Showing papers in "Journal of Travel Research in 2004"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the market positions held by a competitive set of destinations through a comparison of cognitive, affective, and conative perceptions, using a factor analytic adaptation of importanceperformance analysis.
Abstract: There has been exponential growth in the number of studies of destination image appearing in the tourism literature. However, few have addressed the issues of destination positioning analysis and the role of affective perceptions. This article analyzes the market positions held by a competitive set of destinations through a comparison of cognitive, affective, and conative perceptions. Cognition was identified by trialing a factor analytic adaptation of importanceperformance analysis. Affect was measured using an affective response grid, while conation was gauged by stated intent to visit. The alignment of the results from these techniques identified leadership positions held by two quite different destinations on two quite different dimensions of destination attractiveness. It is suggested that this method of positioning analysis offers a practical means for destination marketers faced with the challenge of identifying the one or few features from their diverse and multiattributed product range that could...
921 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between satisfaction, perceived value, and quality in their prediction of intentions to repurchase and positive word of mouth publicity, and found that the quality model most accurately fit the data.
Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationships between satisfaction, perceived value, and quality in their prediction of intentions to repurchase and positive word of mouth publicity. These constructs have been examined from three distinctly different perspectives, resulting in three competing models. Thus, the satisfaction model, perceived value model, and quality model were utilized to assess which one best explains cruise passengers’behavioral intentions. Results revealed that the quality model most accurately fit the data and that quality was the best predictor of intentions to repurchase. Quality was found to have both a moderated and direct effect on behavioral intentions. Specific theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
837 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the factors predicting attitudes toward tourism of residents from a dozen communities in Arizona, generally following the model developed by Perdue, Long, and Allen, using social exchange theory as the foundation.
Abstract: This study examined the factors predicting attitudes toward tourism of residents from a dozen communities in Arizona, generally following the model developed by Perdue, Long, and Allen, using social exchange theory as the foundation. Findings indicated that in general, personal characteristics did not predict attitudes toward tourism, but community dependence on tourism was a predictor. Personal benefit from tourism predicted both positive and negative effects of tourism and support for additional tourism among residents of the Arizona communities; this was consistent with Perdue, Long, and Allen. Positive effects of tourism, however, did not predict tourism planning. Although support for additional tourism did predict tourism planning, it was a positive rather than a negative relationship as reported by Perdue, Long, and Allen. As expected, support for social exchange theory was mixed; the existence of personal benefit from tourism was not a significant predictor of support for tourism planning.
783 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reveal the motivations for agri-tourism entrepreneurship among Virginia farm families and explore Weber's theory of formal and substantive rationality as a possible theoretical framework for agritourism entrepreneurs.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to reveal the motivations for agri-tourism entrepreneurship among Virginia farm families and to explore Weber’s theory of formal and substantive rationality as a possible theoretical framework for agritourism entrepreneurship motivation. Results of this study support the use of Weber’s theory of formal and substantive rationality as a framework for the dynamic nature of motivations for agri-tourism entrepreneurship between formal (primarily economic) reasons and substantive (primarily socio-cultural) reasons. Respondents indicated that Virginia farm families owned small farms, utilized farming as a secondary income source, and indicated their most popular agritourism activities to be pick-your-own produce, Christmas tree sales, hayrides, children’s educational programs, petting zoos, and on-farm festivals. Agri-tourism planners should be aware that acres owned, economic dependence on farming operation, and perceived popularity of agri-tourism activities are influential factor...
405 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on a study of the motives for visiting and intended activities of first-time and repeat pleasure tourists to Hong Kong and reveal significant differences in motivation that resulted in the intention to participate in different activities.
Abstract: This article reports on a study of the motives for visiting and intended activities of first-time and repeat pleasure tourists to Hong Kong. The study revealed significant differences in motivation that resulted in the intention to participate in different activities. First-time visitors were motivated to visit Hong Kong to explore, while repeat visitors came to consume. First-time visitors intended to participate in a wide range of geographically dispersed activities, while repeat visitors intended to shop, dine, and spend time with family and friends.
373 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of cruise line passengers revealed distinct differences between the antecedents of first-time visitors' and repeat visitors' perceived value, and found that quality was the best predictor of repurchase intentions for first timers, while perceived value was a better predictor for repeaters.
