Repository of the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija
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Animation as a source of competitive advantage in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry
No full textThis study aims to indicate how animation services in the outdoor hospitality industry (OHI) can deliver a competitive advantage. To explore this, the variables that affect the multidimensional construct of animation in the OHI have been identified and measured according to the resource-based view model. Data collection was conducted through expert interviews with professionals working in the sector. The study identifies 25 animation-related variables and examines how they contribute to competitiveness using the Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, Non-substitutable (VRIN) framework. The results show that animation goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tool for guest satisfaction and retention. The contribution of this research is twofold: first, from a theoretical point of view, it positions animation as a resource capable of generating sustainable competitive advantage. It also complements the VRIN framework with insights from Service-Dominant Logic, emphasising the importance of emotional engagement and value co-creation. Second, from a practical point of view, the findings offer campsite managers a framework to evaluate animation services and integrate them more strategically into their operations. This study calls to revalue animation as a core component of campsite identity and guest experience, rather than a secondary service. It contributes to the broader discussion on competitiveness in tourism while highlighting the often-underestimated role of animation in the OHI
Rušenje prepreka : stvaranje uključivih turističkih destinacija
No full textPrema Ujedinjenim narodima, „na svijetu postoji 1,5 milijarda osoba s
invaliditetom, a zbog starenja društva invaliditet će postati još istaknutija
značajka življenja. To zahtijeva politike koje pitanju invaliditeta pristupaju
kao sastavnom dijelu održiva razvoja umjesto kao marginalnom pitanju
solidarnosti.” (United nations, n.d.). Invaliditet se može definirati kao „bilo
kakvo oštećenje ili razlika u fizičkim, mentalnim, intelektualnim, kognitivnim,
senzornim, komunikacijskim sposobnostima ili sposobnostima učenja.
Invaliditet može biti stalan, privremen i/ili se može mijenjati tijekom vremena.”
(International Development Research Centre, n.d.).
Danas je turizam jedan od najdinamičnijih i najutjecajnijih elemenata globalnoga
gospodarstva koji uvelike doprinosi gospodarskom rastu, kulturnoj razmjeni i
društvenom razvoju. Očigledno je da turističke aktivnosti nude niz pogodnosti
putnicima, neovisno o njihovim motivima za uključivanje u takve aktivnosti.
Nadalje, u kodeksu Global Code of Ethics in Tourism (hrv. Globalni etički kodeks
za turizam) navodi se da je mogućnost izravnog i osobnog pristupa otkrivanju
resursa našeg planeta i uživanja u njima pravo koje je jednako otvoreno
svim stanovnicima svijeta (UN Tourism, n.d.a). Pa ipak, turističke aktivnosti i
dalje su u velikoj mjeri nedostupne velikom dijelu osoba s invaliditetom zbog
različitih izazova i prepreka s kojima se susreću. Nadalje, neuključivo okruženje
u destinacijama često odvraća osobe s invaliditetom od putovanja. Naime,
veliki udio osoba s invaliditetom i dalje se zbog različitih prepreka suočava s
izazovima pri pristupanju turističkim aktivnostima. U tom kontekstu, gorući
su problemi nepostojanje pristupačnog prijevoza do željenih destinacija i
izostanak pristupačne turističke ponude u destinaciji, kao što su pristupačan
smještaj, restorani, plaže i ostale atrakcije bez prepreka, te nepostojanje
sveobuhvatnih informacija o trenutačnom stanju i razini pristupačnosti svih
relevantnih komponenata sustava u destinaciji. Zamislite da doputujete u
očaravajuću destinaciju, a tamo vas na svakom koraku dočekaju prepreke:
prestrme stepenice, nečitki znakovi i nepristupačna iskustva. Zamislite sada
svijet u kojem svi, neovisno o fizičkim i mentalnim mogućnostima, mogu u
potpunosti uživati u ljepotama i kulturi svakog kutka na svijetu
Intangible cultural heritage in sustainable development of tourism
No full textŠirok utjecaj turizma i turističkih kretanja ističe važnost i posebnu važnost potrebe za upravljanjem rastom i razvojem, osobito u kontekstu održivog razvoja. Turizam već duže stavlja naglasak na autohtone, jedinstvene destinacije bogate sadržajem stvarajući specifične oblike turizma kao što je kulturni turizam. Nematerijalna kulturna baština predstavlja kulturni resurs koji se može integrirati u turističke aktivnosti na više načina te doprinijeti održivom razvoju turizma. Istraživački ciljevi usmjereni su ponajprije na definiranje i razumijevanje održivog razvoja turizma, kulturnog turizma i kulturnih turista te nematerijalne kulturne baštine kao dijela kulture, ali i dijela turističke ponude. U teorijskom dijelu rada analizira se održivi razvoj s osvrtom na prekretnice koje su oblikovale današnje shvaćanje održivog razvoja turizma. Raspravlja se o problemima definiranja i kategoriziranja kulturnog turizma i donose se specifičnosti koje određuju kulturne turiste i kulturne proizvode. Središte ovoga rada čini nematerijalna kulturna baština, u kojim se oblicima pojavljuje