engleski

"SPECIAL EXPERIENCE" – INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILTY IN HOTELS

Abstract Purpose – The aim of the research is to consider and assess sustainability and the importance of personal engagement of tourists in sustainable and socially responsible activities in hotels. How prepared are modern consumers to get personally engaged and to participate in sustainable activities in hotel and are they ready to financially support sustainable charitable initiatives? The subject of research is sustainable sensitivity that origins from modern tourism trends and influence competitiveness in the hospitality business. Design – The survey involved evaluation of the readiness of youngsters, as potential consumers of hospitality services, to personally engage in sustainable activities in hotels during their tourist stay and the analysis of their behaviour compared with middle age consumers segment. Methodology – The research, which has established new scientific comprehension, was conducted by using the questionnaires and interviews processed by statistical methodology of quantitative analysis (mean value, standard deviation), as well as qualitative methods such as synthesis, comparison, analysis and other scientific methods of research. The methodology includes a comparative analysis which explores personal engagement that provoke special experience and readiness for financial support, within the sustainability concept. Approach – For the needs of the research, a questionnaire was devised, which explores the aspects of personal engagement of the youth segment as future tourists in socially responsible activities in hotels during their tourist stay. This segment was chosen because it is evident that the changes in society and value perception have altered ; young consumers tend to seek special experiences related to personal engagement. Findings – Sustainable tourism involves policies, practices and programmes which take into account the expectations of young people as future tourists in terms of sustainable activities and the involvement of hotels in sustainable social initiatives. The author’s intention was to, both, assess attitudes and readiness of youth segment for personal engagement and, to explore its readiness for financial support of sustainable initiatives. The research was conducted by examining two different population segments so that the quality activities could be organised. Originality of contribution – The new findings achieved through qualitative and quantitative research confirm the purpose of the paper which is oriented towards defining the importance of personal engagement which impacts special experience. The paper suggests a new approach in creation of tourism experience, partly related with some aspects of volunteering tourism which could enhance cultural understanding, tourist experience and sustainable activities.

personal engagement, special experience, social sustainability, youth segment

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