JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT YEAR 3/VOL.3
On-line ISSN: 2566-2880
Print ISSN: 2566-2872
OUTSOURCING PRACTICES IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Halil Akmese, Tevfik Eren, Sercan Aras, Ekrem Damar
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.01
UDC: 338.486.3:640.418
Abstract: Outsourcing is a management strategy that is often preferred by businesses operating in the hospitality industry. Outsourcing can provide the accommodation businesses the chance of giving more attention to their core business activities. In this study, the perceptions of four and five-star hotel managers about the outsourcing strategies of upper grade accommodation facilities operating in Konya and Ankara are going to be investigated. Findings of the research questionnaire which is structured by means of literature review on the previous studies carried out will be analyzed. Valid and reliable responses are going to be analyzed by means of statistical software, SPSS. The relationships between determined factors within the scope of study which are considered as effective on the adoption of outsourcing activities and hotel managers’ evaluations on outsourcing activities are examined and interpreted.
Key words: Hospitality industry, Outsourcing practices, Hotel managers
GREEN CERTIFICATIONS WITHIN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
Pernille Eskerod, Jovana Đurić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.10
UDC: 338.48:502.131.1(497.11)
Abstract: A blooming hotel industry has the downside of an increased negative environmental impact. At the same time, many hotel guests and employees have become conscious of eco-friendliness and green practices. In addition, 2017 was by United Nations declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, with the emphasis on (among other elements) resource efficiency and environmental protection. A hotel that has green certification(s) promises more green services, products, and operations, and possesses thereby (potentially) important strategic assets, when it comes to attracting customers and employees. Many green certifications are offered within the hotel industry, such as for example Green Globe and Green Key. However, which certificate(s) to choose is a strategic choice for the hotel management. In this paper, we examine green certifications in order to determine similarities and differences among them. As part of the research, we analyze the usage of certificates in different regions (e.g. Southeast Europe). Even though many of the certifications are offered internationally, we identified clear differences in dissemination across region. In addition to region, the belonging to a hotel chain/brand seemed to highly influence the choice of certificate(s).
Key words: green certification, eco-friendliness, sustainability, hotel industry, strategic asset, strategic choice
INVESTIGATION OF CRISIS AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF TURKISH HOTELS IN A LARGE SCALE TOURISM CRISIS
Davut Uysal, Yaşar Sarı, Nazmi Taslacı
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.23
UDC: 65.012.32[338.488.2:640.418](560)
Abstract: This study used an adapted version of both Faulkner and Vikulov's (2001) Tourism Disaster Management Framework (TDMF) and Ritchie's (2004) Crisis and Disaster Management Framework (CDMF) and tested the adapted framework to some Turkish hotels within the context of the 2016 tourism crisis in Tukey. This framework consists of six stages regarding crisis management. The number of research focusing on crisis management strategies of the organisations in the hospitality industry is limited in the literature. This study focused on some five-star hotels specifically and aimed to reveal the types of crisis management strategies used as a reaction to a large-scale tourism crisis. 24 specific questions in Turkish regarding six stages were adapted from the framework. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 hotels randomly chosen by the researchers. The results obtained from the interviews identified a range of recommendations for the hospitality industry. Turkish hotels were found to remain inadequate in the use of crisis management strategies. Moreover, they were found to lack of awareness regarding crisis management strategies. Of the recommendations suggested in this study, one key suggestion for the hotels is to develop a formal crisis management plan for a future crisis in the tourism sector and regularly practice it in their organisations.
Key words: Crisis Management, hospitality industry, tourism, Turkish Hotels, Management strategies.
MAIN FACTORS LIMITING THE RECOGNITION AND USE OF KEY MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING TOOLS AND ISSUES IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Halil Akmese, Tevfik Eren, Sercan Aras, Aysegul Ilhan
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.41
UDC: 338.487:65.012.32(560)
Abstract: As it is in the world, tourism in Turkey has the potential for rapid development and it provides opportunities for many different sectors to develop. It is necessary for accommodation establishments which have a considerable share in tourism sector to provide productivity and efficiency within the internal process of an establishment in order to reach their expected profit goals and continue their existence because they have a labor-intensive structure, they encounter many different cultures, demands of consumers continually differ and they carry on a business in a dynamic environment. To manage this purpose, managers of accommodation establishments want to use proper and reliable financial information in the decision-making process in order to protect the existence of an establishment, minimize errors or remove them and evaluate activities of an establishment. In this context, an effective management accounting system supports the decision-making process and enables financial information which is required to minimize cost in further periods, increase sales revenues and provide a competitive advantage for an establishment. The purpose of this research is to investigate management accounting and its applications in accommodation establishments, detect problems and determine to what extent applications of management accounting are benefitted.
