DOI Link
Keywords
electronic-to-face community, online communities, meetup, group dynamics, theme parks, customer experience
Abstract
Many people enjoy theme park and other leisure experiences with their families; however, today a great number of single, geographically mobile individuals desire to partake in such experiences. ‘Meetup’ is the world’s largest social network of local groups and thus allows for both online and off-line (in person) interactions. Using an ethnographic approach, this study examines how individuals can enjoy activities centered on common activities, interests, and opinions (AIO) via immersion in a Meetup group over the course of a year. Notably, members visited with greater frequency, had less tolerance for long lines, and were more likely to attend special events, eat at specialty restaurants, and consume alcohol. Group members also exchanged travel advice and both contributed and detracted from the enjoyment of the theme park experience. Membership in this Meetup group increased the frequency of visits and deeper exploration of the theme park resort, thus improving behavioral loyalty among annual pass holders. Managers can learn from these online communities to foster interactions among their guests and better target this new market.
Publication Date
2017
Original Citation
Torres, E.N. & Orlowski, M. (2017). Let's 'Meetup' at the theme park. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 23 (2), 159-171.
Document Type
Paper
Language
English
Source Title
Journal of Vacation Marketing
Volume
23
Issue
2
Copyright Status
Unknown
Publication Version
Post-print
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Location
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
STARS Citation
Torres, Edwin and Orlowski, Marissa, "Let's 'Meetup' at the Theme Park" (2017). Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 651.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfscholar/651
Included in
Hospitality Administration and Management Commons, Marketing Commons, Recreation Business Commons, Tourism and Travel Commons