Girish K. Nair

Influence of Risk Assessment Factors on the Tourism Performance in Qatar: An Empirical Study

This article focuses on the Risk Assessment Factors (RAF) to be considered in tourism with specific context to Qatar. As Qatar has taken a bold step to host FIFA World Cup 2022, it is likely to attract a large number of tourists during this event and there is a need to develop a full-fledged infrastructure to support tourism with all the necessary human resources planning and logistical support. So, this calls for a need to have a full-fledged Tourism Risk Management (TRM) system in place. The research approach was a mixed method approach with the qualitative component involving the assimilation and analysis of information and knowledge from informal interviews with the managers of tourism industry, and secondary sources of information. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using partial least square method has been used to test the fifteen hypotheses. The results have indicated that among the factors considered, tourist based risk factors, relationship risk factors and general risk factors have significant influence on tourism performance, which is measured in terms of financial, non-financial and operational performance. Based on study results, implications have been drawn which would benefit the managers of tourism industry in enhancing the TRM.

The Impact of Service Quality on Business Performance in Qatar-Based Hotels: An Empirical Study

This study focuses on the impact of service quality on business performance in Qatar-based hotels. The study tests fifteen hypotheses built on existing theoretical models. The research adopts survey sampling method and uses the structural equation modeling approach. Empirical data were collected through the tourists of ten 5-star hotels in Qatar using the simple random sampling technique (n = 243). The findings revealed significant interrelations of tangibles, reliability, and empathy with financial, nonfinancial, and operational performance of the surveyed hotels. Responsiveness and assurance had a significant interrelation with nonfinancial performance and operational performance respectively. Based on the findings of this study, the paper discusses key managerial implications to improve specific dimensions of service quality for enhanced business performance. This paper has a special relevance for hotels in Qatar as they witness steady growth and seek avenues for improvement in service quality for a sustainable business performance.

The Influence of Customer Perceptions on Financial Performance in Hospitality Organizations: An Empirical Study

The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a model that examines the relationship between customer perceptions and financial performance in hospitality organizations. A survey has been undertaken in hospitality organizations with a sample size of 387 based on simple random sampling. Meta-analysis of literature was the basis for developing the metric that included the variables constituting the hypothetical research model. The tool used for data analysis was structural equation modeling with partial least square technique. Results indicate that both the product- and nonproduct-related attributes have positive and significant influence on symbolic benefits and experiential benefits, which in turn positively influence customer satisfaction. Further, customer satisfaction positively influences financial services. The findings suggest that financial service managers should consider treating customers as partners in services on their quest to develop successful new services in hospitality organizations. Reciprocal behavior will foster a positive atmosphere, remove barriers arising from risk, and enable relationships to progress, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and financial performance. There are not many models available that deal with the antecedents of customer satisfaction (in terms of the product- and nonproduct-related attributes and the functional, symbolic, and experiential benefits) and financial performance. This study adds to the body of knowledge in this emerging area.

Career perceptions of undergraduate students in hospitality industry: an empirical study

This research focuses on the factors influencing student desire to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, with particular reference to hotels. Based on the literature review, seven dimensions have been chosen which have been theoretically linked to the choice of career by students. The dimensions are nature of work, social status, industry-person congeniality, working conditions, pay scale and benefits, promotion opportunities and commitment to the industry. As there is no evidence to empirically prove their relationships, an empirical investigation has been conducted. Second-generation statistical analysis software Structural Equation Modelling has been adopted to test these hypotheses. Two types of analyses were carried out: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics provided the description of the data in terms of Structural Equation Modelling, etc., and the inferential statistics were used to test hypotheses and draw specific suggestions to guide policy makers as to what measures could be taken to build a positive image of the hospitality industry among the future career seekers. Out of the seven hypotheses posited, five have been accepted, based on which suggestions are made.

Weather Derivatives: Another Need for India

The weather derivatives are comparatively new instruments which were launched only in 1997 for the first time in USA. The instrument since then has developed huge market in USA and Europe. This paper is an attempt to understand the working of the instrument and then conclude if the instrument is a good product for India. The need analysis of weather derivatives in India will be done as per the three sectors of the Indian Economy, namely Primary or the agriculture and allied activities sector, secondary or the manufacturing sector and tertiary or the service sector. The analysis will be done in terms of threat faced by these sectors from uncertain weather in India and how can weather derivatives help in controlling the loss in this condition. The paper is an analysis of sectoral need of weather derivatives. The paper will also discuss the major challenges which Indian economy can face while introducing weather derivatives.

Modelling the causality of sustainable tourism in Qatar: an empirical study

This research focuses on the modelling of the causality of sustainable tourism in Qatar. It follows the procedure of identifying the variables which influence sustainability and seeking the links between them through the contemporary literature. The hypotheses are built to study the significance of relationship between the variables which have been causally linked to each other. Structural equation modelling using partial least square method has been chosen for its ability to undertake factor analysis and regression simultaneously and address the issue of multi-colinearity. Confirmatory factor analysis which has been undertaken as the indicators of measurement has proved validity through earlier studies. Based on six accepted hypothesis out of ten tested, the implications have been drawn for the benefit of the tourism managers so that sustainability of tourism can be promoted. This research outcome is useful to Qatar which is gearing up to host 2022 FIFA World Cup.