Hospitality Administration and Management Commons^™

Identifying The Level Of Physical Activity (Pa) In Hospitality & Tourism, Kinesiology, And Recreation Students, Erick Kong, Dal-Hyun Moon, Alexandra Sandoval

ICHRIE Research Reports

Purpose – This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity (PA) on hospitality & tourism, kinesiology, and recreation students at California State University. The findings will help understand a direct impact on what is needed to be in place on campus in order to support and promote normal levels of PA as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Methodology/Design/Approach – PA was measured by a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) questionnaire. There were 116 students that participated in this study, respondents were mostly students who are majoring in hospitality & tourism, kinesiology, and recreation. …

The Effect Of Taylor Swift’S “The Eras Tour” On The Hospitality Industry, Samantha P. Hoff, Iris Gersh, Godwin-Charles Ogbeide

ICHRIE Research Reports

Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" has become a worldwide phenomenon and is the highest-grossing world tour of all time. Due to an increase in leisure travel in 2023, concerts, festivals, and live events are magnificent opportunities for hotels to harness major artists' influence on the public. The central question driving this study is: How has Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" affected the hotel lodging industry compared to pre-pandemic levels, and what are the implications for the future? This study analyzes data from key performance indicators (KPIs) from markets that Swift has performed thus far and compared them to their shouldering …

The Role Of Destination Marketing Organizations In The United States Sustainable Tourism Development, Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, Molly Mildenberger

ICHRIE Research Reports

The role of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) in promoting sustainable tourism practices across the United States cannot be overemphasized. Sustainable tourism, which encompasses cultural, environmental, social, and economic considerations, has become a critical aspect of DMO operations. Many international DMOs have been successful when it comes to implementing and promoting sustainable tourism. This study provides the roles United States DMOs can play in promoting and implementing sustainable tourism development in the United States. This study provides several important industry and academic implications, including how DMOs can partner with educational institutions to serve as knowledge hubs for training on sustainable practices.

Bridging The Gap: Optimizing Ai-Powered Robotic Concierge Services For Neurodivergent Hotel Guests, Hyei Rin (Hayley) Joo, Joan Su, Chin-Hsun (Ken) Tsai

ICHRIE Research Reports

The rapid technological advancements in the hotel industry, particularly the adoption of AI-powered robotic concierge services, have transformed guest experiences. However, these services often overlook the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals, a significant and underserved market segment. This qualitative user experience (UX) study explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent guests and identifies opportunities to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in robotic concierge services. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 neurodivergent individuals, key issues emerged, including difficulties in effectively communicating needs, sensory overload from overwhelming environments, and a lack of customizable service options. The findings present actionable recommendations for hotel managers and …

Applications Of Microlearning Tools And Platforms, Joel Reynolds, Mary Jo Dolasinski

ICHRIE Research Reports

Microlearning has emerged as a solution, offering a flexible and individualized learning structure. This study assessed microlearning authoring tools and delivery technologies to evaluate their suitability for higher education. The analysis identified Vimeo as a leading choice for video and audio content, Vista Create and Adobe Express for visual content, ChatGPT for text-based content, and Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office for comprehensive use. 7Taps emerged as a top microlearning platform due to its robust features and AI assistance.

Microlearning’s flexibility and adaptability make it valuable for industries like hospitality, which require dynamic training solutions. By selecting the right tools, …

Guest Retention For Casinos: An Analysis Of Online Versus In-Person Gambling, Xitlalic Rodriguez, Kiyan Shafieizadeh

ICHRIE Research Reports

Over time, technological advancements have led to a shift from physical gambling to online platforms. While physical casinos thrive, the escalating popularity of online gambling poses a challenge to customer retention. This study explores the impact of online gambling on casino resorts and devising strategies for market survival. Through qualitative interviews with casino managers and directors of sales and marketing in the United States, the study aims to elucidate the implications of online gambling platforms, reasons for choosing casinos, and operational adjustments for effective competition. This study can contribute valuable insights for casino managers by analyzing guest motivations for gambling, …

