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Do hoteliers need to manage image to retain loyal customers?

Jay Kandampully (Department of Consumer Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA)
Hsin‐Hui Hu (Hospitality Management Department, School of Tourism, Ming Chuan University, Taipei, Taiwan)

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

ISSN: 0959-6119

Article publication date: 28 August 2007

9792

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to understand the relationships between service quality and customer satisfaction and how they impact corporate image and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from several cities in Mauritius. The study sample included participants who stayed in various hotels in Mauritius; the participants were randomly approached and invited to participate in a survey on their respective hotel's services.

Findings

Corporate image is influenced both by service quality and customer satisfaction, which in turn influences customer loyalty. Thus, the key to customer loyalty appears to be the fostering of a favorable image of the hotel firm created by improving service quality and satisfying customers.

Research limitations/implications

Given the difference in values and cultures among different countries, the findings need to be confirmed by further evidence from other countries. Future research should further investigate the impacts of service quality, customer satisfaction, corporate image, and behavior intentions on organizational performance measures such as profitability, extend the integrative framework and incorporate other variables.

Practical implications

This study clearly illustrates the importance of a long term focus on superior service delivery on a firm's image. Service quality and customer satisfaction should therefore aim to enhance a long term image of the firm in the customer's mind.

Originality/value

This research clearly adds new knowledge to the present body of hospitality literature and will assist managers by providing a practical approach to enhance customer loyalty.

Keywords

Citation

Kandampully, J. and Hu, H. (2007), "Do hoteliers need to manage image to retain loyal customers?", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 435-443. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110710775101

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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