Elisa Alén

Profiling the segments of senior tourists throughout motivation and travel characteristics

Interest in tourism market segmentation of seniors has been increasing in recent years as the tourism industry has begun to be aware of their importance for the sector. This is a very heterogeneous group, with greater purchasing power and lifestyle-oriented entertainment and enjoyment of leisure time by performing travel than previous generations. This study strives to contribute towards the hitherto scarce research on segmentation in senior tourism. Specifically, this work aims to determine the existence of various profiles of senior tourism by means of using socio-demographic variables, motivation and characteristics of travel of seniors. For this, two complementary analysis techniques, the nonlinear canonical correlation (OVERALS) and a two-stage cluster analysis, were used. Five market segments were identified according to the behavioural variables analysed that allow marketers to target this group in the most convenient manner and to exploit new market opportunities.

An analysis of differentiation strategies for Galician thermal centres

In the modern tourism industry, competitiveness no longer can be based solely on price; rather, it is necessary to consider other aspects that might generate competitive advantages. In particular, the provision of a wide range of products, services and activities, all of outstanding quality, may be decisive for creating greater demand. Thermal establishments are well aware of these dynamics. Accordingly, this research analyses, using quantitative techniques, whether Galician thermal establishments, including health resorts, spas and thalassotherapy centres, have achieved well-defined differentiation strategies.

Smart tourism destination triggers consumer experience: the case of Porto

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the increasing importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in smart tourism destinations, in their integration in the activity of the tourism companies, and in their interaction with visitors/tourists. In summary, it is intended to evaluate in the city of Porto how the use of technology before, during and after the visit influences the tourist experience. Design/methodology/approach The authors empirically investigate the importance of using ICTs during tourism experience, assess the access/availability of ICT at the destination and its importance in tourist’s decisions. It is analyzed if the applications and/or information available on the internet are important and positively influence the tourism experience in Porto, that is, the degree of tourist satisfaction. The empirical evidence is based on a quantitative analysis, using a data set involving 423 tourists in the city of Porto. Findings The importance of the internet access at the destination, especially in places like airports and hotels, since most tourists are primarily using their mobile devices and computers during the trip, and the existing information technologies available in the destination (internet, smartphones or other mobile devices and applications) are considered very important in explaining tourists’ experience. Originality/value This study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the technological strategies, providing useful information for destination management, discussing innovation in tourism, and proposing a framework that empirically evaluates how technological components used in smart tourism destinations can improve tourists’ experiences.

Juegos Olímpicos y Paralímpicos en Brasil: aprendiendo de Barcelona y Sidney

Between 2014 and 2016, Brazil will host a number of large events, where the Olympics of Rio de Janeiro are the most noteworthy. The tourism industry will be one of the beneficiaries. It has established an objective to bring 10 million tourists in 2016, doubling overseas arrivals. This can create many business opportunities for the industry. This paper analyzes this goal by examining two key factors linked to the Olympics, legacy and new tourism segments, in particular, seniors and accessible tourism. A study using content analysis of the bibliography about Rio 2016 will be applied to determine the current body of knowledge. Following this, a case study will be drawn upon the Barcelona and Sydney Games to establish the key elements of the legacy and their tourist outcomes. The findings will establish the main factors required to meet Brazils tourist objectives.

Measuring the efficiency of the Spanish Olympic Sports Federations

ABSTRACT Research question: The most common result in the analysis of efficiency in multisport competitions like the Olympic Games using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a ranking of the participating countries. However, this approach does not consider the role played by sports federations, who administer sports at the national level, nor the intermediate stages needed to achieve sporting success. The objective of the present study is to analyze the relative efficiency of the Spanish Olympic Sports Federations, taking into account what occurs within the black box of these organizations. Research methods: The relative efficiency of Spanish Olympic Sports Federations during the last three years (2010, 2011 and 2012) of the last Olympic cycle is measured by employing a relational network DEA model. This type of model can simultaneously calculate the efficiency of the system and its different stages to represent the eventual transformation of public and private financing into sport results. Results and findings: The findings reveal that during the last Olympic cycle, the efficiency of the Federations in supporting the development of high-level athletes was greater than the effectiveness of those individuals when participated in the main international competitions. Moreover, the differences in efficiency distributions tend to disappear in the last year of the Olympic cycle. Implications: These empirical findings provide the managers with useful information regarding the origins of system inefficiencies and their distribution throughout the Olympic cycle. This information can help them improve national sport programs.

