Using Q method to investigate the influence of inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on tourists' hotel choice in Fiji

Consequent to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of international borders, tourists are increasingly concerned about sanitation and hygiene practices in tourism destinations. There is an evident need to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed tourist choices. This paper investigates the perceptions of hotel staff and tourists on the influence of inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices on tourists' hotel choices in Fiji. This study explores the value of Q-methodology through a case study of Fiji with data collected from 80 hotel staff and 75 tourists. The findings demonstrate that Q-methodology is effective in identifying three tourist types who have a strong interest in WASH impacts and aspects of their safety including concerns about how their visit impacts the local community and environment. Similarly, the Q method was useful in identifying four perspectives of staff understanding on WASH impacts that are significant to tourists' choice of hotel. The findings suggest a significant potential for hotel operators to enact socially inclusive WASH practices to enhance their appeal in the ‘new normal'. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Asia–Pacific tourism futures emerging from COVID-19 recovery responses and implications for sustainability

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide contrasting narratives of what the future of Asia Pacific tourism may look like, and to identify how current policy interventions and recommendations made for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery shape the system's trajectory. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on a set of four possible futures emerging from COVID-19, tourism policy responses are analysed and a link to their potential contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals is made. Findings: A system goal is presented for each scenario, and what this means for the tourism system. Existing policies indicate that tourism is moving towards a “Discipline” future, although evidence for all four trajectories could be identified. Whilst the “Transform” scenario is most aligned with a sustainable future, the findings highlight that sustainability outcomes are possible in the other scenarios as well, if risks are managed adequately. Research limitations/implications: The limitation is that the core structure of the four futures was not specifically developed for tourism. However, given that tourism is firmly embedded in national and global economies, this limitation is not material. Practical implications: This paper supports decision-makers to develop adaptability in the face of great uncertainty and complexity. Risks and opportunities associated with each of the four tourism futures are identified, and examples are provided how sustainability outcomes can be maximised in each. Social implications: Sustainability is a safe and necessary strategy regardless of the trajectory to any of the four scenarios. The long-term health of the tourism system and anyone involved in it depends on significant progress along the Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value: This paper explores pathways for system change and how different COVID-19 policy approaches contribute to shaping the system's trajectory. It highlights the risks associated with certain trajectories, and also identifies how short-term recovery priorities might undermine long-term sustainability. © 2022, Susanne Becken and Johanna Loehr.

Safer destinations, healthier staff and happier tourists: opportunities for inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene in tourism. (Special Issue: Consumer experience management and customer journeys in tourism, hospitality and events.)

Sustainable tourism development, including tourism's COVID-19 recovery, requires a holistic view of environmental and community benefits, including access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This study presents a system-wide Inclusive WASH in tourism framework for destinations. Using a qualitative approach including interviews and focus groups, the framework is applied at three system scales: hotels, the community and wider destination to assess the current WASH situation in Mandalika, Lombok, Indonesia, a water-scarce destination earmarked for rapid development. Findings highlight differences in Inclusive WASH practices between hotels and communities, the potential for conflict and gendered inequalities. Barriers linked to system elements, structure and the enabling environment are identified. Addressing inequitable planning processes, improving stakeholder engagement and creating tools for hotels to improve Inclusive WASH can contribute to improving destination value. Findings are relevant for practitioners, government and community organisations integrating Sustainable Development Gaols 5 and 6 into tourism development and recovery.