77 research outputs found
The use of Ethnography to explore Tourist Satisfaction Antecedents
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights concerning the use of ethnographic techniques to explore the antecedents of tourist satisfaction; otherwise referred to as the needs and expectations which precede tourist satisfaction. By revealing the relevance of both needs and expectations in the tourist satisfaction process, the authors proceed in justifying the use of this approach for such exploration. This is based on a thorough review of the global literature as well as on a prolonged ethnographic study undertaken in Cyprus which aimed to investigate holistically the rural tourist satisfaction process. Based on the results of the study, the authors encourage future researchers in the respective tourism field to adopt and make use of the aforementioned approach for similar investigations.Ethnography, tourist satisfaction, antecedents, needs, expectations
Data for: Reconnaissance of philanthropy
No full textFounded on goodness, the amount of attention given to philanthropy has increased recently. Despite its significance at an organizational and societal level, philanthropy remains a rather obscure notion – a gap that the present study aims to fill. In-depth interviews were conducted with owners of organizations within a rural tourism context who were reciprocally appreciated for their anthropocentricity. The findings reveal that philanthropy should not be restricted to financial aid or charity organizations; it should be expressed with intangible offerings and channeled towards customers and employees alike. Research outcomes enable the construction of a theoretical conceptual diagram guiding both future researchers and managers of organizations that aspire to acquire a more anthropocentric stance
Utopia as a reinforcement of tourist experiences
No full textUtopia (οὐ and τόπος) fundamentally relates to a fictional society (More, 1516), an escapist world and unreal space (Podoshen, Venkatesh, & Jin, 2014). Foucault distinguishes spaces into utopias which have no real space and heterotopias which are “other” spaces; worlds within worlds, such as prisons (Foucault & Miskowiec, 1986). Despite such cosmologies, utopia has been associated with non-mythical settings; the region of Arcadia was depicted from ancient times as a “utopian” setting, despite the fact that the particular place actually exists, alluding to a vision of pastoralism and harmonic coexistence with nature. Such idealistic topoi (places), have been allied with mythical creatures (e.g. Nymphs). Likewise, utopic places of natural exquisiteness have been linked with “elves” in the case of Tolkien’s legendarium (Tolkien, 1977). Utopia has been examined within different contexts, such as psychedelic utopia (Beauchamp, 1990) and esoteric philosophical utopia which has been an avenue of escape from ugly reality (Manuel & Manuel, 1979). Even so, it has troubled early philosophers, and remains a perplexed notion subject to different interpretations, despite its link and significance to topoi. The majority of place-tourism research has been dedicated to the examination of particular sites/venues and certain activities offered within places (Granås, 2018) and their effects on individuals (Pearce, 2012). Other recent studies have focused on places from a tourism perspective, such as on their consumption (Rakić & Chambers, 2012). Nonetheless, fantasies, mythologized imaginaries of otherness and discourses about peoples and places, often act as the motor setting tourism in motion (Salazar and Graburn, 2014, Amirou, 1995). This particular exploratory study (Christou, 2018) which took place in Iceland (June 2018), attempts to explore the extent to which a “utopic” experience is promoted by tourism stakeholders, and to understand how visitors perceive such initiatives. Iceland, with its unique morphology and natural phenomena, has long been associated with utopic place manifestations; Annotations portray an idiomorphic physical setting, a legendary land of immortals fighting in lava-fields and a playground of álfar- elves (Hafstein, 2000), or huldufólk (Sontag, 2007) who pertain to place secrecy
A Critical Perspective Over Whether and How to Acknowledge the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Qualitative Studies
No full textThere has been a rise in scepticism regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in qualitative research tasks such as critical reviews, conceptualization, thematic and content analysis, and potentially theory development. Concerns have been raised over the possibility that researchers intentionally avoid discussing or even mentioning the use of AI in their studies for a variety of reasons, including the fear of criticism and rejection of their papers. The purpose of this paper, which is guided by critical perspective principles, is to examine the controversy surrounding the appropriate recognition of AI in theoretical discussions and qualitative research, including conceptual, critical reviews, empirical, and other types of studies of qualitative nature. Prior to a discussion of how to acknowledge the use of AI, the significance of notions of acknowledgment and academic integrity in the context of research are discussed. As the author of this paper, I acknowledge and document the use of both AI and the researcher’s cognitive skills in the development of this theoretical critical perspective study through a four-phase process, while giving directions of when and how to acknowledge the use of AI in qualitative studies
Suicide Tourism: Leiper's Tourism System Theoretical Perspective
No full textThe purpose of this short communication is to deliver a theoretical perspective of suicide tourism within the context of Leiper's tourism system. Based on the theoretical model, it may be argued whether travel for suicidal purposes meets the requirements to be regarded as a form of tourism. Despite this, the term is widely used in both academia and in the media. The author urges the academic community to provide directions to tourism stakeholders on how to assist those who choose to travel to specific locations to take their own lives. The exposure of places as "suicidal hot spots" should be avoided by the media. This may give the impression of a pseudo-idyllic form of tourism activity with the participant's own life, while it involves the risk of triggering people's inquisitiveness of capturing and sharing the macabre moment on social media and help visitors act as observers of the death of others
