Volume 17, Issue 58 , June 2022
Fateme Gatbabaei Lehe; Nnazanin Ttabrizi; Mahmoud Sharepour
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the cultural values of Babolsar citizens and their satisfaction with tourism activities. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in methodological view. The sampling method of this research is simple ...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the cultural values of Babolsar citizens and their satisfaction with tourism activities. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in methodological view. The sampling method of this research is simple randomization. The statistical population of the study is the citizens of Babolsar, of which 382 were selected using the Cochran's formula. The research questionnaire was developed from standard questionnaires related to Hofstede cultural dimensions and satisfaction with tourism. For the first time, the present study measured the relationship between Hofstede dimensions and citizen satisfaction. SPSS software was used to perform descriptive tests and Inferential statistics of the research were done by PLS software. The results showed that the cultural values of citizens have a significant relationship to their satisfaction with tourism activities and this relationship was observed in three components of the six studied dimensions, including individualism/ collectivism, long/short-term orientation and indulgence/restraint. The city of Babolsar is a society with a cultural balance in the distribution of power, strong uncertainty avoidance, individualism, balance with a tendency towards feminism and a long-term and extremist orientation. IntroductionTourism is a global market in which the host and guest communities both have diverse cultures and interact with each other (Huang & Crotts, 2019). Cultural differences between communities can be seen as an attraction for deciding which tourist destination to choose. According to Hofstede's theory of cultural dimensions, the common cultural points of the people of a society can be achieved and based on this theory, the views and attitudes of the people of that society can be acquainted (Jung et al, 2017). On the other hand, cultural values are an essential part of the cultures of each region and affect other parts of it (Hassanzadeh, 1396). Further understanding of the culture of the host community and examining the dimensions and components affecting it can be effective in increasing the level of residents' satisfaction with tourism activities in a destination. The coastal city of Babolsar is one of the tourist areas of the country that has a long history of tourism and receives a large number of tourists every year (Khaksari et al, 1392).Therefore, the main question of the present study is what is the relationship between the cultural values of Babolsar citizens and their satisfaction with tourism activities? Materials and MethodsThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the cultural values of Babolsar citizens and their satisfaction with tourism activities. This research is descriptive-analytical in terms of practical purpose and the sampling method of this research is simple random and the statistical population of the study, the citizens of Babolsar, 382 people were selected as a sample through Cochran's formula. Discussion and ResultsThe results showed: The cultural values of the citizens of Babolsar have a significant relationship with their satisfaction with tourism. Thus, among the 6 dimensions of Hofstede's cultural values studied in this study, 3 components: individualism/ collectivism, long-term/ short-term orientation and indulgence/ restraint have a significant relationship with citizens' satisfaction with tourism. The findings of the present study are consistent with the findings of Hassanzadeh (1397) who studied the effect of cultural values on the perceived quality of health tourism services and concluded that the cultural dimensions of Hofstede have a positive and significant relationship with the perceived quality and the cultural values of tourists play a very important role in the quality of their perceived services of health tourism, but Findings from the present study with the findings of Radojevic et al (2019) who examined the hospitality culture of hotel staff in several countries studied based on two cultural aspects of Hofstede and concluded that the less individualism and extremism be, better service provided, does not match. ConclusionsThe results show that the cultural values of the citizens of Babolsar, which were measured by Hofstede theory of cultural dimensions, have a significant relationship with the level of citizens' satisfaction with tourism activities.The culture of a society can also be examined by measuring its specific cultural values. In this study, the cultural values of the host community were measured according to Hofstede's theory of cultural dimensions. Based on the results obtained from the present study, the culture of Babolsar citizens can be interpreted as follows: The analysis of the research findings showed that Babolsar society is a society with a cultural balance in the distribution of power, avoiding strong uncertainty, individualistic, balanced with a tendency towards feminism, a tendency to long-term and extreme orientation.The results of the research show that citizens have understood the positive and negative economic, environmental and social effects and to increase the level of satisfaction, the positive effects should be strengthened and the negative effects of tourism, which leads to a decrease in residents' satisfaction with tourism activities, should be more careful. Be. More attention to the welfare of residents, development of infrastructure, transportation and amenities and services, reduction of noise pollution and traffic control with better management and more detailed planning in the field of tourism, is effective in increasing residents' satisfaction with tourism activities. This issue has a significant impact on the lives of residents, especially during peak tourism times.
