Papers by Robertico Croes

International Journal of Hospitality Management, Dec 1, 2004

This research note reports the findings of a study that explored the types of technology used wit... more This research note reports the findings of a study that explored the types of technology used within hospitality-related small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The study investigated the perceptions of value and the levels of awareness of entrepreneurs and managers regarding various technologies commonly used in similar organizations in the United States. The results suggest that there are minimal technology applications in backoffice and front-office processing activities in SMEs in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The evidence further suggests that the levels of awareness of entrepreneurs and managers concerning these applications are practically non-existent.

Constitutional Economics: Blasé?

Apple Academic Press eBooks, Apr 19, 2022

Upending Scale

Apple Academic Press eBooks, Apr 19, 2022

Official Opening and Introduction to the Tourism, Events, and Attractions Department

Research paper thumbnail of Una exploración del potencial del turismo en la lucha contra la pobreza
Fecha de recepción: 20 agosto 2011 -Fecha de aceptación: 28 de octubre de 2011 resumen La pobreza... more Fecha de recepción: 20 agosto 2011 -Fecha de aceptación: 28 de octubre de 2011 resumen La pobreza ha sido un fenómeno que ha rezagado y transformado a las sociedades latinoamericanas. Una de cada tres personas que viven en Latinoamérica es considerada pobre, calificativo que hace referencia a aquellas personas que no tienen suficientes recursos para satisfacer sus necesidades básicas. Por ello, el presente artículo pretende plantear la actividad turística como una alternativa para combatir la pobreza en los países en desarrollo, esto porque el turismo genera empleo, divisas, ingresos para los gobiernos y oportunidades empresariales. Así, este trabajo se enfoca en investigar la relación empírica entre el turismo internacional, el crecimiento económico, la reducción de pobreza y la calidad de vida en Costa Rica y Nicaragua; la relación turismo-crecimiento económicoreducción de pobreza, está enfocada en el periodo de 1980 a 2005 y la relación turismo y calidad de vida se enfoca en el periodo de 1990-2010.

Research paper thumbnail of Tourism and Resident Well-Being: Balancing Economic Gains, Social Dynamics, and Environmental Challenges Across Urban and Rural Divides

Tourism and Hospitality, 2024

This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impoverished resid... more This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impoverished residents in the urban area of La Candelaria, Bogotá, and the rural area of La Macarena, Meta. The participants were recruited using Colombia's SISBÉN classification system by approaching individuals in public spaces such as bakeries, markets, and restaurants. After confirming their residency, only those classified in categories A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), or C (vulnerable population) were included in the study. Data collection took place in May 2017, resulting in 307 surveys from the participants across both locations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that economic benefits are the most influential factor, significantly enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. While cultural and environmental benefits are acknowledged, they are less directly linked to personal well-being. The study highlights tourism's complex role in promoting economic growth and shaping the social, cultural, and environmental aspects of community life. However, it also identifies potential risks, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, particularly in different spatial contexts. The research underscores the need for tourism development to provide tangible, personal benefits that align with residents' economic and emotional priorities, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes, especially considering the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas that influence tourism's effectiveness in improving well-being and alleviating poverty.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Disease X on Potential Travelers' Travel Decision

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2024

This study used ANCOVA models to investigate how pandemic characteristics-spreading speed, severi... more This study used ANCOVA models to investigate how pandemic characteristics-spreading speed, severity, and vaccination requirements-affect travel intentions. The results reveal that these factors explain 31.7% of the variance in travel decisions, with disease-spreading speed and severity being the most significant determinants. While vaccination requirements are relevant, they play a secondary role compared to the immediate threat of disease characteristics. The interaction effects between these factors further demonstrate their combined impact on travel reluctance. Demographic variables, such as gender and the presence of children, also influence decisions in specific contexts. These findings contribute to the understanding of risk perception during health crises, reinforcing the role of perceived severity in shaping cautious travel behavior. Practical implications for the tourism industry include the need for transparent communication, tailored health protocols, and demographic-specific marketing strategies. Future research should explore broader factors and adopt longitudinal approaches to capture evolving travel intentions during pandemics.