Adapting To Disruption: How Traditional Licensed Accommodations Are Embracing Airbnb Through Collaborative Competition, Maria Matthews, Ioannis S. Pantelidis, Rodrigo Lucena

ICHRIE Research Reports

This paper examines how licensed accommodations respond to Airbnb disruption. It focuses on the emerging strategy of ‘collaborative competition,’ where licensed accommodations use Airbnb’s platform as a distribution channel, blending collaboration, with competition. The study highlights a significant shift in business strategy in response to Airbnb's disruption, illustrating initial resistance and retaliation to strategic engagement. This study contributes to the broader understanding of the impact of Airbnb on licensed accommodations and highlights the importance of agility, innovation, and strategic collaboration in the face of disruption, offering valuable insights for both academics and practitioners in the field of hospitality management.

Effectiveness Of Generative Ai In Craft Beer Promotional Campaigns For Small Breweries, Christopher Eastment, Jangwoo Jo

ICHRIE Research Reports

The study explores the effectiveness of Generative AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), in creating promotional campaigns for small breweries, with a focus on Burns Family Artisan Ales' Cold Spell IPA. It assesses the potential of LLMs in crafting narratives and marketing strategies, balancing creativity and relevance to the brand's identity. The research examines the LLM's capabilities in producing both textual and visual content, evaluating their alignment with marketing objectives and brand ethos. The findings reveal strengths in textual content creation but limitations in visual content, emphasizing the need for human oversight. The study contributes insights into integrating AI in …

Harnessing The Power Of Large Language Models (Llms) In Crafting Employee Manuals: A Case Study Of A Small Local Restaurant, Camille Rawinski, Jangwoo Jo

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study examines the efficacy of Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically GPT-4, in creating employee manuals for small businesses, focusing on a family-owned restaurant. Addressing the psychological contract theory, the research explores how LLMs can aid in drafting manuals that articulate implicit employer-employee expectations within the unique context of small businesses. The study involves a comprehensive content analysis of an LLM-generated manual, evaluating its legal compliance, operational relevance, and alignment with the restaurant's culture. Results highlight LLMs' potential in addressing resource and expertise constraints while also underscoring challenges such as ensuring legal accuracy and maintaining the nuances of the psychological …

Automated Customer Assistance Is Not Customer Service, Chris Roberts Phd, Lisa Young Phd, Misty M. Johanson Phd, Mary Jo Dolasinski Phd

ICHRIE Research Reports

For development of the theory of service, the focus is on the constructs of service. The theory is expanded to encompass the various business models of service and the service encounter including but not limited to guest satisfaction, service quality, service and technology, service system design, and customer relationship management. Consideration is given to the aspects of the service transaction and what constitutes service, where a labor component of a firm’s product has been transferred to the customer. Lastly, self-service and automation are considered in the context of the user experience. A model of the theory of service is presented.

Service Quality Dynamics: Exploring The Impact Of Novelty On Customer Enjoyment And Satisfaction With Serving Robots, Buket Yasar, Eun-Kyong (Cindy) Choi, Hyun-Woo (David) Joung, Heelye (Jason) Park

ICHRIE Research Reports

This report examines the influence of customer novelty on enjoyment and satisfaction in the context of serving robots within the foodservice industry. With a focus on addressing concerns surrounding service quality, the study utilizes the SERVQUAL model to evaluate reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness. Moreover, it investigates the levels of enjoyment and satisfaction in robotic service interactions. Through a comparative analysis of two distinct consumer segments, Explorers and Traditionalists, the study reveals that Explorers, characterized by novelty-seeking behavior, express higher satisfaction with robotic service. The findings suggest that businesses can enhance satisfaction by leveraging novelty in human-robot interactions. Furthermore, …

Meta-Sustained Nurturing Greener Events Using The Metaverse Technology, Conner Brown, Christopher Eastment, Smita Singh Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