Fatemeh Khodabakhsh; Mahmood Ziaee; Mohammad Taghi Taghavifard; Mohamad saleh Torkestani
Abstract
The tourism industry is considered the driving force of economic development, but at the same time it is very vulnerable. The purpose of this study is to design a model of risk management in the Iranian hotel industry; the exploratory mixed research method was used in the study. The statistical population ...
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The tourism industry is considered the driving force of economic development, but at the same time it is very vulnerable. The purpose of this study is to design a model of risk management in the Iranian hotel industry; the exploratory mixed research method was used in the study. The statistical population ,in the qualitative section consisted of academic and tourism industry experts, and in the quantitative section, staff of four or five star hotels in Tehran. , Yazd, Isfahan and Shiraz povince in the summer of 1400.in the qualitative part of the study judgment and snowballs sampling methods were used . Findings from the interview then were categorized using open, axial, and selective coding. Based on the findings the tourism risk management model in the Iranian hotel industry in two dimensions (external and internal), consisting of 13 components and 62 indicators was designed and compiled and the model was approved.
Pejman Alipour; Bahram Kheiri; Abbas Heydari
Abstract
Issue: Customer participation in a wide range of voluntary, active and interactive business behaviors increases the perceived value of the brand. In fact, there is a great deal of empirical evidence to support a general link between customer engagement and customer perceived brand value. However, the ...
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Issue: Customer participation in a wide range of voluntary, active and interactive business behaviors increases the perceived value of the brand. In fact, there is a great deal of empirical evidence to support a general link between customer engagement and customer perceived brand value. However, the concepts of customer engagement and brand value co-creation are significantly multifaceted issues. Therefore, there is an important research opportunity to examine the relationship between different factors affecting the creation of brand value through customer participation. Recognizing this research hypothesis, the present study seeks to identify a set of factors that affect the creation of brand value in various ways through customer participation with a precise and meticulously meticulous approach, and thus, a model for explaining co-creation. Provide brand value in the tourism industry. The lack of comprehensive and multifaceted models on the issue of brand value co-creation in the tourism industry further clarifies the theoretical importance of this paper. At the same time, since the main evidence and information of this research is provided through interviews with tourism industry stakeholders who are fully acquainted with the subject; Therefore, it can be inferred that the proposed model of this research has a good validity.Method: The present study is a fundamental study that has been conducted with the aim of developing and validating the pattern of brand value creation in the tourism industry. From the perspective of data type, the present study has been conducted by mixed method (quantitative-qualitative) and from the perspective of data collection period is in the category of cross-sectional research. The study population in the qualitative section, including marketing and branding specialists in the tourism industry, reached a theoretical saturation with 15 experts. And in a small part, a sample consisting of 311 employees of Tehran hotels has been selected. The main method used in the qualitative part is the data approach of the foundation (grounded theory) and using this method, the main and sub-categories of designing the pattern of creating brand value in the tourism industry have been identified. In the quantitative part, the partial least squares method is used to validate the model. MaxQDA 11 software was used for content analysis and partial minimum squares calculations were performed with Smart PLS 2 software.Discussion and Conclusion: Managers should try to adapt services in the digital context to the needs of the day and with changes, and also by increasing customers' trust in the brand, their service to the services they provide and the conditions they create in the minds of consumers. Raise the brand in the context of e-commerce. The importance of trust in the development of e-business in the service sector has already been mentioned (Das et al., 2019). In this regard, it is necessary for managers of tourism and hotel industry with appropriate activities and investments in marketing in the digital context, setting fair prices and appropriate to the level of service quality, customer participation in programs and social activities with the aim of promoting the brand name in different market segments. Promotional activities such as offering cash discounts, prizes, etc. provide the necessary platform for promoting customer engagement with the brand and managing the brand value of the hotel in the field of e-commerce.
