Showing papers in "Current Issues in Tourism in 2011"

Can community-based tourism contribute to development and poverty alleviation? Lessons from Nicaragua

Abstract: Since the development of community-based tourism (CBT) governments, development agencies and NGOs have placed considerable emphasis on this development model. However, CBT has been strongly criticized with respect to low economic impact in terms of jobs and income, the result of small-scale interventions, its low life expectancy after external funding ends, the monopolisation of benefits by local elites, or the lack of business skills to make it operational. This article explores the viability of the CBT model to support socio-economic development and poverty alleviation via a Nicaraguan case study. The characteristics and effects of different modes of organising community tourism were examined, based on an impact assessment and lifecycle analysis of the CBT Nicaraguan Network. The results showed how traditional top-down CBT, created and fully funded by external organisations, reflected the general criticisms of the approach, while bottom-up CBT, borne as a result of a local initiative, demonstrated longe...

The relationship between the 'push' and 'pull' factors of a tourist destination: the role of nationality - an analytical qualitative research approach

Abstract: Using qualitative research techniques, this paper explores the relationship between the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors of a destination and the influence of nationality on these factors. These relationships were explored for a sample of 103 international tourists to Mauritius. The data were analysed by using (a) thematic analysis and (b) an analysis using the text analysis programme, CatPac. The results indicated relationships between specific motives, cognitive and affective images and it was also found that nationality has a strong influence on these variables. Different motives for visiting Mauritius were found to exist between different national groupings. Implications for use of thematic and content analysis, management of destination, marketing and tourist experiences are provided.

Global shark currency: the distribution, frequency, and economic value of shark ecotourism

Abstract: Ecotourism represents a highly popularised activity which has exhibited global growth in recent years. In the present paper, we examine the distribution, frequency, and economic value of shark-based ecotourism operations worldwide. A total of 376 shark ecotour operations across 83 locations and 8 geographic regions were identified. Here we describe the global and regional scope of the industry; determine the species utilised in shark ecotourism activities; and examine the recreational usage values of sharks. Further, we conducted a case study of a shark tourism operation based in South Africa by analysing 12 years of demographical and economical data, revealing increasing trends in the total number of customers served and cost per trip over the sampling period. We also compare consumptive and non-consumptive values of shark resources and discuss the potential research and conservation implications of the industry to sharks worldwide.

The effects of perceived authenticity, information search behaviour, motivation and destination imagery on cultural behavioural intentions of tourists

Abstract: This study tested a structural model which investigates the effects of perceived authenticity, motivation, information search behaviour and destination imagery on tourists' behavioural intentions to consume cultural attractions. Data were collected at selected cultural and natural heritage sites in the island of Mauritius (N = 600). The sample was split into two data sets. Structural equation modelling and hierarchical multiple regression were employed to test the hypothesised relationships. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between perceived authenticity and cultural behavioural intentions of tourists. Destination imagery had an influence on tourists' cultural intentions. Information search behaviour was found to exert a negative influence on tourists' cultural intentions while motivation did not have any influence on the latter. Perceived authenticity was seen to exert a moderating effect on the respective relationships between motivation, information search behaviour, destination im...

Promoting gender equality and empowering women? Tourism and the third Millennium Development Goal

Abstract: The relationship between tourism and development has been explored in tourism studies and in policy-making circles for several decades. However, very little research has been carried out into the gender dimensions of this relationship. Using the third Millennium Development Goal (MDG3) – gender equality and women's empowerment – as the focus, this paper explores this theme from a critical perspective informed by feminist approaches to development. It analyses the claim that tourism can contribute to MDG3 by reviewing the research on the impact of tourism employment on gender relations and the tensions and complexities that this presents. The main body of this paper presents a critical overview of global gender and tourism policies, focusing on the World Tourism Organisation and the World Bank. It concludes by arguing that while tourism development may, in theory, contribute to gender equality and women's empowerment, a substantive reframing of policies is required in order to be able to maximise this pote...

Collaboration and cooperation in a tourism destination: a network science approach

Abstract: The extent of collaboration and cooperation is an important determinant for the development of a tourism destination. These features are usually assessed through qualitative investigations. This letter proposes a quantitative approach based on the evaluation of the modularity characteristics of the network of the destination stakeholders. The results of a sample analysis are reported.

