Tourists’ Hotel Booking Preferences Changed by the COVID-19 Outbreak

Author(s): Sauwanee RODYU,Onanong CHEABLAM,Nuttaprachya NANTAVISIT,Yang LING / Language(s): English Issue: 2(66)/2023

This study aims to identify the characteristics and behaviors of Thai tourists during the pandemic, to investigate the marketing factors in tourism affecting their hotel reservations during the pandemic, and to analyze which marketing factors in tourism have affected their decisions on hotel reservations during the pandemic. Online questionnaires were used to collect data from 385 people. The data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while the hypotheses were tested by inferential statistics. The results indicated that Thai tourists considered significant factors in tourism marketing. It included hotel products, room rates, reservation channels, promotions, personnel, features, and services. Furthermore, the hypothesis test indicated that Thai tourists had different hotel reservation behaviors during the pandemic. Gender, age, region, occupation, monthly income, travel goal, accommodation type, length of stay, travel companion, and reservation channel played a statistically significant role at 0.05. Therefore, this study will support hoteliers in planning their strategy to handle situations during the pandemic and prepare for another health crisis in the future. Furthermore, it will benefit the hotel industry by showing ways to develop and improve their products and services to meet tourist demand during a pandemic.

The Impact of Marketing Mix Elements on Tourist's Satisfaction towards Five Stars Hotel Services in Dubai during COVID-19

Author(s): Ashraf JAHMANI,Omar JAWABREH,Reneh ABOKHOZA,Ali Mahmoud ALRABEI / Language(s): English Issue: 2(66)/2023

Purpose: Tourist satisfaction measures the prosperity of a business and tourism sector. If there are many satisfied tourists, the tourism sector will profit, but if there are many less satisfied tourists, the tourism sector will lose money. Therefore, it is necessary to know the factors that affect tourist satisfaction. This study aims to develop and implement a method for five-star hotels to identify attributes that will increase tourists' satisfaction during the pandemic. Method: The study used 100 tourists in Dubai as respondents who were selected randomly at five-star hotels. The results showed no impact of all marketing mix elements on tourist satisfaction except the physical evidence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes: The results of this study indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced five-star hotel services in Dubai and that the marketing mix elements used by the hotels are an important factor in tourist satisfaction. In conclusion, Dubai must understand the importance of a marketing mix to fulfil tourist satisfaction and improve the service that makes it more significant in the tourism industry. Originality: Numerous modifying variables impacting the management process have been examined in the literature on complaint management. It is the first study investigating the five-star hotel in Dubai to check the operative services on how to work on tourist satisfaction and determine the impact of marketing mix elements on tourism during the pandemic.

Competitiveness of Milk Production. New Perspectives for Developing a New Direction in Tourism: Dairy Tourism

Author(s): Anar YERNAZAROVA,Karlygash ALYONOVA,Zhibek ANAFIYAYEVA,Anar NUKESHEVA,Adaskhan DARIBAYEVA / Language(s): English Issue: 2(66)/2023

The presence of natural and economic risks in agriculture is inherent in many countries, including the Republic of Kazakhstan, which makes the development of the agricultural sector an urgent issue for agricultural producers, especially now when the integration of agro-tourism, which is a kind of breakthrough for the development of rural industry and the revitalization of rural areas, takes place. Integration of agro-ecological efficiency and agrotourism is also closely connected with the competitiveness of milk production by farms and the development of a new direction "dairy tourism", so the study of the relationship between them is of great importance for the implementation of agro-ecological quality development. Kazakhstan has favorable conditions for the development of dairy tourism sector due to the area of cultivated agricultural land, favorable natural and climatic conditions, large volume of dairy products market, positive trends in economic development of the country and, as a consequence, growth of solvent demand, which makes the dairy sector attractive. The aim of the research is to substantiate theoretical provisions and analyze the impact of agrotourism on the efficiency of dairy production competitiveness management in farms (on the example of the northern region of Kazakhstan).

