Sustainable, Smart and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Destinations

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools are perfect for developing tourism. Several countries are making an effort to become smart and sustainable tourist destinations, making it easier for tourists to interact with their environment while at the same time improving the quality of life for local people. There are many studies of this process and the benefits it brings, although most of them approach the subject from a western traveler's point of view. This article aims to study the benefits of being a smart and Muslim-friendly tourist destination. An exploratory study was therefore carried out, including a bibliographical review of over one hundred secondary sources. We analyze the Muslim-friendly online services provided by nine destinations, and one of our principal conclusions is that these online services are of the greatest importance for a destination to be truly Muslim-friendly. We also conclude that such services allow companies to design tailored proposals and promote them through digital channels aimed at Muslim people

Guest editorial: Happiness and corporate social responsibility: the role of organizational culture and consumers in a sustainable economy

People have always been interested in happiness. At the start of the 20th century, the scientific discussion was reserved for philosophy, but other scientific disciplines have since become interested in this topic (Rela et al., 2020). Since the beginning of the 21st century, empirical research has focused on happiness mainly in sociology, social and personality psychology and physiology (N u~nez-Barriopedro et al., 2020). Today, disciplines such as politics, economics and marketing have a well-developed body of knowledge on happiness to draw on. In marketing, consumer research treats happiness as an emotion within the psychological determinants of consumer behavior (Kroeber-Riel and Weinberg, 1996). The distinction between external and internal models of happiness is common to all scientific disciplines. Happiness “from the outside” is a state that depends on external, objective conditions, such as material prosperity or consumption (Yoshida et al., 2021). Happiness “from within” is a state that depends on internal, subjective judgments. Research in business organizations and empirical results of research show that prosperity and well-being should be treated “from within” (Guti errez-Rodr ıguez et al., 2024). This means that we conceptualize happiness as a subjective phenomenon of internal states that are only partially influenced by objective factors (Ravina-Ripoll et al., 2019). At the same time, the world is immersed in frenetic economic and social change where society demands socially responsible behavior from organizations (Tiwari et al., 2021). Applying a practical management methodology oriented towards happiness can lead our organizations to move towards a more sustainable society. The strategic directions of companies and organizations should maximize the happiness of both their consumers and their human capital as a sustainable source of competitive advantage (N u~nez-Barriopedro et al., 2021). This approach by organizations is, in itself, responsible and sustainable. Suppose happiness is understood as a reflection of well-being. Companies must undertake management models where organizational, psychological, communicative or social factors stimulate corporate happiness within organizations (Jim enez-Mar ın et al., 2021). In the case of the consumer, organizations must be prepared to understand the term happiness as being used interchangeably with subjective well-being, life satisfaction and utility (Cuesta-Vali~no et al., 2020). In any case, research shows that the happiness of workers and consumers is closely linked to productivity, intrapreneurship, innovation, creativity, satisfaction, loyalty and responsibility (Momparler et al., 2011; Onkila, 2015). Despite all these academic advances, we need to find out more – from this postulate of happiness management and consumer happiness –about developing corporate governance that significantly improves the happy experiences of workers and consumers. Yet little attention has been paid to the social role organizations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) can play in generating happiness in society (Cuesta-Vali~no et al., 2019; Guti errez- Rodr ıguez et al., 2017). In this respect, two fundamental things have to happen. The first is to explore human resources and internal marketing policies to stimulate employees’ work performance in a collaborative culture based on commitment, positive psychology and teamwork (Jim enez- Mar ın et al., 2020). Second, happiness in CSR should be used as a measurement to achieve sustainability and economic, social and environmental responsibility (Garc ıa-S anchez et al., 2021), given the importance of proactively promoting happiness in internal and external customers (Zhou et al., 2021). From this perspective, this special issue entitled Happiness and corporate social responsibility: The role of organizational culture and consumers in a sustainable economy has a primary purpose: to show that the intangible resource of happiness will play a key role not only in the transformation of the green economy currently underway but also in forging a corporate image of companies that says they are committed to the passion for work of their human capital and the satisfaction of their customers (Cuesta-Valino et al., 2022). The philosophy is that monetary benefits are not exclusive to the guiding principles of CSR, respect for the environment, emotional consumption and happiness management (Ravina- Ripoll et al., 2021). This special issue was developed to encourage the development of theories and practices in human resources and internal marketing that stimulate the work performance of employees in a collaborative culture based on commitment, positive psychology and teamwork (Jim enez-Mar ın et al., 2020). Happiness has an important role in the transformation of the green economy and works to improve the corporate image of companies from the perspective of CSR, emotional consumption and happiness management (Ruiz-Rodr ıguez et al., 2023). What follows is a brief synopsis of each academic article included in this special issue. We then offer some concluding remarks on the role of happiness and social responsibility in today’s society

