Shachi Yadav, Rumki Bandyopadhyay, Gulam Rasul and Anudeep Rawal
The paper aims to explore the impact of socio‐cultural factors on pilgrimage tourism at Lotus Temple. This study also seeks to investigate the relationship of socio‐cultural…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the impact of socio‐cultural factors on pilgrimage tourism at Lotus Temple. This study also seeks to investigate the relationship of socio‐cultural factors with the satisfaction level of tourists.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on questionnaire analysis from 196 respondents. The research approach is a mixed method comprising exploratory and descriptive research. The paper discusses the strengths of the Lotus Temple and challenges faced by the tourists.
Findings
It was found that travel motivations differ between foreign and domestic tourists. The study also demonstrates that socio‐cultural factors have a bearing on the overall satisfaction of tourists.
Practical implications
The results have implications for the development of a structured approach, to create a superior experience of the tourist at the Lotus Temple. The level of satisfaction and perception of socio‐cultural factors are critical issues, in making the pilgrimage an attractive tourist destination. This study illustrates that, the tourist's perception of socio‐cultural factors play a significant role on tourist satisfaction.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to an understanding of the factors affecting tourism at the Lotus Temple. This paper also offers a contribution to the varied perspectives on tourism in relation to socio‐cultural factors and levels of satisfaction.
Details
Keywords
Monica Singhania and Shachi Prakash
The purpose of this paper is to examine cross-correlation in stock returns of SAARC countries, conditional and unconditional volatility of stock markets and to test efficient…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine cross-correlation in stock returns of SAARC countries, conditional and unconditional volatility of stock markets and to test efficient market hypothesis (EMH).
Design/methodology/approach
Stock indices of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are considered to serve as proxy for stock markets in SAARC countries. Data consist of daily closing price of stock indices from 2000 to 2011. Since preliminary testing indicated presence of serial autocorrelation and volatility clustering, family of GARCH models is selected.
Findings
Results indicate presence of serial autocorrelation in stock market returns, implying dependence of current stock prices on stock prices of previous times and leads to rejection of EMH. Significant relationship between stock market returns and unconditional volatility indicates investors’ expectation of extra risk premium for exposing their portfolios to unexpected variations in stock markets. Cross-correlation revealed level of integration of South Asian economies with global market to be high.
Research limitations/implications
Business cycles and other macroeconomic developments affect most companies and lead to unexplained relationships. The paper finds stock markets to exist at different levels of development as economic liberalization started at different points of time in SAARC countries.
Practical implications
Correlation between stock indices of SAARC economies are found to be low which is in line with intra-regional trade being one of lowest as compared to other regional groups. Results point towards greater need for economic cooperation and integration between SAARC countries. Greater financial integration leads to development of markets and institutions, effective price discovery, higher savings and greater economic progress.
Originality/value
The paper focuses on EMH and risk return relation for SAARC nations.