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Article
Publication date: 21 June 2023

Xi Yu Leung, Ruiying Cai, Huiying Zhang and Billy Bai

Virtual kitchens are a new business phenomenon, and how customers react to the new business model is still a largely unexplored topic. The purpose of this study is to examine the…

Abstract

Purpose

Virtual kitchens are a new business phenomenon, and how customers react to the new business model is still a largely unexplored topic. The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying mechanisms of consumers’ different responses to their reasoning of the new and disruptive business model of the virtual kitchen.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the attribution theory and situated focus theory of power, this study conducts three online experiments to test the proposed framework. A total of 487 US residents who had prior experience with restaurant food delivery participated in the studies.

Findings

The results indicate that external attribution (vs internal attribution) and ethnic cuisine (vs mainstream cuisine) are more likely to elicit customers’ empathy and justice, leading to higher purchase intentions with virtual kitchens. A mainstream virtual kitchen is better off attributing itself to external factors. The significant effects of causal attribution and cuisine type on purchase intention only exist with powerful customers and those with high moral identity.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study provide valuable insight to virtual kitchen businesses to better position and market themselves to gain customers’ support. The findings also suggest that ethnic and mainstream restaurants should strategize their marketing communications about virtual kitchens differently.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to provide in-depth insight into the growing phenomenon of virtual kitchens. It also contributes to the extant literature on attribution theory and situated focus theory of power.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2019

Xi Yu Leung, Jie Sun and Billy Bai

The unprecedented growth of social media in the past decade has resulted in an increasing interest on social media research. The purpose of this study is to examine the…

2271

Abstract

Purpose

The unprecedented growth of social media in the past decade has resulted in an increasing interest on social media research. The purpose of this study is to examine the state-of-the-art developments in social media research and to develop a thematic research framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviewed 262 social media-related articles published in eight top hospitality and tourism journals between 2007 and 2017. Content analysis was used to code data from the selected articles, and correspondence analysis was then used to compare the characteristics of research conducted on different social media platforms.

Findings

A thematic framework of social media research was developed based on a thorough review and systematic examination of the articles. The thematic framework consisted of the three key players – hospitality and tourism businesses, social media platforms and consumers – along with four categories of topical areas – marketing, managerial implication, user-generated content and impact – and 19 research topics. Three platform groups were identified to share similar article characteristics and research attributes.

Originality/value

This study offers a systematic overview of social media research in hospitality and tourism and is the first one to identify triadic relationships of social media platforms in thematic research framework. The innovative findings of correspondence analysis offer insights on future social media research from a platform perspective.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 74 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2021

Hongmei Zhang, Shanshan Liu and Billy Bai

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the image transfer and its effects on exhibitors’ behavioral intention. Specifically, the study attempted to examine the effect…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the image transfer and its effects on exhibitors’ behavioral intention. Specifically, the study attempted to examine the effect of mega business event image on destination and country image from exhibitors’ perspective and the effect of mega business event image on exhibitors’ behavioral intention toward the event.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected through an on-site survey. Based on a sample of 393 respondents, structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that business event image has a stronger effect on country image than on destination image; event image has a significant effect on exhibitor’s behavioral intention toward the event directly and indirectly through the mediating role of country image; and country image has a significant influence on destination image.

Practical implications

The event organizer should improve the exhibitor’s perceptions of the event experience from providing a clear and attractive theme for the target audiences; exhibiting the products with the most cutting-edge technologies and offering various opportunities for forums and promotions; and planning and organizing the event in every detail carefully including the facilities, layout of booths, ambience and other related services.

Originality/value

The study expands the event type to business events, explores the image transfer process between event, destination and country and examines the effects of such image transfer on the exhibitors’ behavioral intention. The results confirm the explanatory power of image transfer theory. Attribution theory and halo effect are viewed as the mechanisms of image transfer.

研究目的

本研究的主要目的是考察形象迁移及其对参展商行为意向的影响。具体而言, 本研究(1)从参展商视角, 探讨大型商务活动形象对目的地和国家形象的影响; (2)探讨重大商务活动形象对参展商行为意向的影响。

研究设计/方法/途径

本研究的数据通过现场调查收集, 基于393份问卷, 使用结构方程模型检验研究假设。

研究发现

研究结果表明:(1)商务活动形象对国家形象的影响比对目的地形象的影响更大; (2)通过国家形象的中介作用, 大型商务活动形象直接或间接地影响了参展商的行为意图; (3)国家形象显著影响目的地形象。

实践意义

活动组织者应从以下方面改善参展商对活动体验的认识:(1)提供清晰且有吸引力的主题; (2)展示具有最前沿技术的产品, 并提供各种论坛和促销机会; (3)认真, 细致地筹划和组织活动, 包括设施, 摊位布置, 氛围和其他相关服务。

