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Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 27480

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Seul Ki Lee

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Guest Editor

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Tourism Industry Data Analytics Lab (TIDAL), Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
Interests: spatial economic; econometric models and location analysis in tourism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin

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Guest Editor

Hospitality Business, Business Communication and Design Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
Interests: tourist behavior; smart tourists; luxury service consumption; tourism experience design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes to people’s preferences, business interactions, and market dynamics worldwide. While this applies for virtually all industries, the tourism industry is significant in that it is the most affected, and at the same time, the future challenges in this industry are difficult to anticipate. Meanwhile, many also view this shock as an opportunity to improve the industry infrastructure, operating efficiency, and long-term stability. However, the achievement of these objectives depends on the successful transformation of the industry that has sustained significant loss of the experienced human resources, clientele, and momentum.

In this light, how the tourism industry can be revitalized through normalization of business operations, retention of human resources and expertise, and recovery of tourism capacity need to be investigated. Relevant topics would include but not be limited to pertinent changes in tourist behaviors and preferences, value creation of tourism businesses, optimization of traveler experiences, and the new profile of human resources in the tourism industry. Therefore, this Special Issue calls for papers that address such changes in the post-pandemic era of the tourism industry. Any conceptual/empirical study that is relevant to the topic or that presents appropriate implications is invited for submission to this Special Issue, which will serve as the cornerstone for the rebuilding of the global tourism industry.

Dr. Seul Ki Lee
Dr. Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

post-COVID-19 pandemic
tourism recovery
human resources
tourism capacity
tourist behavior
sustainable development of tourism

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 1242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Influences Users’ Continuous Behavioral Intention in Cultural Heritage Virtual Tourism: Integrating Experience Economy Theory and Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) Model

by Shan Jiang, Zhong Zhang, Huayuan Xu and Younghwan Pan

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310231 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Cultural heritage virtual tourism offers users a novel digital heritage experience, becoming an essential channel for cultural dissemination and preservation. However, how to stimulate users’ continuous behavioral intention remains unresolved. This study integrates the Stimulus–Organism–Response theory (SOR) and experience economy theories to construct a comprehensive model, exploring factors influencing users’ continuous intentions in cultural heritage virtual tourism. By analyzing data from 451 valid questionnaires through structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methods, several key findings emerged. The SEM results show that (1) esthetics, entertainment, escapism, education, and connection experiences all positively affect perceived value and satisfaction; (2) except for escapism, other experiences positively influence cultural identity; and (3) perceived value, satisfaction, and cultural identity significantly impact continuous intention. The FsQCA results show that (1) in high continuous intention scenarios, perceived value, satisfaction, and cultural identity are core conditions, while esthetics, entertainment, escapism, education, and connection act as supporting conditions, enhancing users’ willingness to continue engaging under different configurations; (2) in low continuous intention cases, the absence of escapism, satisfaction, cultural identity, education, esthetics, and connection weakens users’ virtual tourism experiences, leading to a decline in continuous usage intentions. This study provides theoretical and practical insights for promoting users’ continuous intentions in cultural heritage virtual tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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16 pages, 6553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increase in Households Triggered by Accommodation Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Historical Center of Kyoto City

by Shunpei Kamino and Haruka Kato

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9992; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229992 - 15 Nov 2024

Viewed by 438

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many accommodations to close. However, the pandemic might play an important role in providing an opportunity to achieve sustainable tourism with a good balance between housing for residents and accommodation for tourists. As the theoretical framework, this study aims to investigate the change in households triggered by accommodation closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kyoto City’s historical center. Furthermore, the causes of these changes were examined by analyzing the real estate properties traded on the market. For the analysis, this study considered the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural experiment to investigate the causal relationship between the number of households, closed accommodations, and real estate properties. As a result, it was found that households increased by approximately 1.34 in neighborhood associations with closed simple accommodations. Regarding the causes of the increase, closed simple accommodation properties tend to change to short-term rentals. This study also highlighted that closed simple accommodations have significantly smaller room sizes than other property types, with only slightly higher prices. As a theoretical contribution, our findings suggest that the pandemic might have suppressed tourism gentrification, but increased the number of households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behind the Kitchen Doors: Unveiling Post-COVID Challenges and Sustainable Solutions for Chefs in the Hospitality Sector

by Kurtulus Ozbasar, Mehmet Bahri Saydam, Ali Ozturen and Mehmet Guven Ardahan

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7702; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177702 - 4 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1071

