Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness Studies (JHTW)
The Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness Studies (JHTW) e-ISSN 3083-8045 (Online) is an interdisciplinary scientific journal in the field of tourism, hospitality and wellness. It is published by Penerbit Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Publications from are within the fields of tourism, hospitality, wellness and other related area. JHTW aims to advance the academic and practical understanding of the interdisciplinary fields of tourism, hospitality, and wellness. It seeks to foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute to sustainable development and innovative practices within these industries. JHTW publishes biannually, with issues released in March and September Our esteemed Editorial Board comprises distinguished and renowned scholars and practitioners from both local and international backgrounds. The journal features articles written in English.
A Consumption Value Perspective on Malacca’s Street Food Tourism
Street foods have become a crucial experiential dimension for tourism destinations, especially in heritage towns such as Malacca in Malaysia. Although the majority of earlier studies have concentrated on safety, hygiene, and behaviors associated with street foods, there has been negligible conceptual research that explores the effects that a combination of various values has on the attitudes shown by domestic tourists towards street food tourism. Under the premise of Consumption Value Theory, this conceptual piece proposes a holistic approach that explains domestic tourists’ attitudes towards street foods in Malacca using five major dimensions: taste value, health value, price value, emotional value, and social value. Based on some recent experiences within the context of tourism and the consumption of foods, the piece is set to make new contributions to the area of street foods and tourism through the integration of the above-mentioned three types of value into one holistic attitudinal approach.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness Studies (JHTW)
Factors Influencing the Intention to Use Mobile Health Applications Among Young Adults in Malaysia
Mobile health applications are the confluence of wireless technologies in mobile and computing device health statistics systems. This study explains the factors of effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and health consciousness that influence young adults’ intention in Malaysia to use mobile health applications. A cross-sectional design was used to collect quantitative data from 312 Malaysian respondents, and the data was collected via an online survey. The relationships between the factors to use mobile health applications were investigated in this study. All the factors positively affected the relationship between the intention to use mobile health applications. The findings revealed that health consciousness greatly impacted the intentions to use mobile health applications. Other theories can be applied to guide future studies to discover more factors that influence young adults to use mobile health applications.
Exploring the Consumer Behavior of Organic Food Consumption: A Qualitative Study in Macao
In recent years, worldwide demand for health and nutritious foods grew remarkably with the increase of health-conscious consumers. Harmful effects caused by the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture further motivate consumers to shift their focus towards organic foods. In the present study, we aimed to explore the consumption behaviour of Macao consumers towards organic foods. A qualitative explorative design was employed using face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interview among 43 customers (25 females and 18 males) of a local health-oriented café in Macao. Price, credibility, health concern, and accessibility were the most important considerations when purchasing organic foods. Despite the belief that healthy eating is essential, older consumers were reluctant to invest in organic foods. In contrast, younger consumers were interested in consuming organic foods to fulfil their curiosities, while being a parent was the primary motive to purchase. However, work preoccupation was the main barrier restricting their healthy eating habits. More importantly, although Macao consumers were highly attracted to food delivery apps to reduce time and physical effort, its usage indeed hamper the consumption of organic foods due to the limited availability. This original study offers practical implications to existing organic food businesses by investigating the consumption behaviour of Macao consumers towards organic foods. Findings also facilitate organic food manufacturers to achieve wider market penetration and to better meet the needs and demands of health-conscious consumers in Macao.
Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance Among Wellness Students at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
Many factors contribute to sleep deprivation including assignment responsibilities, tutorials, quizzes, and tests. University students are more prone to experience sleep deprivation. As a result, understanding the effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance is critical. This study aims to identify the effect of sleep deprivation on mental health, physical health, and social life that significantly impact students' academic performance. This study was conducted using a quantitative research approach to determine the effect of sleep deprivation on academic performance among UMK, Kampus Kota 3rd Year Wellness, and FHPK students. A total of 118 respondents have participated in this study. Based on data analysis and findings, sleep deprivation is the highest mean value followed by mental health, physical health and, lastly, social life.