Information-enabled tourism destination marketing: addressing the accessibility market

Abstract: This paper demonstrates that the accessibility market is not homogenous, but it entails different sub-segments with distinct needs and requirements Ultimately each person is unique in his/her abilities and preferences and this is more evident in this market Secondary research revealed the size of the accessibility market in Europe to be 127 million people Extensive qualitative research through 16 focus groups has demonstrated that the main requirements of these segments focus on three interlinked elements, namely accessible built environment, information regarding accessibility and accessible information online Traditional segmentation contradicts the central concept of participation, as directed by the social model of disability, and it entails assumptions regarding the requirements of the market segments Information communication technologies (ICTs) can assist destinations to effectively address the particular requirements of these market segments through the use of profiling and personalisation fe

Eyes wide shut? UK consumer perceptions on aviation climate impacts and travel decisions to New Zealand

Abstract: The purview of climate change concern has implicated air travel, as evidenced in a growing body of academic literature concerned with aviation CO2 emissions. This article assesses the relevance of climate change to long haul air travel decisions to New Zealand for United Kingdom consumers. Based on 15 semi-structured open-ended interviews conducted in Bournemouth, UK during June 2009, it was found that participants were unlikely to forgo potential travel decisions to New Zealand because of concern over air travel emissions. Underpinning the interviewees’ understandings and responses to air travel’s climate impact was a spectrum of awareness and attitudes to air travel and climate change. This spectrum ranged from individuals who were unaware of air travel’s climate impact to those who were beginning to consume air travel with a 2 ‘carbon conscience’. Within this spectrum were some who were aware of the impact but not willing to change their travel behaviours at all. Rather than implicating long haul air travel, the empirical evidence instead exemplifies changing perceptions towards frequent short haul air travel and voices calls for both government and media in the UK to deliver more concrete messages on air travel’s climate impact.

Disabled travel: not easy, but doable

Abstract: Research on disabled tourists is still in its infancy and, at its present stage, the issue of accessibility in particular sets the research agenda. However, as with all tourists, disabled tourists' enactment of barriers as well as benefits pertaining to holidays depends on the individual's former experiences, travel career and engagement in other leisure activities. Accordingly, this paper accounts for the findings of a series of qualitative interviews with mobility-disabled tourists, the purpose of which was to engage disabled tourists in conversations based on their reflective enactment of their own touristic endeavour. The study revealed (1) that various associations for disabled people play crucial roles in determining both whether and how an individual takes on the role of tourist; (2) that disabled tourists especially go on vacation in order to be freed from the role of ‘objects of care’; (3) that tourism relates to the ends of overcoming self-doubt, redefining oneself and building self-confidence; ...

An examination of recreational divers' underwater behaviour by attitude–behaviour theories

Abstract: The increasing demand for dive tourism activities has resulted in concerns over scuba divers' incremental impacts on the underwater marine environment. Hence, there is a need to better understand the antecedents of scuba divers' underwater behaviour. This study applied theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and norm activation theory (NAT) of altruistic behaviour in examining the relationship between diving attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms and personal norms (PNs) with responsible underwater behaviour among scuba divers. Using the combination of purposeful and convenience samplings, data were collected from divers (N = 413) who visited the top five most attractive islands in Malaysia. The results supported the use of TPB as a basis for explaining the underwater behaviour of divers. Among the four constructs examined, attitude and PNs were found to be of paramount importance in influencing pro-environmental behaviour. This study also validated the exploratory dimensions that constitute ...

What is social tourism

Abstract: This article examines the definitions and implementations of the concept of ‘social tourism’ that are in use in Europe today. Examples show that the concept has been implemented in many different ways to suit national contexts and that the justifications and goals of social tourism can differ greatly. The question arises how one can define the boundaries of this versatile and complex concept. This article proposes a model to clarify the interrelationships between the different interpretations: it highlights where common ground exists, but also where contradictions are apparent. The model consists of four main categories: the participation model, the inclusion model, the adaptation model and the stimulation model. The model draws on the historical development of social tourism and the ethical foundations for provision, and it is supported by a range of examples of European practice. Through this sub-categorisation of the concept, it is argued that a ‘scientification’ of the concept of social tourism can take place, so that the term does not lose its academic and political value. This article concludes by proposing a definition for social tourism that can effectively set the concept apart from other forms of tourism with attached social benefits.