i na koji se način osigurava njezino očuvanje. Turistička valorizacija nematerijalne kulturne baštine u osnovi predstavlja pretvorbu kulturnog resursa u turistički resurs. Posljedice utječu na sam turizam i turiste tako što ona nije samo atrakcija za posjetitelje nego i ključni element u oblikovanju autentičnih turističkih iskustava. Uz niz pozitivnih učinaka, lokalna se zajednica može susresti i s negativnim posljedicama povećane turističke posjećenosti. Oprez i planiranje nužni su kako nematerijalna kulturna baština kao dio turističke ponude ne bi izgubila svoju svrhu i važnost za lokalnu zajednicu ili autentičnost. Integracija nematerijalne kulturne baštine u turističke projekte obogaćuje turističko iskustvo, potiče kulturnu razmjenu i podupire dobrobit zajednice. Ciljevi empirijskog dijela ovog rada usmjereni su na istraživanje utjecaja turističke valorizacije nematerijalne kulturne baštine na održivi razvoj turizma, posebno smanjenjem sezonalnosti i povećanjem turističke potrošnje. Ključni aspekti uključuju produljenje boravka turista u destinaciji, privlačenje dolazaka izvan glavne sezone te stvaranje atraktivne ponude koja omogućuje kontinuirano zanimanje turista tijekom cijele godine. Nematerijalna kulturna baština, kao jedinstven i neponovljiv resurs, ima značajnu ulogu u oblikovanju turističkih proizvoda koji zadovoljavaju suvremene turističke potrebe. Pozitivni ekonomski učinci turističke valorizacije nematerijalne kulturne baštine ogledaju se u povećanoj potrošnji turista, rastu prihoda lokalnog stanovništva i jačanju lokalnih gospodarstava. Istodobno, nositelji baštine dobivaju priliku za očuvanje i revitalizaciju svojih tradicija dok sinergija kulturnog turizma i očuvanja baštine doprinosi uravnoteženom razvoju zajednica i destinacija. Takav pristup ne samo da pridonosi održivosti turizma već i jača društvenu koheziju te potiče širu svijest o važnosti očuvanja kulturne baštine kao temelja identiteta i turističke atraktivnosti.The broad impact of tourism highlights the importance and special significance of the need for management, particularly in the context of sustainable development. Tourism has long emphasized indigenous, unique destinations rich in content, creating specific forms of tourism such as cultural tourism. Intangible cultural heritage represents a cultural resource that can be integrated into tourist activities in various ways and contribute to the sustainable development of tourism. To gain a deeper understanding of the research problem and ease the research process the research questions are identified for both the conceptual and for the empirical part of this dissertation. Each research question represents a research goal, or part of it. In the conceptual part of the dissertation the research goals, with accompanying research questions include the following:
Research question
What is sustainable tourism development?
Research goal
What are the "rules" of tourism development if it is to be sustainable? Who is involved in the process of tourism development when it is sustainable? Define sustainable tourism development, the fundamental guidelines and principles of sustainable tourism development, and the relevant stakeholders
Research question
How can sustainable tourism development be measured?
Research goal
Display indicators of sustainability in tourism What are the characteristics of sustainable development of cultural tourism?
Research question
What are the specific aspects of sustainability for tangible and intangible cultural heritage?
Research goal
Define sustainable development of cultural tourism and the specifics of sustainability in tangible and intangible cultural heritage
Research question
What is cultural tourism? Are there any differences within cultural tourism? Who are the participants of cultural tourism? Are there any differences among them? What makes them special or different from other tourists? What is the subject of consumption in cultural tourism? What are the unique features of a cultural product in tourism?
Research goal
Define cultural tourism, cultural tourists and cultural tourism product and distinguish between the motives and types within cultural tourism.
Research question
What is intangible cultural heritage? What are the main differences between tangible and intangible cultural heritage?
Research goal
Define intangible cultural heritage and its specific characteristics in comparison to tangible cultural heritage.
Research question
Who participates in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage? How do they do it? Are there regulations and standards that protect intangible cultural heritage, and who is responsible for them?
Research goal
Define the organizations involved in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
Research question
What is the relationship between intangible cultural heritage and (cultural) tourism? How can intangible cultural heritage be incorporated into tourism?
Research goal
Show the connection between intangible cultural heritage and cultural tourism and explain the tourist valorization of intangible cultural heritage
Research question
What are all the possible consequences of incorporating intangible cultural heritage into tourism on cultural tourism and tourists, on the local population and on the intangible cultural heritage itself?
