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Empirical evidence is insufficient to explain which factors contribute to the survival and competitiveness of traditional travel agencies (TTAs). Malaysian TTAs are rather slow in information communication technology (ICT). However, several initiatives by the government were directed to enhance ICT adoption. Furthermore, the non-ICT factors to remain competitive by the TTAs were not sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study is to close the gap by examining the perceived factors that influence the survival and competitiveness of Malaysian TTAs.

This study used qualitative multiple case studies method to ensure that the issues were explored through multiple lenses. Semi-structured interviews and direct observation are used to collect data from 15 TTAs and industry experts in Malaysia.

This study found that the key to remain competitive and relevant is to co-exist with technology and embrace proactive strategies (i.e., competitive aggression, public relation, dependence development, smoothing, cooperative, and manoeuvring strategies).

Travel and tourism industries have long been acknowledged to provide an impetus for the economic growth of developing and developed economies. TTA is the key component in the global tourism activities in promoting tourism products and services. However, they are threatened by the continuous growth in ICT. Past literature reviewed TTAs that operate in the highly competitive and volatile environment due to various external forces such as technological advancement, fierce competition from the virtual travel agencies and global economic condition. This study provided empirical evidence contributed to the survival and competitiveness of TTAs in Malaysia.

This study aims to explore e-wallet continuance intention in Malaysia using perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived risk (PR) and perceived security (PS). Additional emphasis is placed on the degree of necessity of risk and security conditions driving the continuance intention to use e-wallets.

This quantitative study used a sample of 281 respondents. Partial least-squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the associations, while necessary condition analysis (NCA) was performed to uncover the factors’ necessity level.

PU is the primary facilitator for the continuance intention of e-wallet usage, followed by PS, PR and PEU. However, none were necessary for usage. E-wallet providers must emphasise enhancing PU, prioritise data security and improve the PEU to foster sustained e-wallet usage, while prudent risk management is a nice-to-have.

To maintain the survival of e-wallets, service providers must focus on prioritising PEU, PU and PS for positive user experiences, including contentment, utility, convenience, comfort and safety. Compliance with user authorisation, real-time transaction monitoring and comprehensive security protocols is a must for security concerns.

This study represents the limited empirical research focusing on risk and security in the continuance intention of e-wallet usage. Furthermore, an NCA was performed to determine the essential circumstances of risk and security for the continuance intention of e-wallets.

Cashless payment is gradually replacing physical currency in almost every financial transaction across the world. Even though cashless payment methods have been available in Malaysia since a decade ago, their usage has remained relatively low in comparison to other countries. This study aims to analyse the elements that affect the Malaysian youth’s adoption intention and actual use of cashless payment by extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model with two key factors (perceived security [PS] and lifestyle compatibility [LC]).

Data were gathered online from 364 Malaysian youths and processed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

The findings revealed that performance expectancy (PE), LC and PS had a positive and substantial effect on the intention to use cashless payment (ICP). In contrast, effort expectancy (EE) and social influence did not have any considerable influence on ICP. Furthermore, ICP had substantial mediating effects between the adoption of cashless payment (ACP) and PE, LC and PS. In the analysis of the moderating effect of age, gender, experience and voluntariness, only experience had moderating effects on the associations between PE and ICP and between FC and ACP.

This study’s findings will be highly useful for marketers and the management as they plan their promotional and marketing tactics, with a focus on the factors that inspire customers to adopt cashless payments. Besides, architects and designers can benefit from the study results while designing and updating their services by consolidating consumers’ lifestyle standards as well as enhancing security features. Finally, governments may support service providers with security building through legislative measures and policy campaigns to strengthen the trustworthiness and mass adoption of contactless payment.

This study extended the UTAUT model with two new variables, i.e. PS and LC.

This study aims to examine the direct influence of perceived destination quality on tourists’ behavioural intentions and the indirect effect through satisfaction, in the context of rural tourism destinations in Malaysia. It also aims to investigate how tourists’ socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. previous visits, tourist type, etc.) affected their perceptions on destination quality, satisfaction and behavioural intentions.

Using survey methodology, 334 self-administered questionnaires were distributed by enumerators and completed by tourists at rural Malaysian tourism destinations. The questionnaires contained items on dimensions of interest and socio-demographic characteristics.

A total of eight primary attributes namely, amenities, accessibility and logistics, core tourism experience, hygiene, information, security, value for money and hospitality contributed towards forming the construct, destination quality. Perceived destination quality significantly influenced satisfaction which in turn significantly influenced behavioural intentions. In addition, perceived destination quality significantly and directly affected behavioural intentions. Furthermore, tourists who have made prior visit or visits to rural tourism destinations in Malaysia were less satisfied with the quality of these destinations than tourists who visited these destinations for the first time. Also, international tourists, who are satisfied, would be more likely to revisit these destinations and recommend them to others, compared to domestic tourists.

The findings offer important managerial implications for managers of rural tourism destinations and decision makers involved in planning, marketing and managing rural tourism destinations. Despite this, there were some limitations and these present opportunities for future research.

This study contributes to extending knowledge in rural tourism in the context of developing countries or emerging markets. The study developed a measure to assess the quality of rural tourism destinations. Previous visits and type of tourist were both included as moderators to explain their effect on the relationships between perceived destination quality, satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Only a small number of previous studies have focused on the role of socio-demographic characteristics.