No abstract

No abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the relationships between older travelers’ self-determined motivations, memorable travel experiences and overall satisfaction with educational holidays. This study also examined the mediating effects of memorable travel experiences on the relationships between motivations and overall satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach An integrative model using a pre-post travel approach was used as the framework for this study. A total of 361 valid pre- and post-travel surveys were gathered from Australians 50 years or older who participated in educational tour packages. Findings Results found “personal development” and “learning” dimensions of intrinsic self-determined motivations were the main decision making factors for older adults to engage in educational tourism. “Learning” was the main driver to influence memorable experiences and overall satisfaction. Findings also revealed “local culture” and “excitement” dimensions of memorable experiences were found to influence their overall satisfaction with the trip. These two dimensions were found to be significant factors that partially mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivation (“learning”) and overall satisfaction. Originality/value This study contributed to developing a theoretical framework that assessed antecedents and outcomes of older adults’ motivations and travel-related behaviors.

This study proposes and tests the influence of the cruise ship brand equity model on behavioral intentions by utilizing the constructs of brand loyalty, image, awareness, message, and perceived quality. The study found overall that brand loyalty and perceived quality were most influential on the behavioral intentions of cruise passengers. Specifically, repeat purchase intentions, the likelihood of recommending the brand to others, and brand preference were found to be significant in the model. The finding is consistent with extant literature which credits brand loyalty with being the most influential variable on cruise passenger's behavioral intentions. Brand image was the most highly correlated construct with behavioral intentions and was found to lack discriminant validity although theory distinguishes the two as separate constructs. The results from this study may be useful to cruise line corporations, particularly in formulating successful marketing campaigns and in encouraging relationship building with customers.

The convention industry continues to suffer from a lack of qualified professionals; a phenomenon which persists due to increasing demand for personnel as a result of more meeting facilities, a growing number of events held annually, and the aging of current employees. The high costs associated with hiring and training new employees makes convention firms hesitant to employ inexperienced individuals. Recent college graduates often fall into this category as they have limited work experience and field knowledge. This study was designed to articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for students to be successful in convention management positions. Results of the data analysis yielded five pillars of human resource needs in the convention industry; notably: planning skills, professionalism, work ethic, personality traits, and self management. Details of these pillars are presented, along with recommendations for future research.