This study attempts to develop a comprehensive taxonomy of the hospitality and tourism industry to illustrate the highly segmented nature of the industry by taking a new approach to examine the scope and scale of the contemporary hospitality and tourism industry. The data collection procedure followed a rigorous framework with rich information being attained using an experience survey, focus groups, and pilot and nationwide surveys based on undergraduate students. The proposed new model of hospitality and tourism industry segments showed sufficient reliability and validity, and its four major industry segments contained 22 sub-segments. With the proposed new taxonomy reflecting the nature of the contemporary hospitality and tourism industry, the research community can develop a better understanding of the outlook of the industry in its current shape.

This study interviewed twenty early retirees (10 male, 10 female; aged from 65 to 75) in a Southwestern state in the U.S. The participants were asked about their opinions regarding their apparel shopping decisions, in-store or online, and what kind of obstacles or benefits they perceived regarding choosing different shopping outlets.

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate how the levels of perceived information influence consumers' purchase evaluations and intentions when making hotel reservations on an opaque-selling travel website. Because of the uniqueness of the opaque-selling model, consumers must book a hotel room without knowing the hotel's identity. Thus, consumers' decision-making process is intricate and substantially influenced by the limited information provided by the websites.Design/methodology/approach - This study used an experimental design approach that used promotional and preventative messages to manipulate the information levels. In total, 402 completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed by using quantitative research method.Findings - The results indicated that perceived risks and perceived benefits lead toward different paths in regard to purchase intentions and information inquiries. To make a final booking decision, consumers have to go through a "debating" process, which involves assessing the overall value of the hotel deal claimed on the website.Practical implications - To reduce consumers' perceived risks and increase the likelihood of purchasing, opaque-selling websites should cautiously choose what information is displayed on their websites and also improve communications and interactions with the consumers.Originality/value - This study contributes to the limited literature on information levels and its role in consumer's evaluative process in the context of opaque-selling travel websites. In addition, this study has presented insights into opaque-buying behavior so that hotel manager may develop more appropriate pricing strategies for their target customer group.

Opaque selling Web sites are considered to provide deep discounted rates compared with a products’ market price. However, consumers have to endure several uncertainties that are associated with purchasing a product with an unknown identity. This article aims to identify how consumers assess the perceived benefits and risks when purchasing opaque travel products online and how they formulate risk reduction strategies in order to acquire desired outcomes. Two focus groups were conducted in April 2013 with a total of 12 participants. The analysis revealed low price, value-added deal, and enjoyment from playing with the bidding system as the main benefits. The main risks included insignificant value margin, uncertainty of product quality or performance, and potential hidden fees. The study defined the ‘intentional buying’ process and provided insight for hospitality and tourism suppliers to cautiously evaluate and target customers.

This study was an examination of the reliability and validity of a multiple scale for measuring quality of restaurant website. A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 211 students in Midwestern region of the United States. Respondents were randomly asked about one restaurant website among three family restaurant websites. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed that three dimensions, titled “Aesthetic,” “Ease of Use,” and “Product Quality Assurance,” have construct validity and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and composite reliabilities were tested. Empirically, these three dimensions of website quality in family restaurant also were supported by the structural equation modeling developed in this study.

This study was conducted to evaluate the recipients ’ perception of service quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intention in home delivery program. Usin g structural equation modeling, this paper shows th at food quality and volunteer’s attitude stimuli that enhan ce satisfaction. Results also suggest that satisfac tion mediate the relationship between food quality and behavioral in tentions. The results are theoretically and practic ally meaningful because they address the relationships among three types of perceived quality (food, kindness, and res ponsiveness), satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in the meal s-on-wheels program.

This article investigates the motivations of young visitors (35 years old and under) at two wine festivals in Texas and Indiana. Fourteen motivational items were identified in which tasting wine, being entertained, and being with friends were perceived to be important motives for young visitors. In addition, differences were compared between the young and older visitors. Young people were found to attach more importance to enjoying entertainment, finding thrills and excitement, and being with friends. Interestingly, young visitors also viewed tasting wine more importantly than their older counterparts. The findings are discussed in comparison with those of the extant literature on event motivations and young visitors to wineries. Practical implications of the study's findings are presented.