Showing papers in "Journal of Sport & Tourism in 2005"
TL;DR: In this article, the applicability of the SERVQUAL model in predicting customer satisfaction and customer behavioral intentions in one of the segments of the sport tourism industry, named outdoors, was investigated.
Abstract: This paper aimed to investigate the applicability of the SERVQUAL model in predicting customer satisfaction and customer behavioral intentions in one of the segments of the sport tourism industry, named outdoors. Two hundred and eighty seven (N = 287) individuals took part in the study. These individuals participated in an outdoor program that took place in the lake Plasteera, Greece, and included activities such as lake canoe/kayak, orienteering, and archery. Service quality was measured by the SERVQUAL scale, satisfaction was measured by Oliver (1980) scale, and behavioral intentions were measured by Ajzen and Fishbein (1977) scale. Two sets of data were collected: the first one before customers' participation in the programs in order to measure their quality expectations, and the second one after customers' participation in the program, in order to measure their quality perceptions. The gap scores were calculated, and these scores were used in order to predict customer satisfaction and behavior...
211 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, sport-related heritage is increasingly being recognized as a potent instigator of tourism, though it is usually incorporated within the context of nostalgia sport tourism, while sites, attractions and experiences about the sporting past often provide a venue for the sport tourist to engage with nostalgia, what has become more evident is that housing all elements related to sportsrelated history beneath nostalgia's roof is misleading.
Abstract: Sport-related heritage is increasingly being recognized as a potent instigator of tourism, though it is usually incorporated within the context of nostalgia sport tourism. While sites, attractions and experiences about the sporting past often provide a venue for the sport tourist to engage with nostalgia, what has become more evident is that housing all elements related to sports-related history beneath nostalgia's roof is misleading. Heritage, on the other hand, is a broader, more encompassing term that may better represent the issues and topics that remain so fundamental to our understanding of sport-related tourism. This paper situates nostalgia sport tourism within a heritage context and finds that heritage is a more fitting categorization for this form of sport tourism. Four characterizations of sport heritage are identified: tangible immovable sport heritage, tangible movable sport heritage, intangible sport heritage, and goods and services with a sport heritage component. These categorizat...
127 citations
TL;DR: The world of sports tourism deals with realms of pseudo and intentional choices as discussed by the authors, and participants and/or spectators make sports tourism decisions without truly being aware of the subtle or intentional choices.
Abstract: The world of sports tourism deals with realms of pseudo and intentional choices. At times, participants and/or spectators make sports tourism decisions without truly being aware of the subtle or hi...
107 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the efficacy of the Australian telecast in developing positive perceptions and attitudes of Greece as a tourist destination and was origin-based, in that a survey was undertaken of a sample of Australian residents.
Abstract: The focus of this study was the media telecast of the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The study explored the efficacy of the Australian telecast in developing positive perceptions and attitudes of Greece as a tourist destination and was origin-based—in that a survey was undertaken of a sample of Australian residents (n = 350). Participants were segmented based on their post-consumption perceptions of Greece. Four segments were identified and labelled—‘extremely positive’ (n = 75), ‘highly positive’ (n = 153), ‘positive’ (n = 83) and ‘negative’ (n = 29). Statistical differences were found between the segments based on whether attitudes towards Greece had improved as a result of their consumption of the media telecast of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (Athens 2004). To gain insights into this phenomenon, open-ended responses provided by segment members were then analysed. Across the sample, 38.7% of respondents indicated that their overall attitude towards Greece as tourist destination changed as ...
73 citations
TL;DR: Kurtzman, Joseph as discussed by the authors, in his speech to the Sports Tourism International Council (SITC) in 1993, discussed the importance of sport tourism in the development of sustainable tourism.
Abstract: Reprinted from (Kurtzman, Joseph. “Inaugaural Address, Sports Tourism International Council”, Journal of Sport Tourism, Vol.1, No.1, October 1993) (Reprinted from STIC Research Unit, “Sports Touris...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a pilot study examined a range of factors surrounding adventure tourists' experiences in white-water rafting and sea kayaking and participants were categorized into low challenge or high challenge groups based on ratings of post-adventure risk and competence.
Abstract: This pilot study examined a range of factors surrounding adventure tourists' experiences in white-water rafting and sea kayaking. Participants (n = 73) were categorized into low challenge or high challenge groups based on ratings of post-adventure risk and competence. In both activities, statistically significant differences (p < .05) were found between these groups on their expectation of the likelihood of injury. Further differences were found between the rafting challenge groups on measures of affect (tense and threatened) and the sea-kayaking challenge group on sources of enjoyment (arousal and challenge). Considering the nature of each activity, adventure tourists are categorised into either: fearless thrill-seekers, daring thrill-seekers, eco-seekers, or competence-testers.
