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Service Quality Scales and Tourists with Special Needs: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Mireia Ferri Sanz

    (Kveloce I+D+i, Torres Quevedo Researcher, 46002 Valencia, Spain)

  • Estrella Durá Ferrandis

    (Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Jorge Garcés Ferrer

    (Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

This paper reviews the most commonly used scales for measuring service quality in sustainable tourism destinations to analyse if the requirements of tourists with special needs are considered. Results highlight that most of the recent research on service quality in tourism published in scientific journals is focused on a relative reduced number of validated scales. Variables related to tourists with special needs are often omitted or represent a reduced weight in the complete scale. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of including variables that collect the perceptions of service quality in this target group to better understand the individual perception of service quality and to move forward to sustainable tourism, considering the social dimension.

Suggested Citation

  • Mireia Ferri Sanz & Estrella Durá Ferrandis & Jorge Garcés Ferrer, 2019. "Service Quality Scales and Tourists with Special Needs: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:14:p:3844-:d:248390
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lai, Ivan Ka Wai & Hitchcock, Michael, 2016. "A comparison of service quality attributes for stand-alone and resort-based luxury hotels in Macau: 3-Dimensional importance-performance analysis," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 139-159.
    2. Bezerra, George Christian Linhares & Gomes, Carlos F., 2016. "Measuring airport service quality: A multidimensional approach," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 85-93.
    3. Hung, Kam & Law, Rob, 2011. "An overview of Internet-based surveys in hospitality and tourism journals," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 717-724.
    4. Luan Chen & Eric Ng & Shyh-Chang Huang & Wei-Ta Fang, 2017. "A Self-Evaluation System of Quality Planning for Tourist Attractions in Taiwan: An Integrated AHP-Delphi Approach from Career Professionals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-18, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luis Seguí-Amortegui & José Antonio Clemente-Almendros & Rubí Medina & Melanie Grueso Gala, 2019. "Sustainability and Competitiveness in the Tourism Industry and Tourist Destinations: A Bibliometric Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-30, November.
    2. Xiangping Wang & Ivan Kai Wai Lai & Huajun Tang & Chuan Pang, 2022. "Coordination Analysis of Sustainable Dual-Channel Tourism Supply Chain with the Consideration of the Effect of Service Quality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-24, May.
    3. Kestsirin Theerathitichaipa & Manlika Seefong & Pattarawadee Prasomsab & Panuwat Wisutwattanasak & Chinnakrit Banyong & Vatanavongs Ratanavaraha & Nanthana Jansirisuk & Atthaphon Ariyarit & Rattanapor, 2025. "Exploring Determinants of Wellness Tourism and Behavioral Intentions: An SEM-Based Study of Holistic Health," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-27, August.
    4. Juan Antonio Jimber del Río & Ricardo David Hernández-Rojas & Virginia Navajas-Romero & Amalia Hidalgo-Fernández, 2020. "The Loyalty of Tourism in Synagogues: The Special Case of the Synagogue of Córdoba," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-18, June.

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