Purpose This paper aims to examine the effects of travel experience dimensions on tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 457 international tourists visiting Phuket through a convenience sampling method. The structural equation modeling approach by AMOS was used to test the effects. Findings In case of island destination, beach attraction is not the only factor contributing to tourists’ loyalty, but hospitality of local people also plays an essential component to retain loyal tourists. Research limitations/implications This study examined only one construct (i.e. travel experience) affecting tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. Practical implications Tourist experience in beach attractions and local people are the key factors to retain royal tourists. Social implications Quality of beaches and friendliness of local people are important factors to promote island tourism. Originality/value Two key factors of tourist experience were found to affect tourists’ loyalty in the case of island destination: beach attractions and local people.

This study applies the conceptual framework of push and pull motivations to investigate travel motivations of Japanese senior travellers to Thailand. Using factor analysis, three push and four pull factor dimensions are identified. The three push factors are labelled 'novelty and knowledgeseeking', 'rest and relaxation' and 'egoenhancement', while the four pull factors are 'cultural and historical attractions', 'travel arrangements and facilities', 'shopping and leisure activities' and 'safety and cleanliness'. Among them, 'novelty and knowledge-seeking' and 'cultural and historical attractions' are regarded as the most important push and pull factors respectively. The results of multiple regression analysis indicate that psychological well-being (i.e. positive affect) and education are the two factors influencing travel motivations of Japanese senior travellers to Thailand.

During the past decade, there have been a number of ecotourism studies in various disciplines to provide a knowledge foundation for sustainable tourism development. However, most prior studies have examined the contributions of the ecotourism destinations in the economic and/or environmental dimensions. Little research has investigated the contributions of the ecotourism businesses in terms of business practices and their products to the three dimensions of sustainable development. This paper examines how ecotourism tour operators and their guided tours contribute to the development of economic, social and environmental dimensions at ecotourism sites and local communities. Data were collected from ecotourism tour operators through the interview and observation methods, and the contents were analyzed in accordance with ecotourism concepts and principles. The paper reveals that the practices of tour operators and their guided tours contributed economic, social, and environmental benefits to the ecotourism destinations and local communities. Interestingly, this paper finds that the length (duration) and types of guided tours had different contributions and impacts on the three dimensions of sustainability. In particular, guided tours with a local visit contribute greater economic and social benefits to the local areas than tours without a local visit. Recommendations are provided to promote responsible ecotourism business.

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Thailand's meeting and convention industry has developed dramatically over the last decade. Interest in the industry has grown, and competition has intensified in the marketplace due to the significant contributions to the local and national economies. Yet, there is a paucity of research exploring Thailand's meeting and convention industry. This article provides an overview of Thailand's meeting and convention industry and identifies strategies that can improve the country's competitiveness. Using primary and secondary data approaches, major barriers are identified, namely, availability of industry information, industry infrastructure (i.e., convention venues, transportation), human resources, industry cooperation, and political instability. Recommendations are proposed to increase the competitiveness of the industry.