Juline E. Mills

Internet Addiction: Metasynthesis of 1996–2006 Quantitative Research

This study reports the results of a meta-analysis of empirical studies on Internet addiction published in academic journals for the period 1996-2006. The analysis showed that previous studies have utilized inconsistent criteria to define Internet addicts, applied recruiting methods that may cause serious sampling bias, and examined data using primarily exploratory rather than confirmatory data analysis techniques to investigate the degree of association rather than causal relationships among variables. Recommendations are provided on how researchers can strengthen this growing field of research.

Destination Image: A Meta-Analysis of 2000–2007 Research

Determining destination image is a complex task, and the construct is often subjectively assessed. No standardized system of analysis exists to determine destination image and its related components, resulting in a variety of techniques and strategies being used. This study provides a comprehensive review of conceptual and empirical research on destination image published between January 2000 and October 2007 with the aim of identifying current and emerging trends in the area of destination image studies. Meta-analysis of 152 articles that discuss various strategies for destination image assessment summarizes the state of destination image research and examines new destination image assessment approaches. The findings are contrasted to earlier destination image reviews where appropriate.

Staying afloat in the tropics: applying a structural equation model approach to evaluating national tourism organization websites in the Caribbean.

SUMMARY This study examines the extent to which the top ten Caribbean destinations market their tourism product using their national tourism organization Websites. A comparison of the national tourism organization Websites of the Caribbean Tourism Organization member countries will be conducted to determine the differences in technical aspects, user friendliness, site attractiveness, and marketing effectiveness using the modified Balanced Scorecard (BSC) for Website evaluation. The modified BSC results were next used to develop and test a model of Caribbean NTO Website visitor retention. Third-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the model. The model showed that the four aspects which comprise the modified BSC are important in the development of Caribbean NTO Websites.

Assessing customer expectations of information provided on restaurant menus: a confirmatory factor analysis approach.

Improper presentation of information on restaurant menus can lead to customer dissatisfaction, a loss of profitability, and could influence the ultimate failure of a restaurant operation. Although restaurateurs and customers do agree that information on restaurant menus is important, debate exists on what specific information should be provided. Currently, supporters argue for the provision of nutritional information, while critics question the ability of customers to interpret nutritional information on restaurant menus correctly. This present study, therefore, analyzes responses from 276 restaurant customers to examine information expectations of restaurant menus. A model called Customer Information Expectation of Restaurant Menus (CIERM) was developed using the guidelines set forth in the Truth-in-Menu Law and tested using a confirmatory factor analysis approach. The study found that CIERM is influenced by the factors nutrition information, product information, and food preparation. The study concludes with results, discussion, and recommendations based on the findings.

Logging Brand Personality Online: Website Content Analysis of Middle Eastern and North African Destinations

The travel and tourism industry has always been regarded as having the greatest potential in promoting peace and social harmony throughout an advancing global society. Despite this innate characteristic of bringing world cultures together, travel and tourism is vulnerable to existing economic, social and geopolitical conditions (Clements & Georgiou, 1998). As apprehension and insecurity creeps in, the image of a destination changes in the mind of a would-be traveller. Any perceived or actual risk associated with travelling to a region or country where one’s basic need for personal security is compromised affects the tourism system. Several scholars have assessed the impact of terrorism and security issues on tourism from a Western, European, and Asian Pacific perspective (Chen, Chen, 2003; Henderson, 2003). Few researchers have assessed how destinations in the MENA manage their brand image from the perspective of the traveller while these destinations are at the heart of civil, religious and political unrest. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the perceptions of travellers to Middle East and North African (MENA) destinations through their Internet travel blog postings. Using Aaker’s (1997) brand personality framework as a guide, the study compared keywords that potentially describes MENA for the purposes of developing marketing campaigns with positive messages about the region as a tourism destination. The study utilized CATPAC, a neural network analysis computer program optimized for analyzing text, to examine 346 online travel journal entries (travel blogs) from travellers who were visiting or had already visited any of the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. Findings from this research suggest that the dimensions relating to brand personality for MENA are excitement and ruggedness. A discussion follows on the importance of Internet blogs as a source of customer information useful in conducting market research.

Accessibility of hospitality and tourism websites: a challenge for visually impaired persons.

An analysis of twenty websites operated by hospitality and tourism companies found numerous issues that would interfere with the use of those websites by persons with visual impairments. While the U.S. courts have been mixed on the question of whether the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to websites, the wise course is for hotel and tourism companies to ensure that those with visual impairments are easily able to use their sites. One source of design guidelines is the Web Content Accessibility Priority 1 Guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium.

Virtual Travel Communities: Self-Reported Experiences and Satisfaction

Virtual communities have revolutionized the way people interact and have important marketing implications as a viable business model, particularly in the tourism industry. Virtual travel communities (VTCs) in general provide service benefits sought by community members along with pleasurable VTC experiences. This is a challenging task, since multiple factors, social, psychological, and technology used, contribute to end users’ satisfaction with VTCs. This study examined experiences related by VTC members at different satisfaction levels in seven VTCs using CATPAC content analysis software. Implications for technology designers and virtual community managers are discussed.

An Exploratory Study of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Needed in Undergraduate Hospitality Curriculums in the Convention Industry

The convention industry continues to suffer from a lack of qualified professionals; a phenomenon which persists due to increasing demand for personnel as a result of more meeting facilities, a growing number of events held annually, and the aging of current employees. The high costs associated with hiring and training new employees makes convention firms hesitant to employ inexperienced individuals. Recent college graduates often fall into this category as they have limited work experience and field knowledge. This study was designed to articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for students to be successful in convention management positions. Results of the data analysis yielded five pillars of human resource needs in the convention industry; notably: planning skills, professionalism, work ethic, personality traits, and self management. Details of these pillars are presented, along with recommendations for future research.

An Examination of Destination Resort Research

The destination resort concept has been examined in multiple disciplines and under various names. Without standardised parameters as to what constitutes a destination resort or classification method, a comprehensive understanding of the academic research does not exist. This study addresses the situation by cataloguing and analysing existing literature in the destination resort field. Literature is examined from three perspectives: functional classification, resort type and methodology used in the analysis. This systematic review of articles reveals that consumers, industry overviews and resort management issues have been of greatest interest to academic researchers. Based upon this examination, suggested research needs within the destination resort field are proposed.

Smooth Sailing?: Passengers' Assessment of Cruise Brand Equity

ABSTRACT This study proposes and tests the influence of the cruise ship brand equity model on behavioral intentions by utilizing the constructs of brand loyalty, image, awareness, message, and perceived quality. The study found overall that brand loyalty and perceived quality were most influential on the behavioral intentions of cruise passengers. Specifically, repeat purchase intentions, the likelihood of recommending the brand to others, and brand preference were found to be significant in the model. The finding is consistent with extant literature which credits brand loyalty with being the most influential variable on cruise passengers behavioral intentions. Brand image was the most highly correlated construct with behavioral intentions and was found to lack discriminant validity although theory distinguishes the two as separate constructs. The results from this study may be useful to cruise line corporations, particularly in formulating successful marketing campaigns and in encouraging relationship building with customers.