Imagine if we could compute across phenotype data as easily as genomic data; this article calls for efforts to realize this vision and discusses the potential benefits.

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to explore residents' perceptions of special event tourism at a destination. Specifically, the research examined residents' perceptions of the social, economic and environmental impacts of special event tourism on the destination. The study also examined dimensions of community life that were impacted or curtailed as a result of event tourism.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a telephone survey. The survey solicited residents' perceptions of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of special event tourism. The study was exploratory and followed a descriptive design.FindingsResidents are generally in favor of events that contribute socially and economically to the destination. They are, however, not ambivalent to some of the negative impacts, but are willing to cope with these negative impacts as long as the perceived benefits exceed the negative impacts.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample was adequate for statistical analysis, a larger sample size would yield more generalizable results. Consequently, caution should be used in making generalizations based on this study.Practical implicationsThe constant question faced by destination managers and tourism development authorities is how to plan for optimal tourism development, while at the same time minimize the impact of this development on the resident population. One approach is to monitor residents' opinions of perceived impacts as a means of incorporating community reaction into tourism planning and development. Hence, this study proposes an all inclusive community‐centric approach to event tourism policy making rather than a top‐down approach.Originality/valueBoth practitioners and educators will benefit from the results of this study as it provides insight into a destination's residents' perceptions of special event tourism. This topic has received little attention in the past.

This paper examined nonfinancial disclosures by hospitality and tourism firms on corporate social responsibility (CSR)/sustainability dimensions. Specifically, the study utilized content analysis to assess and document CSR and sustainability reporting practices by firms in this economic sector. The study found that in general, firms utilized the Global Reporting Initiative as the standard guideline for reporting. Findings also suggested that there is a vast difference in the types of information reported by firms in the industry’s various sectors. Lodging firms disclosed the most information on the CSR/sustainability dimensions than firms operating in the food and beverage and cruise line sectors. These findings suggested that CSR/sustainability reporting in the hospitality and tourism industry is in its infancy. Overall, the most frequently disclosed information related to performance on indicators associated with water usage, energy conservation, and waste generation. Community involvement activities were also frequently disclosed by sampled firms. The least reported dimensions were information germane to compensation and work–life balance.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSAs individuals, we are often molded and shaped by special people who touch our lives and instill value, morality, drive and determination into the fabric of our being.Such individuals often teach us how to be resilient and learn how to find ways to overcome adversity and life's challenges. In this regard, I would like to thank my mother, Millicent for the fortitude, drive, determination and values she instilled in me.These are the qualities that have enabled me to overcome life's challenges and accomplish this goal. I would also like to thank my daughter Kendra for being the bright ray of light that kept me focused on achieving this goal. Special thanks to Annette for her encouragement, and tremendous support.I would also like to thank my advisor, Dr. Radesh Palakurthi for his unwavering support, guidance, assistance, and words of encouragement and most importantly for being an excellent mentor. I would also like to thank the members of my dissertation

Purpose -The purpose of the paper is to provoke thought and perhaps response to a new form of identity assurance and security in the lodging industry. For a fact, biometric technology is quickly becoming a principal method of identification in today's fast-paced networked and security-conscious society. Increasingly, more and more organizations are adopting this form of technology to enhance security, improve business processes and increase productivity. The paper highlights the fundamentals of biometric technology, and its application in the lodging industry. The paper also addresses factors that should be considered to ensure successful deployment in the lodging industry. Design/methodology/approach -This paper reviews the fundamentals of biometric technology at the discursive level and provides insights on its practical applications in the lodging industry. Findings -Biometric technology offers the lodging industry new possibilities in the areas of identity assurance and authentication. These relatively new technologies hold promise for practical implementation for both employee-and guest-related processes. The major advantage to using this form of technology over other forms is that users do not have to carry anything around such as magnetic keycards, which can be lost, compromised or stolen. However, there are several legal, social and cost-related challenges that must be overcome before the technology can be universally accepted and implemented in the industry. Practical implications -The paper suggests that the use of biometric technology will continue to increase, and prudent hospitality executives should pay close attention to this trend so that they can adopt the technology into their operations and enjoy the benefits it offers. The paper provides insights about the technology and offers implementation guidelines for lodging technology officers. In addition, it is hoped that this paper will generate future research in the areas of adoption strategies and appropriate types of biometric technologies that are appropriate for lodging operations. Originality/value -Both practitioners and educators will benefit from the information presented in this paper, as it provides insights about a relatively new form of technology. Further, the paper reviews the fundamentals of biometric technologies at the discursive level with the intent of generating future research on their application in the lodging industry.