Fatemeh Kazemiyeh; Asma Eidi
Abstract
Tourism and the environment are interdependent. For this reason, tourism development and management are key factors in achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to evaluate tourism's environmental sustainability in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province. This research is a survey in ...
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Tourism and the environment are interdependent. For this reason, tourism development and management are key factors in achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to evaluate tourism's environmental sustainability in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province. This research is a survey in terms of practical purpose and in terms of how to collect data. The study's statistical population was the heads of households in four villages targeted for tourism in East Azerbaijan province (N = 819). Using the Krejcie-Morgan table, the statistical sample size of 265 people was calculated. The proportional stratified sampling method was used to obtain a statistical sample in each of the selected villages. To achieve the purpose of the research, in the first stage, the indicators of environmental sustainability of tourism were identified using an integrated method. Based on the two indicators, resource conservation and biodiversity and management and environmental policies were determined with 29 indicators. In the second stage, using the radar model, the overall environmental sustainability of tourism in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province was assessed. The results showed that the studied villages generally have a moderate level of environmental sustainability. Among the villages as case studies, the highest environmental sustainability score, equal to 0.585, belonged to Totehkhaneh village, and the lowest score, equal to 0.369, belonged to Kandovan village.IntroductionTourism and the environment are interdependent. For this reason, tourism development and management are critical factors in achieving sustainable development compatible with the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out all programs, including tourism, based on recognizing and evaluating the environment's potential to preserve both the natural values and the proper and continuous use of the environment. This study aimed to evaluate tourism's environmental sustainability in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province. Given the current situation and since nature is one of the most important resources in rural tourism and the destruction of nature is a threat to sustainable tourism in a destination, this study aims to assess the environmental sustainability of tourism in target villages. It was an East Azarbaijan province, and efforts were made to study and evaluate the environmental dimension of rural tourism. It is hoped that the results of this study will be helpful in the protection of rural natural resources and their preservation for the future and reduce the destructive effects of tourism in these areas and ultimately lead to sustainable tourism development and sustainable rural development in rural areas.Materials and MethodsThis research is a survey in terms of practical purpose and in terms of how to collect data. The study's statistical population was the heads of households in four villages targeted for tourism in East Azerbaijan province (N = 819). Using the Krejcie-Morgan table, the statistical sample size of 265 people was calculated. The proportional stratified sampling method was used to obtain a statistical sample in each of the selected villages. To achieve the purpose of the research, in the first stage, the indicators of environmental sustainability of tourism were identified using an integrated method. Based on the two indicators, resource conservation and biodiversity and management and environmental policies were identified with 29 indicators. In the second stage, using the radar model, the overall environmental sustainability of tourism in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province was assessed.Discussion and ResultsThe results showed that the studied villages generally have a moderate level of environmental sustainability. Among the studied villages, the highest environmental sustainability score, equal to 0.585, belonged to Totehkhaneh village, and the lowest score, equal to 0.369, belonged to Kandovan village. The environmental situation in Kandavan village is the most unstable of all, Among the studied villages; Where the oldest village in terms of tourism and the most number of incoming tourists, and has relatively more suitable tourism facilities and services. There indicates insufficient attention to this village's environment and the vulnerability of physical environments and its historical and natural monuments and attractions.ConclusionsAs noted, it can be concluded that the sustainable development of tourism in terms of policy, management, and planning is not yet in a good position, and the opportunities for tourism to develop this village have not been appropriately exploited. In the face of its threats, they have been realized in different areas and in some cases. According to field studies, the target villages are faced with many challenges and issues in the field of environmental and natural issues. This issue is fully seen in the situation of Kandovan village. Although tourism in this village has developed, its environmental damage is more obvious compared to tourism capabilities. Therefore, to solve the existing problems, it is necessary to review the programs and executive policies by considering the principles of sustainable tourism development in the province. Based on the results of the present study, the following solutions are presented, which can be effective in the sustainability of environmental resources in the tourism target villages of East Azerbaijan province. The solutions are: Increasing the level of awareness and knowledge of the general public, especially the indigenous youth active in the field of tourism, towards the environment and how to protect the capital and natural attractions of the village through training and holding orientation classes on related organizations, development Advertising programs, local public media, and publications are some of the strategies that can be effective in sustaining the natural environment of the target villages. Also, considering that most people currently use social networks, the potential of these networks can be used to the fullest, and through that sense of responsibility and environmental knowledge of the host and guest community affected. Therefore, it is suggested that the clips and purposeful and scientific training be prepared with the cooperation of the experts of the Environmental Protection and Tourism Organization and adapted to the language (in Turkish in the study area). The culture of the areas to be used. Illiterate and illiterate people should also be included. Therefore, it is necessary to take the required planning and measures.