The Relationship between Emotional Stability and Student Engagement among Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Students
Emotional stability is one of the important indicators of mental health. Positive attitudes and a deep awareness of the benefits of consistent physical activity on one's health may also result from quality engagement. However, on the other hand, student engagement has a negative impact and one of which is emotional instability. The objective of this study is to identify the relationships between optimism, calm, tolerance, autonomy, empathy, and student engagement. This study was conducted using a quantitative research approach. A total of 371 respondents have participated in this study which involved active undergraduate students at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan namely City Campus, Bachok Campus, and Jeli Campus. Furthermore, the most significant factor is optimism which achieved the highest value. Implications and recommendations were provided for future researchers in line with the study
A Study of Knowledge, Awareness and Action Towards Healthy Food Intake Among Higher Education Institution Students
Healthy food intake is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects against many chronic non - communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Eating various foods and consuming less salt, sugars, and saturated and industrially produced trans-fats are essential for a healthy diet. This study aimed to examine a study of knowledge, awareness, and action toward healthy food intake among higher education institution students. The researchers used a quantitative technique and questionnaires by Google Forms to conduct this survey. A Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 was used to analyse the data. The findings showed that knowledge and awareness had a relationship with a p-value of 0.000. The result indicated a significant relationship between knowledge and awareness of healthy food intake. There are a few recommendations related to the study proposed by the researchers
Impact of Destination Quality, Access Quality and Accommodation Quality on Customer Satisfaction in Tourism Industry at Langkawi, Malaysia
This paper investigates the impact of service quality through destination, access, and accommodation quality on customer satisfaction in the tourism industry at Langkawi, Malaysia. The study uses quantitative research by using a method of descriptive research to obtain data. The data were collected from respondents using questionnaires. 300 usable responses were received from tourists vacationing in Langkawi and analysed using correlation analysis. Findings show that destination quality, access quality, and accommodation quality positively correlate with customer satisfaction. Therefore, the findings from this study show that service quality impacts customer satisfaction and plays an important role in tourism destination areas.
The Development of Community-Based Ecotourism Destinations at Gua Musang, Kelantan
Ecotourism is one of the tourist attractions at Gua Musang. Gua Musang is a hotspot for tourists seeking to experience tropical flora and fauna. The purpose of the research is to explore the development of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) destinations at Gua Musang, Kelantan. The goal of the study is to identify the potential of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) products or destinations at Gua Musang that can be developed as an ecotourism attraction and examine the strategic approach that was taken by the local government to promote Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) products or destinations at Gua Musang. The primary and secondary data for the study will be collected by using interviews and case studies. The respondents for the interview are the Gua Musang State Officer, the KESEDAR Officer, the Gua Musang Chief Village, and the locals. For the duration of an interview, the researcher will take 30 minutes or one hour for a section interview. The data will be recorded in audio and text. The research conducted can be used in the future by the government or as a research reference.
The Factors Influence Customer Satisfaction With E-Hailing Services Among Local Tourists in Malaysia
Malaysia's tourism sector is currently becoming more active, with an increase in the number of local tourists. This would also make the e-hailing industry more vibrant, as many local tourists will use the e-hailing ride to get from one location to another. The purpose of this research is to look at the factors that influence customer satisfaction with e-hailing services among local tourists. The goal of this study is to discover the factors that influence customers satisfaction on e-hailing services, such as promotion, safety, and reliability. These factors are vital in ensuring that local tourists are satisfied with e-hailing services. The primary data of the study used was collected from a structured questionnaire, where analysis was performed using SPSS Version 27 software. The survey was distributed to 384 of local tourists in Peninsular Malaysia. Through this study, researchers seek to learn more about the factors that influence local tourist satisfaction with e-hailing services
The Impact of Guests’ Perception on the Awareness on Green Technology Practices in the Hotel Industry
Green technology helps protect the environment and natural resources while reducing the negative effects of human activity. Green technology is the most effective way to address environmental and economic challenges. Green technology practice was evidenced by using photovoice technology, which is converting light into electricity, as natural resources produce lower levels of environmental damage than conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuel. The research aims to measure the impact of 'individual's knowledge, attitude towards the environment, government policy and regulation on green technology in the hotel industry. The present study also investigates 'guests' perceptions of the hotel industry. The quantitative method will be used through an online questionnaire and is expected to collect at least 386 completed questionnaires. The study findings will help the related parties to further research in this area of interest.
Food Safety: An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward Fast-food Operators in Malaysia
Food safety is an important matter that all fast food operators must emphasize in fast-food restaurants. This is due to prevent the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. Food safety is linked to proper food handling, preparation, and storage. This limits the chances of people becoming ill due to foodborne illness. It is possible that these fast-food restaurant branches did not practice proper food handling. This study aims to study the extent of fast-food operators' knowledge, attitude and practice. This study further focused on McDonald’s fast food operators in Malaysia. 181 respondents participated in this study through who completed the questionnaire given via Google Form. The results showed that the food safety attitude corresponds to knowledge and practice. On the other side, it also showed that the fast food operators, despite having the knowledge, often fail to practice. Thus, food safety knowledge must be practised properly.
