Research Article
Astronomical Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman
Ishaq Yahya Khalhfan Alshuaili*
,
Ali Amur Qais AlShibani
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-6
Received:
18 September 2025
Accepted:
4 October 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: Astronomical Tourism is not a widely recognized activity on the global tourism map; however, it is growing rapidly due to the increasing interest of many individuals in visiting unconventional tourist destinations that focus primarily on sky observation, escaping light pollution, and exploring astronomical heritage sites such as ancient observatories. Astronomical tourism initiatives contribute to spreading knowledge and developing human capital among visitors and within the host community. Therefore, it can serve as a potential tool for development, especially considering that the locations attracting this type of tourism are often remote areas, providing economic support and employment opportunities for the local workforce. Nevertheless, astronomical tourism requires a high level of scientific content and advanced technologies to keep pace with developments in the field and meet the expectations of visitors to these destinations. Despite the currently limited utilization of this type of tourism as a key contributor to the national economy and as a vital source of scientific knowledge for universities and research centers, Oman is one of the promising countries in this sector. This paper examines the current state of astronomical tourism in Oman, its prospects, and the opportunities that can be leveraged to develop this sector. It also explores the potential for establishing world-class astronomical observatories to position Oman on the global astronomical tourism map.
Abstract: Astronomical Tourism is not a widely recognized activity on the global tourism map; however, it is growing rapidly due to the increasing interest of many individuals in visiting unconventional tourist destinations that focus primarily on sky observation, escaping light pollution, and exploring astronomical heritage sites such as ancient observatori...
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Research Article
The Science and Speculations Driving Revenue Management Decisions in Hotels in Cape Coast
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
7-21
Received:
1 November 2025
Accepted:
7 January 2026
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: This study examined revenue management practices, their effectiveness in optimizing revenue streams, the impact of emerging technologies, and the challenges faced by hotels in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Through qualitative interviews with ten hotel managers, key insights were uncovered regarding dynamic pricing, inventory control, market segmentation, and targeted promotions. For instance, hotels adjust room rates based on real-time demand, increasing prices during peak seasons and offering discounts in low-demand periods. Targeted promotions, such as corporate travel packages and repeat guest discounts, were also common strategies to enhance customer retention. Despite these strategies, challenges persist, including fluctuating market demand, ensuring rate parity across distribution channels, and internal limitations such as inadequate staff training and resource constraints. Managers reported difficulties in maintaining consistent pricing across online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct booking platforms, which sometimes led to booking leakages and customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, balancing revenue optimization with guest satisfaction remained a key concern. The integration of emerging technologies, such as AI-driven pricing models, predictive analytics, and automated revenue management systems, has provided hotels with a competitive edge. Some hotels have adopted AI-powered forecasting tools to predict demand, enabling optimal pricing decisions, while others utilize automated revenue management software to dynamically adjust inventory distribution. The study recommends that hotels invest in sophisticated revenue management software and advanced analytics tools to improve forecasting accuracy. Continuous staff training in data interpretation, market research, and AI applications should also be prioritized to enhance decision-making and optimize revenue management strategies.
Abstract: This study examined revenue management practices, their effectiveness in optimizing revenue streams, the impact of emerging technologies, and the challenges faced by hotels in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Through qualitative interviews with ten hotel managers, key insights were uncovered regarding dynamic pricing, inventory control, market segmentati...
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Research Article
Environmental Sustainability and Green Revisit Intentions: The Mediating Effect of Green Satisfaction in Selected Hotels in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
22-30
Received:
28 November 2025
Accepted:
15 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhtm.20261001.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Sustainable hospitality research has largely examined how environmentally friendly practices affect customer satisfaction, but evidence on their impact on actual revisit behavior is limited, especially in developing countries. Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability in Ghanaian hotels, it is essential to understand how a hotel’s environmentally sustainable practices in the Ghanaian context affect guest satisfaction and influence guest repurchase behavior. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the attitude–behavior gap, the study used a mixed-method design to address this gap by analyzing how guests’ green satisfaction mediates the effect of hotel environmental practices on their revisit intentions in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data were collected from 360 guests in six two- and three-star hotels using a multi-stage sampling technique through a structured open-ended questionnaire and follow-up interviews from 6 guests. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and AMOS version 23, while qualitative responses (from interviews) were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that water-conservation, energy efficiency, and waste-management practices each had positive, significant effects on guests’ green satisfaction, with their p-value being < 0.001, <0.001, and 0.002. However, green satisfaction did not significantly mediate the relationship between any of these Practices and guests’ intentions to revisit. This suggests that while environmentally sustainable initiatives enhance satisfaction, they do not directly translate into repeat patronage. Qualitative findings further identified other influential factors, such as price, proximity, emotional attachment, and purpose of visit, as stronger determinants of repeat behavior. This suggests an attitude–behavior gap; thus, guests may appreciate visible sustainability initiatives but still base repurchase decisions on broader economic and contextual concerns. The study concludes that while Ghanaian guests value green initiatives, such practices alone may not drive repeat visits; hotel managers should integrate sustainability with service quality and affordability to enhance customer retention. This research contributes to the sustainability literature by providing empirical evidence from a developing-country context and by highlighting how the theoretical interplay of attitudes and behavior may differ outside Western settings.
Abstract: Sustainable hospitality research has largely examined how environmentally friendly practices affect customer satisfaction, but evidence on their impact on actual revisit behavior is limited, especially in developing countries. Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability in Ghanaian hotels, it is essential to understand how a hotel’s environment...
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