Abstract: While it has been suggested that perceived value is the most important indicator of future purchase behavior for services, few studies have examined the underlying frame-work of perceived value Research has also suggested the importance of identifying differences between first-time and repeat visitors Thus, the purpose of the current study was to test the relationships between reputation, emotional response, monetary price, behavioral price, quality, perceived value, and repurchase intentions Results from a survey of cruise line passengers revealed distinct differences between the antecedents of first-time visitors’ and repeat visitors’ perceived value It was also found that quality was the best predictor of repurchase intentions for first timers, while perceived value was the best predictor for repeaters Specific theoretical and managerial implications are discussed
349 citations
TL;DR: The study identifies typical patterns of information search behavior for different travel types, grouped by means of clusters along two stages of the information sourcing process, thus forming paths of information sourcing.
Abstract: This article contributes to the study of information sourcing behavior in the travel decision process. It focuses on the differences between information sourcing before and after a definite trip decision (characterized either by an irreversible choice with regard to destination or by a legal contract such as a reservation or purchase of one or multiple elements of a trip). The study identifies typical patterns of information search behavior for different travel types, grouped by means of clusters along two stages of the information sourcing process, thus forming paths of information sourcing. The data are representative for the case of Switzerland, serving as a model for a well-developed travel market. Descriptors such as type of trip, degree of packaging, choice of destination, and choice of accommodation showed significant explanatory power, while sociodemographic variables proved to be of less value. The results give the industry the possibility of improving information distribution systems throughout ...
320 citations
TL;DR: A systematics of segmentation approaches is proposed and the managerial usefulness of novel approaches emerging from this systematics is illustrated to offer academics and practitioners a menu of exploratory techniques that can be used to increase market understanding.
Abstract: Market segmentation is an accepted tool in strategic marketing. It helps to understand and serve the needs of homogeneous consumer subpopulations. Two approaches are recognized: a priori and data-driven (a posteriori, post hoc) segmentation. In tourism, there is a long history of a priori segmentation studies in industry and academia. These lead to the identification of tourist groups derived from dividing the population according to prior knowledge (“commonsense segmentation”). However, due to the wide use of this approach, there is not much room for competitive advantage to be gained by using a priori segmentation. This article (1) reviews segmentation studies in tourism, (2) proposes a systematics of segmentation approaches, and (3) illustrates the managerial usefulness of novel approaches emerging from this systematics. The main aim is to offer academics and practitioners a menu of exploratory techniques that can be used to increase market understanding.
317 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between member needs and their level of participation in an online travel community is examined; in addition, the effects of duration of membership on the level of participant participation and the role of demographic differences in terms of member need and participation are explored.
Abstract: This study contributes to the understanding of online travel communities by extending and empirically testing a conceptual framework of online travel community member needs. Specifically, the relationships between member needs and their level of participation in an online travel community are examined; in addition, the effects of duration of membership on the level of participation and the role of demographic differences in terms of member needs and participation are explored. The results show that social and hedonic needs have positive effects on level of participation while functional need has a negative effect. Membership status had an influence on level of participation and demographic characteristics were found to play important roles in terms of member needs and participation in online communities. Implications of these findings are discussed as they provide important guidelines for the development of online travel communities.
309 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the effects of the combined psychological characteristics of risk-taking and sensation seeking on the travel behavior and preferred tourist activities of young adults on leisure trips, and found that respondents with high combined risk taking and sensation-seeking scores differed significantly in their travel behavior, mode of destination choice, preferred tourist activity and demographics, from those who had low RSS scores.
Abstract: This study analyzed the effects of the combined psychological characteristics of risk-taking and sensation seeking on the travel behavior and preferred tourist activities of young adults on leisure trips. The results of this cross-cultural study, which was conducted among 1,429 students at 11 universities located in 11 different countries, found that respondents with high combined risk-taking and sensation seeking (RSS) scores differed significantly in their travel behavior, mode of destination choice, preferred tourist activities and demographics, from those who had low RSS scores. The study also discovered a significant difference between nationalities on RSS scores.
297 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used structured questionnaires using face-to-face interviews to identify and segmenting reasons for visiting heritage sites, and found that the links between a site's attributes and tourists themselves are essential to understand tourists' motivations to visit heritage places.
