Srikanth Beldona

Cohort Analysis of Online Travel Information Search Behavior: 1995-2000

The objective of this study was to distinguish changes in online travel information search behavior among generational (baby boomer and Generation X) cohorts between 1995 and 2000. Although significant increases in travel information search behavior were found across all cohorts between the two periods, the study also found that older baby boomer cohorts reported greater increases in the likelihood of travel information search behavior than Generation Xers at large. This empirically validates the notion that boomers adopted the Internet earlier than traditionally assumed. The study provides explanatory detail using a synthesis of literature across the areas of technology adoption theory, e-commerce, and sociology. The findings provide an evolutionary perspective of online travel information search behavior among and within generational cohorts. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Importance-Performance Analysis of Guest Technologies in the Lodging Industry

An assessment of how hotel guests view in-room technology compared the importance of those technologies to how they perform. Based on 265 responses, this importance-performance analysis indicates that important basic technologies like in-room temperature controls and alarm clocks fail to perform in the way guests want, while relatively new technologies like plasma screen TVs and in-room printers and faxes are less important but perform well when they are in place. In addition, the study finds that internet access is an integral part of the lodging product.

Online travel purchase behavior of generational cohorts: a longitudinal study.

Little is known about the evolutionary purchase behaviors of generational cohorts when it comes to online travel purchase behavior. In this study, change in online travel purchase behavior between early 2000 and late 2004 was examined to distinguish changes among generational cohorts. While significant increases in travel purchase behavior were found between the two time periods as a whole, baby boomers reported the greatest aggregate increases in the likelihood of travel purchase behavior compared to Generation Xers and the seniors segment. The study used a synthesis of literature across the areas of technology adoption theory, e-commerce and sociology. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Gender and demand-based pricing differences in perceived (un)fairness and repatronage intentions.

ABSTRACT Revenue management practices by hotel firms are increasingly coming under scrutiny, partly because of perceived unfairness stemming from variable or demand-based pricing. Under the umbrella of demand based pricing in hotels, the two objectives of the study were to examine gender differences in perceived price fairness and subsequent repurchase intentions. Drawing on previous published research in revenue management, both discount and surplus frames of reference were used in this study. Results show statistically significant differences where females perceived significantly lesser fairness across all pricing scenarios in both discount and surplus frames. However, when it came to repatronage intentions, gender differences were only partially supported. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.

The role of involvement and variety-seeking in eating out behaviors.

Purpose – Eating out behaviors vary from one individual to another. However, there is no conceptually underpinned typology to explain this phenomenon effectively. This paper aims to develop a conceptually underpinned typology of eating out attitudes and to distinguish differences based on demographics and actual eating out behaviors.Design/methodology/approach – This study proposes a typology using a 2×2 matrix (high and low levels of involvement and variety seeking) and uses multinomial logistic regression to examine differences between the four groups.Findings – Age, education, the breadth of culinary exposure, and the extent of eating out are significant differentiators between the four eating out attitudes.Research limitations/implications – The typology can be investigated in cross‐cultural contexts to expand the understanding of eating out behaviors underpinned by involvement and variety seeking. Both restaurants and destination marketing organizations can use the typology to better understand their...

Room Rate Parity Analysis Across Different Hotel Distribution Channels in the U.S

In order to further enhance a relationship of trust between the hotel company and the guest, the guest must not feel that they are being cheated by paying more because they did not know where to get the best rates. At the same time that consumer savvy is growing, the complexity of purchasing choices is growing at an even faster rate. The purpose of this study was to examine actual rate parity of hotels across direct and indirect channels of distribution. The authors hope to help provide insight into the actual rate parity and to ultimately influence hotel guest perception of fairness in hotel room rate value and equity for what they are paying. Findings showed that there were no significant differences between rates from direct or indirect channels. However, significant differences were found in rates within both direct and indirect channels. Notable improvements in hotel rate parity from past studies were identified in this study. However, this study negates the claim of “lowest rates guaranteed” as propagated by several hotel chains, which they have stated in order to increase direct distribution through their own websites.

To Buy or Not to Buy: Indian Consumers' Choice of Online Versus Offline Channels for Air Travel Purchase

The Indian aviation industry has seen significant developments since the deregulation in 1994. The industry now has several major airline firms operating in both full-service and limited service (low cost) segments. By 2014, it is projected that Indias airline sector will service nearly 100 million passengers spread over 200 million flight tickets. The Internet has also accentuated the growth and evolution of the market by facilitating greater transparency of prices combined with ubiquitous reach. However, little is known about this evolving domain of purchase behavior in the Indian context where multiple channels (both offline and online) prevail. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that determine offline versus online purchase behaviors of air travel tickets. Findings indicate that age, education, nature of Internet usage orientation, and the time spent online serve as key differentiators between offline and online options in the purchase of air travel tickets. Conceptual and practical implications for industry are discussed.

Utilitarian Value in the Internet: Differences Between Broadband and Narrowband Users

SUMMARY As homes across the world adopt broadband connectivity, there is a need to understand how it may impact consumer propensity to buy travel products on the Internet. The objective of this study is to evaluate differences in perceptions of utilitarian and social value on the Internet between broadband and narrowband users. The study also explores the relationship of utilitarian and social value on the Internet within the context of online travel purchase behavior. MANOVA results indicate differences between broadband and narrowband users when it comes to self-improvement and functional dimensions of utilitarian value. Practical and theoretical implications are also discussed.

Mature travelers to Thailand: A study of preferences and attributes

As the median age of populations of countries in the West rises, the viability of mature travelers as a market segment is increasing significantly. Thailand has been a very attractive destination for travelers from the West. This study evaluates preferences and attributes of hotels and the destination as a whole using a sample of visitors to Koh Samui in Thailand. The study finds significant differences in hotel and destination preferences based on gender, profession, nationality and age. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Exploring the promise of e-tablet restaurant menus

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to determine the relative efficacy of an e-tablet menu over the traditional paper-based menu across the parameters of order information quality, menu usability, and ordering satisfaction using customer perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – Two types of data were collected: customer perceptions using an instrument comprising academically underpinned constructs and observational data that involved ordering times, logs of any customization requests, and notes gathered from interactions with restaurant staff. Findings – Findings indicate that e-tablet menus are significantly superior to the traditional paper-based menu across all parameters. Restaurateurs should be cognizant of customization options to significantly enhance order information quality, improve customer service and boost sales. Research limitations/implications – The findings support the idea that the use of technology does help to enhance the service experience, specifically the ordering experience for th...