Key words: /
HYGIENE STATUS OF KITCHEN PRODUCTION AREAS OF HOSPITALITY FACILITIES
Eren Canbolat, Ayşe Nur Songür, Funda Pınar Çakıroğlu
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.48
UDC: 338.48[641.54:613.5](560)
Abstract: Tourism sector is service sector. Food and beverage department is one of the important departments in the hospitality facilities. Service quality of this department attracts people to facilities apart from the purpose of the accommodation. Guests who stay in hospitality facilities may face food poisoning if hygiene and sanitation rules are not obey in food and beverage services. Therefore, cleaning in the kitchen is absolutely necessary. In this study, it is aimed to determine the hygienic conditions of the production areas of kitchens of hospitality facilities in Ankara. Method of study is seven different hospitality facilities in Ankara were visited, kitchen production areas were examined and hygiene evaluations were made by taking photographs. According to the findings it has been observed that in the kitchen production areas there were no suitable materials for hygiene in the floors and walls in five facilities and cracks, breachs, slits were found and height of the ceiling was low in four facilities. It has been determined that the work benches were made of suitable materials (steel-marble) in terms of usage but inappropriate
in terms of cleanliness and order. It has been determined that the tools used for production was not clean, the work areas were not separated from each other except for three facilities, the garbage cans in the kitchen were not covered, the tops of the prepared food were kept open, the dirty-clean materials were kept together and the lighting and ventilation was not good in most of the kitchens. As a result the most of the kitchens surveyed bear the risk of cross-contamination. In the event of any food poisoning or dissatisfaction, facilities can also harm economically by losing reputation. Hygienic food production is an important issue that needs to be emphasized because of significance to both public health and economic prosperity in international trade. In food and beverage services should be available specialists for provide of hygienic qualities. Hygiene audit lists should be developed and continuously checked at the hospitality facilities.
Key words: hygiene, hospitality facility, food production
INVESTIGATION OF KITCHEN STORAGE OF HOSPITALITY FACILITIES
Ayşe Nur Songür, Eren Canbolat, Funda Pınar Çakıroğlu
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.57
UDC: 338.48[640.43:643.37](560)
Abstract: Food and beverage service in the hospitality facilities is not for meeting only one physiological requirement for the guests. Preparing food and drink with good quality materials in accordance with hygiene regulations and offering them nicely ties the guests more to operation. Safe food production and services can be performed in a healthy way by providing some conditions. Storage of food in suitable conditions is one of the important steps in the food safety chain. In this study, it is aimed to examine kitchen storage of hospitality facilities in Ankara. For this reason, seven different hospitality facilities in Ankara were visited, kitchen storages were examined and storage conditions were evaluated by taking photographs. At the end of the study, the following results were observed: The shelves used in storage were not properly placed, the materials on the shelves are irregularly placed, the air conditioners were not maintained and the ventilation system was not working well, there was no system in storage and materials were hoarding, containers used were not suitable for storage, the foods stored were not covered, raw and cooked food was stored together, cleaning of the storages was not taken care of. As a consequence, it has been determined that the necessary technical and hygienic conditions to ensure the safe storage of food in the hospitality facilities are insufficient. Inadequacies of physical properties of storage areas and storage of foods as it will be leading to contamination are an important threat to safe food production. In order to be able to provide a safe food and beverage service in hospitality facilities, the necessary physical conditions of the stores, the proper storage of the food with hygienic rules should be ensured and supervised.
Key words: food storage, hospitality facility, food safety.
