Tourism and Travel Commons^™

How Philadelphia Markets Itself As A Fifa 2026 Host City: A Social Media Strategy Analysis, Taylor C. Mickley, Kelly G. Barr, Lali Odosashvili

ICHRIE Research Reports

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, host cities are competing for global attention on social media. This study analyzed 543 Instagram posts from three host cities: Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey from the USA and Monterrey, Mexico. Posts were collected between August and December 2025 during the FIFA World Cup qualifying period for North and Central America and the Caribbean. Content was classified by category and format, and engagement was measured through reactions, comments, reposts, and shares. The findings challenge a common assumption: cities that posted the most did not generate the most engagement. Commercial content such …

Designing Menus That Welcome Everyone: How Inclusive Menu Cues Drive Customer Behavior For Diners With Dietary Restrictions, Cortney Norris, Lisa Slevitch, Matthew Bauman, Soyoung Park, Seung Hyun Lee

ICHRIE Research Reports

Millions of consumers navigate dietary restrictions every time they eat out, whether due to food allergies, religious practices, or lifestyle choices such as veganism. Yet most restaurant menus do little to acknowledge these needs. This report summarizes findings from a three-phase study that explored which menu design features most effectively communicate inclusivity to diners with dietary restrictions and how those features influence emotions, attitudes, and likelihood of choosing a restaurant. The results offer restaurant operators concrete, evidence-based strategies for making their menus more welcoming and, in doing so, expanding their customer base.

Aviation Disruptions And Tourism Resilience: Policy Lessons From The Indigo 2025 Crisis For India’S Hospitality Tourism Sector, Ann Mary Varghese, Vijaya Zinnoury

ICHRIE Research Reports

The December 2025 IndiGo flight disruption crisis, characterized by widespread cancellations, delays, and capacity constraints, significantly impacted India’s tourism and hospitality sectors during peak travel periods. This research report examines the cascading effects of aviation instability on tourism demand, hotel occupancy, pricing dynamics, and regional economies. Drawing on secondary data from industry reports, news coverage, and policy analyses, the study identifies systemic vulnerabilities in India’s aviation–tourism nexus. Findings indicate that flight disruptions led to large-scale hotel cancellations, revenue losses, and demand volatility, particularly in destination-dependent regions in India such as Darjeeling, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. The report further evaluates industry responses, …

Tourism System Fragility: Evidence From The Middle East War, Ann Mary Varghese, Vijaya Zinnoury

ICHRIE Research Reports

The ongoing Middle East conflict (2026) has triggered one of the most significant global aviation disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic, with widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations, rerouting, and fuel cost escalation affecting airlines worldwide. This research report examines how conflict-driven aviation instability has impacted tourism demand, hospitality performance, and destination economies.

Drawing on real-time global evidence, the study finds that the closure of critical air corridors across the Middle East, which handle approximately 15% of global air traffic, led to thousands of daily flight cancellations, mass rerouting, and substantial cost increases for airlines. These disruptions propagated across tourism systems, reducing …

Guests Attitude And Purchase Intention Towards Hotel Brand Extension, Daegeun Kim, Eun-Kyong (Cindy) Choi, Tanya Ruetzler, James Taylor

ICHRIE Research Reports

Brand extension is widely used among firms and hotels to launch new products using their parent brand name, making it important for practitioners to understand which factors influence consumers' attitude toward brand extension (ATT). This study investigated the role of consumer brand identity (CBI) in guests' attitude leading to purchase intention (PUR) for hotel vacation rentals. Findings suggest that CBI was a positive antecedent of perceived fit (PF) and tie (PT), which positively influenced ATT. Additionally, parent brand conviction and quality were identified as factors that positively influenced ATT and led to PUR. As the first study on hotel vacation …

Positioning Grand Junction As A Premier Golf Tourism Hub: A Swot Analysis, Tevfik Demirciftci, Eunkyeong Jung

