This paper examines the marketing effectiveness of hospitality and tourismwebsites. An extensive review of literature on website effectiveness in hospitality and tourism revealed a total of 47 different instruments that have been used to evaluate hospitality and tourism websites. Using the grounded theory technique, a website evaluation tool called the online promotion evaluation instrument was developed with the aim of condensing the 47 existing tools into one benchmarked instrument with applicability across the various hospitality and tourism sectors. The developed online promotion evaluation instrument comprised three main features -aesthetics features (destination visualisation and Web design); informative features (uniqueness, monetary value and cultural promotion); and interactive features (e-travel planners and online communities). The instrument was tested using a random sample of 25 National Tourism Organization websites worldwide. The results of the instrument development and testing process are presented in this paper with directions for future research in website evaluation.

An analysis of twenty websites operated by hospitality and tourism companies found numerous issues that would interfere with the use of those websites by persons with visual impairments. While the U.S. courts have been mixed on the question of whether the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to websites, the wise course is for hotel and tourism companies to ensure that those with visual impairments are easily able to use their sites. One source of design guidelines is the Web Content Accessibility Priority 1 Guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium.

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This study was conducted to identify risk factors that influence the probability and severity of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) and to consider gender difference. Data were obtained from a national survey. The study population was composed of 66,068 adolescents in grades 7–12 at 400 middle schools. The effect of the independent variables on UWCBs was analyzed using zero inflated negative binominal regression. Higher body mass index group, overweight perception, appearance stress, and depressive mood were found to be risk factors of UWCBs’ probability in both genders. For boys, older age, underweight, accurate or under-perception of weight, and depressive mood influenced severity of UWCBs. For girls, older age, appearance stress, and depressive mood influenced severity of UWCBs. The new findings mean to consider the range of UWCBs experienced, which can offer more sensitive and predictable information. Further interventions should be developed to consider gender specific risk factors.