Abstract: This article clarifies heritage tourism by identifying and segmenting reasons for visiting heritage sites. In doing so, it shows that the links between a site’s attributes and the tourists themselves are essential to understanding tourists’ motivations to visit heritage places. The sample was composed of English-speaking international tourists leaving Israel through Ben-Gurion airport. The research was implemented by the use of structured questionnaires using face-to-face interviews. Responses were grouped using an interpretability approach to exploratory factor analysis. Reasons for visiting heritage sites were classified into three groups: “heritage experience,” “learning experience,” and “recreational experience.” Reasons for visiting heritage sites were linked to the tourists’ perception of the site in relation to their own heritage and their willingness to be exposed to an emotional experience. The results lead to a better understanding of reasons for visiting heritage places and provide further insi...
TL;DR: Results provide initial support of the usefulness of VEP to generate images of a tourist attraction and to facilitate meaningful practical and theoretical integration of visitor-d determined images with destination-determined images.
Abstract: Given the dominant use of visuals in destination image promotion and the call for more pluralistic approaches in tourism analysis, the purpose of this research note is to illustrate the utility of visitor-employed photography (VEP) to elicit tourist destination image. An image study conducted at a heritage site provides an example of VEP applied in this context. Challenges associated with using VEP mainly were logistical (for visitors) and resource based (for researchers). Benefits to using this method for image assessment were high response rate (95%), unprompted visitor-generated themes and visuals, and enjoyment expressed by respondents. The VEP method provided highly visual records of what best captured the visitors’ images of the site, which then can be compared to pictures used in current promotional efforts. Results provide initial support of the usefulness of VEP to generate images of a tourist attraction and to facilitate meaningful practical and theoretical integration of visitor-determined imag...
TL;DR: In this paper, an overview of latest benchmark approaches in tourism, an already existing Benchmarking Indicator System implemented by the Austrian Government in 1987 is discussed, and the authors critically assesses the neglect of relevant elements covering the production and delivery process of tourism services in this approach.
Abstract: After giving an overview of latest benchmark approaches in tourism, an already existing Benchmarking Indicator System implemented by the Austrian Government in 1987 is discussed. This article first critically assesses the neglect of relevant elements covering the production and delivery process of tourism services in this approach. Hence, the existing benchmarking approach is extended conceptually by linking it to tourists’ satisfaction measures. There is growing evidence that tourism service quality attributes can fall into three different categories of factors that display a differing impact on tourist satisfaction. The literature distinguishes between two different approaches for best identifying these factors: Vavra’s two-dimensional Importance Grid, which is based on customers’ self-stated importance and derived importance assessments, and Brandt’s Penalty-Reward-Contrast analysis, which is based on the performance-only approach and thus only uses one (e.g., the satisfaction) variable. This article t...
TL;DR: The authors conducted a stated choice experiment on the Australian domestic conventions industry and found that although convention facility and accommodation factors are critical, a destination must offer additional features to compete effectively, and applied stated choice modeling for assessing the utility of each site.
Abstract: One of the most attractive segments of the travel and tourism market is the meetings and conventions sector. Convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) covet this important visitor group to compete for a share of the spoils this segment now represents. But very little is known about the factors that determine how the site for a convention is chosen from among the many different alternative host destinations available. Consequently, CVBs and other destination management organizations (DMOs) lack adequate knowledge for competitive action. This study reports the results from a stated choice experiment on the Australian domestic conventions industry. It provides statistical evidence of the determinant site attributes that influence the choice of convention site and finds that although convention facility and accommodation factors are critical, a destination must offer additional features to compete effectively. The study also demonstrates the application of stated choice modeling for assessing the utility of each ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the four main methods of measuring customer service quality in the tourism industry and find that although there was variety in the rankings of the 13 different elements, there was no statistical difference between the four methodologies.
Abstract: Service quality in the tourism industry receives increasing attention in the literature, yet confusion still exists as to which measure offers the greatest validity. The two main research instruments are Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) and SERVQUAL. However, both measures have been questioned and research has introduced measures that multiply SERVQUAL by Importance, as well as a measure of just Performance (SERVPERF). This article assesses these four main methods of measuring customer service quality. The data were obtained in cooperation with a major U.K. tour operator. Of the respondents, 220 completed a questionnaire before departure on what elements were important to them and what their expectations were for these elements. Toward the end of their holiday, respondents were issued a second questionnaire measuring performance on the same elements. The research found that although there was variety in the rankings of the 13 different elements, there was no statistical difference between the four methodologies. The final section of this article considers the implications of this finding for tourism managers and future research in the area of service quality.