46 citations
TL;DR: This article found that a large contingent of fans travel to see live NHL hockey because it was no longer available in Hartford after the Whalers relocated to North Carolina, and that the definition of nostalgia sport tourism should be expanded to include fans that travel to live sporting events as a means of reflecting on past experiences as sports fans.
Abstract: Current research in nostalgia sport tourism commonly focuses on individual and group travel to sport museums, halls of fame and fantasy camps (which occur as isolated events). However, there is a sector of sport tourists who travel to live sporting events for the nostalgic reflection of the game and its players. This behaviour is evident in individuals who considered themselves fans of the now defunct National Hockey League team the Hartford Whalers. As part of a larger study into fan loyalty, these individuals were interviewed. The results show that a large contingent of fans travel to see live NHL hockey because it was no longer available in Hartford after the Whalers relocated to North Carolina. This paper shows that the definition of nostalgia sport tourism should be expanded to include fans that travel to live sporting events as a means of reflecting on past experiences as sports fans.
43 citations
TL;DR: The synergy of sport and tourism, through the use of vario... as mentioned in this paper, has become ever more prominent as a tool to increase a visitor's awareness and as an attraction to a destination.
Abstract: Sports events have become ever more prominent as a tool to increase a visitor's awareness and as an attraction to a destination. This possible synergy of sport and tourism, through the use of vario...
43 citations
TL;DR: This article reviewed the operations of junior hockey and its trends of arena construction over the past decade, in order to determine why this sport has not explicitly sought to use its arenas for nostalgia tourism development purposes.
Abstract: North American cities, working with their respective sports franchises, have built new facilities which have deliberately embraced romanticized notions of their sporting pasts. In this instance, the nostalgia experience is tied closely to the facility itself. However, not all sports facilities have embraced heritage elements in their design and used heritage as a vehicle for nostalgia sport tourism. Facilities built for major junior hockey in Canada have tended more toward functionality, with an absence of nostalgia from the place-experience of attendees. This article reviews the operations of junior hockey and its trends of arena construction over the past decade, in order to determine why this sport has not explicitly sought to use its arenas for nostalgia tourism development purposes. It is argued that nostalgia for junior hockey is reflected in nostalgia for social experience (the act of attending a game) and not nostalgia for sport place or artefact (the hockey arena itself). However, nostal...
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse the spending patterns of visitors to three World Cup Cricket matches held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, and find that the different methods of determining the total spent by visitors resulted in different amounts.
Abstract: Sport events are big business and countries are competing fiercely to host major events. This is done because of the money that events generate as well as the marketing value of major events. Money generated by sport events are primarily determined by the spending patterns of visitors to an event. The purpose of this article is to analyse the spending patterns of visitors to three World Cup Cricket matches held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The surveys consisted of 1,000 questionnaires that were completed during the three matches of which 965 were used. Findings of the survey indicated that the different methods of determining the total spent by visitors resulted in different amounts. The contribution of this research lies in the fact that not one method can be singled out as the only method of determining total economic impact. There are too many factors influencing spending patterns, for example, age, income, nationality, number of visitors, to name but a few. These methods do, however, give ...
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the reasons for the growth and popularity of this relatively new type of visitor attraction by suggesting its appeal is similar to non-sport related tours as outlined by Couldry's (1998) analysis of the Granada studio tour in Manchester.
Abstract: Stadia tours arguably represent the least researched area within the sport tourism literature. Consequently this paper explores the reasons for the growth and popularity of this relatively new type of visitor attraction by suggesting its appeal is similar to non-sport related tours as outlined by Couldry's (1998) analysis of the Granada studio tour in Manchester. It is argued that the success of a stadium tour is in its ability to promise and consequently reveal the authentic backstage. Moreover it is suggested that these types of tours illustrate (by use of a case study at the Millennium Stadium: Cardiff) the growing recognition of sports stadia being salient symbols of local, national and international heritage.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that a coordinated bid for the hosting of major international sport events would be more beneficial to the development of a sustainable sport tourism industry in South Africa.
Abstract: This article will argue that a coordinated bid for the hosting of major international sport events would be more beneficial to the development of a sustainable sport tourism industry in South Afric...
TL;DR: The British Trust for Sports Heritage as mentioned in this paper explores the development of sports heritage projects and initiatives in the UK and the growing realization of the value of sport heritage for tourism and proposes some preliminary ideas for sports heritage tourism projects for Britain's Cultural Olympiad and beyond.