Abstract

This study aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted barriers experienced by chefs working within the dynamic and demanding landscape of the hospitality industry. By delving into the intricacies of their work environment, we aim to shed light on the day-to-day hurdles they encounter, offering a detailed understanding of the obstacles they face. In our study, we employed a qualitative research framework to investigate the challenges faced by chefs in the hospitality sector, focusing on their unique experiences. Our data collection involved in-depth interviews with chefs in North Cyprus. Our findings reveal seven predominant problems within the culinary industry, encompassing workload and stress, customer expectations, menu creativity and innovation, team dynamics, career advancements, ingredient sourcing, and technology and automation. These insights serve as a valuable resource for industry professionals and researchers alike who are committed to enhancing the culinary profession and elevating the dining experience for customers. The originality of this study lies in its unique focus on addressing the underrepresented area of research concerning the specific barriers faced by chefs in the tourism and hospitality industry. By exploring the day-to-day hurdles encountered by chefs, this research contributes to both academic knowledge and practical insights that can enhance industry practices and ultimately improve the quality of dining experiences for guests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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25 pages, 5436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on Festival Consumption Promotion Mechanism in the Post-Pandemic Period: The Case of the Qingdao International Beer Festival

by Xinjie Zheng and Xiaoting Chi

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6286; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156286 - 23 Jul 2024

Viewed by 957

Abstract

As governments in various countries and regions issue tourism-friendly policies in the post-pandemic period, the voices for tourism consumption recovery and innovative transformation have attracted great attention. Many scholars, experts and industry professionals in the field of festivals are actively exploring efficient solutions for festival marketing and sustainability. It is worth rethinking tourists’ consumption psychology and perceived image regarding exiting festival products as well as the antecedents that affect festival loyalty. The Qingdao International Beer Festival, as one of the most influential festivals in China, was selected as the research case for this study. The main goal of this study was to investigate festival consumption promotion mechanisms by proposing a conceptual framework in which the associations between destination familiarity, product familiarity and loyal intentions (re-patronage and recommendation) were examined with mediators of overall festival image, perceived value and overall satisfaction. The moderating role of visitor involvement in the proposed framework was also adequately demonstrated. Moreover, the causal recipes for loyalty intentions have also been identified by employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and a necessary condition analysis (NCA). The research findings are expected to provide a significant reference for the recovery and improvement in competitiveness of the entire festival industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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16 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Way to Attract Digital Nomads to Tourist Destinations in the New Normal Era

by Yunho Ji, Sang-Min Kim and YoungJun Kim

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062336 - 12 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3395

Abstract

In the new normal era, digital nomads are poised to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and revitalizing local economies. Their unique lifestyle and skillset can contribute to positive social and cultural changes, making them valuable assets in shaping the future of work and society. This study explores the characteristics of digital nomads based on remote work and seeks policy ways to attract digital nomads to tourist attractions. Focus group interviews (FGIs) were intended to establish policies related to digital nomads’ tourist sites in the new normal era and to provide implications for strategies to revitalize digital nomads. Each FGI’s panel consists of eight people working for working-level officials, government officials, and public organizations, and it was held three times in about two months, from January to February 2023. FGIs consist of four areas: ‘activating local tourism’, ‘digital transformation’, ‘development of wellness contents’, and ‘creating a settlement environment’. Moreover, eight strategic topics and 24 strategic tasks were derived from each strategic category. Seeking regional attraction strategies for digital nomads is meaningful in responding to paradigm shifts in the new normal era and exploring sustainable local ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

14 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Residents’ Empowerment on Citizenship Behavior and Support for Convention Development: Moderation of Innovativeness

by Sooyoung Choi, Alisa Kazakova, Kijung Choi, Yong-Seok Choi and Insin Kim

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813352 - 6 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1269

Abstract

This study investigated how residents’ empowerment influences their engagement in the sustainability of the convention industry in their community, specifically, their citizenship behavior (CB) toward convention visitors and support for convention development in their community. Additionally, the current study examined the moderator of a convention center’s innovativeness. The sample used for data analysis was 415 residents from Seoul and Busan, South Korea. The results of structural equation modeling revealed that residents’ empowerment enhances their participation in CB toward visitors and support. The multi-group comparison analysis suggested that a convention center’s innovativeness moderates the effect of residents’ empowerment on their CB toward visitors but not on convention development support. These results highlight the important role of empowering residents in convention host communities in psychological, sociological, and political ways in promoting community engagement and support for convention development. Local authorities and convention center management should ensure that residents have sufficient knowledge about the benefits of convention development and involve them in decision-making processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

17 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Perceived Risk, Travel Risk Perceptions and Hotel Staying Intention: Hotel Hygiene and Safety Practices as a Moderator

by Chih-Ching Teng, Ya-Jen Cheng, Wen-Shen Yen and Ping-Yu Shih

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13048; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713048 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

