (ACE) scale, contained 52 items across six dimensions: Choice of alcohol, choice of drinkscapes, social setting, …

Social Tourism Entrepreneurship As Tool For Development Of Rural Areas: A Case Study Of Himalayan Region Of Jammu & Kashmir, India, Basith Nabi Wani, Dr. Danish Iqbal Rania

Journal of Tourism Insights

The promotion of rural tourism has been suggested as a way to promote local economic, social, and cultural renewal. The importance of entrepreneurship in the tourism sector is growing. Since entrepreneurs may be vital in the growth of rural communities, especially those in less industrialized regions, they are frequently confronted with a variety of social issues. Finding new sources of revenue and employment possibilities for them is essential. There is no doubt that entrepreneurial businesses help the host community and the nation's economy. Kashmir's rural areas have certain unique characteristics that can be turned into enticing tourist destinations. This study …

Who Posts Positive Hotel Reviews On Social Media? Examining Experiential Value, Online Social Capital, And Personal Attributes, Jungyun Hur, Soocheong (Shawn) Jang

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study aims to identify key attributes which significantly distinguish people with high intentions to generate positive hotel review on social media from others by examining three major factors associated with online hotel review generation which include hotel experiential value (e.g., utilitarian value, hedonic value, atmospheric value, and service quality), online social capital (e.g., social interaction tie, norm of reciprocity, and social identification), and personal attributes (e.g., opinion leadership, Internet self-efficacy, and hotel loyalty). The results of this study suggest that utilitarian and atmospheric values were the two most critical hotel experiential attributes in determining guests’ high intention to generate …

Customer Tipping Patterns In Hospitality Sector: A Study In Goa, Edgar Dsouza Dr.

Journal of Tourism Insights

This research delves into the complex relationship between service quality, tipping behavior, and various influencing factors within the context of the hospitality industry. By collecting data from 19 casual and fine dining restaurants in Goa, India, the study focused on frontline employees, including waiters and barmen, who regularly interacted with diners. A total of 216 questionnaires were distributed during lunch and dinner periods, capturing diners' perspectives on service quality using a 7-point Likert scale.

The results revealed significant insights into the dynamics of tipping behavior. There was a statistically significant, medium-sized positive correlation between customer service assessments and the percentage …

Virtual Reality And Blogging In Tourism: Approached Towards Creating Better Tourist Experience, Anukrati Sharma, Shruti Arora

Journal of Tourism Insights

Virtual reality in tourism (virtual tourism) and blogging are highly valuable for visitors and travellers since they allow them to undertake a scouting trip before embarking on their adventure, avoid being hassled and avoid crowds while learning more about the location they are visiting or have already been. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the relationship between virtual tourism, blogging, and making the image of tourist destinations through promotion virtually and via blogs. According to the study's findings, virtual tourism cannot replace the actual experience, but it can assist in recreating it if the user has previously visited …

Waste Management Practices Of Small Hotels In Dehradun, Arakhita Behera, Surendra Singh Jatav

Journal of Tourism Insights

Waste has emerged as a major issue in the modern society. Due to urbanization, the volume of waste is speedily rising. If the origin of waste creation makes no effort, then all wastes are either disposed of or burnt which results in waste of land, air, water, and energy as well as the growth of undesirable animals, plants and microorganism. Through the associate and involvement of the local population, waste may be managed locally in a sustainable manner. Waste management may be an expensive endeavor if not carried out appropriately. In most of the developing nations, 20-50 percent of urban …

Do Consumers Raise Their Voices Or Leave After Service Failures? Examining Angry Rumination, Distraction, And Brand Loyalty, Jungyun "Christine" Hur, Soocheong "Shawn" Jang

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study aims to investigate the influence of rumination and distraction on consumer complaining behaviors (e.g., voice, negative word of mouth, and exiting) in a service failure encounter, and further examine the role of brand loyalty in consumer complaining behaviors. The findings of this study suggest that consumers use rumination and distraction to cope with service failures, which has different influences on consumer complaining behavior. Angry rumination increases all three types of consumer complaining behaviors, whereas distraction reduces negative word-of-mouth only. In addition, these relationships vary across the level of brand loyalty. Loyal consumers are more likely to voice their …

U.S. Resort Spa Offerings: A State Of The Industry Report, Mary Wisnom

Journal of Tourism Insights

The spa industry has achieved staggering growth over recent years. In 2015, there were 21,020 U.S. spa locations, most common being day spas followed by resort/hotel spas. In 2002, the first hard data on the number of U.S. resort/hotel spa facilities was revealed to the public. Since that time, the number of resort/hotel spa facilities has grown an additional 56%. Regardless of the staggering growth and size of the resort spa market, there are very few studies to help increase our understanding of this promising industry. As the industry expands and the spa-goer becomes savvier, it is important to know …