Research paper thumbnail of Tourism and Resident wellbeing Colombia

Tourism and Resident Well-Being: Balancing Economic Gains, Social Dynamics, and Environmental Challenges Across Urban and Rural Divides. , 2024

This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impover-ished resi... more This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impover-ished residents in the urban area of La Candelaria, Bogotá, and the rural area of La Macarena, Meta. The participants were recruited using Colombia’s SISBÉN classification system by approaching indi-viduals in public spaces such as bakeries, markets, and restaurants. After confirming their residency, only those classified in categories A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), or C (vulnerable popu-lation) were included in the study. Data collection took place in May 2017, resulting in 307 surveys from the participants across both locations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that economic benefits are the most influential factor, significantly enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. While cultural and environmental benefits are acknowl-edged, they are less directly linked to personal well-being. The study highlights tourism’s complex role in promoting economic growth and shaping the social, cultural, and environmental aspects of community life. However, it also identifies potential risks, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, particularly in different spatial contexts. The research underscores the need for tourism development to provide tangible, personal benefits that align with residents’ economic and emotional priorities, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes, especially considering the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas that influence tourism’s effectiveness in improving well-being and alleviating poverty.

Book Review: Handbook on Tourism and Quality of Life Research II

Applied research in quality of life, May 28, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Tourism on the Economy and Population of Small Islands

The Impact of Tourism on the Economy and Population of Small Islands

Many small islands in the Caribbean depend on tourism as the dominant sector of their economy. Th... more Many small islands in the Caribbean depend on tourism as the dominant sector of their economy. This dependence leads to economic vulnerability, in particular if the sector is dominated by international hotel chains that cater for the North American market. Reliance on a single geographical market implies seasonality in the tourist arrivals linked to the holiday season in the home country, causing seasonal labour demand on the island. It also implies that economic downturns in the home country decrease tourist spending on the island. International chains import many inputs, causing leakages from the local economy. A successful tourist development generates pent-up demand in the labour market, causing labour migration to the island. The chain migration related to this labour migration adds to the population pressure on the island. This study analyses these issues for Aruba. The tourist industry on this island has developed very rapidly after the closing down of the oil-refineries in the eighties. By analysing the product-market mix, using Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection and multinomial regression, we could show that Aruba is less vulnerable. The accommodation portfolio includes private businesses and local chains next to the international chains. Each sector caters for different geographical markets, including Europe and South America and has its own strategy to avoid seasonality. Using input-output analysis we analysed the backward linkages of the tourist industry with the other sectors in the local economy, showing high multiplier effects to the benefit of the local population and indeed to people from abroad as the labour demand has surpassed the local supply of labour to a large extent. The diversified economy of Aruba has a decisive effect on the labour migration to the island. Using concepts from dual-labour market theory, we could show that, dependent on the sector in the economy, labourers with various skills are recruited from different countries. Dependent on the origins of labour migrant the statutory rights to family re-unification differ, leading to various forms of chain migration to the island. Using data on applications for residence permits might enable us to distinguish between the different type of migrants, highly skilled employees from developed countries, and international migrants, blue collar workers that bring their families to built a new existence in the receiving country.

The Journal of Hospitality Financial Management, Jul 2, 2016

Elise and countless others)thank you for your support, love and understanding! The pursuit to my ... more Elise and countless others)thank you for your support, love and understanding! The pursuit to my PhD has been one long roller coaster ride. You all helped and inspired me to work hard, never quit and to smile and laugh when it all just goes to heck. vii

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Tourism Competitiveness and Its Effects on Destination Management: Making a Difference in Costa Rica?

