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Evaluation and identification of nature-based tourism (NBT) destinations is not a new practice; however, evaluating the variability of various inputs in the identification of NBT destinations have only recently gained special attention. This study highlights the importance of conducting sensitivity analysis of criteria weights in mapping NBT areas in the state of West Virginia. As an extension to the study by Dhami, Deng, Burns, and Pierskalla (2014, Identifying and mapping forest-based ecotourism areas in West Virginia incorporating visitors' preferences. Tourism Management, 42, 165-176) who examined and mapped NBT areas in West Virginia by incorporating visitors' perceptions as criteria weights into a spatial suitability model, this study focuses on how sensitive NBT areas are to the variations of visitors' and ecotourism experts' perceptions of selected criteria (i.e. remoteness, slope, vegetation, wildlife, mining, and logging) using a simple one-at-a-time method. Results indicate that visitors and ecotourism experts perceived the criteria in a similar manner with the presence of vegetation and remoteness being ranked as the most important criteria for NBT areas. The results also show that about one-third of West Virginia is highly suitable and least sensitive to variations in criteria weights, and therefore suitable for a wide range of NBT tourists, irrespective of their preferences for the selected NBT criteria. Research implications and limitations are discussed. ARTICLE HISTORY

Purpose -The work described in this paper is of direct relevance to those with an interest in the phenomena surrounding ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) adoption by the rural accommodation sector. The paper provides the results from a preliminary study, which examined differences in the level of inter-firm technology adoption between rural and urban accommodation establishments within a major tourism destination, Scotland. Design/methodology/approach -A survey was conducted, and the results set out here suggested that these differences are only presented with two types of technology, i.e. systems requiring networking infrastructure, and sector-specific applications. Findings -The discussion suggests that the Neoclassical theory of growth and theory of development from below are contradictory but they complementarily explain different levels of adoption between rural and urban setting. Research Limitations/Implications -Not only theoretical, but also industry implications and suggestions for further research are presented. Originality/Value -Previous studies examining these phenomena within other industries suggested that rural businesses tend to have weaker technology adoption than those located in urban settings. However, they fail to provide any conclusive theoretical explanation for these differences.

The tradition of heritage interpretation is moving away from purely conservational and educational goals to an entertainment-and experience-oriented interpretative provision. New technologies are gaining prominence in museums to enhance visitors' mindfulness, subsequent learning outcomes and satisfaction. Extant research literature reflects technology-based heritage interpretation; however, such studies implement predetermined outputs which have never been tested by the demand side. This paper seeks to assess technology-mediated heritage interpretation, merging both theory from the museums management and customer satisfaction literatures, and applying Importance-Performance Analysis. Results reveal that new technology does not represent a substitute for other interpretative applications. Its appropriate use in those museums with a traditional interpretative layout enhances displays´ multisensory provision and visitors´ perceived interactivity. The use of technology is more appreciated in traditional museums than in those with live interpretation.

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of the following article: Sofia Reino, Aurkene Alzua-Sorzabal, Rodolfo Baggio, "Adopting interoperability solutions for online tourism distribution: An evaluation framework", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, Vol. 7 Issue: 1, pp.2-15, January 2016. Under embargo. Embargo end date: 18 January 2018. The final, published version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-08-2014-0034. ?? Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2016. Published by Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Purpose ??? The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that make the adoption of interoperability solutions for online tourism distribution (OTD) more likely by small operators and to develop an evaluation framework for this solutions. Research identifying these determinants is missing. The resulting evaluation framework is then applied to evaluate a number of extant technological solutions focused on interoperability solutions for OTD. Design/methodology/approach ??? In an attempt to address this gap of research, this paper undertakes a series of interviews and focus groups of the European tourism industry. Findings ??? Findings partly aligned with the suggestion made by previous research about technology adoption by micro, small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs), they also highlighted some issues which are specific to the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD. These related to the scarcity of information and communication technology (ICT) applications specifically designed for mini and micro enterprises, the very limited capabilities available for using efficiently ICTs in business-to-business (B2B) operations and the difficulty in collaborating with other companies due to the number of different solutions used in the industry, especially when dealing with large aggregators (global distribution systems (GDSs) or large online travel agencies) and lack of standardization for data. Research limitations/implications ??? The study has important theoretical implications. It provides a better understanding of issues affecting the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD by SMTEs, such as the scarcity of ICT applications specifically designed for mini and micro enterprises, the very limited capabilities available for using ICTs efficiently in B2B operations and lack of standardization. Practical implications ??? It facilitates making decisions about adopting interoperability solutions for online distribution solutions, both by suppliers and destination managers. Originality/value ??? Limited work has focused on understanding issues affecting the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD solutions among SMTEs

Cultural heritage is a main contributor to tourism development. These two activities heavily rely on the communication process for attracting visitors and to provide them with a satisfactory experience, which can be enhanced through effective heritage interpretation. This paper argues that there are opportunities for the application of e-Services in the delivery of heritage interpretation through the Internet -optimising results for the fulfilment of both marketing and interpretation purposes. This paper investigates visitor satisfaction with museums and explores the use of e-Services for both cultural attraction operators and destination managers over a two-stages empricical research. On one side, this study identifies the contribution of heritage interpretation practices to the overall visitor satisfaction in museums. On the other side, it evaluates the current integration of e-Services in cultural attractions and destination websites. The results are integrated and developed into practical industry implications both for cultural attractions and destination website developmet.

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Purpose Evidence suggests that electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) plays a highly influential role in decision-making when booking hotel rooms. The number of online sources where consumers can obtain information on hotel ratings provided has grown exponentially. Hence, a number of companies have developed average scores to summarize this information and to make it more easily available to consumers. Furthermore, official star rating schemes are starting to provide these commercially developed average scores to complement the information their schemes offer. The purpose of this paper is to examine the robustness of these systems. Design/methodology/approach Average scores from different systems, and the scores provided by one rating site were collected for 200 hotels and compared. Findings Findings suggested important differences in the ratings and assigned descriptive word across websites. Research limitations/implications The results imply that the application of average scores by official organizations is not legitimate and identifies a research gap in the area of consumer and star rating standardization. Originality/value The paper is of value to the industry and academia related to the examination of rating scales adopted by major online review tourism providers. Evidence of malpractice has been identified and the adoption of this type of scales by official star rating schemes is questioned.