Why not travel? Reviewing constraints from the perspective of customer rights in hospitality and tourism

Purpose

A substantial body of literature discusses the motivations and intentions behind participation in hospitality and tourism (HT). However, a coherent framework for systematically studying the antecedents, interactions and differences of non-participation is lacking. This paper aims to comprehensively identify the mechanisms behind non-participation in HT activities by conducting a critical review focusing on unequal rights.

Design/methodology/approach

This study commences by focusing on a review of research on HT constraints, drawing upon the theory–context–method framework. Subsequently, a critical evaluation is adopted to clarify the constraints at different levels within the socio–ecological model (SEM) and explore the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of substantive rights within self-determination theory.

Findings

This study identifies the most common theories and methods related to non-participation in HT and explores features of non-participating groups across different countries. In addition, the SEM facilitates the coding of reasons for non-participation in HT into 40 initial concepts, 14 categories and 5 levels. The non-participation of HT model (NPHTM) recognizes three interactive mechanisms of rights inequality: autonomy, relatedness and competence rights.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this study integrates the internal negotiation process with the external opportunity inequality, extending the existing research. The identified constraints facilitate qualitative coding and the identification of quantitative variables for future studies. The proposed NPHTM framework deepens understanding of individual−environment interactions and extends to other domains. Practically, this study enables all HT stakeholders to develop targeted strategies for effectively promoting participation from diverse perspectives.

Originality/value

The research pioneers the review of mechanisms behind non-participation in HT by considering rights inequality as the core context. The concepts and categories within the SEM assist in targeted promotion efforts. The proposed NPHTM analyzes non-participants’ underlying mechanisms, external effects and individual rights of non-participants, thereby extending the research knowledge base.