Research goal
Show the impact of the tourist valorization of intangible cultural heritage on tourism and tourists, on the local community and on the intangible cultural heritage itself
Research question
Are there any specific aspects to pay attention to when incorporating intangible cultural heritage into tourism?
Research goal
Analyse the critical areas of sustainability for tourist-valorised intangible cultural heritage.
This dissertation has six main chapters, five of them are focused on theoretical research of the main topics and the last one is representing the empirical research of impact of intangible culture heritage on sustainable tourism development. The first theoretical chapter analyses sustainable development with a focus on milestones that have shaped the current understanding of sustainable tourism development. This chapter discusses stakeholders involved, indicators and their purpose with emphasis on sustainable cultural tourism development and the particularities regarding intangible cultural heritage. Next chapter discusses the problems of defining and categorizing cultural tourism while showing the different approaches. Further, it thoroughly presents specifics that determine cultural tourists and cultural products. There are several views of cultural tourist’s typology, each of them having a different foundation at its core. Depending on the view, the main determining factors could be motivation, intention, depth of experience and of course, a combination of them. The third theoretical chapter is defining cultural heritage and explaining the difference between tangible and intangible cultural goods. Intangible cultural heritage is the central focus when explaining the various forms and its relevance to the local communities, nations, and mankind as a whole. The preservation of the intangible cultural heritage is a focal point of protection cultural heritage and cultural identities of local communities. There are many national and international institutions taking part in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Their main work and achievements are presented. The final theoretical chapter explores the tourist valorization of intangible cultural heritage. What it essentially involves, is the transformation of a cultural resource into a tourist one. These actions are putting the intangible cultural good in the tourist market for consumption. The impacts of this are wide and not only are they affecting tourism, tourists and local communities, but the intangible cultural heritage as well. Consequences on tourism and tourists are mostly positive in a way that intangible cultural tourist product is not only an attraction for visitors, but also a key element in shaping authentic tourist experiences. Impact on the local community, while providing a range of positive effects, may also show some negative consequences of increased tourist visitation. Some of the main negative effects are displacement of long-time residents due to rising property prices and rents, loss of community identity and cultural heritage due to erosion of cultural norms and values, reduced affordability of local businesses and services, leading to the displacement of small businesses and threat of relocation away from ancestral land. Finally, the intangible cultural heritage is tempted to adjust itself in order to accommodate tourist demand and appear more presentable. Caution and careful planning are essential to ensure that intangible cultural heritage as part of the tourist offer does not lose its purpose and significance for the local community or its authenticity. The integration of intangible cultural heritage into tourist projects enriches the tourist experience, fosters cultural exchange, and supports community well-being. The second part of this dissertation is the empirical part, and it is focused on exploring the specific implication of tourist valorization of intangible cultural heritage on sustainable tourism development. The research questions are transformed to research goals and four main hypotheses are formed. One of the goals was to determine the differences between two researchs, one in 2016. and the other one in 2022.
• H1: There is a statistically significant difference between tourists whose primary motivation for visiting a destination is culture and those with other motivations regarding their socio-demographic variables.
• H2: There is a statistically significant difference in the proportion of tourists whose primary motivation for visiting the destination is culture between 2016 and 2022.
• H3: There is a statistically significant difference between tourists who participated in or learned about the intangible cultural heritage of the destination and those who did not regarding their socio-demographic variables.
• H4: The tourism valorization of intangible cultural heritage has a positive impact on extending tourists' length of stay at the destination.
• H5: The tourism valorization of intangible cultural heritage positively influences the intention to visit the destination outside the main season.
