No abstract

The study’s purpose was to examine and update the research methods and measurement issues associated with assessing the economic impact (EI) of an extended duration, regional tourism event. Specifically examined were the issues with the implementation of EI studies in regard to further testing and re-verifying the methods used in (1) measuring a representative sample from an information-seeking/sharing web site and social media registration and engagement lists; (2) comparing locals and nonlocals within a region using different definition techniques; (3) examining the impact of VFRs within the local markets; and (4) comparing the estimation of purchasing within versus outside an impact area. Recommendations for further analysis and implementation for EI studies and the management of tourism special events are presented.

Drawing on congruence theory, this study aims to examine the impact of internal brand management, perceived level of job opportunities, and their interaction effects on job applicants during the anticipatory socialization process in the hospitality industry. Data were collected from students and job seekers in the hospitality industry with qualitative (focus group interview) and quantitative approaches (2 × 2 and 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects quasi-experimental design). The findings indicate that recruiters who receive internal brand management have a positive impact on applicants’ congruence perception toward the brand. Furthermore, this effect becomes stronger when candidates perceive employment opportunities as abundant, which increases job attraction and job pursuit intentions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of brand experiences on visitors’ memory formation and their revisit intention to a special event. Design/methodology/approach This study collected survey data from the Great New England Air Show to examine the soundness of the proposed theoretical model. Data were analyzed with partial least squares–structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicate an individual’s brand experience in the context of a special event can assist him/her in becoming more involved and finding meaningfulness in the experience, and form greater readiness to store memory of the event. Memory formation triggered by brand experience can help event practitioners anticipate positive behaviors of visitors after the experience. Practical implications The results suggest that event marketing managers and decision makers should create strong brand experiences focused on a mix of sensory, affective, intellectual and behavioral messages linked to the larger brand knowledge and memory formation. Originality/value The development of a theoretical model explaining brand experience with the purpose of explaining the internalization of brand experience in memory formation was documented and the study validated the brand experience concept in a non-monetary setting.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illuminate an example of current practices and processes that enable transformation in the workplace in a South African multi-unit hospitality and tourism business, affording previously disadvantaged people the opportunity to advance in the organization and participate in the management and ownership of that organization. Design/methodology/approach A constructivist grounded theory methodological framework is used for the collection of data, analysis and theoretical development, utilizing Charmaz’s (2006, 2011, 2014) approach in both the collection and analysis of data as well as the theoretical perspective that emerged from the research process. Intensive semi-structured recorded interviews were conducted with the owner and managers of the company. Following transcription of the interviews, multi-level data coding allowed the move from an inductive to an abductive process with theoretical sampling allowing the shift toward conceptual and theoretical development. Findings Study findings provide insight about the processes and practices that enabled previously disadvantaged people to move into management and ownership of a multi-unit South African hospitality and tourism business. Leapfrogging emerged as a theoretical perspective that provides interpretive understanding of atypical upward employment mobility, i.e. “human leapfrogging.” Research limitations/implications While this study is limited to a single hospitality and tourism company in South Africa that is not necessarily typical of other South African businesses, it provides a vivid illustration of the impact that visionary leadership and a genuine desire to “level the playing field” can have on individuals, both personally and professionally, and their wider communities. Practical implications Leapfrogging theory in the context of “human leapfrogging” suggests innovative business practices for fast-tracking marginalized individuals out of poverty and provides an urgently needed theoretical perspective for this process. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, the leapfrogging concept has not previously been applied in the context of atypical employment progression within the corporation, nor has its impact on the corporation and the lives of the affected individuals and their communities been examined.