THE FOOD CULTURE IN DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM IN HERZEGOVINA
Željka Šiljković, Marica Mamut, Jelena Putica
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.65
UDC: 338.48-44:641(497.6 Hercegovina)
Abstract: Gastronomy is an important part of rural tourism and in all its authenticity is a part of the immaterial cultural heritage of a particular region or a local community. Gastronomic tours are specific tourist products that represent some areas in the international tourist market, for example cheese, wine and olive roads. Among the numerous tourists visiting Herzegovina and the Adriatic coast every year, there are so-called Existential tourists whose aim is to taste and feel the authenticity of the Herzegovinian area and it's gastronomic culture. Tasting food in authentic rural areas is a kind of ritual for getting to know the history and cultural heritage of the local community. Each dish has its own story and origin. Modern rural tourism promotes specific food and wine destinations through the Internet, specialized travel agencies, smartphone applications and the media. Electronic media, like television, play a big role in promoting the gastronomy and the culinary world, through special programs and channels. Herzegovina has preserved numerous traditional meals, primarily by word of mouth, but in reality only a few meals (japra and dolma, pancakes, sour polenta, meals under the sač) are recognizable. The authenticity of the area represents a significant tourist potential by incorporating traditional meals into the restaurants offer, family farms and the opening of food and wine roads, as well as the tourist's active participation in the preparation of food. The article analyzes the existing conditions of gastro tourism in the rural areas of Herzegovina. The survey was conducted at the level of owners of touristic facilities, tourists and local residents. By using the interview method it was attempted to determine if the local population was preserving the tradition of autochthonous food.
Key words: gastronomy, rural tourism, traditional meals, promotion, Herzegovina
STEĆCI - MEDIEVAL TOMBSTONES AS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN WESTERN HERZEGOVINA REGION
Edita Vučić, Jelena Putica
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.80
UDC: 338:48:725.9(497.6-14)”04/14”
Abstract: Stećci - medieval tombstones, in all aspects of their appearance, represent a specific segment of cultural and historical heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the western parts of Serbia and Montenegro and the central or southern parts of Croatia. (UNESCO, 2105, 123) This paper analyses current situation of the medieval necropolises of tombstones in western Herzegovina in order to draw attention to insufficient valorisation in the tourist offer, despite the fact that this cultural heritage is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The situation on the field, points to the conclusion that cultural and historical heritage is not particularly appreciated in the local or wider context. Collective awareness of its conservation is at a low level, because of insufficient knowledge of the same matter. Medieval tombstones disappear daily because of the climate change and atmospheric action, inadequate legal protection, but also insufficient education of human factor. Survey research was conducted with the local population, which is a key factor for a higher degree of valorisation in the analysed area. The main goal is to get to know and educate the population about the importance of the tombstones, which have left a significant trace in the culture and traditions of modern times.
Key words: tombstones, culture, Herzegovina, tourism
THE INFLUENCE OF THE TRACES OF ART ON THE TEXTURE OF THE CITY
Asuman Soylu
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.91
UDC: 911.37:7.011.4(100)
Abstract: The city is a living space in which the social, political, administrative and economic spheres exist for all citizens. The concept of city; It contains all the dimensions surrounding and influenced by the urban people. By living in the formation of urban intelligence, visual learning also has an important place. The cities or parts of the city, which have been preserved and repaired and, if necessary, renovated in accordance with this urban fabric, are becoming settlements or regions that provide the identity of the city and describe the difference of urbanization. In this phase, "urban design" is also an integral part of urban protection. The integration of human settlements with new urban meeting spaces and the support of a quality new architecture enable the social tension to be reduced and to be met in common pavilions. Urban History- Urban identity-urban culture, urban texture reflects the people living in the city. Cities are defined by their cultural assets. Just as in the case of the Istanbul mosques, the Ankara Anıtkabir, the Paris Eiffel Tower, the New York Statue of Liberty, the Egyptian Pyramids, the city stands out with its unique architectural element or spatial arrangement. Living a city; it is the history, culture and art of the city. In tourism, there is also a growing interest in historical, educational, cultural, artistic and travel routes. It is necessary to identify the sources that allow tourism in the cities. While emphasizing the preservation of old tact in the declaration; how to get artistic touch and how to bring it to tourism