Features of Rural Tourism as an Element of Kazakh Culture during the Pandemic Syndrome

Author(s): Aitolkyn TLEUBAYEVA,Altynbek Zhakupov,Roza SHOKHAN,Aizharkyn NURGAZINA,Zhanbota KARIPBAYEV,Maral SIYEUBAYEVA,Makhabbat DOSSOVA / Language(s): English Issue: 2(66)/2023

The article discusses the prospects for developing rural tourism as one of the tools for shaping the country's image during and after the pandemic period. The tourism sphere of Kazakhstan, in which there were noticeable changes during the pandemic, is analyzed. Areas infected with coronavirus infection were shown on the map. Also, separately studied the data of the tourism sector of the Akmola and Karaganda regions during the pandemic. Marketing and sociological surveys were conducted to find determine residents' opinion of holiday destinations during the pandemic. In the example of neighboring regions of Akmola and Karaganda regions, some tourist objects contributing to the formation of the image and development of rural tourism were highlighted and marked on the map. The key strengths of rural tourism development for the Republic of Kazakhstan, which can contribute to the sustainable formation of the country's image, are identified and recommended. The article compares the effects of COVID-19 and its impact on tourism development. Thus, the pandemic allows the development of domestic tourism in the country, due to which the population began to choose and give preference to tourist sites and routes within the country.

Accessibility of Women's Empowerment in Tourism Industry from Mandalika Special Economic Zone

Author(s): SYAFRUDDIN SYAFRUDDIN,Muh Salahuddin,NURHILALIATI NURHILALIATI / Language(s): English Issue: 2(66)/2023

This study aims to map the types of work, gender inequality and patterns of empowerment of female workers in the tourism service sector in the Madalika Tourism Industrial Zone, Central Lombok. Researchers used the survey method, interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study found that the tourism industry in the Madalika Tourism Industrial Zone has encouraged the growth of new types of jobs, business opportunities, and new entrepreneurs. South Lombok women who originally worked in the domestic sphere (unpaid work) slowly moved into the public-professional sphere. The wrong perceptions of the existence of women workers in the tourism sector have created gender inequality that is detrimental to the existence of women workers in the tourism sector. The empowerment of women's resources in the tourism sector requires a development approach based on culture and local wisdom of the community, namely strengthening the capacity of women workers, which includes strengthening individual capacity and strengthening entity (institutional) capacity. Empowerment includes building women's abilities, cultural changes and structural policies that are pro-women.

Marine Tourism-Based Sustainable Community Empowerment Model in the New Normal Era

Author(s): Elimawaty ROMBE,Zakiyah ZAHARA,Rosida P. ADAM,Suardi SUARDI,Wahyuningsih WAHYUNINGSIH,Moh. TAUFAL / Language(s): English Issue: 2(66)/2023

Community-based tourism is an empowerment approach that involves and places the community as an important public in the context of the new sustainable development paradigm. Community-based tourism is an opportunity to mobilize the potential and dynamics of the community, in order to balance the role of large-scale tourism business actors. This study aims to determine the Model of Marine Tourism-Based Sustainable Community Empowerment in the New Normal Era. This research is descriptive and quantitative. The study used a purposive sampling method with 100 samples with a questionnaire to the community in Palu City and Donggala Regency. This data was analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS). The results showed that the variable of community-based tourism, where the variables of economy, culture, social, political environment had a significant effect on community development. It states that community empowerment refers to how local communities have a great influence socially and in community organizations to improve their living environment.

Globalization and Per Capita Income Growth in Emerging Economies

Author(s): Ubong Edem Effiong / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2023

In this study, the efficacy of globalization in influencing income growth within the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 1982 to 2020 is being examined. The “Konjunkturforschungsstelle Globalization Index” (KOFGI) was used to measure globalization at the overall, economic, social, and political level, while income growth was captured using the growth rate of gross national income per capita. The data employed in the analysis were gotten from World Bank and KOFGI database. The analysis follows a sequential order of unit root test based on the augmented Dickey-Fuller, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test for cointegration, and error correction model. The unit root test revealed that the order of integration of the variables were mixed at levels and first difference. The bounds test showcased that all the dimensions of globalization exhibited long-run association with income growth. The short-run result indicated that globalization wielded a negative and significant effect on income growth. A unit percent increase in globalization put forth a 1.3818% decrease in income growth. In the long-run, globalization however exerted a positive but insignificant sway on income growth in the SSA. The implication of this is that though globalization poses a short-run negative impact on income growth, the SSA can move along the learning curve to derive some long-term benefits that emanate from global interactions. It becomes pertinent for the SSA to see globalization as a long-term avenue for propelling income growth, bearing in mind that the short-run negative effect can be corrected periodically as the economy moves along the learning curve of globalization.