ICHRIE Research Reports

This research report examines how experienced golf travelers perceive Grand Junction (GJ) as a golf tourism destination. Based on in-depth interviews, the study uses a SWOT-based approach to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks from the golfer’s perspective. Findings show that GJ is valued for its affordability, natural scenery, variety of courses, and extended playing season, but its potential is hindered by limited coordination among tourism stakeholders. The results suggest that stronger collaboration among golf courses and local businesses could enhance GJ’s appeal as an accessible and distinctive destination for golf tourism

Passenger Delight In Liminal Spaces: Uncovering The Dynamics Of Airport Airside F&B, Thorsten Merkle, Sushanta Das

ICHRIE Research Reports

The airport airside environment is a unique and highly consequential setting for consumer behavior, where passengers’ food and beverage (F&B) decisions are shaped by time pressure, emotional states, and spatial constraints. This study empirically validates two complementary frameworks - the CX Delightors Framework and the Airport Airside Consumption Model - in the U.S. context to deepen understanding of passenger behavior in this liminal space. Using survey data from 1,374 passengers across three major U.S. hub airports (DEN, PHX, SLC), we conducted principal component analyses to refine the original nine CX Delightors attributes into five robust dimensions: Hospitality & Ambiance, Value …

Imus Longganisa: A Cultural Heritage Food In Cavite, Marie A. Aquino, Dyan Loreine V. Lopez, Colleen Daphne U. Villanueva, Jimford U. Tabuyo

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study assessed the cultural heritage significance of Imus Longganisa, a traditional delicacy from Cavite, Philippines. Grounded in the cultural heritage preservation framework, the research examined the aesthetic, social, and historical dimensions of Imus Longganisa as perceived by the Imuseños. Utilized a quantitative evaluative design, the study employed purposive sampling of 291 respondents from Imus City, gathering data through validated online survey questionnaires using a 4-point likert scale. Analytical methods, including descriptive statistics and ANOVA, identified significant variations in perceptions based on demographics such as age, frequency of consumption, and budget. Findings revealed that respondents appreciated the aesthetic appeal of …

Can Human Engagement And Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Co-Exist In The Online Classroom?, Mimi Gough

ICHRIE Research Reports

Today’s academic environment is faced with a new predicament in trying to understand the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many online educators are asking “What do I need to know about AI as it applies to academics? How do I prepare my students for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry while trying to balance human engagement with AI? In its current form, AI has created apprehension among higher education stakeholders about developing policies, procedures and usage as they redesign curriculum that supports students who may use AI in their future careers. This manuscript, based on a 2024 ICHRIE Conference …

The Two Faces Of Airbnb Disruption: Licensed Accommodations Perspective On Contrasting Impacts On Community In Nova Scotia, Maria Matthews, Ioannis S. Pantelidis, Rodrigo Lucena

ICHRIE Research Reports

This paper examines the disruptive impact of Airbnb on urban and rural communities within the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, from a licensed accommodations perspective. Utilizing qualitative methods, this study gathers insights from general managers and owners in the licensed accommodation sector to understand similarities and differences in how Airbnb influences socioeconomic factors, housing markets, and community dynamics in both urban and rural settings. Overall, Airbnb's influence is double-edged, offering economic opportunities while simultaneously posing significant socioeconomic challenges. The findings underscore the need for nuanced policy approaches relating to Airbnb that balance economic growth with community well-being, ensuring sustainable development …

Sustainability In The Cruising Industry: Innovations In Air Quality, Energy Efficiency, And Waste Management, Fikret Durmus, Mi Ran Kim

ICHRIE Research Reports

The cruise industry, a cornerstone of the global hospitality and tourism sector, faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. As passenger numbers grow, so does the industry's responsibility to adopt sustainable practices. This report examines key innovations in air quality management, energy efficiency, and waste management, highlighting the industry's transition from historically high emissions and waste production to advanced sustainability initiatives. Key focus areas include evolving maritime regulations, adopting cleaner propulsion technologies, integrating energy-efficient solutions, and improving waste treatment practices. Findings indicate that industry leaders are investing in liquefied natural gas engines, exhaust gas cleaning systems, and onshore power supply …