The global hotel and tourism business has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting governments and researchers to explore ways for mitigation. Within this particular setting, this study investigation centers on Taiwan at a crucial phase of the pandemic. It utilizes the uncertainty avoidance theory and the protection motive theory to analyze the impact of perceived risk associated with COVID-19, perceptions of travel risk, and hotel hygiene and safety practices on the intention to stay in those hotels. A total of 500 valid survey responses were obtained from travelers in Taiwan during the nationwide level 3 alert for COVID-19 in 2021, via the cluster sampling technique. Using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 22.0, the reliability and validity test as well as structure equation analysis were used to examine the proposed model. Analytical results indicate that perceived risk of COVID-19 positively affects travel risk perceptions, which in turn negatively affects hotel staying intention. Moreover, travel risk perceptions mediate the relationship between perceived risk of COVID-19 and hotel staying intention. The findings of this study indicate that there is a strong moderating effect of hotel hygiene and safety practices on the link between travel risk perceptions and hotel staying intention, highlighting the importance of these practices in influencing individuals’ decisions to remain at a hotel. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the management of tourism crises, specifically emphasizing the need for prioritizing safety and hygiene measures throughout the post-COVID era. These findings underline the importance of effectively managing perceptions of travel risks and maintaining high standards of hotel hygiene in order to enhance the likelihood of tourists’ intent to stay at a hotel. Furthermore, this study presents an in-depth strategy for hoteliers and practitioners to navigate the road to recovery, consequently facilitating the revitalization of the sector and offering valuable perspectives for future research investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pandemic Dining Dilemmas: Exploring the Determinants of Korean Consumer Dining-Out Behavior during COVID-19

by Unji Baek and Seul Ki Lee

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8323; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108323 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1556

Abstract

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant impact on the dining-out industry, this study examined factors influencing consumers’ dining-out behavior changes using a unified theoretical framework based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and select components of the risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model. A quantitative research method was employed, analyzing 536 valid survey responses collected in South Korea in early 2021 using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings showed that consumer attitude, perceived control, and subjective norm positively influenced dining-out intention, supporting the TPB. However, risk information-seeking behavior discourages dining-out behavior without significantly affecting intention. Fear emerged as a determinant of dining-out intention, risk information-seeking behavior, and dining-out behavior, highlighting the importance of emotions over rational thinking. This study contributes to existing literature by incorporating dining-out intention, COVID-19-related information-seeking behavior, and fear as key antecedents of dining-out behavior during the pandemic, while validating formative indicators that constitute risk information-seeking behavior and dining-out behavior in the research model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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18 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antecedents of Booster Vaccine Intention for Domestic and International Travel

by Eeman Almokdad, Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin and Chung Hun Lee

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6399; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086399 - 8 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

Herd immunity through vaccination has been a major technique for long-term COVID-19 infection management, with significant consequences for travel willingness and the recovery of the hospitality and tourism industries. However, indications that vaccine-induced immunity declines over time imply the need for booster vaccines. This could minimize the perceived health hazards of travel while enhancing travel propensity. This study integrated the theory of basic human values, the norm activation model, and the theory of planned behavior to investigate the role of cognitive aspects of individuals’ booster vaccine intention on domestic and international travel intention. More importantly, the study examined the role of value in activating moral responsibility and individuals’ beliefs to take the booster vaccine before traveling. A total of 315 Korean samples were collected to test the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling. In general, the results supported the proposed hypotheses. Notably, the intention to take the booster vaccine has a substantial impact on the intention to travel internationally. Furthermore, the communal values accept benevolence have an influence on personal morals and beliefs about receiving booster vaccines before international traveling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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20 pages, 876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Digital Transformation in the Hospitality Industry: Technological, Organizational, and Environmental Drivers

by Maria Nikopoulou, Panos Kourouthanassis, Giota Chasapi, Adamantia Pateli and Naoum Mylonas

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032736 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 11007

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate the factors that affect a hotels’ decision to adopt digital technologies. Our theoretical grounding builds on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) research framework. Our research model was validated through a survey of 502 hoteliers and managers using the Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) statistical method. The results indicated that micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) hotels affected by the COVID-19 outbreak are more likely to adopt digital technologies. The intention to adopt digital technology is positively and significantly influenced by the digital maturity of organizations, financial resource availability and government regulations. The current study investigates rather less explored factors, such as the organizational digital maturity, which consists of a multi-dimensional latent variable. Our findings may be employed to guide the formulation of digital strategies by hospitality industry organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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Review

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19 pages, 3069 KiB

Open AccessReview

Charting the Sustainable Course: Navigating the Saudi Arabia Medical and Wellness Tourism Roadmap with Business Model Canvas (BMC)

by Thaib Alharethi and Moaaz Kabil

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3856; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093856 - 5 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2300

Abstract

Medical and wellness tourism has emerged as a pivotal sector with significant economic implications globally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study delves into the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s medical and wellness tourism, recognizing its importance as a key player in the tourism industry. The study aims to elevate this sector to new heights on the global stage by employing the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a strategic tool. BMC allows for a comprehensive analysis of the medical tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, breaking down key elements across its nine blocks: key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer segments, channels, customer relationships, cost structure, and revenue streams. The results of this study shed light on the unique selling proposition (USP) as a crucial strategic step for Saudi Arabia to distinguish itself and enhance its position in the international medical tourism arena. By identifying and maximizing the unique aspects within each BMC block, the study presents a roadmap for Saudi Arabia, navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the potential of the medical and wellness tourism sector. This research serves as a guide, emphasizing the strategic importance of a well-defined business model to shape the future of medical and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia and establish a prominent global presence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meeting the Challenges and New Opportunities: Sustainable Development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Following the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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