Keywords: Urban texture, identity, culture, artistic traces, touristic places
HUNGARY IN THE CONTEXT OF TOURIST VISITS FROM SLOVENIA – SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF TOURIST TRAFFIC AND INTERNET TOURISM OFFER
Simon Kerma, Miha Koderman
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.99
UDC: 338.487:659.127.4(=497.4)(439)
Abstract: Hungary established itself as a major tourist destination already decades ago, when it became renowned for its thermal spas and rich cultural and architectural heritage of the former Austro- Hungarian monarchy. In the recent years, the country has attracted tourists and daily visitors with a diverse tourism offer, which ranges from activities in natural protected areas with high levels of biodiversity to international festival events and famous traditional culinary and wine products. In 2015, the country recorded over 10 million tourist arrivals, among which foreign tourists prevailed. Due to geographical vicinity, as well as historical, social and political similarities, Hungary also represents a popular destination for visitors and tourists from Slovenia. According to the Statistical office of the Republic of Slovenia, about 46,000 tourists from Slovenia visited Hungary in 2014. This number is based on the criterion of at least one overnight stay in Hungarian accommodation establishments and is therefore underestimated in the aspect of Slovenian visitors, since many Slovenians visit this country in a single day. In the paper, authors analyse the spatial distribution of tourist traffic and present the main characteristics of (organized) Slovenian tourist visits to Hungary. The main part of the research is focused on the analysis of the internet-based tourism offer, provided by Slovenian travel agencies. The offer was subjected to a detailed review that concentrated on its spatial distribution.
Key words: Hungary, tourists from Slovenia, organized travel packages, analysis of the internet-based tourism offer, travel agencies.
ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN TOURIST MOVEMENT IN SARAJEVO CANTON WITH A SPECIFIC FOCUS ON THE TOURISTS FROM EU AND EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Ranko Mirić, Nusret Drešković, Boris Avdić, Edin Hrelja
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.111
UDC: 338.481.2(=4EU)(497.6SK)
Abstract: Sarajevo Canton is by far the most visited tourism region in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering that it has a share of over one third (35,6% in 2016) of all registered tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is a leader also in the context of percentage of foreign tourists (over 85% in 2016). In the paper, certain elements of contemporary tourism movement are taken for analysis from the aspect of quantitative indicators, by method of dynamic temporal comparison. Special focus was put on tourists from EU and other European countries. For the purpose of getting valid indicators of tourist movement trends, authors applied the analytical approach based on monthly quantitative data. Papers objective is to point out temporal dimension of these elements within the taken period, through analysis of monthly values of number of tourists and nights during the five-year tracking of specific trends, as well as to determine annual tourist distribution. Besides comparison of monthly and annual data about tourist movement, the paper is peculiarly oriented toward recognition of trend related to tourists from Europe.
Key words: tourism, Sarajevo Canton, tourist movement, tourism trends
TOURISM SECTOR IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE
Nusret Drešković, Ševkija Okerić, Ranko Mirić, Amina Sivac
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.121
UDC: 338.487:339.13(497.6)
Abstract: Basic characteristics of contemporary tourism development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its administrative-political organization units are essentially linked to still insufficient infrastructure and legislative-institutional tourism organization. Regardless of the fact that in most development strategies of all administrative and political-organizational units in Bosnia and Herzegovina tourism is recognized as one of the basic strategies, the development level of tourism industry towards all indicators is significantly lagging behind at the level of the entire European tourism market. According to data from the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Bosnia and Herzegovina is only 113 out of total of 136 countries, according to tourism traffic, out of a record number of 1,235 billion. Of international tourists’ arrivals, which were taken worldwide in 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina has averaged less than 0.1%. The total number of tourist arrivals was around 1.149 million in 2016, of which international arrivals accounted for about 62.6%, while the remaining 37.4% were domestic arrivals. The total number of nights spent in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the year 2016 was 2,377 million. In relation to the above mentioned indicators, positive trends in the number of tourists have increased in the past 10 years with an average annual rate of about 2.5%. These data indicate that Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the improvement of institutional and infrastructure capacities, should significantly improve the overall tourism traffic and achieve a significantly better position within the regional European market in the next ten year period.
