A Segmented Machine Learning Modeling Approach of Social Media for Predicting Occupancy Demand. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Purpose This study aims to predict hotel demand through text analysis by investigating keyword series to increase demand predictions’ precision. To do so, this paper presents a framework for modeling hotel demand that incorporates machine learning techniques. Design/methodology/approach The empirical forecasting is conducted by introducing a segmented machine learning approach […]
Will Blockchain shift Online Travel Agencies toward growth or to an end? Tourism Economics
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract The hospitality industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. With the emergence of different distribution platforms, customers can obtain real-time price changes, availability, and promotions. Looking to the future, traditional online travel agencies will have to undergo a utility shift in order to adapt to new technology. Therefore, blockchain […]
Postcrisis REIT performance using financial ratios: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach Tourism Economics
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract This study examines the performance of public lodging real estate investment trusts (REITs) following the financial crisis period from 2013 to 2017. We employed data envelopment analysis, a nonparametric technique based on linear programming, to measure performance. Determinants of efficiency were assessed by a set of financial ratios predicting each […]
Active Learning to Improve Self-Confidence and Decision-Making Skills Through the Use of Hotel Simulation
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. ABSTRACT This study evaluated the use of hotel simulation learning and how it promotes users’ confidence as a decision-making tool. Given the challenges of preparing students for the service industry, it enables them to make hypothetical decisions based on real-life scenarios. The perceived learning experience can enhance students’ critical thinking ability […]
Examining the relationships between market indicators and hotel pricing approaches
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Hotels are employing revenue management (RM) to improve profitability by efficiently managing the effects of capacity, as well as the effects of performance factors to model consumer behavior. This empirical paper discusses the extent and use of different pricing approaches and their success in this multichannel environment. Do hotels consider […]
Does Airbnb have a homogenous impact?
Examining Airbnb’s effect on hotels with different organizational structures By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Although a number of studies have examined Airbnb’s impact on hotels, previous studies have yielded mixed results and are limited in their geographical scope. Additionally, the impact of Airbnb on hotels with different organizational structures has not been previously analyzed. Accordingly, […]
The effects of shocks on Turkish tourism demand: Evidence using panel unit root test
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract This empirical study examines the stationarity of tourism demand in Turkey in response to the effects of structural breaks, which indicate external or internal shocks based on tourist arrivals from 12 Slavic-speaking countries between 2000 and 2016. We employed a panel unit root test based on the Flexible Fourier approach, […]
Quick Read: Thomas Cook Collapses – What That Means
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. The collapse of Thomas Cook is a sad moment for the travel and hospitality industry. Thomas Cook was not just a travel agency, but a vertically integrated company owning multiple airlines, tour operator package business, hotels, high street travel shops, call-centers, destination service agencies, just to name a few. Unfortunately, the […]
[Hospitalitynet] Professor Apostolos Ampountolas’ Research was Cited by HospitalityNet
In an article about the key to profitability for Hospitalitynet, Professor Apostolos Ampountolas was cited for his research paper on “Forecasting hotel demand uncertainty using time series Bayesian VAR models”. The article went on to explain that because a key operational challenge for hoteliers is forecasting daily demand, improving its accuracy often leads to […]
Peer-to-peer marketplaces: a study on consumer purchase behavior
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Purpose The online travel environment continues to expand as the numerous peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces that comprise the “sharing economy” have also multiplied and expanded, resulting in a move from the traditional hospitality industry to a new digital ecosystem. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of different […]