Journal of Applied Sciences in Travel and Hospitality

An exploratory study of AI participants' views on using AI in business hotels

Kelvin Leong, Anna Sung — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study presents a novel approach to exploring the viewpoints of AI bots regarding the utilization of AI in business hotels using thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with AI bots serving as the subjects. The rationale for this approach is that AI bots have undergone extensive training using a wide range of data from different internet sources. Therefore, having an interview with an AI bot can be viewed as an interaction with an entity that embodies collective viewpoints and information derived from the internet. The study has unearthed crucial themes that offer invaluable insights to industry participants and policymakers, contributing to the expansion of existing literature by generating novel knowledge and fostering a comprehensive understanding. The pioneering approach of incorporating AI bots as participants in interviews opens up fresh avenues for future research endeavours and engenders discussions and debates concerning the use of AI bots as participants.

A model of religiosity integration in sustainable tourism development (The case of Tenganan Pagringsingan Village, Bali, Indonesia)

I Ketut Budarma — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The research in Tenganan Pegringsingan village in Bali, Indonesia examines the relationship between religiosity, convention (awig-awig) environmental sustainability, and sustainable tourism development. The study explores how the village's cultural practices and social structures impact its ecological balance. The method used is descriptive qualitative to examine potential challenges faced by the village. The findings emphasize the importance of preserving traditional practices in maintaining the ecological health of the region. The village's commitment to cultural preservation and environmental sustainability is crucial for its sustainability and resilience. The research also identifies five challenges faced by the village, including tourism governance, friction between customs and tourism, preservation of local wisdom, economic life and cultural-based tourism, and informal education for endogamous marriages. To address these challenges, a comprehensive model is proposed that integrates religiosity, traditional conventions, tourism governance, local wisdom, informal education, cultural tourism-based economy, cultural friction, and integration. This model ensures that tourism development aligns with the village's religiosity and traditional practices, maintains cultural integrity, and promotes sustainable economic growth while preserving the community's way of life.

Exploring satisfaction of amusement parks in Indonesia

Ardhitama Shaumarli, Radiani Nurwitasari — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid growth of amusement parks in Indonesia has elevated them to significant tourist hubs, prompting a detailed examination of visitor satisfaction within these settings. This study aims to analyze the satisfaction trends among tourists visiting the top 11 amusement parks in Indonesia and assess whether their ratings accurately reflect their satisfaction. Moreover, it investigates the factors influencing satisfaction levels, employing an adjusted rating method to dissect tourists' ratings and compare them with sentiment analysis results derived from provided reviews. While acknowledging the fluctuating performance of these destinations, with most showing signs of improvement, the study highlights that only 5 destinations within the sample exhibit comovement between adjusted ratings and sentiment analysis results. Furthermore, a closer inspection reveals that some destinations have successfully minimized the prevalence of negative sentiments expressed in reviews. However, there is still 1 destination that is of concern because it has decreased customer satisfaction as indicated by a decrease in score and the addition of negative sentiment.

Model of resilience strategies of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises post pandemic crises in marine-based destination

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the resilience strategies employed by small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) in Tanjung Bira, a marine-based destination in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Duchek's Model of resilience, which conceptualizes resilience as a meta-capability composed of three stages (anticipation, coping, and adaptation), is used as a key framework. An exploratory qualitative approach was employed, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven informants representing various tourism stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed several main strategies for SMTE resilience: collaboration with stakeholders, government intervention, implementation of digital marketing, strengthening SMTEs legality, and strengthening/diversification of SMTE products. Mapping these strategies onto Duchek's Model, the anticipation stage included strategic planning, risk assessment, and building dynamic capabilities; the coping stage consisted of immediate financial measures and policy support; and the adaptation stage involved diversification, technology and innovation adoption, and collaboration and networking. A key implication is that destination management organizations should create innovative products and leverage online platforms for marketing to increase visitor arrivals and boost SMTE product sales. The findings contribute to understanding SMTE resilience in the context of a marine-based destination in Eastern Indonesia and provide insights for policymakers and practitioners to support SMTE recovery and long-term sustainability post-pandemic.