Key words: Bosnia and Herzegovina, tourism development, World economic forum, international tourist arrivals, year-on-year growth rate
A CONSUMER TENDENCY SURVEY ON RURAL TOURISM IN ANKARA, TURKEY
C. Serefoglu, E. Gökkaya, A. Demir
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.136
UDC: 338.48-44(560-22 Ankara)
Abstract: With its underground resources, rich flora and natural beauties Ankara has one of Turkey’s most outstanding rural areas. Yet, these beauties are recognized neither by natives nor by foreigners. The main aim of this research is to determine the factors which affect the choice of the population who lives in Ankara city center to visit rural areas as well as general preferences of visitors. Ankara city center population is assumed approximately 5 million and with 99% confidence interval and 5% error margin the sample size is found as 661. Before the application of surveys in the field, surveys are shared with 10 people and proper adjustments made according to the feedbacks received. Face-to-face interviews with 661 people are applied. During the data evaluation process, surveys which contain missing and inconsistent data are excluded from the sample size. Missing and inconsistent surveys which was 7% of total are removed and ultimately with 616 surveys analyses continued. Probit model is preferred due to the small sample size. The model in which independent variables affecting decisions of people who visit rural Ankara biweekly are investigated, whereas people who prefer guide and have a connection with current rural settlement have a positive effect and birthplace has a negative effect. In consequence of the survey research it came out that citizen’s awareness level about rural and tourism destinations in Ankara is low. To increase awareness it is needed that institutions and organizations conduct collaborative work for rural area. As continuation of the research, people living in the country side and their expectation from tourism are going to determine more reliable deductions
Key words: Rural tourism, rural areas, rural visitors, shopping malls, Ankara
TYPES OF CAMPSITES IN CROATIAN TOURISM SUPPLY – A CASE STUDY OF THE TOWN OF KRK
Vid Dorić, Vuk Tvrtko Opačić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.148
UDC: 338.48:796.54(497.5 Krk)
Abstract: The paper presents the main features of camping tourism in Croatia through the stages of its development, as well as its significance in recent Croatian tourism supply. The goal of the research is to contribute to the development of the campsites' typology in contemporary tourism supply of Croatian coastal tourism destinations, based on differences in the capacity of campings, location factors, spatial impacts and the consequences, characteristics of supply in campings as well as motivations, attitudes and habits of camping tourists in each of the types of campsites. Krk, the largest settlement on the island of Krk, was chosen as a representative case study. Krk is a tourism destination with traditionally developed camping tourism. Campsites, as a type of accommodation capacities that occupy the largest areas in the town, have had a significant impact on its spatial and economic development, primarily through changing the usage and the value of land, socioeconomic and socio-cultural transformation of the local population, changes in the structure of tourism supply and environmental implications. In the example of the town of Krk, three types of campsites are identified: a) traditional camping, b) exclusive camping, and c) small family run camping. This typology can be applied on a wider scale Croatian level. In addition to literature overview, quantitative tourism statistic data interpretation and continuous field research, direct questionnaire survey in July 2016 was conducted. A nonprobabilistic occasional sample included a total of 127 camping tourists in Camping Ježevac (example of a traditional camping), Camping Resort Krk (example of an exclusive camping) and Camping Bor (example of a small family run camping). In order to identify differences in the motivation, attitudes and habits of respondents in different types of campings, the results of the survey are processed using standard descriptive statistics methods.