• H6: The tourism valorization of intangible cultural heritage is associated with higher levels of tourist expenditure. The research method used was a structured survey questionnaire. The target segment, or sample, consisted of tourists in the destinations. The research was conducted in two time segments. The first survey was conducted in 2016, and the second survey was conducted in 2022. A total of 1,168 questionnaires went for further processing, with 572 from the first survey and 596 from the second survey. Both surveys were conducted during the peak season in various destinations in Croatia and the Czech Republic. In Croatia, the research was conducted on the island of Pag, in Šibenik, Varaždin, and Slavonia, specifically in Vinkovci. In the Czech Republic, the research was conducted in Prague. In each destination, the survey questionnaire highlighted the intangible cultural heritage associated with or originating from the destination. The research was conducted using the "face-to-face" method with interviewers. The survey questionnaire was available in several languages: Croatian, English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Russian. Intangible cultural heritage, as a distinct and valuable tourism resource, plays a crucial role in mitigating seasonality by addressing two critical dimensions: extending the duration of tourists' stays within the destination and attracting visitors during off-peak periods. Empirical findings from the study demonstrate that the valorization of intangible cultural heritage in tourism significantly contributes to elevated levels of tourist expenditure. Furthermore, the research delineates notable sociodemographic distinctions between cultural tourists and those engaging in activities specifically centered on intangible cultural heritage. The comparative analysis of survey data from 2016 and 2022 revealed no statistically significant differences, thereby underscoring the robustness and consistency of findings related to participants’ motivations, behavioral patterns, and expressed intentions. The economic consequences of tourist-valorised intangible cultural heritage are positive for local communities, but also for the bearers of intangible cultural heritage. The synergy between cultural tourism and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage contributes to the sustainable development of communities and tourist destinations. Furthermore, the conclusions drawn can be applied at a practical level to initiate dialogue between the tourist and cultural sectors, fostering a shared holistic approach to preserving intangible cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism development. Considering that sustainable tourism development is the only viable path for long-term progress, it is understandable that there are multiple ways to achieve it. This study has demonstrated the significant role of intangible cultural heritage in sustainable tourism development
Public relations in higher education
No full textOdnosi s javnošću predstavljaju jedan od najvažnijih komunikacijskih kanala i posrednika između institucija ili organizacija i njihovih javnosti. Kada je riječ o visokoobrazovnim institucijama, odnosi s javnošću također imaju značajnu ulogu u uspostavljanju i održavanju komunikacije s različitim javnostima, ali i u stvaranju brenda i pozitivnog imidža institucije. Budući da studenti u najvećoj mjeri čine javnost visokoobrazovne institucije, svrha je ovog diplomskog rada istražiti stavove studenata o ulozi odnosa s javnošću visokoobrazovne institucije. Teorijski dio rada čine odnosi s javnošću kao komunikacijski kanal te odnosi s javnošću u visokoobrazovnim institucijama s naglaskom na ulogu istih u izgradnji imidža i brenda navedenih institucija, dok je istraživački dio rada temeljen na ispitivanju stavova ispitanika o radu odnosa s javnošću visokoobrazovne institucije. Provedeno je primarno istraživanje metodom anketiranja na primjeru jedne visokoobrazovne institucije u Republici Hrvatskoj, a analiza je podataka provedena putem metode korelacije i linearne regresije. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da odnosi s javnošću u visokoobrazovnoj instituciji imaju značajnu ulogu u stvaranju i oblikovanju prepoznatljivosti i brenda visokoobrazovne institucije, a ujedno služe i kao alat za stvaranje studentske lojalnosti.Public relations represents one of the most important communication channels and mediators between institutions or organizations, and their public. In terms of higher education institutions, public relations play a significant role in establishing and maintaining communication with different publics. They also contribute to creating a positive image of the institution and its brand. Students are the most numbered public of a higher education institution and the purpose of this thesis is to investigate students' views on the role of public relations in a higher education institution. The theoretical framework consists of defining public relations as a communication channel, the same as public relations in higher education institutions, with an emphasis on their role in building the image and brand of the mentioned institutions. Primary research was conducted using the survey method of one of the higher education institutions in the Republic of Croatia. The research part of the paper is based on examining the respondents' views on the work of public relations of higher education institutions, and data analysis was conducted using the correlation and linear regression method. The obtained results indicate that public relations in a higher education institution play a significant role in creating and shaping the recognition and brand of the higher education institution, and at the same time serve as a tool for creating student loyalty
Determinants of managing visitors´ satisfaction of wellness tourism destinations