Understanding nature-based tourist experiences: an ontological analysis

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to discuss and elaborate on contemporary research on nature-based tourism experiences. Recent studies on nature-based tourism and experiences are analysed within an ontological framework, with a focus on the view of tourists and their experiences, the nature phenomena, role of the presenter, and consequences of tourist presentations. We argue that four main perspectives can be derived based on the interpretation of recent tourism literature. In these texts, nature-based tourist experiences can be described in terms of the following categories: (1) the genuine, (2) entertainment, (3) state of being, and (4) socio-cultural community. We discuss the features of each view and possible implications for understanding and managing nature-based tourism products and presentations.

Knowledge in food tourism: the case of Lofoten and Maremma Toscana

Abstract: This is the final, peer reviewed author's manuscript of the article. Published version available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2010.489638

Dark tourism and the cadaveric carnival: mediating life and death narratives at Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds

Abstract: Death is universal, yet dying is not. Consequently, within contemporary secularised society, the process of dying has largely been relocated from the familiar environs of the family and community to a back region of medical and death industry professionals. It is argued that this institutional sequestration of death has made modern dying ‘bad’ against a romantic portrayal of a death with dignity, or a ‘good’ death. Moreover, the structural analysis of death reveals issues of ontological security and mortality meaning for the Self. This paper, therefore, adds to that analysis, and specifically examines the construction of mortality meaning within the context of dark tourism – that is, the act of travel to sites of death, disaster or the seemingly macabre. Particularly, the research interrogates the Body Worlds exhibition – a touring attraction of real human corpses – as a reflective space to mediate mortality. In doing so, this paper concludes that dark tourism is a new mediating institution that allows th...

‘Cittáslow’ eco-gastronomic heritage as a tool for destination development

Abstract: In gastronomic tourism, Slow Food has gained considerable attention. Cittaslow, a network of towns, are working with qualitative local urban development, based on similar principles as Slow Food. This article studies how destination development and destination marketing is conducted in a cittaslow context. A study was conducted in three cittaslow towns in Northern Italy. All three towns worked ambitiously in trying to raise the quality of life for the inhabitants by improving local environment, local food production projects, food related events and education. Thereby the destination specific resources and the local identity were strengthened. Tourism marketing was however only of secondary importance; there was even some scepticism towards marketing. Tourism promotion was generally weakly developed. This mirrors scepticism towards mass tourism and commercialisation. Despite this, the cittaslow concept has potential for tourism development by improved product development and increased visibility. The risks involved concern gentrification and overexploitation.

Q-methodology and tourism research

Abstract: Tourism research is in the midst of a ‘critical turn’ away from traditional positivist approaches, towards more reflective and critical paths of inquiry. This paper introduces readers to Q-methodology, a method of research that tourism researchers rarely use and that can provide useful information in critical tourism research concerning the exploration and comparison of subjectivity. The paper presents the fundamentals of the approach and provides examples of its application in tourism and other areas that may directly interest tourism researchers. In so doing, the paper encourages and facilitates the use of Q-methodology amongst tourism researchers interested in enhancing the nature and richness of their methodological alternatives for developing tourism knowledge.

The Grootberg lodge partnership in Namibia: towards poverty alleviation and empowerment for long-term sustainability?

Abstract: This paper analyses socio-economic impacts of a tourism community–public–private partnership in a rural area in Namibia and its contribution to achieving some of the Millennium Development Goals. Building on an institutional analysis as well as an applied sustainable livelihoods approach, it is argued that the Grootberg lodge partnership contributes to nature conservation, poverty alleviation as well as capacity-building and empowerment at both the individual and collective levels (the triple bottom line). Indeed, empirical data gathered in 2006 and 2007 show that the Grootberg lodge has helped to improve the livelihoods of some rural households by distributing to them secure wage revenues, building their financial and physical assets and reducing their vulnerability; it has further provided employees with essential training sessions (human capital) and has involved community members in some of the tourism management decisions. These results, however, remain context related and dependent on some important...

Preparing for climate change: recognising its early impacts through the perceptions of dive tourists and dive operators in the Egyptian Red Sea

Abstract: Climate change has the potential to permanently alter the attraction of many destinations and substantially impact the benefits derived from tourism. These impacts can be reduced if vulnerability to climate change is understood and operators take steps to adapt. Some of the more immediate and manageable impacts are likely to result from changes in tourist perceptions and attitudes towards climate change. We test for early impacts in the Red Sea region and for the awareness of tourism operators. We interviewed 150 tourists and 35 operators. Our data suggest that changes in tourist awareness are already apparent; yet, operators ascribe only a moderate level of environmental and climate awareness to them. This ‘perception gap’ increases the vulnerability of dive operators.