原创性/价值

本研究将活动类型延伸至商务活动, 探索活动、目的地和国家之间的形象迁移, 检验形象迁移对参展商行为意向的影响。结果证实了形象迁移理论的解释力。归因理论和晕轮效应是形象迁移的内在机制。

Transferencia de imágenes entre un megaevento empresarial, el destino y el país del alojamiento y sus efectos sobre la predisposición de los expositores hacía el evento

Propósito

el objetivo principal de este estudio es investigar la transferencia de imágenes y sus efectos sobre la predisposición de los expositores. Específicamente, el estudio intentó examinar (1) el efecto de la imagen de megaevento de negocios en la imagen del destino y del país desde la perspectiva de los expositores y (2) el efecto de la imagen de megaevento de negocios en la predisposición de los expositores hacia el evento.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

los datos de este estudio se obtuvieron mediante una encuesta in situ. Sobre la base de una muestra de 393 encuestados, se utilizó el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para probar las hipótesis propuestas.

Resultados

los resultados mostraron que: (1) la imagen del megaevento tiene un efecto más fuerte en la imagen del país que en la del destino; (2) la imagen del evento tiene un efecto significativo directo e indirecto sobre la predisposición del expositor hacia el evento a través del papel mediador de la imagen del país; (3) la imagen del país tiene una influencia significativa en la imagen de destino.

Implicaciones prácticas

el organizador del evento debe mejorar las percepciones del expositor sobre la experiencia del evento (1) proporcionando un tema claro y atractivo para el público objetivo; (2) exhibir los productos con las tecnologías más avanzadas y ofrecer diversas oportunidades para foros y promociones; y (3) planificar y organizar el evento cuidando los detalles, incluyendo las instalaciones, el diseño de las cabinas, el ambiente y otros servicios relacionados.

Originalidad/valor

el estudio amplía el tipo de evento a eventos de negocios, explora el proceso de transferencia de imágenes entre evento, destino y país, y examina los efectos de dicha transferencia de imágenes en la predisposición de los expositors hacía el evento. Los resultados confirman el poder explicativo de la teoría de transferencia de imágenes. La teoría de la atribución y el efecto halo son vistos como los mecanismos de transferencia de imágenes.

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2023

Huiying Zhang, Xi Yu Leung and Billy Bai

Aligned with cultural attraction theory, this study aims to propose a cultural attractiveness index (CAI) that helps tourism practitioners and scholars evaluate and track the…

Abstract

Purpose

Aligned with cultural attraction theory, this study aims to propose a cultural attractiveness index (CAI) that helps tourism practitioners and scholars evaluate and track the cultural attractiveness of urban destinations (cities) in the context of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the Delphi method, a panel of experts was recruited to conduct three rounds of review to generate dimensions and determine indicators and corresponding weights. This study then verified CAI with statistical data from three sample cities (London, New York and Beijing).

Findings

A 12-item three-dimensional index structure (cultural places, cultural activities and cultural atmosphere) was created as CAI. This study also applied the CAI to compare three sample cities. The comparison identified possible aspects to be improved in developing cultural attractiveness, confirming CAI’s usefulness in fostering sustainable development.

Originality/value

The new CAI offers an effective tool for ascertaining a sustainable city’s cultural attractiveness while extending the cultural attraction theory and filling the existing gaps in the literature through a benchmark instrument. The CAI also provides an effective tool for destination managers and tourism practitioners for their sustainable initiatives in cities.

研究目的

本研究旨在于建立文化吸引力指数(CAI), 帮助旅游从业者和学者在可持续发展的背景下评估和跟踪旅游城市的文化吸引力。

研究设计/方法

本研究采用德尔菲专家咨询法, 聘请了一个专家小组对指标体系进行了三轮审查, 以建立评价维度、确定指标和相应的权重。最后, 该研究用三个样本城市(伦敦、纽约和北京)的统计数据验证了CAI。

研究成果

本文创建了一个由3个维度12项指标组成的评价指数体系CAI(文化场所, 文化活动和文化氛围)。三个样本城市的相关统计数据也验证了CAI评价体系在促进城市可持续发展方面的科学性, 也通过跨城市比较找到各自可进一步提升文化吸引力的维度。

独创性

新的CAI为衡量可持续城市的文化吸引力提供了评价体系, 填补了现有文献的空白。该CAI还为目的地管理者和旅游从业者提供了一个有效的基准工具, 以促进可持续城市发展目标的实现。

Propósito

alineado con la teoría de la atracción cultural, el estudio propone un índice de atractivo cultural (CAI) que ayuda a los profesionales y académicos del turismo a evaluar y rastrear el atractivo cultural de los destinos urbanos (ciudades) en el contexto del desarrollo sostenible.