The case study focuses on the integration of sustainability principles with metaverse technology in the field of event and meeting management. The primary goal is to tackle global challenges by embedding sustainable practices that align with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Responsible Consumption and Production. This educational approach utilizes immersive simulations that allow students to develop and propose solutions to real-world sustainability issues. The content encourages students to understand the interconnectivity of different sustainability practices and their applications. By leveraging technology, the case study aims to enhance educational experiences and promote sustainable behaviors. …

Empowering Inclusivity: Leveraging Technology For Designing Accessible Events, Smita Singh, Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, Jazmyn Johannassen

ICHRIE Research Reports

In the evolving landscape of meeting and event management, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity is paramount. This literature review delves into the technological advancements in creating universally accessible events. From assistive listening devices to augmented reality for sensory enhancement, we dissect various tools and methodologies. By analyzing a spectrum of scholarly articles, case studies, and real-world applications, the review underscores the transformative power of technology in removing barriers and fostering inclusivity. The findings advocate for proactive adoption of these technologies, reiterating that inclusivity in meeting and event design is not just ethical but imperative today.

Tech-Savvy Hospitality: A Strategic Approach To Overcoming Labor Shortages, Donna Haywood, Smita Singh Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

The hospitality industry faces an unprecedented labor shortage, prompting a surge in technological solutions. This reflection paper explores how innovations such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital applications are being deployed to bridge these staffing gaps. By analyzing the role of technology in areas like housekeeping, guest services, event, and culinary operations, implications for service quality and industry standards are also assessed. While technology offers potential alleviation for labor challenges, it's crucial to consider its impact on the inherent human-centric nature of hospitality.

Research, Planning, And Development Of A University Retirement Community (Urc): A Strategic Lodging Opportunity, Tevfik Demirciftci, Britt Mathwich, Fred Demicco

ICHRIE Research Reports

University Retirement Communities (URCs) are a growing trend among universities and senior living. URCs are an intriguing concept that benefits retirees and universities as they bring alums back to campus for their residences. This study investigates the interest level and preferences of Colorado Mesa University's alums and retired professors for an on-campus URC. This research is the first phase of the planning process for developing and operating a successful URC.

Keywords: University-Based Retirement Communities (UBRC), Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Senior Living Communities, Active Adult Communities

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Adoption Of Amusement Park Mobile Applications, Thomas Schrier

ICHRIE Research Reports

Many amusement parks across the US have developed mobile applications. Considering the potential business impact of mobile applications, it is important to understand amusement park visitors’ perceptions and attitudes toward mobile applications. This study proposes a conceptual model that incorporates variables from the technology acceptance model, the task-technology fit theory, and the theory of planned behavior. These variables will be used to investigate the attitudes, perceptions, and behavioral intentions of amusement park visitors. Structural Equation Modeling will be utilized to test the conceptual model. This study can provide amusement park operators with guidance for the improvement and efficiency of mobile …

Event Technology And Attendee Experience: A Systematic Review And Research Agenda, Jijun (Jackie) Chen, Shinyong (Shawn) Jung

ICHRIE Research Reports

The events industry is experiencing growth, both as a sector of the tourism industry and in the technology that impacts the attendee experience during an event. While research into event-related technologies is robust, there is not much research on the specific roles that technology can play in facilitating attendees’ experiences at an event. This study proposes to use the PRISMA approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of technology-enabled experiences within the context of events. Results will drive future research in this area of study.

Brand Trust Equation: The Role Of Brand Trust And Its Impact On Pro-Social Behavior In Peer-To-Peer Accommodation, Md Zaker Hossin, Yeasun K. Chung

ICHRIE Research Reports

Peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations, like Airbnb, often don’t have the same rules and oversight as traditional hotels. This can make it riskier and less predictable to stay in P2P accommodations, and the quality of the stays varies more. Thus, this study aimed to examine the following objectives: examine how different trust dimensions influence brand trust in P2P accommodations, evaluate how brand trust influences guests’ prosocial patronage behaviors, and assess how brand trust influences guests’ prosocial stewardship behaviors. The study used a scenario-based survey of U.S. travelers. Key variables included ability, benevolence, integrity, predictability, brand trust, prosocial patronage behavior, and prosocial stewardship …