The Impacts of Lifestyle Study and Eating Behaviour Quality on Academic Performance among University Students
Academic performance is one of the essential things among students to pass the graduation level and succeed upon graduation. A quantitative research was conducted to achieve this research objective. The research focused on the determined of the impacts of lifestyle study and eating behaviour quality on academic performance among university students that consists of physical activity, study habit and eating habit. The research questionnaire information was gathered from an online survey distributed via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram and managed to gather data from 399 respondents. The impact of study lifestyle and eating behaviour on academic performance was tested in first-year and last-year university students. According to the findings, physical activity, eating habits, and study habits all significantly impact academic achievement. Most students nowadays are unable to concentrate and do effectively in their studies, risking their academic performance, while regular physical activity, good practice of study habits and eating habits can lead to better academic performance.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness Studies (JHTW)
Factors That Influence University Students’ Attitudes Towards Fast-Food Consumption in Malaysia During the Recovery Period of COVID-19
Fast food is a form of cuisine that can be prepared quickly and sold to customers at an affordable price. During the recovery period of Covid-19, the need for fast food may also be observed through changes in customer demand, such as taste and lifestyle, which leads to the introduction of various new menus by fast food firms to suit customer demand. This also influences university students’ attitudes regarding fast food consumption during the period. The research objective of this study is to examine the relationship between independent variables such as taste, time-saving as well as promotion attractiveness and the dependent variable on university students’ attitudes towards fast food consumption during the recovery period of Covid-19. A survey was conducted by using online questionnaires via Google Form, involving 400 respondents from universities in Malaysia. The methodology used to analyse data obtained in this study included descriptive analysis, reliability analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings revealed that the three independent variables are significantly related to the dependent variable. This study can help researchers discover more about fast food, and the information provided can be used as reference material in the future.
Factors Influencing Consumer’s Purchase Intention on New Seasonal Menu Selection (Viral Food)
The study evaluated consumers’ purchase intentions for new seasonal menu selections (Viral Food). Three elements cited in the study greatly influenced someone’s buying intention to acquire this viral food product. Personal attitudes, societal influences and product attributes. The study examines the link between personal attitude and buy intention, the impact of societal influences on someone’s purchase intention, and how the product qualities of viral food influence someone’s purchase intention. The data was collected using a quantitative technique through an online questionnaire. According to the findings of 405 respondents, numerous factors influence viral food purchasing intentions. This study might be useful for people working in the food industry since it provides a comprehensive understanding of consumers’ purchasing intentions, expectations, and perceptions, particularly about viral food. Companies now have more information to build marketing tactics and customer preferences to boost the new seasonal menu choices (viral food).
Identifying the Factors that Affect the Passenger’s Satisfaction using AirAsia Airline
The main purpose of the study is to determine the effects of service quality, motivation, and involvement on passenger’s satisfaction to travel within domestic destinations in Malaysia using Air Asia Airline. The questionnaire survey was distributed among Air Asia passengers and the data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In total, 306 respondents have participated in the questionnaire survey. The study found that service quality, motivation and involvement have significant correlations with passenger satisfaction. Therefore, this study helps Air Asia company to improve service quality, particularly in time management, safety, facilities, and comfortability and motivates them to participate among passengers to initiate satisfaction among passengers using Air Asia Airlines.
Investigating Social Media Marketing Adoption among Homestay Operators in Malaysia
The widespread use of social media has revolutionized communication, connectivity quality, and information consumption, making it an indispensable element in human daily lives. As such, social media marketing has emerged as a crucial tool for businesses to promote their products and services. In the case of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, however, found that the adoption of social media marketing remains low, particularly among homestay operators. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence homestay operators in Malaysia to adopt social media as a marketing medium. By employing a cross-sectional research design, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect responses from a total of 208 homestay operators in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. The results generated by the Structural Equation Modeling revealed that customer pressure and preference, as well as competitive pressure, have a significant impact on social media marketing adoption compared to perceived cost and digital skills. Significantly, this study provides valuable insights to the authorities to understand more about social media marketing adoption among homestay operators in Malaysia so that effective strategies can be highlighted to encourage SMEs in Malaysia to fully utilize new technology for business purposes. Overall, SMEs need to employ new technologies, specifically social media marketing for business growth as it provides extensive and effective connectivity at low cost.