Driving Rvpark/Campground Selection: A Grounded Theory Approach, Aj Templeton, Jill Fjelstul, Kimberly Severt, Yeon Ho Shin

Journal of Tourism Insights

The ability to “provide almost unrestricted land travel” (Prideaux & Carson, 2003, p. 307) has made drive tourism popular for tourists. A considerable sub-sector of the drive tourism industry is that of the multi-billion-dollar recreational vehicle industry (RV). Minimal academic research has been conducted on this important sub-sector of the drive tourism industry. This study builds upon previous research towards a further understanding of the RV consumer. A grounded theory approach was used to drive the direction of the research for this study. Given the scope of the data and studies that have been done regarding RV industry, this study …

Applying The Holistic Conceptual Conservation Framework For Sustainable Tourism, George Alexakis, Larry Rice

Journal of Tourism Insights

The tourism and hospitality industry has not always followed sound environmental stewardship. Increased awareness among tourists worldwide has prompted sustainabilit­y discourse encouraging long-term systemic approaches to planning and development. The research article proposes a holistic conceptual conservation framework that shows how a united tourism and hospitality industry can curtail the processes of environmental destruction and collectively offer authentic touristic experiences. Visitors can fully experience tourist destinations through integrated ecotourism, ethnotourism, and other related tangential offerings alongside those of larger tourism and hospitality providers. The conservation framework hypothetically strengthens the customer loyalty of tourists towards all industry operators and related practitioners, …

You Look Like You’Ve Seen A Ghost: A Preliminary Exploration In Price And Customer Satisfaction Differences At Haunted Hotel Properties, Kimberly Mathe-Soulek, Grant C. Aguirre, Ioana Dallinger

Journal of Tourism Insights

With the increasing popularity of paranormal ghost hunting shows in mainstream television and popular culture, research in haunted lodging establishments is warranted. The purpose of this study is to explore differences in price and customer satisfaction between haunted vs. non-haunted properties; while also considering inn vs. hotels and chain vs. independent properties. Using TripAdvisor customer satisfaction scores and average daily rates, results of this study are opposite of what is hypothesized such that overall, haunted properties have lower customer satisfaction; while haunted, chain properties have higher prices. An exploration of interactions among variables is explored and practical implications are discussed. …

Resorts, Resilience And Retention Ater The Bp Oil Spill Disaster Of 2010, Kate Price-Howard, Patrick J. Holladay

Journal of Tourism Insights

This study attempted to quantify intention to return to a vacation rental along the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast. Compounding this was the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. We examined the intention to return to a vacation rental (nontraditional whole-ownership condominium resorts), as well as investigated marketing/retention efforts following the oil spill disaster and data on tourists’ trends over the summers of 2010 – 2013 via bed tax data. Data on tourists' trends since the oil spill provided inference on the resilience of resort tourism in the area. Qualitative interviews with key informants of property management companies allowed analysis of customer …

Rv Association Members' Profile: A Demographic Segmentation And Lifestyle Exploration, Jill Fjelstul

Journal of Tourism Insights

The aim of this study was to profile members of a large RV association by market segmentation and lifestyle travel patterns. A cluster analysis identified two clustered segments utilizing demographic variables. Findings were further examined by travel patterns within each cluster. Destination RVers favored weekend travel and/or staying at a particular destination throughout their travel experience. Touring RVers, conversely, traveled from park to park with minimal stays at each park. A one-way ANOVA revealed significance between clusters with each travel pattern. Implications and strategies were outlined for the stakeholders and travelers of the RV industry.

An Analysis Of Compensation Patterns And Job Satisfaction Issues Of Resort Recreation Professionals, A. Scott Rood, Andrew Holdnak

Journal of Tourism Insights

Job satisfaction among recreation professionals can be affected by many internal and external conditions. This study investigated the impact of 16 variables on the job satisfaction of private sector recreation practitioners. An additional 12 variables were used to describe job responsibilities and organizational characteristics. Three construct measures were used to determine individual wage, benefit and total compensation. The sample consists of 73 complete survey responses from professional members of the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA). Regression analysis was used to identify the significant variables related to job and compensation satisfaction. The results of this data are compared with similar …

Resort Recreation Amenity Report, Mary Wisnom

Journal of Tourism Insights

Resorts are full-service lodging facilities that offer a range of amenities and recreation facilities to emphasize a leisure experience. To date there has been no single source of information on resort amenity offerings. The purpose of the report is to provide a comprehensive look at the most recent data on resort recreation amenity facility and service offerings in the United States. The Report also serves as a source for recreation amenity comparison data for industry professionals. A review of literature identified the latest resort recreation data and a survey of resorts was implemented to supplement and enhance the industry data. …