Atmosphere: Conceptual Issues and Implications for Hospitality Management

The importance of atmosphere for accomplishing a high‐quality service delivery in the hospitality industry has for long been recognized both among practitioners and researchers. However, present insights are limited and scattered. This paper provides a systematic overview of atmosphere, including its antecedents and consequences, to guide hospitality managers in their efforts to improve the attractiveness of their firms. The paper offers managerial recommendations and discusses the need for enhanced knowledge among hospitality professionals in order to harness benefits and manage risks in relation to atmosphere investments. Recommendations for further research are highlighted.