Motivational Factors to Consume Organic Food Products Among University Students in Kelantan
Previous research has shown that organic food products have gained attention among consumers. However, studies on youth motivation towards consuming organic food products are still scarce. Therefore, this study investigates the motivation to consume organic food products by examining the relationship between consumer attitude, price perception, health concerns, and environmental concerns toward motivation to consume organic food products among public university students in Kelantan. Questionnaire surveys were distributed to a sample of 235 students from three public universities in Kelantan. The data were gathered and analyzed for descriptive, reliability, and correlation analysis using SPSS version 26. The study found that consumer attitude, price perception, health concern, and environmental concern were significantly correlated with the motivation to consume organic food products. This research contributes to the factors that motivate youth to consume organic food products. The study also provides information and resources for the food industry in providing organic food for university students. Future studies should provide qualitative data, investigate other potential factors influencing the motivations for organic product consumption, and expand the study with a larger and definitive population size.
Consumers Purchase Intention Towards Organic Beauty Products Among Women in Malaysia
The objective of this research is to investigate the determinants of consumer purchase intention towards organic beauty products by examining the influence of green ads, trust, attitude, and green knowledge. Using a quantitative method this study employs an online questionnaire survey of women in Malaysia. 384 data had been collected using purposive sampling and analyzed using the SPSS 28 version. The results showed that there were significant positive correlations between green ads, trust, attitude, and green knowledge with consumer purchase intention. The significance of this study is the expansion of knowledge on the factors that lead to women's purchase intention towards organic beauty products. Future research can expand this study by investigating other factors using qualitative methods and different respondents.
Understanding the Tourism Business Ecosystem for Pondokstay
Malaysia remains among the top 5 Muslim destinations in 2019, and the demand for Islamic tourism products has attracted much attention from international and domestic tourists. In response to this and to revitalize Islamic tourism landscapes, the concept of pondokstay will be introduced for the first time in 2019. Initially, the concept of pondokstay refers to the availability of facilities and a series of activities conducted in schools that are close to the well-known concept of homestay. Guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic Islamic environment, but to date, there is no universally accepted definition. However, there are many challenges for the school. Previous research has found that an additional element is required during production because the main business of the school is education, which is only teachers and students, but pondokstay requires more elements. So, an existing education entrepreneur transitioning to a tourism entrepreneur needs a different business ecosystem. Articles from three types of tourism, namely Islamic, educational and spiritual tourism, are revised to characterize pondokstay. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with five qualified informants based on documents of the state religious authority. They are selected according to specific criteria, such as the school’s establishment period and the number of employees and students. The responses were manually transcribed, grouped, coded, and thematized. Based on the analysis conducted, three themes emerged to describe pondokstay, namely the establishment factors, the programs, and the facilities required. In addition, there are ten subthemes that were categorized into fifteen indicators.
The Customers’ Perception of Service Quality for Spa Establishments
Spa and wellness are the world's fastest-growing industry. Spas and health are rapidly developing these days, and this sort of service has emerged as a result of health tourism packages in spas. In Malaysia, spas are the most well-known industry. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the value and impact of service quality, perceived value and service performance on customer satisfaction at spa located in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews. All interviews were consented, audio-recorded then transcribed verbatim, followed by identification of emerging themes. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing a total of 12 respondents. The results were presented and described according to the respondents’ characteristics. Three themes raised from respondents were (1) Spa service quality, (2) Spa perceived value, and (3) Spa perceived service performance. The results have shown that service quality, perceived value and service meeting dimensions have a close relationship with all customers. Subsequently, the information obtained from this study might be used to create a marketing plan aimed at improving consumer satisfaction in the market and industry of the spa in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. This study can help to grow the economy with the influx of foreign investment due to the quality of service and can provide numerous job possibilities for the community in Malaysia. As a result, looking at the degree of happiness from this spa's consumers can be a signal in creating new spas and improving the economy through foreign investment
Factors Influencing Satisfaction among Domestic Tourists Visiting Muslim Friendly Destinations in Kelantan
One of the business opportunities in the tourism industry has recently been accelerated by an increase in the interest of Muslim-friendly tourism products and services. The objective of this study is to determine the relationships between customer engagement, religiosity, and Muslim-friendly tourism on tourists’ satisfaction among domestic tourists visiting tourist destinations in Kelantan. This study used a quantitative approach with a total of 201 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey. The study found that all hypotheses are supported, indicated that customer engagement, religion, city and Muslim-friendly tourism have a strong and high positive correlation with satisfaction among domestic tourists when visiting Kelantan. Thus, tourism management in Kelantan should design tourism facilities and campaigns that fully meet Islamic religious needs which could cater to domestic tourists visiting Kelantan for Islamic tourism.