Final answer:
The Whispering Sands Resort failed to meet advertised expectations, leading to a service quality gap. This gap reflects a discrepancy between promised and actual service levels, which can be improved through accurate advertising and enhanced service delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Whispering Sands Resort was experiencing a severe service quality gap. This situation occurs when there is a mismatch between customer expectations, based on a company's promotions and advertisements, and the actual service delivered. The term service quality gap refers to the difference between customer expectations of service and the actual service performance by the company.
For Gina, whose expectations included a timely room check-in, a heated swimming pool, talented dining area entertainment that is in tune, and fresh breakfast, the reality did not meet these advertised standards. Forging a solution to this service quality gap often requires companies to gather customer feedback, adjust their service delivery processes, and ensure better alignment between promises made through advertising and the actual service provided.