Timothy Jeonglyeol Lee

Impact of Tourists’ Intercultural Interactions

This study examines the structure and effects of intercultural interactions between international tourists and local residents. It develops the variables affecting intercultural relationships, the process and outcomes of interactions, and any resultant attitude changes. An integrated model of intercultural interactions was derived from the shared themes, meanings, and patterns that shaped the participants’ tourism experiences. The model is composed of the structures and the effects of the intercultural interactions. These interactions, through reflective, comparative, and comprehensive experiences, impact international tourists’ attitude toward the local people and their culture. This study overcomes the limitations of the existing contact model by presenting a new approach on intercultural interactions and establishing the developed grounded theory derived from the intercultural interactions in the tourism field.

Senior Citizen Satisfaction with Restaurant Service Quality

The focus of this research is the perception of restaurant service held by senior citizens and how it differs from those of younger customers. It examines (a) the relationship between customer satisfaction and service quality among elderly consumers, (b) differences in level of satisfaction between older and younger customers, (c) differences in perception-of-service quality between older and younger customers, and (d) differences in perception-of-service quality between elderly male and female customers. Statistically significant differences in levels of satisfaction were discovered between older and younger customers, but no significant relationship was found between level of customer satisfaction and perceived service quality. There were significant differences in perceptions of service quality between older and younger customers, and between male and female older customers. This study provides useful knowledge for restaurant managers about the differences between senior and younger customers. It could be helpful towards developing and designing future restaurant marketing strategies targeting senior customers.

Impact of Chinese outbound tourism to Australia: Reviewing the past; implications for the future

To support research-based planning this article aims to identify the similarities and differences between the Japanese tourist boom of the late-1980s and the current Chinese tourist boom, in the context of Australia. By investigating the past issues this analysis will assist the Australian tourism industry in providing an informed response to current issues and the predicted levels of Chinese visitation. This will provide the basis for positive host–visitor relations and assist sustainable inbound tourism development within Australia.

Critical issues of globalisation in the international hotel industry

Competition in the international hotel industry is increasingly global as hotels seek new ways to grow and customers have more alternatives to choose from. Globalisation could lead to bland hotel images where hotels are similar wherever they are located. They could lose their local uniqueness and authenticity. This paper presents strategies for international hotel companies to operate in the globalised market. The main issues of globalisation in the international hotel industry are also discussed and ways to optimise the implementation of operating strategies given.

Characteristics of a Medical Tourism Industry: The Case of South Korea

ABSTRACT This study investigates the process involved in developing a medical tourism industry in South Korea as a case country, one of the fastest growing countries with strong potential in the medical tourism industry. It analyzed 252 articles on medical tourism posted on the websites of the Korean Tourism Organization and the Korean International Medical Association. Both sources are highly representative portal websites for medical tourism in the country. The article aims to enhance understanding of medical tourism as a new growth industry while identifying its key developmental characteristics and makes valuable suggestions for the industry that can be reflected to other countries. The study contributes theoretically and practically by examining the unique and updated characteristics and process of positioning of this recently emerging field in the global tourism industry.

The Impacts of the Online Reservation System in London City Hotels

This research investigates the implication of online reservation systems and their impact upon the hotel business in London City hotels. The resulting analyses consider the different distribution channels employed by the chain and independent hotels. The result of the mail questionnaire survey has been tested through statistical techniques, including means, t-test, and correlation coefficients. These findings have proven that regardless of how much money is being invested in the online reservation system, the reservation rate via the online system would not be affected. The system can be a useful tool for hotel managers as a competitive profit strategy.

Customer Satisfaction with Korean Restaurants in Australia and Their Role as Ambassadors for Tourism Marketing

ABSTRACT This is the first study to explore the connection between Australian residents’ satisfaction with Korean cuisine, the various characteristics of the restaurant experience, and Australians’ intention to visit Korea. Data was collected from customers of 16 Korean restaurants in the state of Queensland, Australia. While four factors (facility, menu, service, and food) were derived as selection attributes, menu factors had the most positive effect on customer satisfaction. The study found a positive correlation between satisfaction with local Korean food and the propensity of diners to think about visiting Korea. The results of this study can be used to enhance competitiveness and tourist marketing for Korea. The results reported here may have a broader application to provide effective managerial and marketing information to many other ethnic restaurants in Australia and beyond.

Competitiveness attributes of a medical tourism destination: The case of South Korea with importance-performance analysis

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the importance and performance of medical tourism destination competitiveness (TDC). The aims were achieved by collecting empirical data on the perceptions of stakeholders in the medical tourism industry in South Korea. Results from the importance–performance analysis (IPA) revealed that medical TDC is primarily influenced by medical treatments and services, destination attributes, and tourism-specific factors. This study not only enhances tourism literature, but also contributes significantly to the existing literature on competitiveness. The study provides useful marketing insights for medical tourism suppliers in South Korea and countries in similar situations with the relevant industry.

Visitor Motivational Factors and Level of Satisfaction in Wellness Tourism: Comparison Between First-Time Visitors and Repeat Visitors

This study aims to examine the differences between visitor motivations and satisfaction between first-time visitors and return visitors to a recreation wellness tourist attraction site in South Korea. Data were collected using a questionnaire at a national arboretum and 573 samples were used for analysis. The study discovered that first-time visitor motivations were composed of four factors: “relaxation and rest”, “novelty”, “self-exploration”, and “accessibility”. The return visitor motivations were “sightseeing and experience”, “convenience for touring”, “self-exploration”, and “accessibility”. The desired outcomes motivating the visitation and level of satisfaction were different between first-time and return visitors. The results contribute practical information to managers and marketers not only of the arboretum, but also of wellness tourist attractions to improve strategic visitor management in Korea and beyond. The study strategically applies the arboretum as a competitive resource in a wellness tourism industry with strategic segmentation of visitors.

Multicultural festivals: a niche tourism product in South Korea

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine why people visit multicultural festivals, with the overall aim being to better understand the apparent popularity of multicultural festivals. The paper aims to provide key stakeholders with a platform upon which to better manage and improve multicultural festivals as tourism attractions.Design/methodology/approach – An on‐site questionnaire survey was administered at one of the multicultural festivals in South Korea in 2010. The reasons for visit were measured using a scale based on existing benefit scales, and literature related to multiculturalism. In total, 17 items were analyzed as visitor reasons for their visit. Demographic questions included age, nationality, the reason for living in South Korea if not a Korean, and gender. Out of 203 collected questionnaires, 183 were considered usable.Findings – In total, five factors were identified as the reasons for attending a multicultural festival – family togetherness, escape, cultural exploration, socializ...