Hospitality Operators And Cannabis Tourism In The South: Insights On Policy & Regulations, Nick E. Johnston, Kelly Way, Chloe Tyner, Betsy Garrison

ICHRIE Research Reports

Cannabis tourism offers new opportunities for U.S. hospitality, although regional adoption is limited and complex due to diverse legal frameworks. Through qualitative document analysis (QDA) of regulatory frameworks in 14 Southern U.S. states, this study compares policies on consumption, sales, and employment in states with limited or emerging cannabis programs. Findings reveal that hospitality operators can enhance guest experiences by creating private, wellness-focused cannabis environments and advocating for gradual policy adjustments. However, compliance with strict consumption, licensing, and workplace rules is essential to mitigate legal risks. This study highlights the South's cannabis tourism potential within politically conservative markets, suggesting that …

Effect Of Street-Pricing Deregulation In U.S. Airports On Customer Satisfaction, Thorsten Merkle, Satheesh Seenivasan, Sushanta Das

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study investigates the impact of pricing policies and food and beverage (F&B) strategies on traveler satisfaction in the dynamic airport environment, with a focus on Phoenix airport in comparison with two other (undisclosed) major U.S. airports. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates unstructured observations and social media analytics, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of passenger behavior, satisfaction, and spending patterns in airside F&B outlets.

Key findings reveal that traveler satisfaction is driven by factors such as service quality, timeliness, perceived value, and emotional engagement, with price sensitivity playing a relatively minor role. Phoenix International Airport exemplifies a successful …

Investigating Overtourism Approaches In National Wildlife Refuges: The Case Of New Jersey, Zachary Lorenz, Noel Criscione-Naylor

ICHRIE Research Reports

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has had rippling effects on a plethora of industries, with outdoor tourism being one of the greatest examples. As United States citizens left their homes, they yearned for their natural resources, leading to a palpable uptake in visitation as public parks reopened. While there is municipal, county, state, and federal lands accessible to visitation, the following commentary is focused specifically on National Wildlife Refuges (Federal). New Jersey is an appropriate case to demonstrate the pros and cons of shared resources, which have been impacted by anthropogenic factors. Additionally, Wildlife Refuges planning, and practices were examined …

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. …

Private Clubs In Transition: Addressing Membership Challenges In A New Era, Nuri Choi, Sojung Lee, Jim Butler

ICHRIE Research Reports

The club industry has experienced growing demand for memberships, particularly from younger generations since the pandemic, resulting in resurgent and dynamic changes in members’ behaviors and needs. However, limited data accessibility has hindered clubs' ability to respond promptly to these membership changes. This study identified current issues and challenges in the club industry by utilizing secondary data from an industry survey and analyzing club members' responses and comments on facilities, communication, and social events. Through topic modeling, three main themes were revealed: generational challenges, gender-related concerns, and social function-related issues. The findings indicate that there are diverse opinions and needs …

Enhancing Event Reputations: Insights And Recommendations For Secure And Engaging Experiences, Emma Carroll, Catriona Murphy Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

This research report presents evidence-based recommendations derived from focus group research to enhance the reputable value of events for practitioners in the industry. The study highlights the increasing pressure on event planners to prioritize attendee safety amidst external threats such as terrorism, pandemics, and ongoing conflicts. The findings emphasize the significant impact of these challenges on attendee behavior and perceptions, necessitating a balance between ensuring safety and delivering enjoyable event experiences. Key recommendations include the development of online reputation management protocols and the integration of semiotic analysis to align event messaging with audience expectations. These interventions seek to equip event …

Combat To Plastic Pollution: Residents’ Participation To The Deposit Scheme, Soyeon You, Seung Jeon, Sojung Lee