Key words: camping tourism, typology of campsites, traditional camping, exclusive camping, small family run camping, Krk, Croatia
COMPARISON BETWEEN SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SECOND HOME PHENOMENON AND OTHER LEISURE MOBILITY FORMS IN KOPRIVNICA-KRIŽEVCI COUNTY
Petar Fijačko, Vuk Tvrtko Opačić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.166
UDC: 338.48:79(497.5 KKŽ)
Abstract: Unlike other forms of leisure spatial mobility (tourism, excursions, outdoor recreation), the second home phenomenon includes elements of habitation or place attachment to the receiving area. Although all leisure activities are generated by the desire for temporarily change of the dwelling place and escape to recreational amenity rich areas, the leading second home and tourism-excursion-outdoor recreation areas do not fully coincide. The goal of the paper is to examine the spatial overlapping of the second home phenomenon and other leisure mobility forms in Koprivnica-Križevci County to provide scientific contribution to the research of spatial (non)matching of the mentioned phenomena in rural areas of Croatia. Koprivnica-Križevci County was therefore chosen because it is a typical rural area in the Peripannonian region of Croatia, which does not stand out on a national level either according to a large number of second homes, or according to more prominent tourism flow, but in the near future a stronger development of leisure spatial mobilities can be expected. The spatial overlapping of the second home phenomenon and other leisure mobility forms in Koprivnica-Križevci County was examined through the following steps: a) identification of the leading second home areas in the County according to the number of second homes at the level of the settlement in 2011; b) identification of leading tourism-excursion-outdoor recreation areas in the County at the level of the settlement according to four indicators: number of overnights in 2016, number of tourist beds in 2016, number of catering facilities linked with tourism- excursions outdoor recreation in 2017, number of tourist attractions in 2017; and c) analysis of spatial overlapping of second home phenomenon and other leisure mobility forms.
Key words: second home phenomenon, tourism, excursions, recreation, Koprivnica-Križevci County, Croatia
NATURAL GEOGRAPHICAL TOURISM ATTRACTIONS OF PRENJ MOUNTAIN
Emir Temimović, Amra Banda, Haris Jahić, Ševkija Okerić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.181
UDC: 338.483.11(497.6 Prenj)
Abstract: Prenj mountain is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the area of the high karst of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Administratively, it belongs to the municipalities of Konjic, Mostar and Jablanica. Geological, geomorphological and biological diversity identify this area as a representative example in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Magnificent landscapes, exceptional relief characteristics, specific karst areas, glaciation marks, marked hiking trails, excursion sites, numerous endemic species, etc. present potential tourist attractions for the development of mountain, alpinistic and excursion tourism, as well as the stay of scientific expeditions and field research. Along with the favorable traffic-geographical position and the richness of tourist attractions, Prenj has been recently established as a tourist destination, of mainly adventurous tourism, and in 2012 this mountain was chosen as the best destination for mountain biking according to National Geographic. Bike park Prenj consist of 360 km of mapped and field- marked forest and uncategorized trails intended primarily for cycling but also for other types of recreation and sports. Via Dinarica, an adventure and hiking path that connects tourist attractions in seven countries (through which the mountain range of the Dinaric Alps stretches from Slovenia to Albania), has also contributed to the development of this tourism type. The White Trail (Bijela staza) represents the main path that stretches along the entire length of the Via Dinarica and links the mountains of Prenj and Čvrsnica in the research area. This paper presents geographical analysis of the natural segment of Prenj mountain tourism attraction base and gives a brief overview of tourism development from the aspect of adventure tourism.
Key words: Prenj, tourist attractions, natural geographical sights, mountain tourism, adventure tourism, Via Dinarica.
ARE THERE LIMITS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MEĐUGORJE?
Snježana Musa, Željka Šiljković, Amra Banda
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.190
UDC: 338.48-6:2(497.6 Međugorje)
Abstract: Međugorje is the biggest pilgrimage center of Southeastern Europe. It is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in western Herzegovina. Before the apparitions in Međugorje, it was a karst agricultural region in which its population mostly lived off agriculture, namely cultivating tobacco and grapes. Despite the fact that the official Catholic church does not recognise Međugorje as the place of the Marian apparition, that has never prevented religious people from all over the world to visit. Since 1981, when, according to the belief of the local people, the Virgin Mary appeared, until 2016, this little Herzegovinian place was visited by more than 30 million pilgrims. More than 80% of pilgrims are foreigners (Italians, Czechs, Germans, Koreans, Lebanese, Poles, Ircs and others), so Međugorje has become an international marian shrine. The Appearance of Our Lady of Međugorje as a specific event has had multiple consequences for the development of this poor peripheral Herzegovinian village: development of pilgrim tourism, landscape transformation, development of the tertiary sector, change of socio-economic structure of the population and population growth. The village greatly expanded in buildings and the landscape is transformed beyond recognition. Nowadays, tourism is the dominating activity – agriculture is becoming rare, apart from viticulture and, only recently, growing olives. This paper analyzes characteristics of tourism and urban development of Međugorje that generated a series of negative consequences, since it completely ignored the need for destination management and spatial planning.