Hamed Fallah Tafti; Mahnaz Doosti-Irani
Abstract
Introduction: The growing number of travel agencies in major cities means a wider range of choices for tourists, which in turn leads to increased competition in the business. The city of Isfahan is no exception to this rule and the existence of several agencies in it has created a wide competition for ...
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Introduction: The growing number of travel agencies in major cities means a wider range of choices for tourists, which in turn leads to increased competition in the business. The city of Isfahan is no exception to this rule and the existence of several agencies in it has created a wide competition for the owners of these jobs. Undoubtedly, having loyal customers in the face of fierce competition, as well as dealing with the crisis - especially the crisis that the Covid 19 virus has created for the tourism industry - will help travel agencies to be more resilient and economically viable. Therefore, the mentioned conditions have made the owners of these agencies to use every opportunity to convince their customers that they are performing better than their competitors; One of these opportunities is Social Network. In recent years, the widespread use of social networking through the advent of smartphones has made information available anywhere and anytime. The popularity and widespread use of these networks provides an opportunity for business owners to connect online with their customers and use these networks to improve their position in a competitive market. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of online interaction on the Instagram social network on the loyalty of customers of travel agencies. Loyalty consists of four dimensions, which are cognitive, affective, conative and behavioral loyalty. Cognitive loyalty means preferring one brand over other brands due to knowing that brand and the benefit it has for the customer. This type of loyalty is very weak because it is quickly lost by improving or promoting the competitors' brand. Affective loyalty is achieved when a person feels good about a brand as well as satisfied with it as a result of increasing knowledge. Conative loyalty (tendency to be loyal) is achieved when the customer intends to repeat the purchase, but this action is not certain and may not lead to a purchase. Finally, behavioral loyalty emphasizes repeat purchases and their amount (Sotude et al., 2014; Van Asperen et al., 2017). Customer interaction with the brand in social networks is also formed in two ways: passive and active interaction. Passive interaction is when the so-called customer is just a consumer of content on social media and only reads and views other users' posts and comments. While active interaction is when the audience is involved in creating the content and it is when the customer comments on the content, raises questions and comments, informs the brand owner about their needs, encourages his/her friends to visit this page, and shares brand posts with others (Van Asperen et al., 2017). Therefore, in order to achieve the purpose of the research, the following questions are raised: To what extent does each dimension of interaction affect each dimension of customer loyalty? Does passive interaction have a sufficient impact on all aspects of loyalty, or should try to users participate actively in the social network? Which dimension of loyalty is most affected by online interactions? How will customer loyalty change if travel agencies lose active engagement on the Instagram network? Methodology: The research is exploratory in terms of purpose and has an applied orientation, and its statistical sample consisted of 12 university experts and managers of travel agencies in Isfahan who use the social network Instagram in their business. Sampling was performed by purposive method. The research was conducted using fuzzy cognitive mapping technique. The research variables are online interactions and customer loyalty, the dimensions of which were determined by studying the research literature and with the approval of experts. In order to collect data, a matrix questionnaire was prepared in which the research factors were listed in the first row and the first column, and in other boxes the effect of the factor in the relevant row on each column of the table was written using the opinion of experts (numbers ranging from negative to positive One). For this purpose, the researchers distributed the questionnaire in person among the experts and after explaining the questions and how to answer them, entered the answers received in the questionnaire. Finally, the input matrix to the software was obtained from the average opinion of experts and analyzed, and the research graph was