TL;DR: In this paper, a two-dimensional value scale developed by Grewal, Monroe, and Krishnan was applied to evaluate the impact of value for money on customers' choice behavior at the prepurchase phase and their intention to recommend and return behaviors at the postpurchase phase.
Abstract: The proposition that guides this article is that value for money not only influences customers’ choice behavior at the prepurchase phase but also affects their intention to recommend and return behavior at the postpurchase phase. Perceived value is conceptualized as consisting of two dimensions: acquisition value and transaction value. The study applied a two-dimensional value scale developed by Grewal, Monroe, and Krishnan to hospitality services; hotels, and restaurants. Although the scale was found to be reliable, there were some concerns about its validity across the two studies. In particular, although the dimension of acquisition value was found to be valid, transaction value showed poor validity. The conclusion suggests that a new conceptualization of transaction value and a better scale should be developed for the evaluation of hospitality services.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the combined effect of the first/repeat dimension and the role played by the destination (main/secondary) and concluded that the main/secondary-destination dimension is most appropriate in developing an understanding of differences in demographic profile of tourists, their origin and trip characteristics.
Abstract: All tourism markets can be deconstructed into two basic dimensions: whether people have visited before (first/repeat) and the role played by the destination (main/secondary). As such, all destinations attract four basic types of tourists: first-time main-destination visitors (FM), repeat main-destination visitors (RM), first-time secondary-destination travelers (FS), and repeat secondary-destination travelers (RS). Previous research has examined the effect of one dimension on tourism without considering the moderating effect of the other. This article examines the combined effect of both dimensions. The authors conclude that the main/secondary-destination dimension is most appropriate in developing an understanding of differences in demographic profile of tourists, their origin and trip characteristics, while the first/repeat dimension helps understand differences in behavior and satisfaction levels.
TL;DR: In this paper, a rating of tourism and hospitality journals among the scientific community according to the journals' readership frequency, scientific and practical relevance, overall reputation, and the importance of being published in the journals to the academic career of the respondents is presented.
Abstract: Attempts to assess the quality of academic publications have been increasing lately. Due to the number of existing journals, it is hard to make a representative selection and to find criteria for determining quality. Hence, questions arise, including what sort of journals are more important in terms of reputation, readership frequency, and relevance to scientific research and practice. Recent studies on journal rankings have been carried out on the basis of both objective data (citation counts) and the quality perceptions of experts. This study attempts a rating of tourism and hospitality journals among the scientific community according to the journals’ readership frequency, scientific and practical relevance, overall reputation, and the importance of being published in the journals to the academic career of the respondents.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of adventure travelers (N = 892) examined traveler characteristics, trip-related factors in the decision-making process, and perception of adventure travel, and identified six distinct adventure traveler subgroups as general enthusiasts, budget youngsters, soft moderates, upper high naturalists, family vacationers, and active soloists.
Abstract: Focusing on consumer and travel behavior of adventure travelers, this study proposes a classification of adventure travelers for segmenting the US adventure travel market A survey of adventure travelers (N = 892) examined traveler characteristics, trip-related factors in the decision-making process, and perception of adventure travel Cluster analysis identified six distinct adventure traveler subgroups as (1) general enthusiasts, (2) budget youngsters, (3) soft moderates, (4) upper high naturalists, (5) family vacationers, and (6) active soloists Implications of the classified adventure traveler subgroup characteristics in conjunction with their perception of adventure travel and the involvement with adventure tourism establishments are discussed The study findings will help adventure travel providers and marketers better understand adventure travelers and formulate strategies to cater to target segments effectively
TL;DR: In this article, the linear almost ideal demand system (LAIDS) is examined in both static and dynamic forms, in the context of international tourism demand, and the superiority of the dynamic error correction LAIDS compared to its static counterpart is demonstrated in terms of both the acceptability of theoretical restrictions and forecasting accuracy, using a data set on the expenditure of United Kingdom tourists in twenty-two Western European countries.