Diseño/metodología

Aplicando el método Delphi, se reclutó un panel de expertos para realizar tres rondas de revisión para generar dimensiones y determinar indicadores y pesos correspondientes. Luego, el estudio verificó el CAI con datos estadísticos de tres ciudades de muestra (Londres, Nueva York y Beijing).

Hallazgos

Se creó como CAI una estructura de índice tridimensional de 12 ítems (lugares culturales, actividades culturales y atmósfera cultural). El estudio también aplicó el CAI para comparar tres ciudades de muestra. La comparación identificó posibles aspectos a mejorar en el desarrollo del atractivo cultural, lo que confirma la utilidad de CAI para fomentar el desarrollo sostenible en las ciudades de la muestra.

Originalidad

El nuevo CAI ofrece una herramienta eficaz para determinar el atractivo cultural de una ciudad sostenible al mismo tiempo que llena los vacíos existentes en la literatura a través de un instrumento de referencia. El CAI también proporciona una herramienta eficaz para los administradores de destinos y profesionales del turismo para sus iniciativas sostenibles en las ciudades.

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2021

Jiaying Lyu, Xi Leung, Billy Bai and Marla Stafford

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of two types of hotel commercials [virtual reality (VR) versus traditional commercials] by proposing and testing a presence-mediated…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of two types of hotel commercials [virtual reality (VR) versus traditional commercials] by proposing and testing a presence-mediated model along with gender effects.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected in China, and the Shangri-La hotel brand was chosen. University students were randomly assigned to watch either a hotel VR commercial or a hotel traditional video commercial. One HTC Vive VR headset was provided to those participants in the hotel VR commercial group.

Findings

The study revealed that VR commercials generate a higher level of vividness and interactivity among customers, which positively influence attitudes toward the ad, brand attitude and booking intention. Moreover, the findings showed that in the virtual environment, women, as compared to men, are influenced more by VR.

Originality/value

This research is the first to bring the presence model and gender effects together to better understand the effectiveness of VR in hospitality advertising research.

研究目的

本论文检验两种酒店广告类型的有效性(VR对比传统广告), 通过构建和检验存在-中介模型和性别影响。

研究设计/方法/途径

本论文使用实验设计方式来验证提供的模型。研究样本数据来自中国, 以香格里拉酒店品牌为例。本论文随机抽样大学学生, 一组看酒店VR广告, 另一组观看酒店传统视频广告。实验参与者使用HTC Vive VR头盔观看VR广告。

研究结果

研究结果表明, VR广告引发酒店客人的生动和互动性, 对广告、品牌态度、和预定房间意图有着积极影响。此外, 研究结果还表明女性相对男性在虚拟环境中受到VR更多影响。

研究原创性/价值

本论文是首个将存在模型和性别影响相结合, 更好地理解VR在酒店广告研究中的作用。

关键词 虚拟现实、酒店广告、广告有效性、存在、生动、互动性、性别影响

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

Jie Sun, Xi Yu Leung and Billy Bai

This paper aims to study how a social media influencer (SMI) endorsement affects followers’ event attitude and behavioral intentions. More importantly, it comparatively examines…

4582

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study how a social media influencer (SMI) endorsement affects followers’ event attitude and behavioral intentions. More importantly, it comparatively examines the role of followers’ gender in event SMI marketing effectiveness.

Design methodology approach

Based on the congruity theory of attitude change, the current study developed an integrated framework of SMI marketing. In total, 335 online surveys were collected. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that a follower’s attitude and behavioral intentions toward the event are affected by his or her influencer attitude. The present study also finds that follower’s social media post attitude plays a mediating role. Moreover, female followers are impacted more directly by their influencer attitude, while male followers are affected more indirectly through their attitude toward the social media posts.

Research limitations implications

The current study not only extends the event literature on SMI marketing but also provides recommendations for event professionals on SMI selection.

Originality value

This study examines SMI endorsement as a relatively new marketing tool in the event setting. It also is a pioneer study in testing the effect of social media followers’ gender differences.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Minji Kim, Eun Joo Kim and Billy Bai

This paper aims to examine the joint role of the pandemic-induced source of crisis (i.e. health and social crisis) based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and message appeal in…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the joint role of the pandemic-induced source of crisis (i.e. health and social crisis) based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and message appeal in customer perception of and behavioral intention toward a restaurant.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a 2 (source of crisis: social, health) × 2 (message appeal: social, health) between-subjects factorial design. A total of 181 samples was collected and data was analyzed by using ANCOVA and PROCESS.