Assessing and Mapping the Impact of Tourism and Changing Climatic Conditions in Himalayan Region of Pakistan

Author(s): Asma YASIN,Laila SHAHZAD,Muhammad Umar HAYYAT,Gul Zareen GHAFOOR,Salar SAEED,Faiza SHARIF,Umair RAIZ,Muhammad Bilal SALEEM / Language(s): English Issue: 3(67)/2023

Khaghan and Naran Valley of Pakistan are popular tourist mountainous region and face direct impacts of environmental degradation in past years. The current study aims to map the impacts of tourism on the local community and how it has affected the environmental settings. Mixed method approach was utilized including questionnaire survey; meteorological records, focused group interviews and mapping the land cover changes using satellite imagery. Meteorological data shows anomaly in rainfall patterns and extreme temperature which can be considered as climatic pressures on fragile environment. Spearman’s correlation showed that environmental degradation was linked with increased tourism activities in the region. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) shows an increasing trend of land degradation by the conversion of forested areas into settlements. Considering the significant magnitude of degradation over the last decade, appropriate and urgent actions are needed to address the growing demand of the tourism sector.

Waste Management Strategy of Agricultural Enterprises to Improve the Efficiency of Rural Development

Author(s): Dana MAKHMETOVA,Elvira TLESSOVA,Makpal NURKENOVA,Aigul Auelbekova,Bibigul ISSAYEVA / Language(s): English Issue: 3(67)/2023

In the context of modern trends in the greening of the economy, sustainable development, changes in the structure of agricultural production, and the situation that has developed in Kazakhstan with the accumulation, utilization, and disposal of waste, the issues of agricultural waste management remain relevant and require further scientific research and sound practical solutions. The purpose of the article is to form strategic directions for waste management of agricultural enterprises, where the main place is occupied by effective waste management in the context of crop production, animal husbandry, animal tissue, and agrochemical waste. The article presents the principles of a Waste Management Strategy of agricultural enterprises, and a tree of objectives of the Strategy of agricultural enterprises is formed. The features of effective management of agricultural waste, including plant and animal waste, and directions for effective management of agrochemical waste are determined. Reduction of soil and groundwater pollution in the implementation of effective waste management of agricultural enterprises, as well as measures to minimize the formation of agricultural waste, are summarized. The main measures in state incentives for the effective management of agricultural waste are identified.

Компютърна съзидателност: зараждане и развитие на компютърните изкуства

Author(s): Nikolina Mincheva / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 1/2023

In the history of art, certain artists began to stand out thanks to reasons that were not always directly related to the subjective value of their works. During the stormy and rebellious 1960s, so many changes took place in the world of art that some events and persons remained in the background. This is the case with the controversial computer arts. This article studies the history of computer arts and sheds light on this problematic subject by tracing the relationships of people and events. It is problematic because, apart from being neglected by quite a few artists and curators, it turns out that the term ‘computer arts’ itself is controversial to its creators. For the first time in art history, as Frieder Nake (one of the actual pioneers in the field) argues, the technological means of making art becomes a definition, part of the name of an entire genre. Also, the name itself creates an abyss of possibilities for its interpretation. Are computer arts actually art made by computers, or are they art at all? These questions are the weapons of the opponents of these art forms, but, in fact, they can lead to very interesting discussions, giving possible answers to questions about art in general.

Exploring of the Pharmacy Industry of Kazakhstan: Theory, Implementations and Model of Waste Management

Author(s): Perizat Orynbet,Dinara Serikovna Mussabalina,Nailya K. Nurlanova,Anel Kireyeva,Zaira T. Satpayeva / Language(s): English Issue: 3(67)/2023

The purpose of this research is to study the level of development of the pharmaceutical industry, to develop recommendations to household disposal of pharmaceuticals and to propose a waste management model to climate change. The goal was achieved solution of the following objectives: analysis of the pharmaceutical industry in Kazakhstan, including within the framework of the EAEU; study of the problem of waste management and approaches to its solution; development of proposals for the management of medical waste processing. In our study we are using the following methodological algorithm of scientific research provision: analytical review of the current situation, conducting a sociological survey, building a management model in the form of a “flowchart” based on the use of a systematic approach. In the result of the provided research, it was proved that the volume of pharmaceutical drugs production is constantly growing and almost does not decrease. At the same time, the development of the pharmaceutical industry has increased the growth of waste. Therewith, the strategy of management must be focused on prevention and reduction of such effect, at finding opportunities for managing, but at the same time so as not have a negative influence on the environment. Because the environment is one of the most important aspects of human life.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Redang and Perhentian Island Communities Behavioral Strategy