No full textIstraživački model uključuje namjeru ponovnog posjeta destinaciji kao zavisnu varijablu s prediktorima zadovoljstva posjetitelja, afektivnog imidža destinacije i percepcije iskustva brenda destinacije. Vrijednost za novac promatra se kao moderirajuća varijabla u odnosu zadovoljstva i ponovne namjere posjeta wellness destinaciji. Empirijsko istraživanje je obuhvatilo 292 ispitanika koji su tijekom svog odmora u hrvatskim wellness destinacijama u 2023. i 2024. godini koristili wellness usluge u hotelima, toplicama i talasoterapiji. Primijenjene metode testiranja istraživačkog modela su eksploratorna faktorska analiza s Varimax rotacijom i modeliranje strukturnih jednadžbi metodom parcijalnih najmanjih kvadrata (PLS-SEM). Modelom je sveukupno zadovoljstvo wellness posjetitelja objašnjeno s 11,4 % varijance nezavisnih latentnih varijabli, a namjera ponovne posjete destinaciji s 64,2 % varijance nezavisnih latentnih varijabli. Koeficijent determinacije tumači umjerenost utjecaja latentnih varijabli na varijancu sveukupnog zadovoljstva wellness posjetitelja i jak utjecaj nezavisnih latentnih varijabli na varijancu zavisne varijable namjera ponovne posjete destinaciji. Značajnost koeficijenata determinacije za konstrukte sveukupno zadovoljstvo wellness posjetitelja i namjeru ponovne posjete destinaciji ukazala je na reprezentativnost modela. Između konstrukata afektivni imidž destinacije i sveukupno zadovoljstvo wellness posjetitelja te afektivni imidž destinacije i namjera ponovne posjete destinaciji utvrđeno je da ne postoji statistički značajna povezanost dok je statistička značajnost utvrđena u odnosima konstrukata iskustvo brenda turističke wellness destinacije i sveukupno zadovoljstvo wellness posjetitelja, konstrukata iskustvo brenda destinacije i namjera ponovne posjete destinaciji i konstrukata sveukupno zadovoljstvo wellness posjetitelja i namjera ponovne posjete wellness turističkoj destinaciji. Nije utvrđena statistička značajnost moderirajućeg učinka konstrukta vrijednost za novac. Kvantitativno istraživanje kombinirano je s kvalitativnim istraživanjem stavova deset menadžera i drugih relevantnih dionika u wellness turizmu o wellness turističkoj ponudu u Republici Hrvatskoj. Provedeno istraživanje dopunjuje teoriju i smanjuje jaz u postojećoj literaturi o determinantama zadovoljstva posjetitelja destinacija wellness turizma.The doctoral thesis extends theoretical knowledge about visitors' satisfaction and intention to revisit a destination in the wellness tourist segment. The main objective of the research is is to classify the importance of the attributes of the wellness offer for the satisfaction of wellness visitors by factor analysis and to examine the relationships between the overall satisfaction of the visitor, the affective image of the wellness tourist destination, the brand experience of the wellness tourist destination, the value for money and the intention to return to the wellness tourist destination within the structural model of the research. The research model includes destination revisit intention as a dependent variable with predictors of tourist satisfaction, affective image of a destination, and perception of a destination brand experience. Value for money is observed as a moderating variable in the relation between satisfaction and revisit intention for a wellness destination. The empirical research included 292 respondents who used wellness services in hotels, spas and thalassotherapy during their vacation in Croatian destinations with a strong focus on the development of wellness tourism in 2023 and 2024. The applied methods for testing the research model were Exploratory Factor Analysis with Varimax rotation and Structural Equation Modeling using the Partial Least Squares Method (PLS-SEM). The model explained overall wellness tourist satisfaction with 11.4 % of the variance of the independent latent variables, and destination revisit intention with 64.2 % of the variance of the independent latent variables. The coefficient of determination explains the moderate influence of the latent variables on the variance of overall wellness tourist satisfaction and the strong influence of the independent latent variables on the variance of the dependent variable, destination revisit intention. Between the constructs affective image of the destination and overall satisfaction of wellness tourists and affective image of the destination and intention to revisit the destination, it was determined that there is no statistically significant connection, while statistical significance was determined in the relationships between the constructs destination brand experience and overall satisfaction of wellness tourists, the constructs destination brand experience and intention to revisit the destination, and the constructs overall satisfaction of wellness tourists and the intention to revisit the destination. There is no statistical significance of the moderating influence of the construct Value for Money on the relationship of the constructs overall wellness tourist satisfaction and intention to revisit the destination. The quantitative research was combined with a qualitative survey of the attitudes of ten managers and other relevant stakeholders in wellness tourism on the wellness tourism offer in the Republic of Croatia. The conducted research complements the theory and reduces the gap in the existing literature on the determinants of tourist satisfaction of wellness tourism destinations
Self-promotion and building a personal brend in the beauty industry
No full textSamopromocija je proces izdvajanja pojedinca od pretrpanog tržišta rada. Učinkovitom samopromocijom te uspješnim kombiniranjem elemenata osobnog brendiranja pojedinci si osiguravaju povrate investicija ulaganja u sebe na nekoliko različitih polja: ljudskim kapitalom, društvenim te ekonomskim. Uspješan osobni brend u 21. stoljeću predstavlja vođu javnog mišljenja, poznatije nazvan – influencera. Ovaj rad se temelji na osobnom brendiranju u industriji ljepote, s naglaskom na djelatnost manikure i pedikure - nail industrije. Empirijski dio istražuje način vođenja društvene mreže Instagram u korist širenja poslovanja, a rezultati istraživanja pokazuju što odabrane influencerice izdvaja od ostalih – uredna estetika profila, aktivno postavljanje videozapisa i fotografija te storyja.Self-promotion is the process of distinguishing an individual from a crowded labor market. Through effective self-promotion and the successful combination of elements of personal branding, individuals ensure returns on investments in themselves in several different fields: human capital, social and economic. A successful personal brand in 21st century represents an leader of public opinion, better known as an influencer. This paper is based on personal branding in the beauty industry, with an emphasis on the manicure and pedicure - nail industry. The empirical part investigates the way of running the Instagram social network for the benefit of business expansion, and the results of the research show what sets the selected influencers apart from the rest - neat profile aesthetics, active posting of videos and photos, and stories
Systemic Barriers of the Compliance to Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in Family-Owned Campsites : The CSRD Gap
No full textThe research examines possible solutions alongside the systemic barriers that prevent family-owned campsites in the Netherlands from achieving full compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The study's qualitative research reveals that managers and owners of family-owned campsites identify knowledge gaps, operational difficulties, and financial limitations as the primary barriers to compliance. The attempts to meet sustainability reporting standards face challenges because of insufficient knowledge about CSRD regulations combined with outdated infrastructure and restricted access to finance.
