Yaning Zhang, Wei Shao, Mai Nguyen, Kun Zhang ¡ 5 authors
ABSTRACT Destinations are increasingly adopting NonâFungible Tokens (NFTs) as innovative tools for brand communication and visitor engagement in digital tourism contexts. Drawing on Construal Level Theory (CLT), we examine how the anthropomorphic (ANT) design of NFT characters influences tourists' impulsive travel intentions and whether customization strengthens this effect. In two online experiments, we tested a sequential mediation model linking ANT to impulsive travel intention through psychological distance (PD) and perceived playfulness. The results show that highly anthropomorphic NFT characters increase psychological proximity, which subsequently increases impulsive travel intentions. Moreover, customization significantly strengthens this indirect effect. This study extends research on digital destination marketing while offering practical guidance for designing effective NFTâbased tourism strategies.
Medical tourism has emerged as a significant global phenomenon, driven by the convergence of high healthcare costs in developed nations and the availability of high-quality, affordable treatment options abroad. This review examines the critical role of entrepreneurial innovation in shaping and expanding this industry, which uniquely blends advanced health care with the principles of hospitality and tourism. Key innovations transforming the sector include the development of integrated, all-inclusive service models that package medical procedures with travel, luxury accommodation, and wellness-focused recovery programs. Digital disruption is paramount, with platforms leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized patient care coordination and blockchain technology to ensure secure, transparent transfer of medical records and billing, thereby building essential trust. Furthermore, strategic partnerships between hospitals, airlines, and hospitality providers create a seamless end-to-end experience for international patients. The proliferation of telemedicine supports this model by facilitating vital pre-departure consultations and post-operative follow-up care, ensuring continuity and safety. Entrepreneurs are also successfully targeting niche markets, from elective cosmetic surgery to complex dental and regenerative procedures, particularly in established hubs like India, Thailand, and Turkey. However, the industryâs growth is not without challenges, including regulatory heterogeneity, cultural and language barriers, and ethical concerns. Future advancement depends on navigating these complexities while capitalizing on opportunities such as value-based care, augmented reality (AR) for patient engagement, and strengthened international accreditation frameworks. By combining clinical expertise and hospitality, innovative entrepreneurship is ultimately reinventing access to health care globally, giving patients new options while producing substantial economic advantages for the countries of destination.