Author(s): Zaleha MOHAMAD,Aslina NASIR,Noorhaslinda Kulub Abd RASHID,Zainudin BACHOK / Language(s): English Issue: 3(67)/2023

Pandemic COVID-19 did not only affect the tourism activities and income of islands in Negeri Terengganu but their behaviours after pandemic also changed especially B40 communities in Redang and Perhentian Islands.This study is to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic shock on Redang and Perhentian Island communities’ behavioral strategy. The regression analysis was performed into 4 models. Model 1i and 1ii were conducted to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic shock on communities’ behavioral strategy in Redang and Perhentian Island, respectively. Meanwhile, model 2i and 2ii were to determine the impact of pandemic shock’s components on communities’ behavioral strategy. The findings showed that 25.2% and 39.3% behavioral strategy are explained by pandemic shock in Redang and Perhentian Island, respectively. Besides, 34.3% and 47.8% of behavioral strategy respondents in Redang and Perhentian Island are explained by economy shock, health shock, politic shock and risk management, respectively. Furthermore, the economic shock is dominant factor affecting the behavioural strategy among respondents in Redang Island to overcome problem regarding expenditure and spiritual practice, followed by risk management and health shock. Whereas economic shock is also dominant factor affecting the behavioural strategy among respondents in Perhentian Island, followed by health shock, risk management and environmental shock.

Investments as a Factor of Sustainable Development of Rural Areas

Author(s): Dana Sultankhanovna Kurmanova,Aliya Sabirzhanovna ISMAILOVA,Gulim Kabikenovna Ukibayeva,Nailya Ermukhanovna ABDILDINOVA,Agipar BAKYEI / Language(s): English Issue: 3(67)/2023

Sustainable development of agriculture depends heavily on the efficient utilization of all production factors, such as a reinforcement of physical infrastructure, application of science and technology, industry investment, and innovations. Agriculture plays a key role in the Kazakh economy and its sustainable development defines the country’s economic and political position. Therefore, agriculture has a complex strategic value, and activation of investments and innovations is a defining factor for the sustainable development of agriculture. The purpose of the study is to research the investment as a source and develop proposals to increase the investment for the sustainability of agriculture. The "Data Analysis” package was used for the study in a combination with methods of logical and statistical analysis. The calculations show that the combined impact of factors leads to an increased capacity for sustainable development of rural areas. The expected research results may vary and depend on the stakeholders’ interests. The proposed model will contribute to investment attractiveness, reinforcement of the investment activity and practical investment to agriculture, a high-quality design of investment projects, and personal interest of each agricultural producer in the results of their actions. Altogether, this will provide a significant increase in the economic efficiency of the industry.

New Technologies and the Effectiveness of the Environment Management System

Author(s): Szymon Jopkiewicz / Language(s): English Issue: 3(67)/2023

The goal of this study is to determine how well new technologies can help organizations' environment management systems (EMS). In order to collect and evaluate data from 60 individuals working for different firms who have implemented new technology in their EMS, the study uses a quantitative research approach. The study's findings imply that EMS efficacy in businesses is significantly enhanced by the deployment of modern technology. The study's conclusion urges organizations to adopt new EMS technologies in order to increase their environmental performance. Significant progress has been made in the area of environmental management thanks to new technologies. The purpose of the study was to look at how new technology could affect how successful the system for environmental management is (EMS). Data were gathered through a survey and were analyzed quantitatively. According to the study, emerging innovations have a beneficial effect on how well the EMS functions. The results imply that incorporating new technology into the EMS can result in environmental management practices that are more effective and efficient.

Tax Evasion - are Always Current Concept

Author(s): Petronela Mateescu / Language(s): English Issue: 30/2022

Tax evasion appers as a form of resistance to the payment of taxes and fees, being inversely proportional to the degree of consent of citizen. Collateral victims of tax evasion are the responsible citizen, who pay their taxes on time, having to lose in the long run by bearing possible taxes and duties increased by the state's tendency to ensure at all costs, their income.