Key words: Međugorje, religious tourism, tourism development, urban chaos
ENERGY SAVING AND EFFICIENCY PROPOSALS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUATION: TURKEY EXAMPLE
Azim Doğuş Tuncer, Mustafa Aktaş
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.206
UDC: 620.92[338.48:502.131.1](560)
Abstract: The concept of sustainability emerging within the environmental movement is closely related to the tourism sector as well as to many sectors. In this study, suggestions are given to reduce harmful emissions in Turkey, especially by facilities based on mass tourism. In addition, renewable energy-based energy performance enhancing technologies that can be applied to the energy efficiency and efficiency of tourism facilities are also proposed to reduce carbon footprint. Considering the incentives and discounts applied by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey for "environmentally sensitive accommodation facilities", the advantages and advantages of Photovoltaic Thermal (PV-T) Collector Technology which is suitable for use of the facilities are introduced and the advantages of these technologies are discussed. As a result of the cost analysis, the system which will be applied at a sample tourism facility is amortizing itself in 3.5 years.
Key words: : Sustainable tourism, energy efficiency, renewable energy, photovoltaic thermal collectors
RECOGNITION OF TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS AS CULTURAL VALUES TO TOURISM: A MODEL SUGGESTION FOR AFYONKARAHISAR
Süleyman Toy, Uğur Çalişkan
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.220
UDC: 339.485:39(560 Afyonkarahisar)
Abstract: From 2000s and on, product diversification initiatives in tourism have gained momentum based on ever-changing context of tourism experiences. Such experiences that shed light into respect to nature and traditional culture instead of mass tourism activities have become focal point both for tourism supply and demand. Within this development trend, culture tourism is one of the most increasing-developing tourism activity among others. Culture tourism underpins to serve natural and cultural attractions, cultural activities and popular artworks as a tourism value. It also offers an opportunity to gain economic value for traditional handicrafts for developing destinations. Thus, certain handicrafts rarely used in daily life could be marketed as a cultural value and they generate economic income for the region. Setting off with this fact, it is aimed in this research to carry out a model in order to make the traditional handicrafts of Afyonkarahisar into touristic assets. Afyonkarahisar has a wide range of characteristic handicrafts such as making felt, harness craft for horses, making horse carriage, blacksmithing and copper craft, hand-printed head-scarf making and etc. After all, most of these crafts are manufactured low in numbers due to the absence of craftsmen. On the other hand, all these handicrafts are valuable to serve as a part of culture tourism. Therefore, within this scope, firstly, an inventory including handicrafts and craftsmen in the region was conducted. Then, a SWOT analyses was performed to traditional handicrafts in Afyonkarahisar. Finally, a model was built in line with strategic planning and some suggestions/explanations were made concerning the model.
Key words: Culture Tourism, Traditional Handicrafts, Marketing, Strategic Planning
IMPACT OF REPUTATION ON REVENUE MANAGEMENT AT HOTELS
Tomofumi Uetake, Ikuko Sasaki, Akimichi Aoki
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2017.3.235
UDC: 338.48.2[640.418:006.83](52)
Abstract: Recently, revenue management has become more common in all types of hotels, because of the rise of Online Travel Agents in Japan. Moreover, in response to the spread of the Consumer Generated Media, reputation (word of mouth) such as numerical online rating and textual online review has begun to exert a big influence on hotel conversion rate and room rate. When formulating their sales strategy, hotels must consider not only factors such as the facilities, brand, competitors, and sales channels but also their reputation. This paper examines the impact of reputation on revenue management practices at hotels using questionnaire survey and interview survey. We concluded that the reputation plays the following three roles for the hotels; (1) A indicator used to improve their facilities and services, (2) Open communication tool between customers and hotels, (3) KPI to review their sales strategy. In addition, reputation affects not only the conversion rate but also the room rate directly. Therefore, in order to implement revenue management successfully, revenue managers should regard reputation as a major KPI.
Key words: Revenue Management, Reputation, Hotel, Consumer Generated Media, Word of Mouth