The research results contribute to small- and medium enterprises (SMEs) sustainability compliance discussions by highlighting the unique challenges faced by family-owned campsites. The research provides specific recommendations to support compliance through simplified reporting methods, financial assistance, and specialized educational programs. The research advocates for increased legislative and branch organization and campsite owner cooperation to create an environment that supports sustainable transition for all stakeholders. Future research should analyse how the new legislation affects CSRD compliance over time and extend its examination to additional European territories. The research aims to assist family-owned campsites by addressing systemic barriers to achieve regulatory compliance and support broader sustainability objectives
Seasonality in Camping Tourism : Guest Motivation and Preferences of Campsite Attributes in Low Season
No full textThis research provides insight in the seasonality of the camping industry, the customer motivation to travel and preferences of campsite attributes of campers staying in the Costa Brava campsites in Catalunya, Spain, during the low season. While previous research has predominantly focused on high season camping behaviour, this study addresses the gap in understanding guest motivations and preferences in campsite attributes outside the peak months.
Using a quantitative approach supported by exploratory interviews, data was collected from 121 international camping guests across three coastal campsites. The research applies the Relevance-Determinance Analysis framework (Mikulić et al., 2017) to identify which campsite attributes are are not only important to guests, but also influence their overall satisfaction with the destination.
Key findings reveal that low season campers are typically retired international travelers, often staying for extended periods with their own camping equipment and, in many cases, pets. Their primary motivations include good weather, peacefulness, lower prices, and fewer crowds. The most valued campsite attributes are sanitary facilities, cleanliness, safety, and staff friendliness—core services that significantly impact satisfaction. Interestingly, wellness areas and entertainment facilities, often highlighted in season extension strategies, were rated as less relevant by this segment.
The study also identifies notable differences in attribute preferences based on accommodation type and pet ownership, providing campsite managers with practical insights for service improvement. Overall, the research contributes to the academic understanding of seasonal variability in tourism preferences and offers actionable recommendations for campsite managers and destination managers aiming to reduce seasonality and increase guest satisfaction in the low season
Leveraging Community Based Tourism for sustainable development : The role of ecolodges in Nyabutaka, Rwanda
No full textThis study researches the role of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in fostering sustainable development within outdoor hospitality, focusing on Nyabutaka, Kinigi, Rwanda. As tourism drives economic growth in the region, ecolodges have integrated CBT principles to ensure benefits extend to local communities. By exploring initiatives in economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, this research identifies strategies to reduce reliance on tourism as the only income source.
Through qualitative research, including ethnographic fieldwork and stakeholder interviews, the study highlights successful skill development programs, alternative income projects, and conservation efforts led by ecolodges. These initiatives have improved employment, financial stability, and community participation. However, challenges such as economic vulnerability and unequal benefit distribution remain.
This research aims to contribute to the sustainable tourism discourse by showcasing the benefits of Community based tourism within the outdoor hospitality industry while addressing its limitations. The goal is to offer practical recommendations for outdoor hospitality companies to sustainably integrate CBT in their operations. These recommendations include economic diversification, vocational training, small bussiness support, and infrastructure investments. By integrating CBT into outdoor hospitality, tourism businesses can improve visitor experiences while fostering inclusive economic growth and environmental conservation, ensuring long-term sustainability for their destinations
Business models and firm performance in food service industry
