Research Article
From Online Traffic to Tourist Retention: Perceived Characteristics and Optimization Strategies of Tianshui Urban Tourism Image of Tianshui in the New Media Era
Mei Bai*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
176-185
Received:
16 September 2025
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
Abstract: The new media era has profoundly reshaped how tourists perceive destinations. With its distinctive cuisine and rich cultural heritage, Tianshui has rapidly gained visibility on new media platforms. Transforming short-term online traffic into long-term tourism appeal, and thereby moving from online traffic to tourist retention, has become a central issue for the city’s high-quality development. Drawing on tourism destination image perception theory (TDI), push–pull theory, and media dependency theory, this study examines the perceived characteristics of Tianshui’s urban tourism image through a quantitative analysis of 215 questionnaire responses. The findings show that Tianshui’s tourism image is concentrated around two dominant associations: an “internet-famous culinary city” and a “sacred site associated with Fuxi, the cultural ancestor of Chinese civilization.” Short videos are the main channel through which tourists acquire destination information. However, current communication practices still face several problems, including content homogenization, insufficient exploration of cultural connotations, and relatively weak perceptions of tourism service facilities. Accordingly, this paper proposes optimization strategies from three dimensions: deepening image positioning, improving the new media communication matrix, and upgrading the service experience. The findings provide theoretical support and practical guidance for reconstructing Tianshui’s tourism image and promoting the sustainable development of Tianshui and other emerging internet-famous cities.
Abstract: The new media era has profoundly reshaped how tourists perceive destinations. With its distinctive cuisine and rich cultural heritage, Tianshui has rapidly gained visibility on new media platforms. Transforming short-term online traffic into long-term tourism appeal, and thereby moving from online traffic to tourist retention, has become a central ...
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Research Article
Influence of Physio-environmental Factors on Successful of Off-Premises Catering Services Among Selected Hotels in Nairobi
Nicholus Makau,
Kevin Serrem*,
Jacob Kitoto
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
186-201
Received:
28 June 2026
Accepted:
15 July 2026
Published:
30 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhtm.20261002.12
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Abstract: Off-premises catering is an increasingly important service extension for hotels, yet its operational success is often challenged by physio-environmental factors, and policy-related constraints. This study examined key physio-environmental factors influencing successful off-premises catering among selected three- and four-star hotels in Nairobi County, Kenya. A mixed methodology study was conducted, with the use of a structured, self-administered questioner and interview schedule, designed to assess the influence of physio-environmental factors on Successful Off-Premises Catering in selected hotels in Nairobi. A total of 501 respondents participated in the study. The study established that, despite hotel establishments putting lots of effort to ensure customer satisfaction, majority of the customer 81.7% (94) were moderately satisfied, with customers citing dissatisfaction in aspects such as inadequate space provision during off premises catering events 27.8% (98), signage to and within event venues 34% (126) and availability of refrigerated transportation during events 36.5% (135). On the other hand, both management and operational staff pursue successful off premises catering though, adequate provision of off premises equipment 95.6% (110), prior familiarization of off premises site to ensure efficiency 89.6% (103) and provision of adequate electrical outlets 81.7% (94). This indicates a significant disparity between the physio-environmental factors that hotels consider important and adequately provided, and those that customers perceive as sufficient to meet their expectations. The study further unveiled, statistical significance between physio environmental factors and successful off premises catering (F=6.726, p=0.011<0.05). Additionally, the study obtained an R2= 0.594 impaling that that more than half of the variation in catering success can be attributed to the effects of physio-environmental factors. The study concluded that, off premises caterers, should invest more in market researches so as to fully comprehend what off premises customers prefer.
Abstract: Off-premises catering is an increasingly important service extension for hotels, yet its operational success is often challenged by physio-environmental factors, and policy-related constraints. This study examined key physio-environmental factors influencing successful off-premises catering among selected three- and four-star hotels in Nairobi Coun...
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