Alison McIntosh

Bio: Alison McIntosh is an academic researcher from Auckland University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Tourism & Hospitality. The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 87 publications receiving 2998 citations. Previous affiliations of Alison McIntosh include University of Waikato & University of Otago.

An Exploration of the Experiential Nature of Boutique Accommodation

Abstract: There has been increased attention given in the tourism literature to the experiential consumption of tourism. This article addresses the lack of attention in previous studies to the experiential nature of accommodation products, especially with regard to boutique or specialist accommodation. Attention to tourists’ experiences with accommodation is essential for determining guest satisfaction and the personal benefits that guests derive from their stay. In-depth interviews with 19 hosts and 30 guests at boutique accommodation establishments in Nelson in the South Island of New Zealand highlighted the emotive aspects of the experiences gained by guests and revealed five key experiential dimensions that are seen as important to the success of boutique accommodation product: unique character, personalized, homely, quality, and value added. Ways in which the experiential qualities offered by boutique accommodation are perceived to differ from that provided by other traditional and specialist types of accommod...

A Cultural Encounter through Volunteer Tourism: Towards the Ideals of Sustainable Tourism?

Abstract: International volunteering is increasingly recognised as a form of alternative tourism. However, the nature of the ‘alternative’ experience gained, and the ensuing narrative between host and volunteer, remains under-explored in published research, especially in volunteer tourism research within a cultural context in a developed nation. This paper examines the nexus between volunteer tourism and cultural tourism in the search for alternative and sustainable experiences through tourism. Qualitative research using in-depth interviews, diaries and participant observation was conducted to examine the pre-, during and post-trip experiences of 12 Australian visitors undertaking organised volunteer activities in an indigenous Maori community in the North Island of New Zealand during January 2005. Members of the indigenous Maori community were also interviewed to provide an important host perspective. Findings suggest that the nature of the interaction and cultural experiences gained were perceived as mutually ben...

An Insight into the Personal and Emotive Context of Wildlife Viewing at the Penguin Place, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

Abstract: The personal and emotive context of visitors’ experiences has been neglected in much sustainable tourist attraction management. This paper applies ASEB demi-grid analysis as a consumer-orientated management tool to facilitate an understanding of the beneficial experiences gained by international visitors to a penguin-watching tourism attraction on the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Forty in-depth interviews with visitors showed that the main beneficial experiences gained included reported enhanced environmental awareness (cognition) and ‘mood’ benefits (affection). In addition, several consistent themes emerged from the beneficial experiences reported by tourists, including issues related to viewing, proximity, authenticity and wonder. Findings thus included the perceived importance of visitors to be able to view endangered penguins ‘up close’ in their natural habitat to elicit feelings of exploration and privilege, to appreciate the simplicity and naturalness of the setting and to increase their knowledge...

Uses of heritage

Abstract: Examining international case studies including USA, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Laurajane Smith identifies and explores the use of heritage throughout the world. Challenging the idea that heritage value is self-evident, and that things must be preserved because they have an inherent importance, Smith forcefully demonstrates that heritage value is not inherent in physical objects or places, but rather that these objects and places are used to give tangibility to the values that underpin different communities and to assert and affirm these values. A practically grounded accessible examination of heritage as a cultural practice, The Uses of Heritage is global in its benefit to students and field professionals alike.

わかりやすい障害者の権利条約 : 知的障害のある人の権利のために = Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities

Abstract: The present report is submitted in response to General Assembly resolution 61/106, by which the Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto. As requested by the Assembly, a brief overview of the status of the Convention as at 3 August 2007 is presented. The report also contains a brief description of technical arrangements on staff and facilities made necessary for the effective performance of the functions of the Conference of States Parties and the Committee under the Convention and the Optional Protocol, and a description on the progressive implementation of standards and guidelines for the accessibility of facilities and services of the United Nations system. Recent efforts of the United Nations and agencies to disseminate information on the Convention and the Optional Protocol are also described.