Arie Reichel

Dimentions of tourist satisfaction with a destination area

Abstract Pizam, Abraham, Yoram Neumann, and Arie Reichel.. “Dimensions of Tourist Satisfaction with a Destination Area,” Annals of Tourism Research , Vol. V, No. 3, July/September 1978, pp. 314–322. This paper empirically identifies eight factors of tourist satisfaction with Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA) as a tourist destination area; and it suggests the means to measure them. By using a factor-analytic approach based on data obtained from a survey of 685 vacationing tourist, the following factors of tourist satisfaction were derived: beach oppurtunities, cost, hospitality, eating and drinking facilities, accommodation facilities, environment, and extent of commercialization.

Identifying Performance Measures of Small Ventures—The Case of the Tourism Industry

Drawing on the goal theory to effectiveness, the current research study attempts to identify performance measures of small ventures by focusing on the tourism industry and by doing so develops a conceptual model of small‐venture performance in a service industry within its unique conditions. After reviewing theory and research on small venture performance measures in general and in service industries in particular, we propose that performance measures of small tourism ventures constitute a combination of short‐ and long‐term measures. Furthermore, both types of measures include both objective and subjective dimensions. The findings, based on a cluster sample of 305 small tourism venture owner–managers that were interviewed face to face, generally supported the research proposition. The study emphasizes the importance of mapping the ventures achievements, allocating resources, and developing managerial skills to improve its performance and ability to survive in the long run.

The Relationship between Risk-Taking, Sensation-Seeking, and the Tourist Behavior of Young Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study

This study analyzed the effects of the combined psychological characteristics of risk-taking and sensation seeking on the travel behavior and preferred tourist activities of young adults on leisure trips. The results of this cross-cultural study, which was conducted among 1,429 students at 11 universities located in 11 different countries, found that respondents with high combined risk-taking and sensation seeking (RSS) scores differed significantly in their travel behavior, mode of destination choice, preferred tourist activities and demographics, from those who had low RSS scores. The study also discovered a significant difference between nationalities on RSS scores.

The intensity of tourist–host social relationship and its effects on satisfaction and change of attitudes: the case of working tourists in Israel

Abstract The results of a study conducted among 388 working tourists in Israel demonstrated that the higher the intensity of the social relationship between hosts and working tourists, the more favorable were the tourists’ feelings towards their hosts, and the more positive was the change in attitudes towards hosts and the destination. Furthermore, it was found that the higher the intensity of social relationship between hosts and tourists, the higher was the satisfaction of these tourists with their stay and experience. Those who had the most intense social relationship with their hosts — namely the Kibbutz tourists — had the highest positive feelings towards their hosts and also experienced the highest positive change in attitudes towards them and the destination. On the other side, those who had a more superficial social relationship with their hosts — namely Moshav and City tourists — had the lowest positive feelings towards their hosts and experienced the lowest positive change towards them and the destination.

Rural tourism in Israel: service quality and orientation.

Abstract Rural tourism in Israel is a growing trend, augmented by declining agricultural income. The concept of service quality and service orientation in rural tourism establishments (B&Bs) in Israel is investigated. Utilizing Gronrooss model of perceived service quality, an exploratory empirical study of 206 guests and 23 entrepreneurs revealed gaps between expected and experienced service dimensions. Based on these findings, management and marketing implications for service quality improvements are discussed along with the acute need for appropriate training.

Heritage Site Perceptions and Motivations to Visit

The present study has two main objectives: (1) to further explore the motivations of potential visitors to a heritage site, and (2) to explore whether the relationships among the tourists’ perceptions of the site relative to their own heritage are related to their motivations for the visit. The sample is composed of potential visitors to Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The results reveal the existence of motives often ignored in previous studies, including emotional involvement and bequeathal of the sites narrative. The findings also indicate a distinct relationship between tourists’ perceptions of a site relative to their own heritage and the motivations for visiting the site. The study contributes to the understanding of tourist behaviors relative to heritage settings along with implications for the marketing of heritage settings.

Tourist Destination Risk Perception: The Case of Israel

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of destination risk perception by focusing on Israel. Based on numerous previous studies and expert opinions, a comprehensive “theory-based” questionnaire was designed. Data were collected from 760 tourists visiting Israel. The factor analysis revealed 6 factors: “human-induced risk,” “financial,” “service quality,” “socio-psychological,” “natural disaster and car accidents,” and “food safety problems and weather.” Additionally, the concept of overall destination risk perception was measured. The relationships between and among all risk factors is examined and conclusions are drawn in terms of measuring destination risk perceptions and future research.

A Model of the Influence of Culture on Integration Approaches and International Mergers and Acquisitions Performance

An extensive body of literature has suggested that the influence of culture on the postmerger integration process and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) performance is critical. However, the results of empirical studies are contradictory and confusing. In fact, the combined effects of corporate culture, national culture, and synergy potential on various integration approaches, as well as their influence on M&A performance, have never been simultaneously investigated. This study aims to fill this gap and to develop a theoretical model using a multidisciplinary approach that draws upon the literature from strategic management, international management, and anthropology. Furthermore, unlike most studies that focus on a single stage of M&A, this study combines variables of pre- and postmerger stages.

Volunteering in Tourism: Additional Thinking

This article provides a conceptual discussion regarding the phenomenon in which volunteer activity and tourism are intertwined. First, it is suggested that the phenomenon of volunteering in tourism could be grasped as an expression of the so called “other” postmodern tourism. Second, it is argued that the notion of volunteering in tourism needs to be expanded beyond volunteering guests and include hosts who volunteer in the local tourism industry. Third, it is proposed that in addition to the notion of volunteer tourism as leverage for self-development, volunteers in tourism may also enhance their self-image and utilize their volunteer activity for self-presentation purposes. Fourth, it is argued that nature and results of the host-guest encounter may vary according to the different settings in which the phenomenon of volunteering in tourism occurs.

Working tourists and their attitudes to hosts

Abstract This paper examines the results of tourist–host contact in specific situations that combine work activities and the consumption of tourism. A Path-Analysis method was applied to a survey across three groups of “working tourists” in Israel. The findings revealed that those who perceive their work situation as a means to continue their travel are less likely to have positive attitudes about their hosts than others who grasp their work situation as part of their experience. It is suggested that while the touristic orientation of the latter induced them to develop “social exchange” with their hosts, the “mercenary” approach of the former limited their encounter with hosts to “economic exchange” only.