drawn. Finally, the active interaction elimination scenario was defined, and its results were compared with the initial results. Results and discussion: Findings showed that the most influential factor is active interaction and the most affected factor is behavioral loyalty. Interaction, and especially active interaction, affects all dimensions of loyalty, especially behavioral loyalty. Also, by eliminating active interaction, customer loyalty is greatly reduced, the results showed that passive online interaction has the greatest effect on behavioral loyalty, conative loyalty, cognitive loyalty and affective loyalty, respectively. On the other hand, there is an inverse relationship between types of loyalty and passive interaction, and the most impact on passive online interaction is related to conative loyalty, behavioral loyalty, affective loyalty and finally cognitive loyalty, respectively. Active online interaction has the greatest impact on behavioral loyalty, conative loyalty, cognitive loyalty and finally affective loyalty, respectively. All dimensions of loyalty also affect active online interaction, which the most impact is related to affective, behavioral, cognitive and conative loyalty, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that travel agencies can retain their customers more than ever before by relying on online interaction, but relying on passive interaction is not enough, and to have more loyal customers, travel agency managers need to focus on active audience participation on social network. According to the findings of this study, some practical suggestions for agency owners to increase customer loyalty are: Focus on activity in social networks, and increase the number of hits, frequent content updates, use of posts that are more attractive to the customer, and create opportunities that invite followers to actively participate, including encouraging users to comment and request feedback, following user feedback and trying to discover their needs, as well as trying to get feedback from customers who have purchased from the agency and considering incentive schemes for active users.
Elaheh Mohammadzadehlotfi; Tahereh Ashtiani; Fatemeh I zadiyazdani
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to investigate the effective factors in the development of historical tourism in times of crisis in Tehran with the approach of resistance economics. The method used is descriptive-analytical method. The sample size was determined based on Morgan table equal to 384 people. ...
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The purpose of this article is to investigate the effective factors in the development of historical tourism in times of crisis in Tehran with the approach of resistance economics. The method used is descriptive-analytical method. The sample size was determined based on Morgan table equal to 384 people. Data collection tools include a 59-item researcher-made questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Friedman test and SPSS software and structural equation path analysis in AMOS software. Also, in terms of prioritizing the economic index with a coefficient of 0.27 in the first place, the infrastructure-structural index with a coefficient of 0.24 in the second place and the environmental index with a coefficient of 0.22 in the third place and the socio-cultural index with a coefficient of 0.19 in the fourth place.
Hossein Livani; Ali Farhadi Mahalli; Alireza Matoufi
Abstract
Medical tourism is one of the branches of the tourism industry that has flourished in recent decades and has played a significant role in generating income and employment in countries. the present study was conducted to identify key requirements affecting the implementation of medical tourism policies ...
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Medical tourism is one of the branches of the tourism industry that has flourished in recent decades and has played a significant role in generating income and employment in countries. the present study was conducted to identify key requirements affecting the implementation of medical tourism policies in Golestan province. This qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory method. Participants included 13 people with at least 5 years of relevant work experience and expertise in the field of medical tourism who were included in the study through purposive sampling with snowball technique and were interviewed in depth. Frequent refinement of primary codes led to the formation of open codes and then core codes such as management system, public transport infrastructure, general regulations, and so on. Selected codes were also organized under the headings of organizational architecture, capacity building and service quality, etc