Thematic Analysis through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
No full textThematic analysis, a well-enforced qualitative analytic method, is likely to continue evolving with the adoption of AI technologies. This how-to report does not delve into the details of thematic analysis itself, as there are ample existing studies on the topic. Instead, it acknowledges the potential impacts, dynamics, and pitfalls of AI in thematic analysis while offering valuable advice, particularly for novice analysts, on how to incorporate and document AI tools in each phase of a thematic analysis. The author underscores the importance of not allowing AI to overshadow the analyst\u27s critical evaluative and interpretive skills but instead supporting the use of AI as an aid in thematic analysis, enhancing the depth and breadth of analysis, provided certain criteria are adhered to. This approach ensures that AI serves as a complementary tool, augmenting rather than replacing human analytical inquiry
AI and International Business
No full textThis chapter explores artificial intelligence (AI) and international business, and considers five perspectives in their interplay: intelligence, interconnectedness, complexity, mindset and foresight. It begins with an exploration of human and machine intelligence, as foundations in learning and adapting to complex business environments. The discussion then centres around the interconnectedness of the networked world, reflecting on the interplay between globalization, AI advancement and multinational companies creating a dynamic cycle of growth. By distinguishing between complicated and complex through different analogies, the intricacy of the networked company is highlighted. It then analyses the mindset for complicated and complex problems – inductive reasoning for the former and abductive logic for the latter – and the machine learning and deep-learning tools relevant to each. Finally, the ‘race condition’ is discussed, presenting foresight into the prospects of AI and international business, and concludes by highlighting the key insights of the chapter along with some directions for future research
Πώς η τεχνητή νοημοσύνη μπορεί να αυξήσει την αποτελεσματικότητα των λειτουργιών στον ξενοδοχειακό κλάδο
No full textThis thesis investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the operations of luxury hotels, concentrating on its effect on efficiency, guest experience, and strategic management. The research strives to comprehend how AI influences key facets of hotel operations, the advantages and difficulties of its implementation, and the degree to which it can substitute or complement the human element in hospitality services. A qualitative methodology was utilized, grounded on ten semi-structured interviews with hospitality professionals from Cyprus, Greece, and to a lesser extent, Qatar. The findings demonstrate that AI contributes substantially to automating repetitive tasks, improving energy efficiency, forecasting demand, and delivering personalized guest experiences. Nevertheless, participants emphasized the significance of maintaining human interaction, especially in emotionally significant service moments. Several difficulties surfaced, including high implementation costs, inadequate staff training, and concerns over data privacy and security. The research concludes with six practical suggestions for the strategic and ethical implementation of AI in hospitality settings and proposes future research paths. These involve conducting comparative international studies, exploring the perspectives of guests, and examining the evolving professional identity of hospitality staff in AI-enhanced surroundings. AI is presented as a valuable and transformative tool, provided it is implemented carefully, with a clear strategic vision and respect for the human-centric nature of hospitality. The thesis underlines the need for a balanced, hybrid model of service delivery—where technology and human presence co-exist harmoniously to create efficient yet emotionally rich guest experiences.Η παρούσα διατριβή αναλύει την ενσωμάτωση της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης (AI) στις λειτουργίες πολυτελών ξενοδοχείων, φανερώνοντας τη συνεισφορά της στην αποδοτικότητα, την εμπειρία πελάτη και τη συνολική επιχειρησιακή στρατηγική. Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι η κατανόηση του τρόπου με τον οποίο η AI επιδρά σε κρίσιμες πτυχές της ξενοδοχειακής λειτουργίας, τα πλεονεκτήματα και τις προκλήσεις που δημιουργεί, καθώς και το κατά πόσο δύναται να αντικαταστήσει ή να συμπληρώσει τον ανθρώπινο παράγοντα. Η ερευνητική προσέγγιση ήταν ποιοτική και βασίστηκε σε ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις με δέκα επαγγελματίες του κλάδου, από την Κύπρο, την Ελλάδα και εν μέρει από το Κατάρ. Τα ευρήματα κατέδειξαν ότι η AI συμβάλλει στην αυτοματοποίηση επαναλαμβανόμενων διαδικασιών, στην εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας, στην πρόβλεψη ζήτησης και στην εξατομικευμένη εξυπηρέτηση πελατών. Ωστόσο, οι ερωτηθέντες τόνισαν την ανάγκη για διατήρηση της ανθρώπινης επαφής, ειδικά σε υπηρεσίες υψηλής συναισθηματικής σημασίας. Αναδείχθηκαν επίσης προκλήσεις όπως το υψηλό κόστος εφαρμογής, η έλλειψη κατάλληλης εκπαίδευσης του προσωπικού και ζητήματα προστασίας προσωπικών δεδομένων. Η εργασία καταλήγει σε έξι προτάσεις για τη στρατηγική και ηθική ενσωμάτωση της AI στα ξενοδοχεία, και προτείνει κατευθύνσεις για μελλοντική έρευνα που περιλαμβάνει συγκριτικές διεθνείς μελέτες και την εμπειρία των ίδιων των πελατών. Η AI εμφανίζεται ως πολύτιμο εργαλείο, αρκεί να εφαρμόζεται με σχέδιο, ευαισθησία και σεβασμό στην ανθρώπινη διάσταση της φιλοξενίας.Complete
Ηow to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Resource, Methodological and Analysis Tool in Qualitative Research?