ICHRIE Research Reports

Plastic pollution is a growing global concern. In response, South Korea implemented the deposit scheme in June 2022 to regulate plastic waste and promote recycling, selecting Jeju Island as a pilot city. For the successful implementation of this initiative, residents' participation is important. This research examined how residents' environmental concerns, threat and coping appraisals, and temporal distance influenced their intentions to participate in the deposit scheme based on Protection Motivation Theory. With 414 resident responses, this study used Structural Equation Modeling and Latent Moderated Structural Equation Modeling to analyze the data. The results showed that environmentally conscious residents are likely …

Surf Tourism In Cold Water Destinations: Discovering Destinations Impacted By Changing Waterfront Usage Through Vgi Mapping, Tracy S. Michaud

ICHRIE Research Reports

Surf destinations have been ascribed to tropical locations in the past but are moving into more cold-water climates, such as the Maine coast. In order for sustainable policy to be created in places like this. understanding which beaches are impacted by increased surf tourism is the place to start. This was accomplished through an analysis of social media photos using Voluntary Geographic Information mapping techniques. Density maps were created using Flickr/SmugMug photos from Maine with surfing tags in five-year increments from 2004-2024. The analysis indicates an increased spread of surfing throughout the coast with a concentration in certain locations indicating …

Can Travel Pledges Influence Tourists’ Sustainable Travel Behavior?, Faizan Ali, Usman Khan, Kamila Arkhash

ICHRIE Research Reports

Environmental awareness is growing and understanding the impact of sustainability pledges on tourist behavior is crucial. This study investigates the effectiveness of such commitments in shaping eco-friendly travel choices. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 475 participants, we examine the influence of sustainability pledges on environmental knowledge, tourist inspiration, and connectedness with nature. Furthermore, our findings highlight the key role of environmental concern in shaping attitudes towards sustainability travel pledges. Practical implications from these findings offer actionable strategies for industry practitioners to promote sustainable tourism, emphasizing the integration of sustainability pledges into promotional materials, the design of inspiring …

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

For More Dementia-Friendly Facilities In Tourism And Hospitality, Paola Ossola

ICHRIE Research Reports

Some tourists – such as seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant women, obese people, people with allergies, etc. – might have physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities that limit their tourism experiences. These tourists may require access accommodations. Nevertheless, only a small number of hotels and other hospitality facilities have been catering to these needs beyond the legal minimum so far. To address this gap, we recommend the implementation of sustainable practices for enhancing accessibility in hotels and other hospitality facilities that specifically focus on meeting the needs of senior tourists who may be living with dementia. For doing so, the first …

Matching Reviewers To Customers: The Role Of Demographics And Preferences In Hotel Online Booking, Cheng Chu Chan, Long W. Lam, Cheris W. C. Chow, Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong, Rob Law

ICHRIE Research Reports

Travelers can easily refer to online reviews as a source of advice before booking a hotel; however, online reviews are not structured which make gathering useful information uneasy. What if online review sites can prioritize and direct the reviews that are most relevant to the customers and save them a lot of time? The value and usefulness of reviews are affected by the reviewers’ background. This study investigated whether customers tend to value the reviews written by similar people more than those written by dissimilar people. The first experiment showed that positive reviews increased consumers’ intention to book a hotel, …

Does Ranking Explain Actual Performance? A Case Of Wef Tourism Competitiveness Report, Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah, Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi, Ismail Ahmad

ICHRIE Research Reports

A competitive tourism destination should generate tourism revenues. Defining and measuring competitiveness is crucial for a tourism destination, especially to appraise its performance compared to the competitors. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) was developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2007 as the only tourism competitiveness indicator. The TTCI has been subjected to methodological criticism, such as the arbitrary weighing of variables. Underdeveloped countries are rated lower while the first-world countries are the highest rated tourism destinations in TTCI. Their ranking has been buoyed by their quality infrastructures, but not on tourist motivation to visit their diverse …

