Gulab Chand

Bio: Gulab Chand is an academic researcher from Amity University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Tourism. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 2 citations.

Millennial travel vlogs: emergence of a new form of virtual tourism in the post-pandemic era?

Abstract: This paper aims to present the authors’ perspectives on the new narrative styles adopted by international millennial travel vloggers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to promote virtual tourism, and the authors present six examples of millennial vloggers. Considering tighter government regulations relating to travel, vloggers have developed novel ways of content creation through “travel writing.”,The authors used narrative analysis to review their sample of vlogs and how specific changes in each vlogging stage are motivated by viewer expectancy.,Millennial vlogger couples are using the YouTube platform to meet the demand for virtual tourism.,This study provides new ways of looking at travel vlogging as an occupation and means of entertainment. However, the current dynamic situation may well lead to further challenges for this kind of research.,The implications relate to the provision of a better understanding of the scope for virtual tourism and how it can lead to new avenues for tourism development.,The authors reviewed millennial vloggers during the COVID-19 pandemic and applied narratology to the vlogs to better analyse the changes caused by the pandemic.

Responding to the coronavirus pandemic: emerging issues and challenges for Indian hospitality and tourism businesses

Abstract: Purpose The coronavirus pandemic has triggered a paradigm shift in all businesses, and given the restrictions that followed, hospitality and tourism has been significantly affected. This article identifies some emerging issues and trends in hospitality and tourism businesses related to this, and in so doing, it introduces the theme issue. Design/methodology/approach The article draws on recent reports and articles and on several rounds of discussion between academics, practitioners and other stakeholders to identify the issues arising, which are then explored in the articles featured in this theme issue. Findings The study findings reveal that the pandemic response has prompted advances in technology, profit management, training, service blueprinting and online education, coupled with industry integration, sustainability practices, housekeeping services, medical tourism and virtual tourism among others. Originality/value The theme issue sought to address the real-life issues that are impacting hospitality and tourism in India and some of the wider implications. This exploratory work is based on inputs from industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in relation to the emerging issues and the formulation of strategies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on hospitality and tourism businesses in India.

How Travel Vlogs on YouTube Influence Consumer Behavior: A Use and Gratification Perspective and Customer Engagement

Abstract: YouTube is one of the emerging technologies that impact consumer behavior. In the tourism sector, travel video blogs (travel vlogs) have become increasingly popular since they are highly influential in influencing travel behavior. Similarly, YouTube travel vlogs are highly engaging and provide consumers with destination experiences. This study determines how consumer behavior expressed through emerging technologies, such as travel vlogs on YouTube, can influence travel intention and electronic-Word of Mouth (e-WOM) behavior. By incorporating the use and gratification (U&G) perspective, this study examines the role of information seeking and entertainment as motivational factors for watching travel vlogs as a source of satisfaction. It will, in turn, lead to a greater degree of engagement. The current study investigated the emotional and presence aspects of travel videos to determine engagement. To evaluate the research hypothesis, we collected data from 300 respondents who had traveled to a destination after watching a travel vlog. We tested the hypothesis by utilizing structural equation modeling, a feature of the Smart-PLS 3.0 software. The results indicate that consumer motivations for watching travel vlogs, including the desire for information and entertainment, significantly impact customer engagement, both emotion and presence. Customers who are emotionally engaged and perceive travel vlogs as having a high presence will significantly affect their travel intention behavior and influence them to share e-WOM. In addition, the current study provides insight into tourism managers and academics on how travel vlogs as emerging technologies influence consumer behavior.

In the travel bloggers’ wonderland: mechanisms of the blogger – follower relationship in tourism and hospitality management – a systematic literature review

Abstract: Purpose Even if the relationship between travel bloggers and followers has implications for tourists’ decision-making process, the literature does not individuate the main determinants of this relationship. This paper aims to study the drivers and motivations to follow travel bloggers and the main consequences. Moreover, the paper seeks to highlight the metamorphosis of travel bloggers and their role in the tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was used, and 76 papers were selected. A thematic map of the literature and a summary of key findings are proposed. Findings Although authenticity is the main trigger for following travel bloggers, other factors (e.g. transparency and credibility), if lacking, can erode the relationship with followers. Results demonstrate that hygiene factors are important but that the relationship with followers can be compromised if motivational factors are lacking. Loyalty and the continued use of travel blogs are the main consequences of a relationship based on trust, credibility and engagement. Practical implications Tourism and hospitality managers must define sophisticated segmentation procedures to select the right travel blogger with which to engage for destination promotions. Travel bloggers must clearly define the role that they want to have in the market if they are to instill loyalty in their followers. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that attempts to identify the pillars of the follower–travel blogger relationship in the tourism and hospitality literature.

Conclusion: emerging issues for Indian hospitality and tourism businesses: How are managers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract: This concluding article summarizes the main findings in response to the theme issue strategic question: How are hospitality and tourism businesses in India responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?,The conclusion identifies some contemporary and relevant areas for development in the post-pandemic era. To summarize, this paper draws out the key findings of the theme issue articles and presents the main recommendations for industry action.,This conclusion highlights emerging issues for Indian hospitality and tourism businesses and includes specific recommendations for industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in relation to strategies that could be adopted to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.,Given the wide impact of the pandemic across industries, this issue will be of interest to practitioners, higher education leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders as it draws on industry-focused research to explore the challenges and possible solutions to current and pending challenges. This issue also provides insights for further collaborative research.,This article provides insights from practitioners and academics relating to the current and on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and developmental steps that the hospitality and tourism industry in India is taking in response.