Exploring multi-quality attributes of airports and the asymmetric effects on air traveller satisfaction: The case of Thai International Airports

Within the context of Thai international airports, the purpose of this study is twofold. First, to examine the asymmetric effect of airport quality attributes in the airport terminal on passenger satisfaction from the perspective of Thai travellers. Second, to prioritise the attributes into categories on the basis of impact–range performance analysis (IRPA) and impact asymmetry analysis (IAA). An online survey (n = 879) was conducted via convenience and snowball sampling. The findings indicate that an airport has multiple attributes that yield dynamic effects on air traveller satisfaction. In addition, IRPA and IAA enable researchers and industry practitioners to classify these attributes into five categories, namely frustrator, dissatisfier, hybrid, satisfier and delighter. The findings also suggest that seven out of 10 attributional domains, derived from the selected Thai international airports, reflect both asymmetric and symmetric characteristics, whilst only three domains, namely flight information screens, passenger facilities and immigration, show only asymmetric effects. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed

An Airport Experience Framework from a Tourism Perspective

This study, by integrating the perspectives of sociological, psychological, and service marketing and management, all of which affect the passenger experience, proposes a theoretical framework for the creation of the airport experience in relation to tourism. This research responds to the current phenomenon in which airports are offering other types of experiences within the airport terminal, expanding the role of an airport from being a utility for transportation into a place where various and different values can be offered. This research explores the current airport experience and adds to research on airport experience by clarifying ten key components necessary for airport passenger experience propositions based on existing research, the current industry phenomena, and the empirical study. The paper also underlines those components that can enhance passenger experience in relation to tourism and highlights the role that airports contribute to a destination

Contemporary trends, issues and challenges in Southeast Asian tourism cities: introducing the special topic

[Extract] The Co-Editors of IJTC are dedicating the Special Issue on “Contemporary trends, issues and challenges in Southeast Asian tourism cities” to the late Professor Philip L. Pearce of James Cook University (Australia). Before tragically passing away, Philip proposed this Special Issue together with Dr Hera Oktadiana. Philip was a strong and consistent supporter of our journal from its outset. He was an influential leader of the International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA), one of the greatest tourism scholars in an era spanning 40 years and a wonderful mentor to many early researchers as well as more established academics. Thank you, Philip, for your vision and encouragement

Resilience model for a destination support: Pattaya, Thailand

This research focuses on resilience and sustainable development in the tourism sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, using Pattaya - a renowned beach destination in Thailand – as the studied context. Since 2020, the pandemic has significantly impacted the tourism sector and its supply chain. The consequences include the stagnation of tourism and hospitality services and other economic activities due to lockdown measures and other restrictions. To investigate Pattaya's resilience in the face of these challenges, and post-pandemic recovery, this research adopted the conceptual framework on economic resilience and tourism recovery proposed by McCartney et al. (2021), as a theoretical lens to analyse events in Pattaya. The qualitative research method was employed, using in-depth interviews with public and private stakeholders, such as local authorities, large and small hotels, tourism business agencies and relevant organisations. The results show that the tourism industry, similarly to other sectors, was adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the slow implementation of strategies proved inadequate in coping with the uncertainty. Local entrepreneurs require clearer and more supportive measures to reopen their businesses and resume economic activities