The role of perceived usefulness and annoyance on programmatic advertising: moderating effect of Internet user privacy and cookies

Purpose: The study of the background to programmatic advertising is of great interest in the context of digital marketing. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to define a structural equation modelling (SEM) model, which allows studying the relationship between the usefulness and privacy of online ads to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of campaigns through the use of computation and big data. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on the Web Browsers Survey was carried out on a sample of 24,062 Internet users by the Association for Media Research. The partial least squares structural equation modelling method (PLS-SEM) was applied to evaluate the model with the study constructs and test the hypotheses. Findings: The result of this research allows us to know how perceived usefulness (U) and perceived annoyance (A) affect users' privacy concerns (P) and concerns about the storage and use of their data through cookies (C). The authors also seek if there is any relationship between privacy concerns (P) and cookies (C) on users' level of Internet usage (IU). Originality/value: One of the novelties of this study is the consideration not only of Internet user perceptions but also their concerns about privacy and the use of cookies, as key variables in the strategic management of the use of programmatic advertising in digital marketing

Gestión de calidad como estrategia clave de la felicidad en el deporte federado

La relación entre el deporte y la felicidad es un hecho probado en multitud de ocasiones. El ejercicio físico aporta al deportista diversas sensaciones positivas, todas ellas muy relacionadas con el término felicidad. Por tanto, partiendo del hecho de que la práctica deportiva produce felicidad, el objetivo de este estudio es de averiguar qué variables influyen principalmente en la felicidad del deportista y en concreto, del deportista federado. Una de las novedades de este estudio es que los resultados podrían ayudar a los miembros de las juntas directivas de las federaciones a tomar buenas decisiones y poder contribuir en mayor forma a la felicidad del deportista federado. Las principales variables que encontramos en la literatura que influyen positivamente en la felicidad son la calidad percibida y la satisfacción. A su vez encontramos estudios que confirman la influencia de la confianza y las relaciones sociales sobre la felicidad. El estudio empírico se ha realizado a través de datos primarios mediante encuesta sobre una muestra de 601 individuos federados en las distintas federaciones autonómicas de España, concretamente en la modalidad deportiva de kárate. Los resultados obtenidos confirman todas las hipótesis planteadas en este estudio por lo que como indicaba la literatura revisada las cuatro variables analizadas (la calidad percibida, la satisfacción, la confianza y las relaciones sociales) influyen de forma significativa y positivamente en la felicidad.//The relationship between sport and happiness has been proven on many occasions. On this way, physical sport gives sportspeople positive feelings which are all related to the term happiness. So, based on the fact that taking part in sports increases happiness, the main objective of this study is therefore to determine which variables have the greatest influence on sportspeople’s happiness, focusing specifically on federation members. One of the new developments in this study is that the results may help members of the Governing Boards of these federations to take better decisions and contribute more to the happiness of sportspeople who are federation members. The principal variables mentioned in the literature as having a positive influence on happiness are perceived quality and satisfaction. We have also found studies that confirm the influence of both trust and social relationships on happiness. The empirical research has used primary data from a survey of 601 members of the Spanish regional federations, specifically in the sport modality of karate. Our results confirm all the hypotheses advances in this study. Thus, as indicated by the literature reviewed, the four variables studied (perceived quality and satisfaction, trust and social relationships) all exert significant positive influence on levels of happiness

Sponsorship image and value creation in E-sports

.E-sports games can drive the sports industry forward and sponsorship is the best way to engage consumers of this new sport. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of sponsorship image and consumer participation in co-creation consumption activities on fans’ sponsorship response (represented by the variables interest, purchase intention and word of mouth) in e-sports. Four antecedent variables build sponsorship image (i.e., ubiquity of sport, sincerity of sponsor, attitude to sponsor and team identification). A quantitative approach is used for the purposes of this study. Some 445 questionnaires were filled in by fans who watch e-sports in Spain; these are analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The outcomes show that sponsor antecedents are crucial factors if a sponsor wants to change their sponsorship image and influence sponsorship response, and that it is also possible to use participation to improve responsesS

The role of consumer happiness in brand loyalty: a model of the satisfaction and brand image in fashion.