Dine Green, Be Kind: Local Vs. Chain Restaurants In Sustainability, Brand Attachment, And Pro-Social Behaviors, Md Zaker Hossin, Yeasun K. Chung

ICHRIE Research Reports

The restaurant industry is characterized by excessive waste and resource consumption, and it faces a pressing need to adopt environmental sustainability practices (ESPs). This research aims to explore the sequential relationship from ESPs to brand attachment (BA) to pro-environmental behaviors while examining the enhancing role of locally-owned restaurants in strengthening these relationships. The survey used a scenario-based survey of U.S. diners and collected data about waste reduction, recycling, minimum water usage, energy conservation, brand attachment, restaurant ownership (local/chain), pro-environmental patronage behavior, and pro-environmental stewardship behavior, using a seven-point Likert Scale. This study aims to advance our understanding of the potential …

The Impact Of Linguistic Styles On Message Delivery In Encouraging The Use Of Leftover Bags For Food Waste Reduction, Jae Eun Park, Chang Ma, Alei (Aileen) Fan

ICHRIE Research Reports

Plate leftovers are a major cause of food waste in restaurants. To reduce food waste, many restaurants encourage customers to use “doggy bags” to take away their plate leftovers. However, the efficiency of adopting such leftover bags is still questionable as some customers may feel embarrassed to use leftover bags. Hence, the current research aims to explore how to leverage different linguistic styles (figurative vs. literal language) to encourage the usage of leftover bags for food waste reduction purposes. Furthermore, this research will investigate the linguistic style efficiency in various restaurant dining contexts across two empirical studies. Study 1 will …

Addressing Labor Challenges In The Hospitality Industry: Insights From College Students, W. Clarke Griffin

ICHRIE Research Reports

The hospitality industry is facing a growing labor crisis. College students were surveyed on their perceptions of the hospitality industry and a roundtable discussion of industry experts occurred to explore the results. College students described that the starting hourly wage and a flexible work schedule were the most important factors influencing their employment decisions. The study's findings suggest that the hospitality industry can attract and retain more college students by prioritizing employee welfare and effectively communicating the benefits of a career in hospitality. This could involve offering higher wages, more flexible work schedules, and better benefits. Creating a positive work …

Telework In A Digitalizing Hotel Landscape, Reed Davisson, Susan E. Gordon

ICHRIE Research Reports

As many work processes grow more digitalized, jobs traditionally thought only to be executed on-site can be done remotely, even in hospitality industry operations. Using a full-service hotel as a case study, this research sought to understand the structure and benefits of telework roles in the front office and hybrid roles in the housekeeping department. Findings show that employee perceptions of telework and hybrid work were generally viewed as positive with no negative guest impact, challenges were solely focused on communication and mitigating those, and human resource considerations revolve around telework as a retention tool and ensuring employees feel deserving …

Toxic Leadership: Managerial Implications For Tourism And Hospitality Business, Alessandro Cavelzani

ICHRIE Research Reports

There is growing attention on research about dysfunctional management issues, specifically regarding toxic leadership, which lead to deleterious consequences in business. When a leader enacts toxic behaviors rather than providing support and realistic directions, it will cause severe stress, burnout, and passive-aggressive dynamics on their team, negatively affecting guest experiences. Therefore, this transactional paper aims at developing managers’ awareness of the toxic leadership issue, enlightening how to recognize and detect it. Also, to contribute to reducing job stress and promoting mental health at the workplace, we suggest some recommendations on how companies can handle the toxic leadership phenomenon by enhancing …

Time-Inconsistent Preference In Booking Hotels: Role Of Quasi-Hyperbolic Discounting In Booking Timing And Price Options Change Over Time, Meiying Liu

ICHRIE Research Reports

In hotel booking decision-making, consumers must incorporate booking timing and cancellation policy with different price options to deal with uncertainty in the upcoming travel and their utilities that aggregate spending and enjoying on the hotel booking. To fill the gap in the literature that omitted the consumers’ time-inconsistent booking behavior over time and the mechanisms behind booking decisions and timing decisions, this study investigates consumers’ preference between two price options related to cancellation over time and their preferred booking timing. Quasi-hyperbolic discounting model in behavioral economics is applied to explain time-inconsistent behavior by lab experiment.