No full textPojam poslovni model u ekonomskoj, posebice menadžerskoj literaturi sve se češće spominje, a u zadnjih 20-tak godina istraživanja na tom području prilično su intenzivirana. Autori kontinuirano analiziraju značenje poslovnih modela za poslovanje, povezanost strategije poslovanja s poslovnim modelima i nastoje identificirati ključne elemente poslovnih modela primjerima iz različitih gospodarskih djelatnosti. Interes za istraživanja na temu poslovnih modela prilično je velik, no još uvijek nema dovoljno istraživanja koja se odnose na turistički sektor i ugostiteljsku djelatnost, a pogotovo radova koji povezuju poslovni model i uspješnost poslovanja. U doktorskom radu prikazan je teorijski pregled razvoja poslovnih modela i njegovih elemenata, kako općenito tako i u kontekstu turizma i ugostiteljstva. Osim navedenoga, utvrdile su se karakteristike poslovnih modela poduzeća koja posluju u djelatnosti pružanja usluga pripreme i usluživanja hrane i pića te je istražena veza između poslovnoga modela i uspješnosti poslovanja poduzeća u djelatnostima pripreme i usluživanja hrane i pića. Empirijsko istraživanje provedeno je korištenjem primarnih podataka dobivenih analizom anketnih upitnika upućenih vlasnicima poduzeća u djelatnosti pružanja usluga hrane i pića u hrvatskom ugostiteljstvu te analizom dostupnih sekundarnih podataka. Rezultati su istraživanja pokazali da je u hrvatskom ugostiteljstvu moguće izdvojiti više različitih poslovnih modela. Identificirani poslovni modeli jesu: restorani sa širokom ponudom jela koji rade cijele godine, sezonski restorani sa širokom ponudom jela, restorani sa širokom ponudom jela i dodatnom uslugom koji rade cijelu godinu, restorani s uskom ponudom jela i dodatnim takeaway uslugama i uslugama dostave koji rade cijelu godinu i restorani s širokom ponudom jela, dodatnom uslugom cateringa koji rade cijelu godinu. Uz identificirane poslovne modele, dobiveni su i rezultati koji impliciraju kako su poslovni modeli s izuzetno izraženom komponentom dodatne usluge dostave i takeaway usluge uspješniji od ostalih. Nadalje, rezultati istraživanja impliciraju da poslovni modeli s implementiranim elementima poslovnoga modela limitirane ponude, dodatne usluge dostave i usluge takeaway ostvaruju bolje financijske rezultate. Originalnost rada prepoznaje se u činjenici da se istraživanja poslovnih modela s fokusom na ugostiteljstvo i segment pružanja hrane i pića ne provode dovoljno u Republici Hrvatskoj, a ni u svijetu. Teorijski doprinos istraživanja proizlazi iz teorijske analize karakteristika poslovnih modela u turizmu i ugostiteljstvu s naglaskom na djelatnost pripreme i usluživanja hrane i pića. U kontekstu ugostiteljskoga poslovanja nema dovoljno istraživanja koja definiraju elemente poslovnih modela poduzeća, koja djeluju u ugostiteljstvu u djelatnosti pripreme i usluživanja hrane i pića. Isto tako, nema dovoljno istraživanja u kojima se stavlja u odnos dizajn poslovnoga modela ugostiteljskoga poduzeća s rezultatima njegova financijskog poslovanja. U ovom radu identificirani su elementi poslovnih modela ugostiteljskih poduzeća, prikazani su različiti poslovni modeli poduzeća u ugostiteljskoj djelatnosti te su identificirane specifičnosti poslovnih modela u segmentu poduzeća koja djeluju u ugostiteljstvu. Empirijski doprinos istraživanja proizlazi iz identificiranja različitih poslovnih modela poduzeća koja djeluju u djelatnosti pripreme i usluživanja hrane i pića te utvrđivanja veze između poslovnoga modela te uspješnosti poslovanja poduzeća u djelatnosti pripreme i usluživanja hrane i pića. Sličan pristup istraživanju identificiran je samo u jednom radu i to na području Rusije, koja obuhvaća prilično veliko tržište u odnosu na hrvatsko tržište te samim time na takvom tržištu moguće su, velike različitosti u poslovanju poduzeća. Također, Rusija nije toliko turistički orijentirana u smislu sezonskoga načina rada, kao što su zemlje poput Hrvatske, Španjolske, Turske, Grčke i drugih sličnih zemalja, pa ovaj rad sa zaključcima koji su proizašli iz empirijskog dijela istraživanja, značajan za zemlje sličnih gospodarskih prilika. Empirijski doprinos vidljiv je i u metodološkom pristupu kroz upotrebu klaster analize u svrhu identificiranja različitih poslovnih modela poduzeća u ugostiteljstvu, koji se može primijeniti i u budućim istraživanjima sličnoga tipa u sklopu neke druge djelatnosti te korištenjem drugih nezavisnih i zavisnih varijabli. Aplikativni doprinos istraživanja proizašao je iz identificiranja poslovnih modela i elemenata poslovnih modela za koje se utvrdilo da omogućuju bolji financijski rezultat. Rezultati istraživanja mogu se direktno primijeniti u poslovnim sustavima koji provode ugostiteljsku djelatnost pružanja usluga hrane i pića.When doing business, entrepreneurs are aware of numerous opportunities to achieve additional value by implementing various ideas in different business segments. Despite this, in practice, it has been shown that more than good ideas are needed to break through and compete in the market to achieve the desired goals. New participants are constantly entering the market whose business is based on different methods, new approaches, and new products, in other words, new business models to achieve the highest possible profit and sustainability on the market. Each company has its own business model and, depending on the design of the business model, achieves a particular position in the market and specific financial results.