Abstract: This paper explores the development of sports heritage projects and initiatives in the UK and the growing realization of the value of sports heritage for tourism. Some examples of work in this field are cited before considering the opportunities presented by the 2012 London Olympics. The paper offers some preliminary ideas for sports heritage tourism projects for Britain's Cultural Olympiad and beyond and concludes with a proposal to create a British Trust for Sports Heritage.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the fan motivations, sport identification and expenditures of tourists attending an annual steeplechase, and find that equestrian tourists were most likely to be motivated by entertainment and group affiliation needs, and least motivated by escape and self-esteem needs.
Abstract: While the motivations of visitors to mainstream professional sporting events have been well documented, comparatively little is known about equestrian tourists. The purpose of this study was to assess the fan motivations, sport identification and expenditures of tourists attending an annual steeplechase. The event chosen for this study was the 31st Annual Colonial Cup Races, held in South Carolina, USA. Wann and Branscombe's (1990) team identification and Wann's (1995) sport fan motivation scales were adapted for use in this study. Responses from 222 equestrian tourists were used to answer four research questions. Regardless of respondent sex, equestrian tourists were most likely to be motivated by entertainment and group affiliation needs and least likely to be motivated by escape and self-esteem needs. However, comparisons based on identification level (low, medium, high) resulted in significant differences in four of the seven motivations and on-site expenditures. Further, there was a signific...
TL;DR: In this paper, the main criteria used by football teams in selecting a region and accommodation establishment for holding their training camps are explored, and it is established that sport tourism may offer product diversification opportunities for the Turkish tourism market.
Abstract: Turkish tourism industry is mainly dependent on international tourists visiting the country in the summer season for sun and sea tourism. Given the vulnerability of the Turkish tourism industry and the fact that there are recent trends which influence tourism demand, an urgent need arises to diversify tourism products in the Turkish tourism industry. It is established that sport tourism may offer product diversification opportunities for the Turkish tourism market. The paper primarily explores the main criteria used by football teams in selecting a region and accommodation establishment for holding their training camps. It is established that although this sport tourism activity has a significant potential, it may not be easy to establish a competitive advantage for the business firms involved.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of the World Cup Cricket Tour on communities and tourism is discussed, and potential opportunities for community tourism/micro-enterprise development (including crafts, agro/culinary, tours/special destinations, festivals/special events, local sports, restaurants, transportation and lodging) are discussed.
Abstract: This paper discusses the effect of the World Cup Cricket Tour on communities and tourism. The research project was conducted between March and August, 2005 in Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The research question addressed in each country was: how can communities and private sector entrepreneurs take advantage of World Cup Cricket 2007 to develop or enhance community tourism ventures that will attract visitors both during and after the event? Research methods consisted of individual interviews and focus groups with 82 administrators of World Cup Cricket, tour/attraction operators, community development NGOs, community tourism specialists, small business associations, accommodations representatives, retail enterprises. This report describes findings in terms of (1) potential opportunities for community tourism/micro-enterprise development (including crafts, agro/culinary, tours/special destinations, festivals/special events, local sports, restaurants, transportation and lodging), (2) e...
TL;DR: The Australian Football League Hall of Fame as discussed by the authors was placed in voluntary administration within three months of its opening, due to a combination of difficulties with concept, location and price of admission.
Abstract: The proliferation of sports heritage attractions, particularly halls of fame, raises questions about their financial sustainability. Should these attractions be managed as profit-making operations or should they be viewed as museums to be subsidized by sporting bodies? How may commercial and heritage considerations be balanced within these ventures? Should they be adjuncts to stadia or located in separate tourist precincts? This article examines these questions through a study of the Australian Football League Hall of Fame. Opened in 2004 in Melbourne, it was placed in voluntary administration within three months. Its failure, it is argued, was due to a combination of difficulties with concept, location and price.
TL;DR: In this article, it seems at first surprising that little attention has been paid to heritage within the sport tourism literature, especially when considering the enormous cultural significance that sport represent, and the importance of sport in the tourism literature.
Abstract: It seems at first surprising that little attention has been paid to heritage within the sport tourism literature, especially when considering the enormous cultural significance that sport represent...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have shown that there is extensive urbanization around the theater, gymnasium and stadium in Anatolia, and revealed the ancient sports facilities, these works of art having reached our time, recorded and may disappear later.
Abstract: One of the parts that form a national heritage, such as the historic places, ruins, immoveable historical objects, are the treasures of the country. They are not only the historical past of that country, but also they are the common products of humanity. There are many ruins of ancient civilizations which have inhabited the Anatolian land. These treasures, belonging to an ancient period, are a cultural treasure to be shared with humanity. When the construction, the function and the aim of the ancient places in Anatolia is considered, it is seen that there is extensive urbanization around the theater, gymnasium and stadium. For this reason, by revealing the ancient sports facilities, these works of art having reached our time, recorded and may disappear later form the content of this article.