A Research On Chinese Visitors' Souvenir Purchase In Shanghai Disney, Wei Wei

ICHRIE Research Reports

Travel marketers have been called upon to better understand tourists’ souvenir purchase behaviors and experience in a fast-emerging world region, China. To dissect contemporary Chinese consumers’ purchase behaviors and experiences, this research explored the motivations, experiences, and behavioral intentions associated with theme park souvenir purchase among Chinese domestic tourists at Shanghai Disneyland Park. A total of 32 personal interviews were conducted. Based on the interviews, this research found that Chinese consumers’ intention to purchase Disney souvenir is influenced by both internal and external motivations. With regards to Chinese consumers’ purchase experience, the majority had a positive experience because of the …

Mountains And Marijuana: Motivations Of Visitors To Colorado, Lorraine Taylor

ICHRIE Research Reports

Legal sales of retail marijuana began in Colorado on January 1, 2014. At this time a new market of marijuana tourists was born. The purpose of this study was to better understand marijuana tourists: their characteristics, behavior, and motivations. Marijuana stores and the tourist destinations where they are located can benefit from targeting this niche market. As more states continue to legalize retail marijuana, this research can be useful in various geographical regions in the US.

Tourists, Not Industry Experts, Create Memorable Tourists’ Experiences!, Helena Williams, Jingxue (Jessica) Yuan

ICHRIE Research Reports

The way we do or think about tourism is changing. Today’s tourists do not want to just look, watch, or relax while traveling. More tourists of all generations and incomes are seeking experiential memorable travel opportunities. The destinations and activities that individual tourists choose are very dependent upon unique interests and personal idiosyncrasies. This research study confirms that the destination selections and subsequent satisfaction that leads to favorable Word-of-Mouth/Mouse (WOMM) marketing depends upon the level of individualized engagement promised to and experienced by the tourists themselves. Businesses and destinations increasingly need to be designed and targeted to individuals who are …

How To Apply A Strategic Approach To Deliver Legacies From Hosting Mega Sport Events, Tracey J. Dickson

ICHRIE Research Reports

In the process of bidding for and organizing mega sport events (e.g., Olympics, Paralympics, and FIFA World Cups), there are many opportunities to leave a legacy for the host communities. The more obvious legacies are new stadiums, better transport, and urban redevelopment. Less obvious legacies are increased sport participation and enhanced volunteering activity. There is little research after the events that demonstrate these legacies. This Research Report is informed by recent research that highlights the lack of strategic planning for legacies. To outline how a host community could increase their chances of delivering legacies after hosting mega sport events this …

The Examination Of Entertainment Product Performance In Macau, Jian Ming Luo, Chi Fung Lam

ICHRIE Research Reports

Macau surpassed Las Vegas as the top gaming destination many years ago. Entertainment is a crucial element in many gambling destinations. Associating entertainment and gambling helped create a more appealing image and package of gambling destination. This study investigated the performance of entertainment products in Macau. This study used convenience sampling to collect 300 usable questionnaires from three tourists’ departure spots. Respondents were asked to evaluate the importance and performance of seven categories of entertainment products. The most important entertainment products were Family Fun and Show. Most people did not think Beauty and Wellness, or Sports and Recreation were important. …

How Clean Is The Food We Eat From Street Vendors In Orlando, Florida?, Bendegul Okumus, Sevil Sonmez

ICHRIE Research Reports

Convenience, low cost, and opportunities to experience unique flavors have led to an increase in street food consumption worldwide. There are approximately 117,000 food trucks in the U.S., representing approximately $857 million in sales annually. Some of these food trucks are unlicensed and some truck vendors are unwilling to comply with requirements for food preparation, permits, parking, and inspection processes. Data were collected from food trucks in Orlando, Florida in order to have a clear understanding of risk factors. Food samples were collected from food trucks and analyzed for microbiological contamination. To investigate possible safety risks, 30 different samples were …