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

Loehr, Johanna and Gibson, Dawn and Buckwell, Andrew and Vada, Sera and Fleming, Christopher and Bibi, Patricia and Masau, Nanise and Hadwen, Wade and Powell, Bronwyn and Johnson, Helen (2022) Using Q method to investigate the influence of inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on tourists’ hotel choice in Fiji. Current Issues in Tourism, NA . NA. ISSN 1368-3500

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Abstract

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'.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Additional Information:	Fiji tourism
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Q method; water; sanitation; hygiene; inclusive; Fiji
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions:	School of Business and Management (SBM)
Depositing User:	Dawn Gibson
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2022 03:33
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 03:33
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13241

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