Diálogos Revista Electrónica de Historia, 2013

Este estudio investiga si el enfoque de medición de los insumos para determinar la competitividad... more Este estudio investiga si el enfoque de medición de los insumos para determinar la competitividad del turismo, proporciona los elementos generales para la comprensión de la posición competitiva de un destino. La investigación se realizó en Costa Rica, en el contexto de la región centroamericana, con el objetivo de evaluar el impacto de la competitividad turística en este país. El estudio utilizó estadística descriptiva e inductiva para medir la evaluación de impacto. La investigación estableció que el enfoque de medición de los insumos no es fiable para medir la competitividad y el desempeño de un destino turístico que busca mejorar su calidad de vida. El uso de este enfoque no se recomienda para un proceso racional de toma de decisiones a nivel de destinos turísticos Se propone, a los gestores de destinos en Costa Rica, dos algoritmos para apoyarlos un proceso racional de toma de decisiones.

Diálogos Revista Electrónica de Historia, Sep 21, 2012

Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto Dr. Robe... more Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto Dr. Robertico Croes. Una exploración del potencial del turismo en la lucha contra la pobreza en América Latina 41 Una exploración del potencial del tUrismo en la lUcha contra la pobreza en américa latina an examination of tourism as a tool to confront poverty Dr. Robertico Croes palabras claves

Decolonization of Aruba within the Netherlands Antilles

Routledge eBooks, Nov 1, 2021

Research and Grants Panel, Moderated by Sevil Sonmez

Research and Grants Panel, moderated by Sevil Sonmez Robertico Croes – University of Central Flor... more Research and Grants Panel, moderated by Sevil Sonmez Robertico Croes – University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Leonardo (Don) Dioko – Institute for Tourism Studies (Macau) Rhodri Thomas – Leeds Beckett University Karin Weber – Hong Kong Polytechnic University, International Journal of Events and Festival Managemen

Maintaining the Growth Momentum

Apple Academic Press eBooks, Apr 19, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Tourism, Poverty Relief, and the Quality-of-Life in Developing Countries

Tourism, Poverty Relief, and the Quality-of-Life in Developing Countries

Springer eBooks, Nov 4, 2011

This chapter investigates the relationship between poverty relief, quality-of-life, and tourism w... more This chapter investigates the relationship between poverty relief, quality-of-life, and tourism within the context of developing countries. Discussion is provided regarding the three most prominent paradigms pertaining to the meaning and measurement of poverty. A review of literature reveals a debate regarding a clear definition of poverty, as well as the potential link between tourism and improvement of the global quality-of-life. Specifically, the study explores three specific propositions discussed in the literature and their policy implications: Tourism expansion may provide poverty relief to people falling under a defined poverty line, augment human development, and decrease the issue of income inequality in developing countries. The chapter affords a revealing and intriguing look into tourism’s role in reducing poverty levels in developing countries.

The Indexed Minimum Wage and Hotel Compensation Strategies

Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism, Feb 26, 2007

... Robertico Croes, PhD, is Associate Professor, Rosen College of Hospitality Man-agement, Unive... more ... Robertico Croes, PhD, is Associate Professor, Rosen College of Hospitality Man-agement, University of Central Florida, 9907 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 (E-mail:[email protected]). Dana V. Tesone, PhD, is Associate Professor, Rosen College of Hospitality ...

Rethinking Smallness and Openness

Apple Academic Press eBooks, Apr 19, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Value as a Measure of Tourism Performance in the Era of Globalization: Conceptual Considerations and Empirical Findings

Tourism Analysis, 2005

In general, both the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (W... more In general, both the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) consider the trends of tourist arrivals and receipts as indicators in comparing the performance of destinations and regions. These considerations are based on the annual average percentage change in arrivals and receipts and a comparison that is made across time. This methodology is incomplete, however, particularly in light of the new exigencies of globalization. The study proposes an alternative approach based on the concept of value. Value is founded on the premises of microeconomics, and it provides more reliable and effective information to improve the quality of both policy formulation and business decisions. Using partial correlation analysis, the study introduced a time trend variable as a proxy of value. The study developed a panel of observations from 1986 to 2001 for 32 countries worldwide. In terms of performance, the results of the alternative approach differ dramatically from those obtained in conventional methodology.