Emerald | Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology

EXPLORING THE IMPACTS OF INVOLVEMENT AND FLOW EXPERIENCES IN SECOND LIFE ON PEOPLE’S TRAVEL INTENTIONS

Yu-Chih Huang, Sheila Backman, Kenneth Backman — 2012-03-16 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The virtual world environment presents new business opportunities for building destination images that allow customers to make an informed decision and initiate travel arrangements. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of flow theory and the concept of involvement in understanding the impacts of virtual experiences of Second Life on people’s travel intentions.Design/methodology/approach - Undergraduate college students at Clemson University were chosen as participants and data was collected in April 2009, entailing 42 usable surveys.Findings - The results validate the notion that flow is a useful and practical instrument to understand users’ experiences while navigating the 3D virtual world of Second Life. The quality of engaging and pleasant experiences is influenced by three factors: the skills available to tackle on challenging tasks, the perception of interactivity and the degree of presence sensation perceived by customers. Furthermore, the finding indicated that flow experience mediated the association between involvement and people’s behavioral intentions. Originality/value - This study is a stepping stone on the road to investigating new marketing media, as more systematic research is needed to investigate the virtual experience and its effects on how travelers make decisions.

A study of accepted pricing points for in-room entertainment technology amenities by guests

Anil Bilgihan — 2012-03-16 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore accepted pricing levels for in-room entertainment technology amenities by hotel guests. Design/methodology/approach - A sample of 2,500 U.S. travelers was drawn randomly from a national database by rent-a-list.com for this study. A self-administered questionnaire was created from information obtained from the review of literature. A pilot study of this questionnaire was conducted among travelers to test the efficacy and clarity of the questionnaire. Revisions to the questionnaire were made based on the recommendations of the respondents of the pilot study. Findings - Findings showed that guests want most of the in-room entertainment technology amenities as complimentary. However, they are willing to pay for gaming consoles in their guestrooms.Originality/value - This is the first study that explores the perception towards in-room entertainment technology amenities.

Perceived Importance of ICT based Features and Services on Conference Center Selection and Differences among Meeting Planners

Seungwon "Shawn" Lee, Kunsoon Park, Mahmood A. Khan — 2012-03-16 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand the relative importance of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) based features and services at conference centers and underlying dimensions which could impact their selection by meeting planners. Further, it tests the relationship between types of meeting planners and their perceived importance of ICT-based features. Design/methodology/approach - Total of seventeen ICT-based features and services were identified through extensive literature content analysis. Meeting planners were asked to rate the importance of each item when they select a conference center. Factor analysis was then performed to identify underlying dimension of the items and ANOVA was used to test any difference of perceived importance by the type of meeting planners.Findings - Meeting planners consider "availability of technical support", "high speed Internet", "wireless connectivity", and "E-mail station" as important features/service when they select a conference center. However, they show significant lack of knowledge in terms related to network infrastructure that are used in meeting venue marketing materials. The results show that there is no significant difference in their perceived importance of ICT-based feature/service by the type of meeting planner.Research limitations/implications - The limited sample used in this study prevents us from making broad-based generalizations. Future research will benefit from larger and more diverse samples of meeting venues. Practical implications - Meeting venues should focus on marketing the availability of identified ICT-based features and services that are perceived highly important by meeting planners in site selection. In addition, meeting venues should limit a direct use of technology jargons to meeting planners, but instead provide in-dept explanation or applicable features in meeting planning. Originality/value - This study provides meaningful new dimensions of important ICT-based features and services in site selection by both researchers and meeting facility professionals. In addition, this study compared three types of meeting planners including rarely studied corporate and government meeting planners regarding their perceived importance of ICT-based features and services in their site selection.

Effects of e-servicescape on consumers’ flow experiences

Seonjeong (Ally) Lee, Miyoung Jeong — 2012-03-16 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the importance of e-servicescape in the context of the lodging industry, based on the holistic perspective, by examining ambient, design, and social factors of the virtual environment. Employing the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model as a theoretical background, this study conceptually proposes a theoretical model, investigating the relationships among e-servicescape, online consumers’ flow experiences, emotion, satisfaction, and their behaviors. In addition, this study extends knowledge of e-servicescape, incorporating individual differences, online consumers’ self-regulatory focus, in the proposed conceptual model.Design/methodology/approach - Based on an extensive literature review, this study proposes a conceptual framework and eight propositions to investigate the dimensions of e-servicescape (i.e., design, ambient, and social factors) and its consequences towards online consumers. Findings - Based on the S-O-R and Regulatory Focus Theory as theoretical backgrounds, this study proposes eight propositions, positing the relationships between e-servicescape and its consequences (flow experiences, emotion, satisfaction, and approach/avoidance behaviors), which will be moderated by each individual’s self-regulatory focus, either prevention-focused or promotion-focused strategy.Research limitations/implications - N/APractical implications - N/AOriginality/value - Fulfilling an identified need to further develop the virtual environment in the lodging industry, this study proposes a conceptual model of e-servicescape to investigate its effects on online consumers’ emotions, cognitions, and behaviors, as well as an individual’s self-regulatory focus as a moderator.

Social network for the choice of tourist destination: Attitude and behavioural intention.

Loredana Di Pietro, Francesca Di Virgilio, Eleonora Pantano — 2012-03-16 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to investigate how social network can become the main tool for achieving fast and detailed information for the choice of tourism destination, in order to deeply understand the benefits of these media for promoting tourism destinations in a global perspective, reaching a wider range of potential visitors, and developing ad hoc and marketing strategies with benefits for competitive advantage on the market.Design/methodology/approach - The research focuses on an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which integrates also the constructs e-word-of-mouth communication and enjoyment. In particular, 1397 experience users have been involved.Findings - The main findings are related to the key role of e-word of mouth communication on both the perception of usefulness and the attitude towards the use of social network as powerful tool for the choice of tourism destinations; as well as to enjoyment which underlines the role of the fun provided by the social network and represents a stronger predictor for consumer attitude and tourism behavior intention. Research limitations/implications - This research does not focus on a specific tourist’s destinations, thus the presence of different destinations may affect consumers in different ways, according to their involvement towards to a particular destination. This study contributes to deepening the scientific debate on the tourist’s destinations.Practical implications - The findings of this research support the development of tourism marketing and communication strategies focused on the online contexts as factors capable of influencing tourists behaviour in a more efficient way.Originality/value - This paper focuses on the web-based technologies, like social media, in order to deeply understand to what extend tourists accept the usage of these technologies for the choice of destination, by providing issues for researchers and practitioners. The present research a multidisciplinary value, by linking Business Science, Psychology and Social Science.