Abstract: The linear almost ideal demand system (LAIDS), in both static and dynamic forms, is examined in the context of international tourism demand. The superiority of the dynamic error correction LAIDS compared to its static counterpart is demonstrated in terms of both the acceptability of theoretical restrictions and forecasting accuracy, using a data set on the expenditure of United Kingdom tourists in twenty-two Western European countries. Both long-run and short-run demand elasticites are calculated. The expenditure elasticities show that travelling to most major destinations in Western Europe appears to be a luxury for UK tourists in the long run. The demand for travel to these destinations by UK tourists is also likely to be more price elastic in the long run than in the short run. The calculated cross-price elasticites suggest that the substitution/complementarity effects vary from destination to destination.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors test a conceptual framework of the development of loyalty that is grounded in resource theory, reciprocity, and customer equity, and found that if customers perceived that a provider was making an investment in them, they in turn made a similar investment in the provider, and those investments led to loyalty.
Abstract: As many segments of the tourism industry reach the maturation stage, marketers have turned their attention to building long-term relationships with their best customers. Despite the importance of customer loyalty for understanding these relationships, there is no consensus as to how loyalty develops. Most loyalty programs currently being used promote repeated purchases but are ineffective in enhancing customers’ psychological attachment. The purpose was to test a conceptual framework of the development of loyalty that is grounded in resource theory, reciprocity, and customer equity. The results indicated that if customers perceived that a provider was making an investment in them, they in turn made a similar investment in the provider, and those investments led to loyalty. The findings revealed that investments of love, status, and information were more closely associated with loyalty than investments of money. These findings support the proposed theoretical model and help explain how well-designed loyalt...
TL;DR: The impact of national cultural differences on overseas travel behavior was the focus of a study as discussed by the authors, which tested two competing propositions that not only took into account the cultural orientation of the visitor's home country but also that of the host culture.
Abstract: The impact of national cultural differences on overseas travel behavior was the focus of this study. Drawing from a sample composed of 302 U.S. residents traveling abroad for the first time for leisure related purposes, this study tested two competing propositions that not only took into account the cultural orientation of the visitor’s home country but also that of the host culture. Though cultural distance as measured proved only moderately effective in explaining behavior, the research put forth several tenets and measurement strategies that are arguably more reflective as to what consumers take into account when planning international trips. Implications for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: This paper examined data from participant observation and semistructured interviews in Williams, Arizona, to determine whether changes in community attitudes toward tourism followed patterns suggested by the established theoretical models of social carrying capacity and community adaptation to a social disruption.
Abstract: Pressured by the decline of extractive industries and agriculture, many small towns are trying to acquire a share of the tourism industry. While some communities decide to develop tourism from within their towns, often rural places turn to large-scale privately owned tourism enterprises to act as engines of economic development. While many studies have examined how tourism can have negative social impacts in rural communities, few studies detail how rural communities’ attitudes toward tourism can suffer when locals feel alienated from planning/development decisions. In this study, the authors examined data from participant observation and semistructured interviews in Williams, Arizona, to determine whether changes in community attitudes toward tourism followed patterns suggested by the established theoretical models of social carrying capacity and community adaptation to a social disruption. We found that Williams is a case where the fast pace of tourism development causes community attitudes toward touri...
TL;DR: In this article, structural equation modeling (LISREL 8) was used to test the causal relationships between tourist travel motivations (travel activities and tourist demographics) and souvenir consumption (souvenir products, product attributes, and store attributes).
Abstract: Structural equation modeling (LISREL 8) was used to test the causal relationships between tourist travel motivations (travel activities and tourist demographics) and souvenir consumption (souvenir products, product attributes, and store attributes). A survey containing Likert-type scales was used in collecting data from 398 tourists who had traveled to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Using factor analysis, dimensions were identified for scales used in the study: souvenir products, product attributes, store attributes, and travel activities. Results indicated that the travel activities of tourists had positive correlations with souvenir consumption, while tourist demographics had no correlation. Thus, retailers who can identify the travel activities of their tourist customer should do so to provide a better souvenir product mix with appealing attributes sold in an appealing environment. By using identified travel activities, retailers can partner with lodging facilities, restaurants, and tourism b...
TL;DR: In this article, a model for managing ICT applications and benefits is proposed to assess ICT productivity in the tourism industry, and the methodology is tested in a data set from the three-star hotel sector in the United Kingdom using a nonparametric technique called data envelopment analysis.