International accessibility: a proposal for a system of symbols for people with disabilities

Abstract By collecting and analyzing existing systems of symbols linked to disabilities and thereby identifying possible problems that these symbol systems pose, this study proposes improvements that account for primary disability groups worldwide. A content analysis was applied to textual and digitalized formats to review the predominant systems of symbols. Then disability experts analyzed the proposed symbol system in a panel setting. The proposed system of disability symbols offers standardized format and content. This system outlines compliance parameters as well as the scope of group referents. Those attempting to standardize the disability field should take advantage of common synergies that reflect universal usage choices.

LGBT Tourism: The Competitiveness of the Tourism Destinations Based on Digital Technology

In this article, we present the literature review on the influence of LGBT consumers on tourism. Several authors demonstrate the clear relationship between countries progressive policies towards LGBT people and the economic benefits for their tourism sector, and the increasing social benefits as a result from the associated brand image of tolerance, inclusiveness and diversity. LGBTs are a community with a strong sense of identity, constantly sharing experiences and information and in constant virtual interaction, use all the available means of communication, especially the communication channels and online platforms, developed specifically for this community, such as online associations and forums, specialized websites and apps, and several social networks. Those responsible for marketing, tourism products and services, have been increasingly committed to reaching this target through the several online communication channels. Nonetheless, international publications point to the need for even more products and websites designed and directed to this type of customers. Information and communication technologies modifies the interaction with the individual or institutional clients and enables the adoption of innovative business models and electronic sales channels of tourism products. The role of the ICT in tourism has become an essential tool in today’s world of quick information, especially regarding LGBT tourist’s options.

Cultural differences, language attitudes and tourist satisfaction: a study in the Barcelona hotel sector

ABSTRACT In most service activities, customer satisfaction depends largely on the direct interaction with service providers. In the case of tourism, this interaction often occurs between people from different countries and whose mother tongues are different. In this context, concepts such as cultural proximity, linguistic accommodation, expectations and language attitudes enrich the analysis of tourist satisfaction. This study uses an interdisciplinary approach that integrates cultural and linguistic elements in the analysis of tourist evaluations in the hotel sector. In particular, the technique of Content Analysis is applied to comments made by hotel guests on Booking.com to determine the extent to which cultural differences, understood in terms of country of origin, influence two relevant aspects of the tourist destination experience: their language attitudes and level of satisfaction with the service received. The findings confirm that the country of origin influences guests’ evaluations and the choice of the language in which the experience is assessed, and reveal that comments concerning language reflect this influence. In particular, linguistic experiences seem to be more important for tourists who emphasise the role of their mother tongue (Italians and French) than for tourists more open to the use of other languages (German and Portuguese).

Reflections on “assessing tourist behavioral intentions through perceived service quality and customer satisfaction”

ABSTRACT The paper published in 2007 develops a model that increases understanding of the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction and treats behavioral intentions as an outcome of both constructs. The proposed model identifies some appropriate measures for these constructs using a questionnaire distributed to consumers visiting spa resorts. This commentary essay addresses the theoretical contributions it made and points out empirical limitations and meaningful extensions of the study.

Governance and cooperation in Euroregions: border tourism between Spain and Portugal

ABSTRACT There are several obstacles to establish tourism governance policies in a border area and to improve the conceptualization of tourism in border territories transcending the transnational level, using territorial delimitation at Euroregional level. At borders, tourism usually works as a strategic policy tool to strengthen the regional image, shape common identity narratives and facilitate interactions, becoming these regions, nowadays, challenges for the actors of the territory, representing a priority area for the application of territorial development strategies at local level and at the level of the European Union itself. A qualitative analysis was based on performed semistructured interviews with key tourism stakeholders. From the intervieweeś perspective, cooperation should be achieved through cooperation agreements between the business sector and economic agents to develop natural, cultural and heritage resources.