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Previous research investigated factors affecting the intention of international tourists to use smartphone apps in online buying under normal conditions. However, this intention has not yet been examined under different circumstances and in sanction-ridden and crisis-affected destinations. Moreover, previous studies have not examined the differences between different generations using multiple group analysis (MGA) on how the intention of tourists using Smartphone apps affects their buying behavior when the control variables change. This study attempts to fill this gap by surveying 385 international tourists in Isfahan, Iran. This study has both theoretical and managerial implications and introduces directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing body of research on social tourism practices, significant gaps remain about such initiatives in developing countries. The tourism products offered in social tourism are varied and are aligned with national contexts. Using school-stay as seasonal and low-priced tourist accommodation has long been a unique government-sponsored social tourism scheme in Iran to trigger travelling among disadvantaged and low-income individuals. Against this backdrop, this study sought to critically examine the effects of this long-running policy on the Iranian tourism industry and more particularly on the hospitality sector. Drawing on the documentary research and in-depth interviews with key informants, findings revealed that while such an initiative facilitates travelling among unprivileged and low-income individuals, improves travel spatial distribution, and manages over-crowdedness in peak seasons, it discourages investments in the hospitality sector, negatively affects local economic development and provides inadequate and low-quality hospitality services. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to the literature on social tourism practices in developing countries. It also highlights the implications of public sector intervention in the management and promotion of social tourism as an economic driver for domestic tourism and the hospitality industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the application of smartphones in providing local tourism experiences in Isfahan, Iran. A self-administrated questionnaire, employing the theory of planned behavior was developed, and distributed among international tourists visiting Isfahan. The results showed that tourists' attitude towards smartphones positively influences the intention to participate in local tourism experiences. Findings confirmed that tourists' perceived behavioral control has a positive and direct influence on their travel intention, while surprisingly no association was found between tourists' beliefs, subjective norms, and travel intention. Findings also revealed that tourists' beliefs and subjective norms have a positive and direct influence on participation in local tourism experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates factors in tourism supply chain management (TSCM) which can influence tourist satisfaction in Isfahan, the leading tourist destination in Iran. Applying a neural network based on intelligent algorithm, the results indicate that factors such as recreation and entertainment, transportation system, tourism attractions, catering services, shopping and accommodation services failed to satisfy international tourists while tourist infrastructure and tourist information factors were quite satisfactory. It seems that TSCM in Isfahan failed to create an integration across heterogeneous sectors. This study contributes to our understanding of how TSCM is working in a mature destination in a developing country, with particular reference to Isfahan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hotels, as one of the major tourism service providers, must offer high quality products to survive in this severely competitive environment so that they can preserve their competitive advantage dealing with other competitors. Therefore, considering the high importance of this subject, this study aims to analyze the quality of hotels supply chain in Isfahan- Iran. On this account, the literature of quality in supply chain is reviewed and seven factors affecting the supply chain are identified. Then research hypotheses are raised in accordance with the seven factors. Data was gathered using questionnaire and Partial Least Square was applied in order to analyze the data. The obtained results indicate that focus on customer, supply chain quality leadership, supply chain quality strategies, supply chain quality information and process approach results in an increase in supply chain quality; meanwhile, the two hypotheses regarding supplier quality management and human resources development of supply chain are rejected. The results of this article will be beneficial to hotels which want to increase the level of their service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is concerned with tourist behavior when selecting a tourist destination to visit in the age of smart tourism associated with modern information communication technologies. The theory of planned behavior is applied in a study of the issues with particular reference to Isfahan which is a very popular tourist center in Iran and one where technological innovations are being introduced to facilitate tourism. Results reveal that tourist attitude significantly and directly affects intention to travel to a smart destination while behavioral control does not have such an effect. Tourist beliefs and subjective norms are additionally found to positively influence visit intention and destination selection. Smartness emerges as an important force in shaping demand, to which the tourism industry must be responsive and attempt to ensure suitable provision. The research enhances knowledge and understanding of these aspects of the smart tourism phenomenon, the literature about which is still relatively limited, and further work is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]