Knowledge management: the missing link in DMO crisis management?

Abstract: Despite some recognition of the role of destination marketing organisations (DMOs) in crisis management, limited attention has focused on the role of DMOs in crisis events, and in particular their role in managing knowledge across diverse stakeholder groups and domains. This theoretical paper attempts to address this deficiency by synthesising knowledge management and tourism crisis management literature, to outline the potential role of DMOs in managing knowledge across boundaries during crises. Carlile's [(2004). Transferring, translating, and transforming: An integrative framework for managing knowledge across boundaries. Organization Science, 15(5), 555–568] work on boundary spanning is used to consider potential organisational and management issues for DMOs dealing with crisis events and how they should be managed. This paper argues that because of the role and nature of DMOs, they should play an important role as knowledge spanners/brokers to transfer, translate and transform knowledge to stakeholde...

Systems of social tourism in the European Union: a critical review

Abstract: Recently, the European Commission (EC) has placed a focus on social tourism issues within Europe. The underlying logic of this intervention is that social tourism aims for social equity, aiding access to tourism to provide fair tourism for all citizens and contributing towards sustainability of the European tourism industry. By linking social tourism to sustainable development, the EC sets priorities for future policies to foster mobility within the community. Yet, most European countries have different approaches, priorities and diverse ideological interpretations of the role of the state in tourism provision. Consequently, systems and practices vary strongly between nations and seem to put the ideal of a common approach a very distant prospect. This paper outlines the context of these approaches to social tourism to highlight these challenges and to propose initiatives for the future integration of the European social tourism sector. It presents a comparative analysis of social tourism systems in seven ...

The role of clustering, cooperation and complementarities in the visitor attraction sector

Abstract: Cooperation and complementarity are important but understudied components of tourism clusters, in general, and of the tourist attraction sector, in particular. This paper addresses product similarities, in general, and thematic similarity, in particular, in the context of spatial proximity and clustering among tourist attractions. These relationships are examined by exploring cooperation between tourist attractions in two tourism clusters in Cornwall, UK. Interviews with attraction managers and other key informants, and case studies, reveal that tourist attractions have established cooperative–complementary relationships of production based on external economies at both the local and the regional scales. Differences between the two clusters in terms of interviewees' perceptions of the relationships between factors indicate the importance of understanding the specific features of individual clusters.

Can ecotourism contribute to tackling poverty? The importance of ‘symbiosis’

Abstract: The establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as the principle focus for debate on development, has shaped the discussion of rural development in recent years. Rural development has tended to be discussed in terms of linking the dual goals of conservation and development, with this in turn often regarded as ‘sustainable development’. Ecotourism has often been associated with sustainable rural development, especially in the developing world. This is the case in both the academic literature and in the practice of rural development and conservation non-governmental organisations. The principal argument behind this association is the potential for ecotourism to establish, to a greater or lesser degree, a ‘symbiosis’ between conservation and development. This is well rehearsed in the literature. Put simply, ecotourism can generate revenue, and development, based upon the conservation of the environment, rather than through its transformation. However, this formulation, and its association with ...

Defining culturally sensitive ecotourism: a Delphi consensus

Abstract: Since sustainable development was introduced, culture has been submersed by more pressing tourism priorities such as the economy and the environment. To avoid putting at risk the resources upon which ecotourism depends and the desired sustainable outcomes it purports to deliver, research and praxis must be equally sensitive to all the pillars of sustainability – social, cultural, economical, and environmental. As a first step, this study employs the Delphi technique in order to assess the import of culture for ecotourism, to develop a definition for culturally sensitive ecotourism, and to identify the barriers and opportunities associated with its implementation. Over 100 ecotourism experts from 39 countries were consulted over a six month period.

The effects of tourism development on the sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Abstract: Developing countries are faced with a decline in natural resources and high poverty rates. Ironically, these countries are also the key nature-based international tourism destinations. Research should, therefore, establish the contribution of tourism to Millennium Development Goals, particularly poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. This paper uses the concept of social capital to analyse the effects of tourism as carried out through community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) to achieve the sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Focus is on the utilisation of giraffes, sable antelopes and thatching grass. Using ethnographic field research methods supplemented by secondary data sources, results indicate that CBNRM has achieved the following: increased social capital between the CBNRM stakeholders; the formation of local conservation institutions and co-management of resources; and development of conservation practices such as suspension of hun...

