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Ivan Marchevski, Krista Tsvetanova Neykova
THE CONSUMER CHOICE OF TOURISM PRODUCTS – SUSTAINABLE CRITERIA
FOR MARKET SEGMENTATION
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify relevant and sustainable criteria for segmentation of Bulgarian consumers of tourism products in the process of making purchasing decisions. The study draws on original data gathered through an online survey of 898 Bulgarians, which was analysed using a range of statistical tests. Segmentation was performed using cluster analysis (hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering). The analysis suggests that Bulgarian consumers of tourism products can be adequately and consistently segmented on the basis of five criteria: (1) their preferred mode of travel, (2) mode of planning and organising tourist trips, (3) the type of tourism they prefer, (4) the budget they normally spent for tourism and (5) their preferences regarding used sources of information. The market segments identified are directly related to a specific aspect of consumer choice in the purchase decision process. The results of this study can be used by providers of tourism services (tour operators, travel agencies, etc.) when defining the parameters of the tourist services they offer in order to influence consumer choice in the purchasing decision process.
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Angel Stoykov
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
ON ADVERTISING TOURISM SERVICES
(IN THE EXAMPLE OF BULGARIA)
Abstract:
This article aims to provide an in-depth review of current literature related to the rapid and inevitable spread of social networks as a source of information influencing consumer opinion. To achieve this, it looks at how internet platforms are becoming an invariable part of the user's daily life. The main trends showing the place and role of social networks such as advertising tools in the tourism industry are revealed. It also examines their impact on the end user, tourist preferences, how they change and comply with new understandings. Two hypotheses are put forward for proof. In the course of the research, the following scientific methods were used: analysis, synthesis, graphical and systems approach.
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Rositsa Koleva, Stela Kasabova
A STUDY ON GUEST SATISFACTION WITH HOTEL SERVICES
Abstract:
Maintaining high competitiveness in tourism (in particular, in the hotel business) contributes both to the long-term development and the management of regions and to the sustainable and competitive development of regional tourist destinations. This article presents issues related to the competitiveness of tourism in Bulgaria through evaluating the hotel services offered to visiting tourists. The results obtained are based on a survey of four hotels (located on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast) conducted in August 2012. The article consists of two parts: an analysis of the services offered in the hotels monitored (front desk service, an assessment of the rooms and the restaurant at the related hotel and grading nine types of services) and an evaluation of the satisfaction of the tourists interviewed regarding the services offered. The study specifies the quality characteristics of the services in the hotels surveyed and the importance of these services according to the perceptions of the tourists interviewed. On this basis, the degree of satisfaction of tourists regarding the services offered has been determined and guidelines have been given on how to improve the quality characteristics of these hotels.
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Krasimir Kulchev
TOOLS OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS WHEN RESEARCHING THE TOURISM MARKET
Abstract:
The study aims to test tools of economic analysis from different classification groups by using real data in order to derive the main characteristics of the Bulgarian tourism market serving as a basis for making sound management decisions. Tools for factor and structural analysis are used in compliance with the purpose of the article. It is argued that a tourism market research approach combining in a balanced way the tools typical of economic analysis with those applicable to other fields of knowledge has the potential to provide the necessary information environment for effective management of tourism activities at macro and micro levels. As a result of the study, it is concluded that the use of a similar balanced research approach makes it possible to reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of the Bulgarian tourism market and the gaps in the information presented. The outlined information deficit hinders the analysis and the timely development of operational, tactical and strategic decisions, respectively.
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Petya Ivanova
A CONTEMPORARY OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION OF COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION IN TOURISM
Abstract:
Collaborative consumption is a current global trend which is changing the way in which people use goods and services. This trend also affects the state of the tourism market. With reference to this the article studies the increased use of this business model nowadays by outlining its main characteristic features and the reasons that have caused its appearance. In addition, the article classifies the wide variety of services and products that fall within the scope of this model. Special attention is paid to the factors which limit and stimulate its development. The article also provides a summary of the most widely used digital platforms for sharing tourism – related services. In conclusion, it systematizes the advantages and disadvantages of collaborative consumption and its effects on the conventional supply of tourism products and services.