Utilization of Lake Toba culinary identity for gastronomic tourism development

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research explores the potential of gastronomic tourism in the Lake Toba region of Indonesia, focusing on the unique culinary identity and traditions of the Batak tribe. Batak culinary practices are firmly rooted in local traditions and environmental conditions, with major traditional foods and drinks such as Tuak, Na Niura, and Mie Gomak having strong cultural values. Currently, Lake Toba gastronomic tourism has not become a leading tourism destination. The purpose of this study is to examine how environmental and cultural factors affect local cuisine and beverages in the Lake Toba region and to identify challenges and opportunities in promoting these gastronomic assets effectively. This qualitative research uses interviews, observations, and documentation to collect data. Key stakeholders, including local business owners and Batak cultural experts were interviewed using non-probability snowball sampling to gain comprehensive insights into the region's culinary identity. The results of the study highlight the cultural significance and potential tourist attraction of traditional Batak food and beverages. However, challenges such as tourists' lack of knowledge about local cuisine were identified. The study shows that a more structured and strategic approach, including annual food festivals and culinary tours, is needed to increase the demand for Lake Toba's Gatronomi tourism. This study underscores the need for an annual Lake Toba Gastronomy festival to utilize local culinary heritage, thereby increasing cultural preservation and tourism development in the Lake Toba region.

Survival strategies of informal sector workers in Bali's tourism industry

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The informal tourism sector plays a vital role in the local economies, particularly in destinations such as Bali. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth. These workers, who are often ignored, greatly enrich the experience of tourism but encounter distinct obstacles on a daily basis. Gaining insight into their methods for staying alive is crucial. Informal workers face distinct limits compared to formal sector employees, resulting in less defined sustainability and growth strategies. A thorough investigation was carried out in nine regencies in Bali, utilizing observations and interviews, in order to examine these tactics. This method facilitated a comprehensive comprehension of their day-to-day routines and difficulties. The study identified four crucial survival strategies: implementing prudent financial management to sustain businesses and meet daily needs, utilizing communication skills to maintain income and continuity, enhancing social capital through positive relationships with fellow workers, and comprehending government policies. Out of these factors, effectively managing economic capital is crucial for maintaining livelihoods in the fiercely competitive tourism business. The results of this study provide a basis for future policies or interventions aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of informal sector workers in tourist areas such as Bali.

The animo Timpag people in the development of tourism villages in Bali

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The goal of this study is to identify possible areas for tourism development in Tabanan Regency, Bali namely in Timpag Village. In Tabanan, It’s a relatively new tourist destination. The success of other tourists villages in Bali seem to inspire the Timpag villagers to enhance their tourism potential. This research aims to reveal the factors that make Timpag villagers interested in building a tourist village and inventory the tourism potential. Therefore, the sample is those selected in Timpag village by purposive sampling. The research was conducted using qualitative methods. Data was gathered through observations and literature reviews. Each data set was analyzed using qualitative techniques. This research found that animo as a social interest is an important factor in the development of tourist villages. The research findings indicate that: First, the Timpag people are eager to develop the village’s tourism potential and have shown social solidarity by prioritizing the creation of tourist infrastructures. Many forms of tourism solidarity were not caused by the role of the pokdarwis. The tourism animo has become a huge internal factor for the Timpag people for their tourism village; Second, Timpag Village has potential for natural tourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism, and special interest tourism. It has developed based on capital and social commitment based on their tourism animo. Some of the tourism potential hasn’t developed optimally due to the lack of support from pokdarwis, resistance from some Timpag communities, and lack of local government assistance for tourism development in Timpag village.

The future of green tourism in Bali: Challenges and opportunities

Ni Nyoman Sri Astuti, Putu Tika Virginiya, Ni Ketut Bagiastuti, Elvira Septevany — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research examines the future of green tourism in Bali, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the island in its sustainable tourism development efforts. The research adopts a multi-method qualitative approach, including a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. Data were collected from key stakeholders in Bali's tourism industry, including experienced tourism operators, government officials, environmental experts, and community leaders representatives. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, with the criteria of having a minimum of five years of experience in Bali's tourism industry or related fields. Their role was to provide insights into the current state of green tourism in Bali, challenges faced, and potential development opportunities. Key findings revealed significant challenges such as environmental damage from mass tourism, inadequate waste management, threats to biodiversity, cultural exploitation, and economic inequality. Nonetheless, Bali also shows great potential for green tourism development, including supportive government policies, community engagement opportunities, technological advances, and the growing global demand for sustainable tourism experiences. This research proposes a comprehensive strategy to boost green tourism in Bali, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, sustainable tourism standards, eco-friendly infrastructure improvements, and awareness-raising campaigns.