Findings

The results showed a significant two-way interaction between source of crisis and message appeal on to-go intention. With the potential effect of risk aversion being controlled, message appeal significantly impacted perceived competence, which influenced both dine-in and to-go intentions.

Practical implications

The research findings suggest a crucial role of perceived fit between message appeal and customer concerns during crises. Therefore, restaurant managers should actively communicate their safety practices with their customers to inspire customer confidence.

Originality/value

This study identifies crisis dimensions based on human needs during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which determines the persuasiveness of marketing messages.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 33 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Xi Y. Leung, Billy Bai and Mehmet Erdem

The purpose of this study is to develop a typology of social media messages to compare the effectiveness of different message strategies.

9382

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a typology of social media messages to compare the effectiveness of different message strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,837 messages from 12 hotel brand Facebook pages were content-analyzed. Applying both correspondence analysis and multivariate analysis of variance, the study compared message strategy across hotel-scale levels and explored the effectiveness of different message strategies.

Findings

A typology of four-type message format and six-type message content was developed. The picture message was the best message format. Product, brand and involvement messages were shown to be more effective than information, reward and promotion messages. Promotion message was the least effective message content type.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is the generalizability owing to the sample selection process. There is also the limitation on exclusion of control variables, selection of the three effectiveness measures and evolving social media technology.

Practical implications

The typology of Facebook message strategy developed in the study provided guidelines for hotel marketers to create messages on Facebook pages and track effectiveness. Hotels should also take full advantage of the picture format and product, brand and involvement contents.

Originality/value

This study created a new typology of social media message strategy consisting of two dimensions. It also provided empirical evidence to support the application of message strategy theory in the hotel social media marketing area.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2022

Wenjia Han and Billy Bai

This study systematically reviewed pricing research published in leading marketing and hospitality and tourism (H&T) journals between 2010 and 2019. It attempts to concretize the…

2553

Abstract

Purpose

This study systematically reviewed pricing research published in leading marketing and hospitality and tourism (H&T) journals between 2010 and 2019. It attempts to concretize the understanding of the evolving patterns of pricing research in both fields and suggests an agenda for future research in H&T.

Design/methodology/approach

This study performed keyword co-occurrence analyses and co-citation analyses on the bibliographic data of 575 articles from marketing and H&T journals. Content analysis was applied to investigate the emerged topics in H&T.

Findings

The marketing discipline showed a persistent focus on research themes including price promotion, reference price, price fairness and pricing strategy. The H&T domain experienced a significant content enrichment of preexistent research topics. H&T scholars showed a growing interest in studying pricing for sharing economy accommodations and the interplay between pricing and electronic word-of-mouth. While marketing research applied theories from multiple disciplines as the theoretical foundations, H&T studies adopted the hedonic pricing model as an overarching theory.

Practical implications

Future pricing research in H&T may incorporate theories from other disciplines such as psychology, sociology and anthropology to broaden the scope of the study. Besides, innovative study designs and complex data analysis techniques should be encouraged. Topicwise, H&T scholars can dive deeper into price promotion and distribution channel price management.

Originality/value

This is the first study consolidating the pricing literature in H&T and marketing. It also suggests the potential research directions for researchers.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Anqi Cao, Fangfang Shi and Billy Bai

The purpose of this review paper is to identify the themes of hospitality and tourism innovation research published in academic and trade journals between 2010 and 2020, to…

1708

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review paper is to identify the themes of hospitality and tourism innovation research published in academic and trade journals between 2010 and 2020, to explore the common and different areas of interest between academia and the industry and to examine the trends of innovation research themes during this period to suggest future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The EBSCO Hospitality and Tourism Index was used as the data source. Co-word analysis was conducted via the Leximancer software to identify key areas of interest in hospitality and tourism innovation. Trends in hospitality and tourism innovation over the ten-year period were revealed by a time-dimension analysis.

Findings

This study produced a conceptual map demonstrating focal points and trends in hospitality and tourism innovation. Trade journals were found to be dominated by product innovation driven by technological development, while academic journals covered more topics, such as employee innovation, sustainable innovation, leadership innovation and user generated content (UGC). Academia was shown to follow in the footsteps of industry in publication on several topics. Furthermore, academic interest in certain topics, such as hotel service innovation, UGC and social media, lasted several years.

Practical implications

This study can facilitate knowledge transfer between academia and the industry. It also provides directions for future research based on historical and comparative analysis.

Originality/value

This research extends the scope of existing review studies by including articles published by trade journals. It also adds a time dimension, which helps to unveil the evolution process of hospitality and tourism innovation research and practice.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 34 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

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