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) has had far-reaching effects in research and the academic world. It has been used in many ways by the scientific community within the context of qualitative research, such as literature and systematic reviews, for conceptualization purposes, thematic and content analysis. It has however prompted concerns and questions about the potential for unreliable research, bias, and unethical behavior in the outcomes of AI-produced research. The purpose this paper is to examine the current use of AI in research, its strengths and limitations, dilemmas and ethical considerations from theoretical critical perspective principles, while delivering five key considerations for the appropriate, rigorous, and reliable use of AI in research practice. The first step is to become acquainted with the data generated by AI systems. The second is concerned with removing biased content and addressing ethical concerns when using AI, while the third is concerned with cross-referencing information generated by AI. The fourth step is to control the analysis process. The fifth and most important key consideration is the demonstration of cognitive input and skills by the researcher throughout the process of using AI in any qualitative research study and in reaching conclusions
Εξερευνώντας τις Δυνατότητες και τις Προκλήσεις της Εφαρμογής Καινοτόμων Τεχνολογιών στο πλαίσιο του Τουρισμού Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς
No full textThis thesis explores in depth the opportunities and challenges arising from the integration of innovative technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the Metaverse, into cultural heritage tourism. The research adopted a mixed qualitative methodological approach, combining two successive rounds of the Delphi method involving 17 experts, followed by in-depth interviews with 10 professionals in the field. The findings indicate that emerging technologies can enhance visitor experiences, promote experiential learning, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. At the same time, critical challenges emerge, including concerns about authenticity, digital inequality, ethical use, the commodification of cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the application of innovative technologies in cultural tourism and offers practical guidelines for their sustainable and responsible integration.Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία διερευνά σε βάθος τις δυνατότητες και τις προκλήσεις που ανακύπτουν από την ενσωμάτωση καινοτόμων τεχνολογιών, όπως η επαυξημένη και η εικονική πραγματικότητα, η τεχνητή νοημοσύνη και το Metaverse, στον τουρισμό πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς. Η έρευνα βασίστηκε σε μικτή ποιοτική μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση, συνδυάζοντας δύο διαδοχικούς γύρους της μεθόδου Delphi με 17 ειδικούς και εις βάθος συνεντεύξεις με 10 επαγγελματίες του κλάδου. Τα ευρήματα υποδεικνύουν ότι οι τεχνολογίες αιχμής μπορούν να εμπλουτίσουν την εμπειρία των επισκεπτών, να ενισχύσουν τη βιωματική μάθηση και να συμβάλουν στην διατήρηση και ανάδειξη της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς. Παράλληλα, στο προσκήνιο ανέρχονται κρίσιμες προκλήσεις οι οποίες σχετίζονται με την αυθεντικότητα, την ψηφιακή ανισότητα, την ηθική χρήση, την εμπορευματοποίηση της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς και την περιβαλλοντική βιωσιμότητα. Η παρούσα μελέτη ενισχύει τη θεωρητική κατανόηση γύρω από τη εφαρμογή καινοτόμων τεχνολογιών στον πολιτιστικό τουρισμό, και παράλληλα προσφέρει πρακτικές κατευθύνσεις για τη βιώσιμη και υπεύθυνη ενσωμάτωσή τους.Complete
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