Using Q method to investigate the influence of inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on tourists’ hotel choice in Fiji

Consequent to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of international borders, tourists are increasingly concerned about sanitation and hygiene practices in tourism destinations. There is an evident need to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed tourist choices. This paper investigates the perceptions of hotel staff and tourists on the influence of inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices on tourists’ hotel choices in Fiji. This study explores the value of Q-methodology through a case study of Fiji with data collected from 80 hotel staff and 75 tourists. The findings demonstrate that Q-methodology is effective in identifying three tourist types who have a strong interest in WASH impacts and aspects of their safety including concerns about how their visit impacts the local community and environment. Similarly, the Q method was useful in identifying four perspectives of staff understanding on WASH impacts that are significant to tourists’ choice of hotel. The findings suggest a significant potential for hotel operators to enact socially inclusive WASH practices to enhance their appeal in the ‘new normal’.