Purpose: The study of the antecedents to loyalty is of great interest to both academics and professionals in the context of fashion consumption. The purpose of this paper is to define a SEM model,in which brand image and its dimensions, as well as consumer satisfaction and consumer happiness asmediators, are explained as antecedents to loyalty. Design/methodology/approach: A transversal descriptive study based on primary data were,therefore, carried out using a survey with a sample of 2,515 consumers representing the Spanishpopulation. The Partial Least Square method was applied to test the hypotheses. Findings: The results of this research tell us which variables have a positive influence on consumer loyalty tofashion brands,where brand image, satisfaction and consumer happiness are the determining variables of loyalty. Research limitations/implications: This model has important implications and contributes both to theliterature and to the choice of differentiation and brand positioning strategies for marketing to a globaland highly competitive market. Originality/value: One of the novelties of this study is the fact that it considers the consumer happinessvariable as an antecedent to loyalty in the fashion consumer sector

Perception of Advertisements for Healthy Food on Social Media: Effect of Attitude on Consumers' Response

The growing concern for health is currently a global trend, so promoting healthy products is an opportunity that companies can exploit to differentiate their products in highly competitive markets. The purpose of this research is to examine the antecedents of social media advertising value and their consequences for attitudes to healthy food and intentions to consume it, in a representative sample of Spanish consumers. The theory of Ducoffe's advertising value model was used as a conceptual framework for the antecedents of attitudes based on utilitarian and hedonic values. To achieve this objective, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on primary data from a survey of a representative sample of the Spanish population with 2023 valid questionnaires. The Partial Least Square (PLS) method was applied to test the hypothesized relationships and predictive variables. The result of this research allows us to determine which variables influence the consumer's response, as measured by intention, motivated by the consumer's attitude to the value of healthy food, as influenced by the advertising value on social networks. Furthermore, the findings show that, for advertising healthy food on social networks to be valuable, it must be credible and richly informative

The impact of corporate social responsibility on customer loyalty in hypermarkets: A new socially responsible strategy

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to knowledge on the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on retailers' performance (hypermarkets). An analysis using a comprehensive conceptualization of CSR reveals that CSR has positive implications for hypermarkets' performance and illustrates which CSR dimensions are the most important to focus on. For this purpose, this study enhances its empirical validity by collecting data from 667 respondents in Spain and testing the hypothesis applying partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study finds that CSR is positively influencing customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction, image, and quality also intervened in their relationships. In particular, a new finding of the study highlights the importance of the mediating role played by image and quality in enhancing the effect of CSR on satisfaction. The research findings provide useful insights into how hypermarkets should develop a CSR strategy that would enhance customer loyalty

The Process of the Transfer of Hate Speech to Demonization and Social Polarization

We are living through a time of major political changes due to the rise of populist leaders and the resurgence of extreme ideological movements. The emergence of this phenomenon is due, to a large extent, to the ease with which these political actors can disseminate and spread their messages without any limits through social networks, leaving aside the former "fourth power" of the media as filterers and reinterpreters of information. Generally, the formula used by these leaders and movements is usually based on symbolic social division and polarization through hate speeches that allow demonizing their adversaries while antagonizing the issuers: a discursive "us" against "them" based on verbal violence to dehumanize an "exogroup." We want to discuss the importance of understanding the process of communicational transfer - which begins with hate speech and evolves into demonization and social polarization - as a strategic basis for creating an ideal scenario for the growth and strengthening of populist discourse, which is reductionist and simplifying in nature

The effects of corporate social responsibility on customer-based brand equity: Spanish hypermarket case

[EN] Hypermarkets have experienced substantial restructuring in the recent past because their situation has generated the necessity to develop new models that include different new aspects. The question under consideration here is whether the adoption of measures of corporate social responsibility (C.S.R.) by hypermarkets in Spanish markets can solve their continuing problems by establishing a fair degree of consumer-based brand equity. The purpose of the present study is twofold: (a) to investigate the effects of C.S.R. on hypermarket brand equity; and (b) to explore the dimensions of both these variables by using and testing property scales. As such, it is necessary to consider the possibility of integrating the management of C.S.R. into the global strategy of hypermarkets and to analyse its possible effects on the variables that influence consumer-based brand equity. It may be interesting to dedicate resources and efforts to strengthening hypermarkets’ links with their consumers.S