Applying grounded theory in hospitality and tourism research:critical reflections

Abstract Grounded theory (GT) is an inductive paradigm-based research method that focuses more on data depth and quality than the generalizability of results to a broader population and is substantially different from conventional hypothetico-deductive research approaches. GT has become a popular research approach in several social science fields including tourism and hospitality. By reviewing the development of GT and its associated philosophical underpinning, this chapter compares three widely used GT approaches advocated by Glaser (Classical GT), Strauss and Corbin (Straussian GT), and Charmaz (Constructivist GT). Given the various interpretations and approaches to GT, this chapter therefore offers an overview of the key distinguishing characteristics of these approaches to GT so as to facilitate more thoughtful approach selection in keeping with philosophical positions, research questions, and research objectives. This chapter then proposes a step-by-step guideline of the application of this method through an illustrative example in tourism. The chapter concludes with a critical reflection on this widely used qualitative research method and considers possible future developments

Cultural heritage tourism in the MENA:introduction and background

Abstract The Middle East and Sorth Africa (MENA) is a large, complex, and diverse region and is viewed as a huge centre of cultural and travel influence. Nevertheless, the region has been plagued by geopolitical tensions, political turmoil, instability, and conflict over the decades. The conflict-ridden and controversial image of the region in many tourism-generating markets has negatively affected the flow of tourists to the region and hindered the development of tourism despite its wealth of cultural heritage endowments, a climate conducive to tourism, and leisure resources. More recently, in the aftermath of the ‘Arab Spring’ and the advent of Islamic extremism and fundamentalism, cultural heritage in parts of the region has been placed at risk and has witnessed large-scale devastation, destruction, and looting. The latter has stressed the urgency for post-conflict reconstruction in the Middle East context. The introductory chapter provides an introduction and background to the MENA region from a geographical and historical perspective in general and the cultural and heritage tourism in the region in particular and the challenges it faces. It will also outline the development of tourism in the MENA region and identify key issues in the region with links to the chapters in the book

COVID-19 pandemic, tourism and degrowth

Abstract The COVID-19 (commonly referred to as the Coronavirus) outbreak and its massive and swift spread halted mobility globally on an unprecedented scale and substantially and abruptly slowed down the consumption of tourism. This chapter aims to provide a brief assessment of this pandemic which has become a health, economic and geopolitical crisis with direct and enormous effects on the tourism industry at international, national and local levels. It also deals with how enforced degrowth and slow consumption ensued from the unprecedented lockdown and social distancing practices by government have provided unique opportunity for the reset of tourism. The chapter also discusses the challenges of the pandemic in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is finished by critical discussion of transformative discourse shaped in the aftermath of this outbreak in the wider academic community

Peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation in the sharing economy:a review

Abstract Accommodation has been viewed as the largest and most important sector in the tourism industry. This paper provides a systematic review of 371 papers identified in SCOPUS and WOS databases between 2000 and 2019 on P2P accommodation in the sharing economy. Research on P2P accommodation is experiencing high growth, with Airbnb a major focus for tourism scholars. The provision of authentic experiences, environmental concerns, and socialization are important themes in P2P accommodation research, with trust and negative attitudes of established businesses and government regarded as the main barriers of P2P development. Common strategies to respond P2P accommodation platforms are also identified

Conclusion:the futures of cultural heritage tourism in the MENA countries

Abstract The chapter outlines the main themes that emerge in discussing the futures of cultural heritage tourism in the MENA region. Six main themes are identified. The tensions between the social and economic dimensions of heritage are illustrated in the construction of heritage, especially for international and domestic tourists. These tensions are also to be found in the wat in which heritage is deliberately used by some regimes to promote certain identities. The politics of identity also strongly influences the desire by some governments to seek World Heritage status for some sites, although the extent to which the heritage significance of such sites is shared by local communities appears problematic in a number of locations. Indeed, heritage tourism, conservation, and management need to look beyond World Heritage to broader issues of attachment and meaning in generating support for heritage conservation measures. The chapter finishes on two main threats to heritage in the region. The deliberate destruction of heritage, whether as part of war and political marketing or for economic gain, and from climate change

Tourism and sanctions

Abstract Tourism is a important economic sector in many countries of the world and a major source of employment, government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. It is also one of the sectors most vulnerable to and affected by the introduction of economic sanctions. Tourism is usually defined as a form of short-term voluntary mobility which means that it includes not just leisure/holiday travel, but also business travel, visiting friends and relations. Therefore, the reach of tourism includes the movement of a country’s diaspora as well as business connectivity. Sanctions can affect tourism directly, i.e. through the imposition of limitations on individual mobility as well as carriers, as well as substantially affecting investment in the sector. Indirectly, sanctions can affect industry access to equipment and technology, leading in the long-term to a run down in infrastructure and plant as well as a negative destination image. The chapter addresses these issues in relation to a number of cases including Cuba, Iran, Turkey and Russia and notes the way that while tourism flows are often severely affected by the imposition of sanctions, tourism is also sometimes seen as a response

How COVID-19 case fatality rates have shaped perceptions and travel intention?

Abstract This study investigates the perceptions shaped by media towards trust, crisis management, healthcare system, and solidarity, as well as willingness to support and travel intention across two groups of countries with higher and lower COVID-19 case fatality rates. The findings showed more positive perceptions towards trust, crisis management, healthcare system, and solidarity in those countries with lower case fatality rate. The results also demonstrated the positive effects of trust and solidarity on willingness to support a destinations and indirect effects on travel intention for the countries with higher rate of case fatality. Theoretical and practical implications post pandemic are also discussed

Antecedents of domestic visitor’s memorable experiences and gender difference: a heritage tourism context

This study explores the interplay between visitor engagement, authenticity, and destination image in shaping memorable tourism experiences (MTE) within the realm of domestic heritage tourism, as well as the potential moderating role of gender in these relationships. Data were collected in the historic city of Kashan, Iran through a self-administered questionnaire and a combination of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The results strongly support the influence of visitor engagement, authenticity, and destination image on various dimensions of MTE. Additionally, noteworthy gender differences emerged, revealing that authenticity has a more pronounced impact on meaningfulness, knowledge, and involvement for female tourists. Moreover, distinct gender disparities were observed in the effects of destination image on these three dimensions. These findings make a valuable contribution to the tourism and MTE literature by emphasizing the significance of gender-specific perceptions and attitudes within the context of heritage tourism

Can tourist engagement enhance tourist behavioural intentions? A combination of PLS-SEM and fsQCA approaches

This study aims to investigate the effects of tourist engagement dimensions on revisit and Word of Mouth (WOM) intentions of heritage tourists. The data were collected from domestic tourists in the heritage city of Kashan, Iran. To analyse the collected data, this study applies Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) as a symmetric analysis technique, as well as fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) as an asymmetric analysis approach to strengthen the findings. The findings of PLS-SEM showed the significant effect of the absorption dimension on revisit intention, whereas these results demonstrated the significant effects of the dimensions of interaction, and identification on WOM intention. However, the results of fsQCA identified more heterogeneous combinations of dimensions of visitor engagement to predict revisit and WOM intentions. Overall, this study contributes to the extant literature on tourist engagement by constructing a composite picture of tourist engagement dimensions on the behavioural intentions of heritage tourists. The study’s theoretical contributions, its restrictions and practical implications for heritage site operators are further discussed