The term business model is frequently used, especially in management literature, and in the last 20 years, the publication of papers in this field has intensified. The term itself has been perceived and defined in various ways, so there needs to be more consistency in its definition and interpretation. Also, the term has been defined and understood differently in various economic areas and thought history has been considered an essential construct in several research fields. The most frequently mentioned and used elements in research are value proposition, value creation, customers, resources, and revenues. Consistency in naming and using these terms is noticed only in the concept of the value achieved through the various activities of the company. In almost all research papers, the term value proposition is mentioned as a foundational and essential element of every business model. The authors continually analyse the significance of business models related to company performance and the relationship of business strategy and business models. They try to identify the key elements of business models by using examples from different economic activities. Although the interest in business model research is extensive, and numerous papers have already been published on this topic, not enough research is being done on the tourism or hospitality industry.
The purpose of this research was to determine various business model designs implemented by companies in the food and beverage industry and to find and identify correlations between different business models and the company´s financial performance. By analyzing business models and comparing a larger sample of firms operating in the hospitality industry, specifically in food and beverage service activities, the relationship between business model design and business performance in the hospitality industry is explored. This thesis presents a theoretical review of the development of business models and their elements, both in general and in the context of the tourism and hospitality industry.
The business model in the hospitality industry includes three key components: the operating model, which represents the way in which value is created for the company; the economic model, which includes income drivers and an approach to creating sales prices; and the strategic model, which defines the market and how to approach a company’s growth. Essential elements, with specific items singled out for companies dealing with preparing and serving food and drinks, are products, value creation and growth, and profit realization. The products that enter the operational dimension of the business refer to the breadth of the range of dishes in all categories of the offer. Value creation, also an operational component, refers to how the service is offered, whether ready or semi-ready meals are used or if meals are created on the spot; whether a full table service is provided or the guest serves themselves; and the possibility of delivering additional services such as the possibility of taking food outside the restaurant (take away), preparing food in the facility and serving services at another location (catering), and the possibility of delivering food (home delivery) to another location. Utilizing a model that contributes to achieving company growth and profit realization, the economic and strategic components of business determine whether the company will operate through one catering facility or several catering facilities, separately or in a chain, and from a geographical point of view, whether the facilities are local, regional or nationally oriented, and whether the company operates according to its own strategic framework or bases its business on a franchise agreement.
The analysis was performed on a sample of 147 companies in the Republic of Croatia operating within the food and beverage service industry. A cluster analysis was conducted to define specific groups of food and beverage companies with specific business elements and characteristics. The parametric t-test and the ANOVA method of linear modelling were used to explore the mutual relationship between a company’s business model and performance measures. The findings reveal statistically significant relationships between the variables used in the research based on the selected sample and the obtained clusters of companies. In addition, the characteristics of companies´ business models in the food service industry were determined, and the impact of individual business model designs on company performance was tested. Empirical research was carried out using primary data obtained by analyzing survey questionnaires addressed to the owners of the company providing food and beverage service activities and by analyzing available secondary data.
The findings proved that, in the Croatian hospitality industry, there is a possibility of singling out several different business models. The identified designs of business models include: “Restaurants with a wide range of dishes that operate all year round,” “Seasonal restaurants with a wide range of dishes,” “Restaurants with a wide range of dishes and additional services that operate all year round,” “Restaurants with a narrow range of dishes, additional services take away and food delivery, that operate the whole year,” and “Restaurants with a wide range of dishes, with an additional catering service that works all year round.” It was also found that there is a difference between individual elements of business models and financial business performance. Accordingly, companies with a business model that includes additional services for food delivery, takeaway, or limited offers of food and beverages achieve better financial performance.
The theoretical contribution of this research is observed through the theoretical analysis of the characteristics and business model designs in the tourism and hospitality industry with an emphasis on food and beverage services. Authors who previously researched this field state in their conclusions that it would be desirable to conduct additional research and consider companies that are more similar in their business model and are operating in the same field to gain a better understanding of the topic. Only when this is achieved could better conclusions be drawn about the impact of business models on company operations because the results obtained so far are too generalized. The theoretical contribution is also visible in the methodological approach. The use of cluster analysis for the purpose of identifying different designs of business models of companies in the hospitality industry can be replicated in future research of a similar type within another industry and by using other independent and dependent variables.
The contribution of empirical research results from the determination of different business models of companies that operate in the food and beverage service industry and identifying the correlation between the design of the business model and the financial performance of the company.
The applicable contribution of the research is reflected in the identified business models and elements of business models that have been found to enable better financial performance. Companies that can identify the key elements of their business in time, implement their business model, and find new ways in which they can continuously innovate will be able to understand better and utilize the possibilities for adapting as quickly as possible to a dynamic and challenging market.
The originality of this thesis is recognizable in the fact that research on business models focused on providing food and beverage service activities has not been explored to a sufficient extent, neither in the Republic of Croatia nor internationally