Destination competitiveness through the lens of brand positioning: the case of Australia's Sunshine Coast

Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to provide a collaborative practitioner/academic interpretation of a destination's competitiveness through the lens of brand positioning in the domestic short break drive market A 173 item questionnaire, which was mailed to a systematic random sample of 3000 households in the target market, attracted a 17% useable response The paper compares how one destination, the Sunshine Coast, is positioned in its most important market, in relation to the brand identity intended by the destination marketing organisation (DMO) Key constructs were brand salience, brand associations and brand resonance The Sunshine Coast was found to hold a leadership position in the minds of consumers, and the results indicated a strong level of congruence between actual market perceptions and the brand identity intended by the DMO There were strong associations between brand salience, brand associations and brand resonance The findings provided the destination of interest with both a measure of past m

The UN Millennium Development Goals, tourism and development: the tour operators' perspective

Abstract: The widespread perception of tourism as a development tool in the developing world has propagated, with many seeing tourism as a means of contributing to the UN Millennium Development Goals (UN-MDGs). While this remains a credible assumption, current literature offers a rather limited set of empirical studies to support it. This paper contributes to this body of knowledge by focusing on an assessment of tour operators' awareness, which is an important actor in the implementation of policies and potential contribution to the achievement of the UN-MDGs. By using key literature on tourism and development and Namibia as a representative context, the research identified that while a number of tour operators were oblivious to the existence of the UN-MDGs, there was a general consensus on their individual role and impact in contributing especially towards the UN-MDG I – extreme poverty and hunger eradication. While in theory, all the tour operators surveyed appeared to make specific contributions towards many of...

Red Palm: exploring service quality and servicescape of the best backpacker hostel in Asia

Abstract: The Red Palm was voted the best backpacker's hostel in Asia for 2006. This study explores the reasons behind this phenomenal achievement by examining service quality and servicescape of the establishment. Using NVIVO software, data from 192 website comments and eighteen in-depth interviews were content-analysed. The results show that the most important dimension of service quality experience with the Red Palm is tangibles, followed by empathy and assurance. The most important tangible elements of the Red Palm are facilities and equipment, location and the atmosphere of friendliness, welcome and homeliness, and cleanliness. The excellent staff elements include their courtesy, individualised attention and willingness to help. The paper also presents the illustration of Bitner's [(1992). Servicescapes: The impact of physical surroundings on customers and employees. The Journal of Marketing, 56(2), 57–71] servicescape framework in relation to the Red Palm.

The International Organisation of Social Tourism (ISTO) working towards a right to holidays and tourism for all

Abstract: This case study article discusses the history and development of the International Organisation of Social Tourism (ISTO) and its role in social tourism policy and provision today. It will examine the origins of the concept, how it developed in a historical context and how the organisation has responded to the challenges this has brought. The main milestones of the organisation will be contextualised: from the foundation of ISTO (then Bureau International du Tourisme Social, BITS which became ISTO in September 2010) in 1963, over the Montreal Declaration in 1996 to the Addendum of Aubagne in 2006. Although social tourism is historically mainly a European phenomenon, ISTO is a global organisation, and the article will therefore highlight examples of projects in other parts of the world. In conclusion, the article will review the most recent challenges that face social tourism today and propose avenues for the future as proposed by ISTO.

Tourism and Millennium Development Goals: tourism for global development?

Abstract: It is estimated that tourism contributes approximately 9% to global production and employs more than 220 million people across the North and South. With the rise of tourism as a major industry and ...

Responsibilities, recession and the tourism sector: perspectives on CSR among low-fares airlines during the economic downturn in the UK

Abstract: Responsibility has featured prominently in recent discussions about tourism governance. Nevertheless, research into corporate social responsibility (CSR) among travel and tourism businesses is at a relatively early stage. This paper reports on external stakeholders' perceptions of CSR among low-fares airlines (LFAs) in peripheral regions of the UK in late 2008; that is, during the current global economic downturn. LFAs, their business plans and their ability to contribute towards sustainable development have been the source of much public discourse and media scrutiny in the last decade. This paper does not set out to reopen that debate per se. Rather, it contributes to a deeper understanding of CSR in the tourism sector by arguing for a more nuanced approach to external stakeholders, one which is also informed by primary empirical research from qualitative sources, and which is conceptually informed by the latest thinking from other sectors of economic activity. Important inter-regional variations exist i...