Abstract: Despite the continuous increase of investment in information and communication technologies (ICT) in the tourism industry, empirical studies have not persuasively established corresponding increases in productivity. Indeed several shortcomings have been identified in past studies. This study proposes a new way of assessing ICT productivity. The methodology is tested in a data set from the three-star hotel sector in the United Kingdom using a nonparametric technique called data envelopment analysis (DEA). Empirical findings reveal that productivity gains accrue not from investments per se, but from the full exploitation of the ICT networking and informationalization capabilities. A model for managing ICT applications and benefits is proposed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the relationship between mode of travel and spending and found that there is a difference in the pattern of visitor spending between carborne and public transport visitors, with car-based visitors spending higher amounts.
Abstract: Understanding the determinants of day visitor spending is key to marketing planning at many visitor attractions and destinations. In a recent study of a small-scale rural destination in the United Kingdom, the findings suggested that group visitation coupled with duration of stay were key determinants of spending. This article explores the robustness of these findings in a different context, the relationship between mode of travel and spending. This study suggests that there is a difference in the pattern of visitor spending between carborne and public transport visitors, with car-based visitors spending higher amounts. The level of expenditure varies according to group size and duration of day visit, an important consideration for planners seeking to encourage a modal switch of visitors in national parks.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the market for leisure travel by travelers 55 years of age and older and found that demand for household leisure travel to South Carolina is the same for senior and nonsenior households.
Abstract: Many researchers have examined the market for leisure travel by travelers 55 years of age and older. This article tests the hypothesis that demand for household leisure travel to South Carolina is the same for senior and nonsenior households. The results show that two variables affect senior households’ leisure travel behavior differently from non-senior households’ behavior: housing type and distance. Housing type may represent unmeasured income arising from homeowners’ equity. The results are based on individual household data from the 1995 American Travel Survey (ATS) conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
TL;DR: In this article, a 7-item Likert-type-scaled mindfulness measure was modified and administered to visitors at four southeastern coastal parks in April/May 1998 and three groups, "not very mindful", "mindful", and "very mindful", were identified.
Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to develop a further understanding of the construct of mindfulness and its application in managing visitors to natural, cultural, or historically based tourism destinations. Mindfulness represents a state of mind expressed by actively processing available information (e.g., brochures) within the surrounding environment, while mindlessness is considered a type of disengagement from information in one’s surroundings. A 7-item Likert-type-scaled mindfulness measure was modified and administered to visitors at four southeastern coastal parks in April/May 1998. Three groups, “not very mindful, ” “mindful,” and “very mindful,” were identified. Significant differences (p < .05) were found among the three groups concerning benefits sought, preference for services, and participation in nature-oriented activities, with the very mindful group standing apart from the other two. Application of mindfulness principles may provide a framework for tourism destinations in meeting vis...
TL;DR: In this paper, a preliminary assessment of the transfer of knowledge from 13 popular tourism, hospitality, and related academic journals to managers, researchers, and other practitioners in the U.S. tourism and hospitality industries is presented.
Abstract: This study is a preliminary assessment of the transfer of knowledge from 13 popular tourism, hospitality, and related academic journals to managers, researchers, and other practitioners in the U.S. tourism and hospitality industries. It is based on a sample survey of members of two organizations that cover these populations: the Travel and Tourism Research Association and the Travel Industry Association of America. This study finds, among other results, that the two populations differ in their proportions that read any journals and specific journals, that there are preferences for journals that vary by occupation and tourism industry sector, and that relatively little transmission of knowledge is taking place from leading journals to industry practitioners. Recommendations are presented for further research and action.
TL;DR: A cluster analysis involving 1,244 visitors to six popular recreational sites in Australia's Gold Coast revealed diverse attitudes toward tourism development and product integration in this urban-rural fringe, although biocentric tendencies and a desire to maintain the hinterland in its present condition were dominant in all clusters as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A cluster analysis involving 1,244 visitors to six popular recreational sites in the hinterland of Australia’s Gold Coast revealed diverse attitudes toward tourism development and product integration in this urban-rural fringe, although biocentric tendencies and a desire to maintain the hinterland in its present condition were dominant in all clusters. Hinterland protectives (n = 206) are not supportive of integrating the hinterland with the Gold Coast tourism product, while hinterland sharers (n = 406) strongly support integration and increased visitation. Hinterland neutrals (n = 231) do not have strong opinions about this issue, and integration ambivalents (n = 345) are caught between the desire to preserve and integrate the hinterland. Significant differences between the clusters were identified by site, motivation, group size, repeat visitation, duration of visit, age, residence, and education. These results indicate distinct dynamics in the urban-rural fringe and will potentially assist the sustaina...