Exploratory Study of the Download Speed of Leading University Hospitality and Tourism Department Websites Worldwide

Authors

Steven Chan, Hong Kong Community CollegeFollow
Rosanna Leung, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityFollow
Rob Law, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityFollow
Wen Shi, College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, ChinaFollow

Program Web Address

www.hkcc-polyu.edu.hk

Abstract

Increased broadband penetration (BP) rates around the world have encouraged web designers to include more web content and additional functions on their web sites, thereby enhancing the richness and playfulness of the information. However, it is often very difficult for web surfers who are still using narrowband connections to access such web sites. Many university web sites target international audiences; therefore their download performance should be considered, as it may directly influence the user experience. This exploratory study examined 331 university hospitality and tourism department web sites in 37 countries. The empirical results showed that entry web pages of universities in Asia, with a medium BP rate (mid-BP), have the slowest download speeds, and those in Australia and New Zealand perform the best. The adoption rate of the Cascade Style Sheet (CSS) in Asia is relatively lower than that of other regions.

Recommended Citation

Chan, Steven; Leung, Rosanna; Law, Rob; and Shi, Wen (2009) "Exploratory Study of the Download Speed of Leading University Hospitality and Tourism Department Websites Worldwide," Hospitality Review: Vol. 27: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol27/iss1/1