„Ez egy olyan szakma, amit megvásárolsz magadnak” A magyarországi pszichológusképzéssel kapcsolatos nézetek kvalitatív vizsgálata

Author(s): Kata Dóra Kiss,Márta Csabai / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 31/2022

The influence of user’s pains, gains, and jobs in the context of e-Health value proposition design for visually impaired young adults in Romania

Author(s): Doris Ignat / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2023

With the internet being the backbone of e-commerce, the number of e-Health solutions is becoming more prevalent around the world. However, they are not always developed in accordance with the needs of individuals with disabilities. In the past years, the challenge of inclusiveness gained significant attention, with differences among social groups and geographical regions being at the forefront of the debate. Thus, this study chose to focus on visually impaired young adults in Romania and their experience with e-Health solutions. Using the Value Proposition Canvas framework created by Osterwalder and Pigneur (2004), the study attempts to address the jobs, pains, and gains of this specific target group, with a focus on the social aspects. Qualitative research is carried out and 8 semi-structured interviews with visually impaired people are conducted. The overall results indicate dissatisfaction with the healthcare system and the medical services. Although the concept of e-Health is still developing in Romania, most participants appeared to have some experience with it, which overall was deemed unsatisfactory. The data gathered shows that this particular social group wants to carry out fundamental tasks like scheduling appointments, renewing prescriptions, and gaining access to reliable information. It was indicated that proximity to medical facilities, documents inaccessibility and interaction with medical staff are the biggest challenges. Participants experienced different treatment, either positive or negative, which affects their sense of self-sufficiency and level of independence. Solutions such as ePrescriptions, digital forms and personnel training are proposed for further research as they can address functional, social, and emotional problems of visually impairedpeople. Overall, this study contends that the design of a value proposition in the healthcare industry is directly influenced by the pains, gains, and jobs of the user. As Romania has limited resources, it is important to thoroughly consider consumer needs in order to design a viable value proposition.

Wyzwania bezpieczeństwa gazowego Austrii – implikacje dla współpracy z Federacją Rosyjską

Author(s): Łukasz Wojcieszak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2022

The article deals with the current and important problem of diversifying sources and directions of natural gas supplies to Austria as well as the challenges to replace gas with renewable energy sources. With the war in Ukraine the current perception of energy cooperation with Russia has changed. According to the author, countries will continue to reduce the import of Russian gas in favor of the raw material imported from other directions, including LNG. Natural gas will keep on decreasing its significance and instead the focus will change to renewable energy sources; this move is supported in particular by the 'Greens' who are in the coalition government. As a result of Austria's plans to achieve a climate-neutral state there is a strong push, supported by the coalition party 'the Greens', to utilize renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy as well as biogas. Other potential energy sources to be considered are green hydrogen and geothermal energy. The ongoing activities to reduce natural gas consumption may significantly change the gas security of Austria.

Military consequences of economic sanctions against Russia

Author(s): Nika Czitadze / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2022

The military Industry of Russia is a strategically important sector and a large employer in Russia. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, the number of employees in the defense industry was about 23.5% of the total number of employees in the country. About 2 million people produced direct weapons and military equipment. It is also a significant player in the global arms market, with Russian Federation being the second largest conventional arms exporter after the United States, with more than $13 billion worth of exports annually within the second decade of the XXI Century. At the same time, due to the economic sanctions and unsuccessful military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s military capabilities have suffered irreparable losses after Eight months of the war. In this regard, the question is the following: Is the military-industrial complex in Russia ready to recover the lost weaponry fast enough? According to the experts, the country needs at least 10 years to make up for the losses.

Macroeconomic factors, liquidity issues and research and development investments: empirical evidence from the EU pharmaceutical industry

Author(s): Mihaela Curea,Iulia Ungureanu,Marilena Mironiuc / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2023

In recent decades, the business landscape is influenced by corruption, a pervasive phenomenon, faced by all countries, irrespective of their stage of development. The pharmaceutical industry is recognized as a fertile ground for corrupt practices. The paper aims to investigate the impact of corruption, economic freedom, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth on research and development (R&D) investment using a dataset of European Union (EU) pharmaceutical companies from 2011 to 2019. It also investigates the moderating effect of liquidity issues on the relationship between corruption and R&D investment. The study employs a quantitative approach using fixed effects models. Results show that corruption has a negative influence on pharmaceutical firms' decision to undertake R&D activities, while economic freedom and GDP growth have a positive and significant impact on R&D investment. The findings are especially important given the deleterious effects of corruption and may be useful for both managers and policy-makers.