Virtual Reality Images As A Tool In Hotel Promotions: Is It Effective And Worth Investment?, Lisa Slevitch, Tilanka Chandrasekera, Luis Mejia Puig

ICHRIE Research Reports

This report examines how traditional photos compare to two different types of virtual reality (VR) images (static and 360°) when used as promotional tools for hotels. An experimental study by Slevitch et al.(2022), which utilized multiple types of measures, served as the foundation for the recommendations. The results showed that static VR images performed the same way as traditional photos, however the 360° VR images had a more positive impact on participants’ emotional responses and were more engaging than other images. This suggests that 360° VR images are better for hotel promotions, especially when initial impressions, such as interest and …

Moderating Effects Of Relationship Length And Contact Frequency On Customer Citizenship Behaviors, Laee Choi, Mi Ran Kim

ICHRIE Research Reports

Studies show that contact frequency and relationship length impact co-creative and in-role behaviors with service providers. However, their influence on extra-role or customer citizenship behaviors (CCBs) remains unexplored. This study delves into the moderating role of relationship length and contact frequency within the CCB model. Utilizing an online survey (n = 665), the study unveils that perceived justice’s impact on affective commitment is not moderated by contact frequency, whereas the impact is stronger in short-term than in longer-term relationships. The perceived support-affective commitment-CCBs relationship is stronger in high contact than in low contact group. Similarly, the relationship is stronger for …

Tourist Behaviors When Dining – Part Two, Joel Reynolds, Mary Jo Dolasinski, Chris Roberts

ICHRIE Research Reports

This series of three reports was developed to discuss tourist behaviors in three key areas of the hospitality industry: lodging, dining, and activities and events. A primary purpose was to provide insights from the user’s perspective, as the majority of content comes from the provider’s point of view. One paper focused on tourist’s behaviors in lodging and another focused on tourist’s behaviors in activities and events. This paper focused on tourist’s dining behaviors. The goal was to provide valuable insights to assist practitioners in better understanding tourist’s behaviors and to develop strategies to provide the best experience possible.

Tourist Behaviors In Lodging – Part One, Mary Jo Dolasinski, Joel Reynolds, Chris Roberts

ICHRIE Research Reports

This series of three reports was developed to discuss tourist behaviors in three key areas of the hospitality industry: lodging, dining, and activities and events. A primary purpose was to provide insights from the user’s perspective, as the majority of content comes from the provider’s point of view. One paper focused on tourist’s behaviors while dining and another focused on tourist’s behaviors in activities and events. This paper focused on tourist’s lodging behaviors. The goal was to provide valuable insights to assist practitioners in better understanding tourist’s behaviors and to develop strategies to provide the best experience possible.

Tourist Behaviors During Tourism Activities – Part Three, Chris Roberts, Mary Jo Dolasinski, Joel Reynolds

ICHRIE Research Reports

This series of three reports was developed to discuss tourist behaviors in three key areas of the hospitality industry: lodging, dining, and activities and events. A primary purpose was to provide insights from the user’s perspective, as the majority of content comes from the provider’s point of view. One paper focused on tourist’s behaviors in lodging and another focused on tourist’s behaviors while dining. This paper focused on tourist’s behaviors in activities and events. The goal was to provide valuable insights to assist practitioners in better understanding tourist’s behaviors and to develop strategies to provide the best experience possible.

Engaging Hotel Managers Through Managerial Support, Susan Gordon, Xiaolin Shi

ICHRIE Research Reports

The influence of varying levels of organizational support and managerial support on hotel managers’ psychological contract and work engagement was examined through a scenario-based experiment. Findings showed that lower managerial support is more detrimental and thus, recommendations are presented to help organizations foster managerial support of managers.